Having an arsenal of scissor techniques up your sleeve can ensure you’re able to perform any cut a client might request, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the scissor techniques every barber should know. We’ve previously shared more info on everything you need to know about point cutting, but in this feature, Joe Cartmel discusses the tapered mesh technique, describing exactly how to use it…
“The tapered mesh technique essentially produces a natural looking, and feeling, section of hair” explains Joe. “If a client had never cut their hair, there would be lots of different lengths of hair within a section, and lots of hair of different ages – which would be a natural tapered mesh. By using the tapered mesh technique, we are able to replicate this natural affect, which can help a client maintain a style with ease, and can also increase the longevity of the cut. It’s also great for creating structure and volume, without the need for products.”
How to perform the tapered mesh technique, and when to use it…
“By using your scissors you can get a very uniform distribution of taper within each section using the rule of three method – which is where you cut the section three times, moving up half the remaining section each time,” Joe explains. “The overall result this would create on a full head of hair is thickness towards the root, gradually getting thinner towards the end, creating a natural tapered mesh.”
As for when to use this technique, Joe adds: “I probably use this technique in about 90% of my haircuts – but if you are looking to encourage a curl pattern, I would avoid using this technique as it often removes the hair’s ability to curl.”
You can check out Joe’s demo of the tapered mesh technique here…