Part of making your living as a professional barber is to continue honing your skills. Otherwise, you risk your business’s quality falling behind that of your competitors. Fortunately, every client that walks through your doors is a chance to further your knowledge of the haircutting world. All it takes is knowing how to make the most of that experience. These tips for improving your barbering skills will keep your business thriving.
Learn the Quarter-Inch Trick
Professional barbers utilize many techniques to get a cleaner cut and learning some of them can take your abilities to the next level. The quarter-inch trick is one method that helps you determine how much to cut away per snip. Since it’s approximated that an individual’s hair grows about a fourth of an inch every month, it’s a general rule that you should cut at least that much to keep a person’s hair looking the same. Getting this down can help you better approximate how much to take off when going for a particular look.
Use the Clipper-Over-Comb Technique
The clipper-over-comb technique is another thing you should practice. This method involves using a straight comb and clippers in tandem to create a better blend of straight lines and soft edges. Using your comb as a guide when moving your clippers allows you to make perfectly crafted angles while retaining your freedom to style as you see fit.
Upgrade Your Cutting Tools
Another helpful tip for improving your barbering skills is to replace some of your old and dulled equipment. Even if your techniques are flawless, your cutting shears can still prevent you from getting as clean of a cut as you want. As such, you should get in the habit of replacing them with newer models every several years. Believe it or not, something as simple as switching to a quality set of barber shears can make a large difference in how you cut and the results you get.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Most importantly, though, you need to keep practicing. Repeating new techniques is the only way you can learn to execute them perfectly in the future. So, take advantage of any opportunity you have to cut hair. This could mean styling for your friends or even cutting your own hair when you need it. No matter who you work with, keeping these tips in mind will surely help you grow within your profession.
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