Clipper over comb is faster but scissor over comb gives better results every time

Been doing this 12 years now. I see guys rushing with clipper over comb on top. Sure it's quick but you lose all that natural texture. Scissor over comb takes me maybe 10 extra minutes but the blend is way cleaner. Had a client last week who got a clipper over comb cut somewhere else. Came to me to fix it. Took 25 minutes just to soften the lines. Anyone else stick with scissors for the crown and parietal ridge?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_drew9d ago

Totally agree with you on this one. I've been at it for 8 years and I always grab my shears for the crown and parietal ridge. Scissor over comb takes a little longer but the way it blends into the shorter sides is way more natural.

the_wendy9d ago

Had a guy come in last week who usually gets a skin fade but wanted something softer. @the_drew, you're spot on with the scissor over comb thing. Took about 10 extra minutes but his wife came in later to book her own cut because she said he looked "human again." Made the mistake of trying clippers on a tight curl crown once and it looked like I'd taken a lawn edger to him. Never again.

the_susan9d ago

Read somewhere that some barbers actually prefer clippers over combs for the crown because they can control the bulk better. Tried it once and yeah it works but I feel like you lose that softness you get with shears. Scissor over comb is slower for sure but I'd rather spend the extra 5 minutes than have someone walk out looking like they got hit with a lawnmower. Plus with those curly haired clients, shears are pretty much the only way to keep the shape without chopping too much off the top.