Whether blunt-cutting or point-cutting, dry-cutting or wet-cutting, the technique, sectioning and products used all make a difference when it comes to creating a great haircut. While onsite at the Empower You event with Ulta Beauty, Artistic Pro Team Member Carmody Homan shared some of his go-to tips for cutting hair behind the chair.

Blunt-Cutting vs. Point-Cutting

• The technique used will create different end results in the hair—blunt-cutting creates a smoother, cleaner effect and point-cutting will create more texture.
• When you want the hair to lay flatter, use a blunt-cutting technique.
• When you want the hair to have more swing or look more piecey, use a point-cutting technique.

Cutting Wet vs. Cutting Dry

• Typically, Carmody avoids dry-cutting. Instead, he starts the cut wet and works while it dries to get a better read on the hair.
• “If I were to dry-cut, I’d really have to go in and blow-dry the hair smooth, then flat iron it out—taking it out of its original state. If I am cutting wet, I can put the product in first, create clean sections and then organically watch how the hair responds,” says Carmody.
• Working this way allows Carmody to read how the hair falls in all environments—wet, half wet, dry—and from there, he can detail the finishing touches.

The Sectioning and Products Used

• Use a cutting lotion! It allows you to create super-clean sections, and using water alone won’t get the job done.
• Carmody likes Redken Outshine 01 because it’s not heavy and doesn’t get too sticky or hard. He applies it only once at the beginning of the cut and then sprays the hair with water as needed.

The Right Cut For The Right Face

• Any client can wear any haircut, but the hairdresser needs to know how to tweak it for their face shape.
• “For example, if a client wants a round fringe and she has a tiny face, you would probably cut it blunt, but you could also elevate it out so that it’s a little heavier, longer and has more swing to make it look really good on her face,” says Carmody.
• Study face shapes—know what cuts work best on what faces and how to alter them depending on the client in your chair.

Watch this quick clip on Carmody’s textured crop!

Get more cutting tips, plus styling and coloring tricks from the Ulta Beauty team!