4 Common Razor-Cutting Mistakes—And How To Avoid Them

There’s just something cool about a fresh, razor-cut chop. What’s not so cool? The common mistakes cutters make when using the tool. While at the first Oribe Atelier of 2018, we caught some major razor-cutting tips—like common mistakes and how to avoid them—from educators Coby Alcantar, Christian Ceja-Compin and Katie Manselle. Keep scrolling for the tips, then check out more photos from the Oribe Atelier Brooklyn!

Products Used

Smoothing

Foundation Mist

Oribe

Hair

Curl Control Silkening Crème from Oribe

Oribe

Mistake #1: Cutting Too Harshly

Using a harsh wrist motion when razor-cutting is a no-no—stylists do it because they think they’re supposed to or because they’re afraid of the razor.

Solution: Work softer and be dainty with the hand movement. “If you go in with a gentle touch, then you can flow through the hair much more easily,” says Coby. For added control, she suggests using the Oribe Foundation Mist as a cutting lotion.

Mistake #2: Misusing The Razor When Removing Weight

Knowing the anatomy of the razor, and when to use the flat or the edge of it, can make or break a cut. For example, the flat side can help decrease weight quickly, but it can also shred the hair—so the edge might be the better option. 

Solution: Stay away from using the flat part of the razor on the surface of the hair. Instead, use it at the nape to decrease maximum weight at the hairline, then use the edge of the blade to create strong lines and clean movement throughout the cut.

Mistake #3: Using A Dull Razor

A dull razor will never give the results you really want!

Solution: Change the blade more often than you think—whether that’s after every cut or after four or five cuts. It also depends on the type of hair being cut—if working on super thick hair, you’ll almost always want to change the blade after finishing the cut.

Mistake #4: Misinterpreting The Texture When Cutting Curls

Do you ever cut curls without really focusing on how the curls will shrink or where they will land when they dry? If so, you’re doing it wrong!

Solution: Look at the actual texture of the curl—stretch it long and see where/how it bounces up. Another thing? Cut the hair about 90 percent wet, not dripping, but moist enough so that the blade can glide through strands easily. Christian suggests using the Oribe Curl Silkening Crème when working with texture.

Check out the after shots from Christian’s curly, razor-cut bob! 

Cheers To 10 Years!

In addition to four stage presentations, a hands-on cutting and styling class and an uplifting opening presentation by Oribe Co-Founder and Co-President Daniel Kaner, the Brooklyn Atelier also celebrated the company’s 10-year anniversary! Peep the slideshow below for more pics from the day featuring Coby Alcantar, Director of Training & Content, Cutting; Kien Hoang, Director of Training & Content; Ronnie Stam, Creative Director and James Pecis, Oribe Global Ambassador.

Thanks for a great day, and congrats on 10 years, Oribe!