How to cut hair straight | Creating a precision bottom edge

In this problems & solutions video, you'll discover how to cut hair straight to create a concise and precision perimeter – great for one length haircuts and bobs.

When cutting hair straight across these are some common challenges that we run into:

1. By holding hair with your fingers with cutting a one length haircut a common tendency is to elevate or lift the hair up and away from natural fall. This creates unwanted graduation along the perimeter.

2. Many times when cutting a precision bottom edge our eyes aren't level with the cutting line, so our natural tendency is to flip the hair out and cut – also creating unwanted graduation.

3. When connecting guidelines from your sections the tendency is to cut directly below your fingers. This can make connecting your sections difficult and you could end up taking too much length off. Discover why you should cut a little below your fingers when connecting guidelines.

4. Eliminate unwanted graduation by taking your hands out of the hair and using a comb to hold the hair while you cut your perimeter lines instead. Watch the video for a demonstration.

Recommended cutting tools for this technique:

Do you have any tips or tricks when cutting hair straight or when you are creating a precision haircut? Share your methods in the comments box below!

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[angelroak]

I'm about too cut my moms hair thanks for the tips

[Endevide]

You know why I'm here. I'm here because it's 2020, we're in lockdown after a global pandemic and my hairdresser appointment got cancelled as they shut down. To my future me, I'm sorry what happened to your hair. You're gonna be OK. Most humanity will look like shit anyway, kudos you tried cutting yours.

Stay alive and healthy all!

[RussSchampers]

I've never heard anyone speak so articulately about hair. It was easy to understand and the nerd in me a loved the technical explanation as to "why". The mark of an excellent teacher is one who can get their message across briefly and understandably to an audience without the knowledge. Well done my man 👌

[dolanspineapplepizza]

i started cutting my hair a while ago but i never tried to cut someone else’s hair but one day my friend asked me to cut her hair bc she knew i cut my own hair. so i watched this video and her hair turned out amazing i love the technique so much, it 100% full-proof!!

[lenbnwt]

I'm watching videos in advance of trimming my daughter's thick hair (not like my very fine, thin hair!) And this video was SO extremely helpful. Thank you for posting such a detailed, technical video with clear explainations!

[LonaStar]

This was a great video. Thank you! I did my first cut on a client yesterday (cosmology student here) and I definitely did some of those mistakes 😅

[kristimatashjohnson]

Wow, I’ve done everything you’ve always said, but today you said something different I never caught you saying before!!! I HAVE ALWAYS TENDED TO CUT ON THE PREVIOUS GUIDE AND COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY A SIMPLE BLUNT CUT WOULD NEED MY TO GO BACK WITH A CONB AND CLEAN UP THE HAIR, WHERE IT WAS ACTUALLY CROOKED IN AREAS!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! This is so huge to my haircuts, all styles I wish I could personally thank you!!! Something so small in cutting hair can be so major!!! I consistently go to the same classes over and over, my manager asked why, I said because during one class there is too much information to take in, for example cutting on the guide, in one hour. Taking the class, as I watch your videos over and over I just caught you saying cut along side the guide because cutting on the guide could make parts too short. That’s exactly what I was doing!!! Now my hair cuts are so much better!!! By helping people who have tried everything, until you give a tutorial and make the stylist feel so much better about themselves, be proud you do that everyday!!! I always learn from you and I’m sorry I don’t write quick notes of “oh this worked thx” PLEASE feel a sense of accomplishment by helping people I ALMOST GAVE MY CARRER UP BECAUSE I HAVE A FINANCIAL DEGREE AND THOUGHT IT WAS TOO LATE IN LIFE TO BE GOOD LEI’ve Sam Villa and you have impacted my potential!!! You are an excellent teacher and I enjoy all your videos and will keep rewatching them!!!
Truly,
Kristi Johnson
Youngstown, Ohio

[jordantryba]

Ughhh such a great informative video but I wish you finished the cut start to finish. I'm JUST starting out and would love tips when you get to the shoulder or what you would do on a real human w shoulders with length past that.... love this video but pls give more I'm depth! I know it's very basic but hear so many different things

[rosatoledo]

I love learning about hair!!!! Wanted to go to beauty school and learn how to cut hair. Always watching video of how to cut hair. It's so relaxing I love watching videos of hair.

[kristenbordelon]

I am so thankful to be able to quickly get refreshed from your videos. So intuitive straight to the point in the most calming and distressing way. Thank you for your awesome content🙏😁

[michellemaria]

I love you guys, you're so patient, and excellent teachers.

[robertklingerman]

Great tutorial, concise, simple.
Please don't take this as a criticism. As a tutorial designed for aspiring hairdressers, I would have started with the crucial importance of sectioning, everything you said + having your guest stand, heals together for finishing touches. Cheers.

[lousymother]

After watching your video, I try to cut my daughter's hair. And it works! Thank you so much!

[fabulously]

This video was a couple days late! I did a hair cutting exam on short one length and I got graduation because I angled my fingers out instead of straight down... lol I can re-do it whenever, but I would have preferred to get it one there and then. I guess you can't learn without mistakes

[Michelle-pqnq]

Great informative video. My daughter likes me to cut her hair at home. This will definitely help me to do a better job. Thanks!

[ashleyburgess]

This tip really helps me since I have many clients who want haircuts like this. Thank you so much!

[darlenecarman]

Your team is so nice, I am 54 been cutting hair since 16! no longer professionally but still have my hands in there . I love how you share your talents. I am interested in shears for dry hair cuts and also so do and donts with dry hair. I have some old school but really great shears, sadly I can not find anyone to sharpen them. For yearsI have cut with Joewells, Hikari, Minks, but I am ready for a change. All suggestions welcomed! Dar

[ttee]

i know its 7 years later but this problem is classic no matter how much time passes. thank you for addressing this common difficulty. thank you for your clear concise tips. i will try it. thank you. can you post a continuation of this cut where you cut behind the ear and touching the shoulder. where do i keep the hair while cutting? toward the back or toward the ear? and when i take a guide will i need to change the angle of my comb or fingers? i hope you can answer this. so i can have a better handle when i cut the next hair cut.

[musicalmegan]

My sister asked me to cut her hair tomorrow, so I’m watching a bunch of videos tonight. Lol wish me luck

[daninee]

Omg this tutorial is by far the most useful on youtube. Brilliant!