Winnipeg's Downtown Aveda Spa Salon
Frequently Asked Questions - Hair Care
What is the difference between a scissor cut and a razor cut?
A scissor cut removes only length but not weight. A razor cut removes length and weight. If you cut the same style on the same head of hair using a razor or scissors, you will get two different looks.
Many of the styles today require that a hair stylist choose between using scissors or a razor. A straight-down and smoother look requires that the weight of the hair be maintained and, since gravity pulls weight downward, scissors are the best option. I should also add that with scissors, cuts are more precise. If you want any movement outward and upward, then removing as much of the weight as possible is required and a razor cut is highly recommended.
When you are thinning out, or texturizing as it's more commonly called, the stylist has more control over taking out the weight from the hair using a razor as opposed to thinning shears. If you have long bangs in the front of your face then thinning them out with a razor allows you to maintain the length so they are more inclined to stay off your face.
One of the down-sides of razor cutting is that hair will develop split ends sooner. The reason for this is you are cutting the hair off against the cuticle of the hair shaft. This isn't a major challenge as the ends can be smoothed and disguised with a finishing product.
Some people may be concerned that a razor cut on fine hair may take out too much weight and make the hair appear even thinner. One of the new techniques that hair stylists have found is that taking very short strokes with the razor can not only duplicate a scissor cut as far as keeping a lot of the weight in the hair but will also achieve a soft blending of the lines that only a razor cut can give.
