A common misconception with going to the barbers is that you are going to leave with short back & sides.

This is not always the case.

In the old days, barbers did only focus on clippering down the back and sides and blending the top in (sometimes not blending at all)

…leaving you with that great 50s look.

Nowadays, barbers should [should being the operative word here] have become more skilled with scissor cutting,

to cater to all lengths of hair.

Scissor cut v. Clipper cut

Clippers can be a swift approach to removing length from the back and sides.

The use of measured guards controls the length it removes.

So using clippers from a zero (skin) and upward will be a sure way to cut their hair super short and tight.

Faster than anyone can do with the old scissor over comb technique.

so why bother with scissor cuts when it comes to short hair styles?

Patience! Because there are two major considerations:

Head shape & Hair Growth Patterns

Everyone’s head shape is different

So the element of control with bumps and divits is more difficult with clippers.

Then there’s also the growth patterns of hair…

Clippers can bring the hair down to a uniform length,

but they might not necessarily be balanced to the eye.

There’s also that section of the round of the head (which we call the crest) -

it is typically a difficult area to blend the top length in with clippers alone.

So the use of scissors is necessary to create the blend and balance.

A skilled wielder of the scissors (Hamish being an excellent example) can create a super short and tight shape with scissor over comb technique.

Yes it does take longer

and yes, it is not the preferred method for most barbers…

but it will ensure a balanced shape when tackling those bumps, divits and growth patterns.

A scissor cut will also grow out a little softer, which means the haircut can be wearable for a little longer.

Cheers for Shears

For those short haircuts, great scissor skills means knowing how to develop the right texture and balance from top to sides, so whether you are wearing it side parted, straight back or pushed forward, your hair will be cut with wearability in mind.

For medium to longer length hair, a different methodology is applied.

Once we know how you wear your hair and how your hair’s natural texture likes to sit through the consultation,

scissor techniques are used to build or reduce weight in the right areas, creating balance, movement and texture,

to get you the look you desire.

Don’t want the barber to use clippers?

Well you are in luck, all our barbers are well trained with their scissors.

Now you have got more options for your hair style journey.