How to Thin Hair with Thinning Shears: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 02/01/2025

Tired of bulky, heavy hair weighing you down? Thinning shears, also known as texturizing shears, offer a fantastic solution for achieving a more manageable and voluminous look without sacrificing length. Unlike regular shears that create blunt cuts, thinning shears feature teeth that remove only a portion of the hair, resulting in a natural-looking reduction in density. This subtle yet effective technique can transform thick, unruly hair into a lighter, more flowing style, adding movement and body where needed. It's a skill easily mastered with the right guidance.

This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques necessary to safely and effectively thin your hair using thinning shears at home. From selecting the right tools to understanding proper sectioning and cutting angles, we'll walk you through each step of the process. Ready to learn how to achieve salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Thinning shears
Safety Guidelines
  • Never use thinning shears on already thin or damaged hair, as this can worsen breakage and lead to further hair loss. Focus on thicker sections only.
  • Use thinning shears sparingly and with a light touch. Too much thinning can result in choppy, uneven hair that looks worse than before. Less is more.
  • If you are unsure about using thinning shears, consult a professional hairstylist. Improper use can cause irreversible damage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sectioning the Hair

    • Section the hair. Sectioning is crucial to ensure even thinning and avoid over-thinning.
    • Start with the top section, clipping it out of the way. Create additional sections above the ears and below the top section.
    Start with the top section, clipping it out of the way. Create additional sections above the ears and below the top section.Start with the top section, clipping it out of the way. Create additional sections above the ears and below the top section.
    Sectioning the Hair

  2. Thinning the Bottom Section

    • Begin with the bottom section. Cut this section in half, leaving the bottom hairline undisturbed.
    • Take the first section to thin, cutting at an angle in the mid-section of the hair. Maintain at least 3 inches of distance from the scalp.
    • Continue thinning more sections using the same process. Consider that hair around the face is naturally thinner.
    Continue thinning more sections using the same process. Consider that hair around the face is naturally thinner.Continue thinning more sections using the same process. Consider that hair around the face is naturally thinner.Continue thinning more sections using the same process. Consider that hair around the face is naturally thinner.
    Thinning the Bottom Section

  3. Thinning the Top Section

    • Thin the top section. If you want more volume at the crown, you can go closer to the scalp, but always stay at least 2-3 inches away to prevent short hairs from poking through.
    Thin the top section. If you want more volume at the crown, you can go closer to the scalp, but always stay at least 2-3 inches away to prevent short hairs from poking through.
    Thinning the Top Section

  4. Review and Refine

    • Review and refine. Once you've thinned all the hair, review for any sections needing additional thinning.
    Review and refine. Once you've thinned all the hair, review for any sections needing additional thinning.
    Review and Refine

Read more: Salon Shear Sharpening: A Step-by-Step Guide for Hair Stylists

Tips

  • Always go slow and have a plan to avoid over-thinning.
  • Keep track of what you've already thinned.
  • Consider the natural thinness of the hair around your face; you may not need to thin it as much.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Cutting too much hair at once

Reason: Aggressively removing large chunks of hair can lead to unevenness and a choppy, unnatural look, rather than the subtle thinning desired.
Solution: Take small sections of hair and use light, controlled snips to gradually remove bulk.

2. Using the wrong technique (point cutting vs. slide cutting)

Reason: Improper technique, like using point cutting on long sections instead of slide cutting for blending, may create a jagged or wispy look, instead of a smooth, thinned texture.
Solution: Master point cutting for shorter layers and slide cutting for seamless transitions and blending.

3. Ignoring the hair's natural texture and density

Reason: Thinning shears should be used carefully depending on the hair's natural texture and density; overly thinning fine hair might lead to excessive thinning and damage, while not thinning thick hair enough might not achieve the desired result.
Solution: Adjust the thinning shear’s pressure and the amount of hair removed to match your hair type and desired outcome.

FAQs

Can I use thinning shears on thick, coarse hair?
While thinning shears can be used on thicker hair to remove bulk and create texture, it's generally recommended to use them sparingly and with caution. Over-thinning can lead to a choppy or uneven look. A professional stylist is best suited for thinning thick, coarse hair.
Before we dive into the techniques of hair thinning, it's crucial to have the right tools. The quality of your thinning shears will significantly impact the results you achieve. For guidance on selecting superior shears, you might find our guide on the best professional and home-use hair cutting shears helpful. This article covers various types and features to help you make an informed choice, ensuring you have the perfect instrument for precise thinning.