Achieving and maintaining healthy, luscious locks involves more than just the right shampoo and conditioner; it requires a thoughtful approach towards hair and effective weight removal. Whether your hair is burdened by product buildup, excessive oils, or you simply want to lighten the load for a less voluminous appearance, there are various intelligent strategies to consider. If you’re tired of your hair feeling heavy and weighed down, there are some smart and easy ways to give it a lift. This guide explores smart ways to remove weight from your hair. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can say goodbye to that weighed-down feeling.
What Does it Mean to Remove Weight From Hair?
Removing weight from hair means getting rid of anything that makes your hair feel heavy or flat. This can include product buildup, such as residue from styling products or excessive oils, which can accumulate on the hair shaft over time. Periodically engaging in weight removal can revitalize your hair, giving it a fresh start. The ultimate goal is to achieve a lighter and more manageable feel, promoting increased natural bounce and an overall refreshed look, leaving you with hair that feels as good as it looks.
Thing You Will Need
Professional hairstylists can use a variety of products and weight-removal techniques. Following are some of MUST have products that you need to remove weight from hair:
- Clarifying Shampoo: Select a high-quality professional-grade clarifying shampoo to effectively eliminate product buildup and excess oils. Professional hairstylists are best advised to give a gentle shower with clarifying shampoo and blow dry hair before removing weight.
- Texturizing Shears: Professional hairstylists can use these shears to reduce volume, and they come in a variety of teeth configurations. The choice of texturizing shears depends on the desired amount of volume reduction. For instance, the Mamba Texturizer features 14 individual teeth which allows it to break through thick weight lines and add deeper texture to long hair. Similarly, the HH40T Mazeru is a 40-tooth blending shear which removes 50% hair. The hairstylist’s choice of texturizing shear depends on how much hair weight the client wants gone or the style they desire.
- Professional Hair Treatment or Deep Conditioner: Incorporate a professional-grade hair treatment or deep conditioner to deliver intense hydration and enhance overall hair health.
- Microfiber Towel or Professional Hair Wrap: Opt for a microfiber towel or a specialized professional hair wrap to reduce friction and control frizz during the drying process.
- Professional-Grade Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Rinse (optional): Suggest a professional-grade ACV rinse for a clarifying treatment, effectively removing residue and restoring the hair’s natural pH balance.
- High-quality Comb: Whether you are dealing with layers, point cutting, slicing or texturizing, you will surely need a good quality comb. Checkout the Hanzo Accessory section for combs and premium finger sizers.
Best Methods of Removing Weight From Hair
Every day behind the chair, hairstylists encounter various hair types—short, long, thick, thin, curly, straight. The challenge often arises when clients request the removal of weight or bulk from their haircut. Addressing this requires considering different hair textures and thicknesses to achieve weight removal goals. Here are several techniques that hairstylists can employ:
Layers
Adding layers is a common method to introduce movement and remove weight from a cut. Layers involve cutting hair to different lengths, creating shorter to longer sections. This effectively removes weight at the ends, providing a solution to the heaviness associated with blunt haircuts. Layers work well for various hair types, especially thick, wavy, and curly hair, offering a weightless and dynamic cut.
Point Cutting
Point cutting is a technique to soften blunt lines, adding movement and texture to the ends. It can be used to remove length or maintain it while eliminating bulk. This method is particularly useful when cutting thick hair in a blunt style, providing a softer finish.
Slide Cutting/Slice Cutting
Slide cutting is effective for removing bulk and adding movement. It involves gently opening and closing shears while sliding along the hair shaft. Slicing is a similar technique but performed from the inside out, removing more weight from the interior. These techniques work well on thick hair, offering flexibility in shaping and adding volume.
Texturizing/Thinning Shears
Specifically designed to remove weight from haircuts, these shears come with different teeth configurations. Thinning shears, with more teeth, are ideal for quick bulk removal, while texturizing shears, with fewer, spaced-apart teeth, add texture to the cut. Both are effective in removing weight and achieving a textured look, especially on thick hair. If you are a beginner and struggle with texturizing shears, checkout Hanzo’s detailed guide on how to use thinning shears for beginners.
Which Technique is the Best?
It’s essential to recognize that not all weight removal techniques are universally applicable. The suitability of each method depends on factors such as hair type and texture. Most weight removal techniques are best applied toward the end of a haircut to enhance the fall of the hair and achieve the desired style. However, caution should be exercised to avoid over-thinning, which can make the hair appear thin and stringy.
How to Remove Weight From Hair – Step by Step Guide
Removing weight from a haircut involves techniques that reduce bulk and create a lighter, more textured look. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you remove weight from a haircut:
Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry Hair
Ensure that the hair is clean and dry before you begin. This will give you a more accurate idea of the hair’s natural texture and density.
Step 2: Section the Hair
Divide the hair into sections to make the process more manageable. Use hair clips or ties to secure each section.
Step 3: Determine the Cutting Technique
Choose a cutting technique that helps reduce weight, such as layering, texturizing, or point cutting. The technique will depend on the desired outcome and the hair type.
Step 4: Layering
For layering, take small sections of hair and cut at an angle. This creates different lengths throughout the hair, reducing overall weight. Use a comb to lift sections of hair, hold it at the desired length, and cut at an angle.
Step 5: Texturizing
Texturizing involves removing bulk by cutting into the hair to create softer edges. Use thinning shears or texturizing shears to remove weight without compromising the overall length.
Step 6: Point Cutting
Point cutting is a technique where you cut the hair at a slight angle, creating a softer, textured look. Hold the scissors vertically and make small, upward cuts at different points along the hair shaft.
Step 7: Final Finishing
Work with the natural flow of the hair to avoid a choppy look. Blend cut sections for a seamless transition and check for balance by comparing both sides. Evaluate the overall look and make finishing touches, refining the cut if necessary by removing weight in specific areas.
Things to Avoid While Removing Weight From Hair
When removing weight from a haircut, it is crucial to exercise caution and precision to achieve a desirable outcome. Avoid the temptation to over-thin the hair, as excessive thinning can result in frizz and an undesirable lack of volume. Consider the unique characteristics of the individual’s hair, such as its type, texture, and density, steering clear of a one-size-fits-all approach. Pay attention to the client’s face shape and lifestyle, ensuring that the haircut complements both.
Professional hairstylists take the time to section the hair properly, as neglecting this step can lead to uneven cutting. Be mindful of the hair’s natural curl pattern, especially with curly or wavy hair, to prevent an uneven and jagged appearance. Regularly check for balance throughout the cutting process and avoid rushing, as precision requires time and attention to detail. Lastly, ensure that your cutting tools are sharp, and don’t solely rely on styling products to fix potential cutting mistakes. Here is a guide to keeping your professional hairstyling shears sharp and in pristine conditions.
Conclusion
In summary, achieving a light and stylish haircut involves thoughtful techniques like layering and texturizing, along with using the right tools and products. It’s important to consider individual factors like hair type and face shape. Be cautious about common mistakes, such as over-thinning and neglecting proper sectioning. The step-by-step guide provided here offers a clear approach to removing weight from hair while preserving its health and natural bounce. Always remember that a well-executed haircut not only lightens the load but also enhances the overall look, providing a satisfying solution for those wanting a refreshed appearance.
