Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a cutting technique that could remove split ends, keep her length and reveal smoother, healthier-looking hair? It exists and Megan Schipani (@shmeggsandbaconn) broke it down in a viral Instagram post that has now reached more than 262k views!

From what exactly it is and who the ideal clients are to the four crucial things to know before picking up the scissors, here’s everything you need to know about surface cutting.

 

 

What Is Surface Cutting?

Also known as hair dusting, surface cutting is a technique that helps smooth out the surface of the hair by removing split ends and breakage. Not only does it improve the appearance of the hair, leaving it looking smooth and healthy, but it can also help clients who have trouble managing frizz at home.

Who Benefits From This Technique?

Basically any guest who is trying to save length but is in need of a haircut. However, there are two groups of clients who benefit the most from a surface cut:

• Clients with blonde/platinum hair
• Client who use heat styling tools regularly

Why? We all know that heat causes damage but Megan says hair that is lifted goes through multiple processes to achieve a certain level, so they naturally experience a level of damage.

ARC™ PHANTOM 7"

Watch The Video How-To Below To See How It’s Done!

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A post shared by Megan Schipani (@shmeggsandbaconn) on Dec 15, 2018 at 4:16pm PST

4 Things To Know Before You Start Surface Cutting

So you want to give surface cutting a try? Here are four things you need to know first:

1. Always, always, always keep your shears flat on the surface to avoid cutting into the hair. Megan’s go-to surface cutting scissor? The ARC™ Scissors 6.5″ PHANTOM shear. Ideal for both wet and dry-cutting techniques, it has exceptionally sharp convex blades that precisely cut from pivot to tip. Sharp blades are extremely important when surfacing cutting, if your scissors are dull, the hair can pull or snag on the blades, which can cause more split ends and damage in the long run. 
2. It is a tedious and meticulous technique, but the difference it makes is INCREDIBLE.
3. Smooth the hair out with a blow dryer and round brush first but don’t use a flat iron. Heat can cause the split hairs to lay flat, causing you to miss them when you go to cut.
4. Don’t overload with products. Just like the flat iron, too much could make the hair lay flat, which is why Megan typically preps with Color Wow DREAM COAT only.

Scissors Used

ARC™ Phantom