As hairstylists, we know that texture can make or break a haircut. While classic layering and point cutting are foundational, advanced texturizing techniques like channel cutting, carving, and more can take your work to the next level. These methods allow for precision, movement, and dimension—perfect for modern, lived-in, and high-fashion styles.
1. Channel Cutting: Precision with Purpose
Channel cutting involves creating intentional "channels" or negative space within the hair to reduce bulk while maintaining structure.
How to Execute:
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Use scissors or a razor to make vertical or diagonal slices in the mid-lengths and ends.
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Work in small sections, opening and closing the shears in a controlled motion.
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Ideal for thick hair, shags, and mullets to enhance separation.
Best For:
2. Carving: Sculptural Texture
Carving is a freehand technique that creates sharp, geometric texture or soft, organic movement, depending on the tool and angle used.
How to Execute:
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Hold the hair at a 45- to 90-degree angle and make deep, irregular notches with your shears.
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For a chiseled effect, use a straight razor.
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For a softer look, use texturizing shears in a sliding motion.
Best For:
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Pixie cuts, bobs, and asymmetric styles.
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Adding artistic, high-fashion texture.
3. Freehand Slicing: Effortless Movement
This technique involves gliding shears or a razor through the hair to create seamless, flowing layers.
How to Execute:
Best For:
4. Notching: Bold, Punctuated Texture
Notching creates defined, chunky separation for an edgy finish.
How to Execute:
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Use the tips of your shears to make small, deep cuts into the ends.
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Space them irregularly for a natural look.
Best For:
5. Twist Cutting: Soft, Blended Texture
A gentler approach, twist cutting involves twisting a section and cutting into it for diffused texture.
How to Execute:
Best For:
Mastering these advanced techniques allows you to customize texture like never before. Whether you're going for grunge, high-fashion, or effortless chic, channel cutting, carving, and beyond give you the tools to create truly bespoke haircuts.
Pro Tip: Always assess hair density and texture before choosing a method—what works for fine hair may overwhelm thick hair, and vice versa.
Ready to experiment? Grab your shears, razor, or texturizing tools and start playing with dimension!
Advanced Texturizing Techniques: Channel Cutting, Carving, and Beyond
As hairstylists, we know that texture can make or break a haircut. While classic layering and point cutting are foundational, advanced texturizing techniques like channel cutting, carving, and more can take your work to the next level. These methods allow for precision, movement, and dimension—perfect for modern, lived-in, and high-fashion styles.
1. Channel Cutting: Precision with Purpose
Channel cutting involves creating intentional "channels" or negative space within the hair to reduce bulk while maintaining structure.
How to Execute:
Use scissors or a razor to make vertical or diagonal slices in the mid-lengths and ends.
Work in small sections, opening and closing the shears in a controlled motion.
Ideal for thick hair, shags, and mullets to enhance separation.
Best For:
Removing weight without sacrificing shape.
Adding a grunge, rock-and-roll edge.
2. Carving: Sculptural Texture
Carving is a freehand technique that creates sharp, geometric texture or soft, organic movement, depending on the tool and angle used.
How to Execute:
Hold the hair at a 45- to 90-degree angle and make deep, irregular notches with your shears.
For a chiseled effect, use a straight razor.
For a softer look, use texturizing shears in a sliding motion.
Best For:
Pixie cuts, bobs, and asymmetric styles.
Adding artistic, high-fashion texture.
3. Freehand Slicing: Effortless Movement
This technique involves gliding shears or a razor through the hair to create seamless, flowing layers.
How to Execute:
Hold the hair taut and slide the shears downward (like freehand razor cutting).
Works best on dry hair for precision.
Best For:
Beachy waves, modern bobs, and lived-in looks.
4. Notching: Bold, Punctuated Texture
Notching creates defined, chunky separation for an edgy finish.
How to Execute:
Use the tips of your shears to make small, deep cuts into the ends.
Space them irregularly for a natural look.
Best For:
Mullets, wolf cuts, and punk-inspired styles.
5. Twist Cutting: Soft, Blended Texture
A gentler approach, twist cutting involves twisting a section and cutting into it for diffused texture.
How to Execute:
Twist a small section tightly and snip into the raised edges.
Releases weight while keeping the ends soft.
Best For:
Curly and wavy hair needing subtle refinement.
Mastering these advanced techniques allows you to customize texture like never before. Whether you're going for grunge, high-fashion, or effortless chic, channel cutting, carving, and beyond give you the tools to create truly bespoke haircuts.
Pro Tip: Always assess hair density and texture before choosing a method—what works for fine hair may overwhelm thick hair, and vice versa.
Ready to experiment? Grab your shears, razor, or texturizing tools and start playing with dimension!