...
Cutting hair image by lefebvre_jonathan from Fotolia.com

Barbers specialize in cutting men’s hair--they are trained, licensed professionals. Black men’s haircuts tend to be short and close to the head. Very careful detailing goes into cutting the hair, blending and lining the hair up across the back, front and sides of the head. A durable set of clippers, trimmers and razors are essential in achieving a good hair lineup. The lineup has to be sharp and even all the way around the head.

Cut the entire head of hair and make the lineup the last part of the haircut. Use clippers, trimmers and scissors to cut, trim and blend the haircut into the desired style. Take time to ensure there are no visible lines and the haircut is within the client’s natural hairline.

Dab a piece of hard plastic in talc power and trace the outline of the natural hair line. The powder allows the barber to see the pattern of the lining before cutting the hair, to ensure it is straight and even all the way around. Try spritz as an agent to hold the hair in place and allow the barber to see where to cut the hair without destroying a client’s natural hairline.

Using a straight razor or edgers, carefully cut beginning along the back of the head in a straight line following the natural pattern of the hairline. The straight razor should be fresh and sharp. Using dull blades increases the risk of cutting into the skin and can cause hair bumps.

Continue cutting along the outline of the head around and behind the ears. Check the mirror often to make sure the lineup is accurate and not crooked. Depending on the client’s hairline, create a square or rounded lining shape.

Measure the distance between the outer edge of the eyebrow and the hairline. Depending on the size of the client’s forehead, the lining should end at the outer edge of the eyebrow. A sharp line here distinguishes the lining and defines the haircut.

Wipe the remaining talc powder from the client’s head with a dry towel. Using alcohol wipes or cotton balls, lightly dab the lining all away around to clean the cut. This will help to eliminate irritation or razor bumps.