Haircut

A haircut is the trimming or shaping of scalp hair to change its length, form, or texture. It is performed for hygiene, style, or to manage growth patterns. Cutting is done with scissors, clippers, razors, or trimmers, and can be wet or dry. Techniques such as point cutting, texturizing, and clipper-over-comb are used to influence shape, weight, and edge.

Styles range from short crops and fades to long layers, bob cuts, and beyond. The best cut depends on face shape, hair type, growth pattern, and maintenance goals. Tools and techniques, along with sanitation and professional consultation, guide the process. Haircutting spans barbering and hairstyling, with different environments emphasizing different aesthetic traditions.

Historically, haircutting dates to ancient times and evolved with barbering guilds and salon professions. In the modern era, advances in scissors and clippers shaped practice. Regular trims help maintain shape and scalp health; frequency varies by style, typically every 4–8 weeks. Standards for hygiene and safety, including tool sanitization and client consultation, are integral to professional practice.