Back Cutting 101: Everything You Need To Know About This Cutting Technique

Everything You Need To Know About The Back Cutting Technique

Give long-haired clients the beach moment they’ve been waiting for with long, soft, triangulated layers. To help get more movement in your cuts behind the chair, we had Cutting Master and BTC Team Member Donovan Mills (@donovanmillshair) stop by The BTC House to break down his go-to layer cutting technique: back cutting. What IS back cutting? Don’t worry fam, we’re breaking it all down below. And if you want to see Donovan’s haircut from start to finish, click here to purchase his entire BTC University class!

Products Used

Shears

ARC™ Scissors Paragon II

ARC™ Scissors

Slide for the Before and After!

What Is Back Cutting?

Back cutting is a more visual way of creating triangular layers, Donovan explains. It really allows for a more determined line and shape since you can see exactly where and what you’re cutting into. “Also,” he adds, “it’s just really satisfying to see.” We can’t blame you, Donovan.

How To Back Cut

Create a section (don’t worry we broke down sectioning for this technique, just keep scrolling), but instead of approaching the cut from the top, use the scissors to create an angled guideline. Then, cut from the back of the shear to the front, creating a point directly in the center of the section. Since this cutting technique utilizes the entire blade, having a sharp shear that will hold it edge over time, is imperative. For this haircut Donovan used the PARAGON II from ARC™ Scissors. Once the corners are cut, point cut into the triangle to soften the layer and allow it to blend with the rest of the hair.

Section Break Down

If there is one thing we know for sure, long-haired clients want to stay that way. Having the right sectioning can help create movement while still keeping length, so keep these sectioning tips in mind:

• Keep sections 1” wide.
• For the back and side sections, bring the hair out at a 45-degree angle. For sections at the crown, bring them straight up at 90 degrees.
• Keep sections straight and use tight tension, making sure no hair is overlapping.
• To help maintain length, overdirect each section to the previous section cut.

Tap through the slideshow to see more of Donovan’s day at The BTC House, then click HERE to purchase Donovan’s class and have lifetime access! 

Ready to try this back cutting technique? Click here to purchase a pair of the PARAGON II from ARC™ Scissors.