Razor Cuts: Advanced Techniques for Beauty School Students

Mention the words "razor cut" and most people tend to think of a completely bald head. However, hairdressers, barbers, and beauty school students are well aware of the intricacies and soft effect of a good razor cut. It is a hairstyling technique most often used in women's styles to create a feathery look full of volume. Beauty college teaches valuable fundamentals about razor cuts and the process for creating a successful one.

Basic Beauty School Guidelines for Razor Cuts

Razor cuts do not work on all types of hair. Even on suitable hair, they do not work well if basic guidelines are not followed. Barbering courses teach students some factors that must be addressed before preparing to do a razor cut on a client:

Identify your client's hair type. Frizzy and curly hair types do not work with a razor cut, as the hair is too difficult to control. Straight, fine hair does not respond well because it tends to be flyaway with a razor cut. Thick or slightly wavy hair works best with this style.
Always work with wet hair. Razor cuts on dry hair can be painful and often create split ends.
Use a new razor every time. If your client has a large amount of thick hair, you may need to change the razor in the middle of the cut.
Work at an acute angle, rather than perpendicular to the hair shaft. This angle is what helps create the delicate, feathery look.
Work with the blade above your fingers. Unlike your below-the-blade finger position with a haircutting scissors, keep them above with a razor cut.
Always use a razor guard to prevent injury. As always, safety comes first for both you and your client.

Beauty School Lesson: Steps Involved in a Razor Cut

Razor cutting should be done in moderation on long hair, as an accent rather than the focal point of the hairstyle. On shorter hair, a full razor cut can work well with certain hair types and personal styles.

Beauty and barber schools teach the basic steps to perform a razor cut:

Do a 4-section part, rather than the traditional 7-section part for haircutting.
Starting at the bottom of the scalp, closest to the neck, pull a section of hair up at a 45 degree angle.
Hold the razor at a 45 degree angle to the hair, and slide it along in choppy motions from as far in to the root as the style dictates, to the ends of the hair.
Work your way up through the back and sides of the hair.
Leave the top layers unrazored, to help maintain a sleek, neat top layer of hair.
Razor a small amount of hair at the crown to add volume, but don't use the technique on the whole head.