COPIED

4 mins

THE RETURN OF THE CUT

From Bixies and Mixies to classic crops and bobs, clients are requesting strong cuts. But before you go sharpen your scissors, here’s some style inspiration and advice

MEDUSA HAIR

After a few years of long layers and one-length looks, the industry is rejoicing to see more creative and experimental cuts back in fashion. Our panel of stylists reveal their favourite trending style and share their top tip for recreating it.

The Mixie

“The Chelsea girl (AKA Mixie) is back and I am delighted. It’s a cute cut with some edginess: a hybrid of the pixie and a mullet. It suits a lot of face types, but to keep it fresh, try playing with the length.”

My tip “Section it into two separate haircuts: the short area around the face and then the length area around the nape. Once both are cut, concentrate on creating a seamless blend.”

Colin McAndrew, Medusa Hair

The Connexion

SEAN HANNA HAIR

“I love this for people who want long hair, but with more lift around the crown. Top layers are shorter at the crown but get longer towards the face, to give more height and movement without feeling short.”

My tip “Concentrate on the way the layers are connected at the back and use a gentle slicing technique.”

Sean Hanna, SeanHanna Hair

The Crop

HARINGTONS

“I’m so happy to see the return of the crop. I’ve had so many requests for this look and clients are definitely embracing it.”

My tip “Texture is key! Create enough texture to allow the cut to sit beautifully and grow out perfectly.”

Barry Maddocks, creative director at Haringtons

The Modern Box Bob

SASSOON ACADEMY

“Hair with inherent quality is back. Well-cut, though not aggressive. Well-groomed hair speaks volumes about the wearer.”

My tip “Be sensitive with your length and angles and thoughtful in selecting hair tones. Suitability is about identity, rather than physical attributes.”

Mark Hayes, International Creative Director at Sassoon Academy

PERFECT SCISSORS MATCH

“In my experience, the best scissors are Japanese and use a cobalt steel alloy.

In terms of handles and other features, my preference is to keep things as simple as possible.

It sounds simplistic, but choose whatever feels most comfortable in your hand.”

Mark Hayes, Sassoon Academy “The smaller your hand, the smaller the blades need to be. If you’re buying your first set, don’t spend a fortune as you’ll probably drop them. When you’re more experienced you’ll be able to buy better ones. Lastly, look after your tools!

Ensure absolutely everything you own is cleaned, disinfected and sterilised regularly.”

Jamie Stevens, Jamie Stevens Hair

PERFECT SCISSORS MATCH

“Always try scissors out before you buy them! Trade shows like Salon International are a great place to spend lots of time looking at all the different pairs on offer.Try them out in your hand and invest in a pair that feel right for you.”

Robert Eaton, Russell Eaton Salon

“I have multiple pairs of scissors for different types of work I do: a universal pair, ones for short hair, ones for thinning, a pair just for wigs, a super-sharp Japanese pair for sliding into hair and scissors with little corrugations to cut one-length styles.

Personally, I always look at the quality when buying a new pair, but I admit, I should really look after them better!”

Angelo Seminara, Urban Retreat

“I choose scissors with balance, form and shape in mind.

A good pair is essential for your cutting mastery.

It’s my blueprint, my signature, my creativity.”

Errol Douglas, Errol Douglas Salon

The 70s Shag & Woodstock Fringe Combo

D&J AMBROSE

“Even though it has made an appearance for a while, I still really like the 70s Shag for its versatility and flexible lengths.

My tip A Woodstock fringe gives a retro feel and great shape around the face. When tied up, this style has a real ‘Bardot vibe’.

Darren Ambrose, D&J Ambrose

The Wolf Cut

TINA HOLLIS

“I love being creative with razor cutting, it gets my brain buzzing. Styling these looks can be versatile too: straight, wavy or curly, it suits it all!”

My tip “Use dry shampoo on the roots and texture spray throughout to get the best from this cut.”

The Micro Mullet

JEPPE GREGERSEN

“I love seeing the mullet again. It’s the perfect example of how fashion evolves as fast as it repeats.”

My tip “Understand the elevation and over-direction needed to create a contrast. When you’ve mastered that, there’s no limit to the creativity you can add to the haircut – to make every mullet bespoke and unique.” Jeppe Gregersen, Gary Ingham Aveda Lifestyle Salons & Spas

"I REALLY LIKE THE 70S SHAG FOR ITS VERSATILITY AND FLEXIBLE LENGTHS"