Term

Thinning shears

Thinning shears are scissors with teeth that remove some hair without shortening the whole section, used to reduce bulk. They matter for thick hair, where weight removal helps layers move, but overuse can leave hair frizzy or fluffy instead of smooth. They are one of several texturising tools, alongside slicing and razor work. Ask your stylist how much weight they plan to take out and from where. See also: Slicing, Texturising, Density, and the guide Shag Haircuts for Fine and Thick Hair: Density Matters.

A person seen from behind with a choppy, layered shag haircut in copper-brown against a warm amber background.

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