Hair Point Cutting

The one thing you should notice about all these styles is that the ends of each style are distinct and separate. There may be parts or pieces that are smoothed together, but the overall feel of each style is fun, flirty texture.
When you sit down in your stylists’ chair, you should have a conversation with them before they start your hair service. We call this your consultation; it’s where we listen to your expectations and wants, then determine your needs based on your lifestyle and maintenance level. The point is to get as much information as possible in order to give you the style that suits you best.

During your consultation, your stylist may mention the term point cutting. Point cutting is a cutting technique used by stylists to get a more textured look to the finished haircut. The hair is held out and the ends are cut at an angle giving the ends “points.” The cut can be short, medium or long. The angle at which the ends are cut, and the depth of the cut into the ends, are what determine the amount of texture the completed style has. What you should know is that hair is static. I’m not talking about static electricity - this kind of static is motionless. If your hair is cut blunt and all the ends are the same length the ends tend to “stick” together. When your stylist point cuts those ends, they separate instead of sticking together which is what gives you that extra texture. The ends are no longer static and they are free to stand out on their own.

Of course, that is also the downside to point cutting. Once those ends are point cut, it is more difficult to get your hair to be smooth and “static” when you want it to be. You can still smooth your hair down and get a semi-slick look, but the texture will still be there in the ends to some extent. If you like to have the option, ask your stylist to do mild point cutting. You won’t have quite as much texture and movement through the ends, but you will be able to achieve a smoother look when that is what you desire.

Point cutting is not the only way to achieve texture, but that is the cutting technique that will give you the chunkiest and most obvious texture. It’s also easy to remove at your next haircut appointment if you decide you don’t like it after all. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Changing your hair is the simplest way to change your appearance drastically but not permanently. It grows back so you can try again!

Other Hair Cut, Color & Styling Glossary Terms: