Point Cutting Hair: It’s Not Just Poking Hair with Scissors

Point cutting is one of the most misunderstood techniques in the world of haircutting. Some stylists think if the point of the shear touches the hair, boom—mission accomplished. But let’s be real: if you’re just stabbing hair randomly, you might be point cutting… or you might be fencing.

Let’s break it down the right way with a fun, no-fluff, all-skills guide to point cutting hair like a pro.

What Is Point Cutting, Really?

• Point cutting is a technique using the tips of your haircutting scissors or hair shears to remove bulk, add softness, and create movement in the hair.
• Unlike blunt cutting (think: sharp lines), point cutting creates texture and a more natural flow.
• It’s about precision, angle, and intent—not just poking at strands like you’re playing hair Jenga.

When and Why to Use Point Cutting

• To soften harsh lines after a blunt cut.
• To create movement and texture in layers or one-length cuts.
• To remove weight without changing the shape of the haircut.
• To blend different sections and avoid shelf-like layers (you know the ones).
• Perfect for styles like:
  • Textured bobs
  • Shags
  • Long layers
  • Disconnected or creative haircuts
  • Basically: any cut that wants softness, not structure.

How to Point Cut Like a Boss

• Start with dry or slightly damp hair.
  Point cutting wet hair can be risky if you’re not careful—especially with sharp hair shears.

• Choose the right scissors.
  Use sharp, professional haircutting scissors or hair shears—preferably with narrow blades for better precision. (Yes, the ones from Shear Fanatic work great.)

• Elevate the section you’re cutting and hold it securely between your fingers.

• Open and close your shears slowly—don’t “snip snap” like Edward Scissorhands having a caffeine meltdown.

• Use a vertical or diagonal angle, depending on how much texture or movement you want to create.

  • Vertical = softer texture
  • Diagonal = chunkier movement

• Don’t overdo it! A few strategic cuts go a long way. Point cutting is subtle—like seasoning, not soaking.

What NOT to Do When Point Cutting

• Don’t use dull shears. You’re not sawing wood, you’re cutting hair. Dull blades = frayed ends and a bad rep.

• Don’t close your scissors all the way into the section. Snipping too deep can remove way more hair than intended (we’ve all been there—RIP that haircut).

• Don’t aim randomly. You need direction and purpose. “Freestyle” point cutting is how shag cuts turn into accidental mullets.

• Don’t rush. Point cutting is an art. Think of it as precision dancing with scissors—not speed dating with your section.

Pro Tips to Practice Point Cutting

• Use a mannequin head (with real hair, please) and experiment with vertical vs. diagonal entry points.

• Try comb + shear rhythm drills. Comb a section, hold, point cut, repeat—like a zen hairstylist workout.

• Film yourself cutting to check your hand posture, elevation, and angles. (Or for your future viral TikTok success.)

• Switch it up—try point cutting on long layers, then switch to short styles to understand how texture behaves at different lengths.

Favorite Haircuts to Use Point Cutting In

• Layered Shag – Texture heaven.
• Blunt Bob with Edge Softening – Keep that structure but kill the harshness.
• Disconnected Pixie – Make it bold but still wearable.
• Face-framing Layers – Add just the right flick and flow around the face.
• Men’s Crop Cuts – Use point cutting to blend short sides into textured tops seamlessly.

Final Shearious Thoughts

Point cutting hair isn’t just a technique—it’s a mindset. It’s your chance to sculpt softness, movement, and vibe into your cuts. Done right, it takes a haircut from meh to masterpiece.

So, grab your sharpest haircutting scissors, channel your inner artist, and point with purpose. Whether you’re blending a bob or texturizing a long layer, point cutting is one of the most essential tools in your styling arsenal.

And hey—if you need scissors that won’t leave your clients looking like a hair crime scene?
Check out our full line of professional hair shears at Shear Fanatic. Sharp enough to slice, smooth enough to glide, and ergonomic enough to keep your hands happy.