pointcutting

Pointcutting is a hairdressing technique used to create texture and move by cutting the ends of the hair with the tips of the scissors. The goal is to remove bulk, soften blunt lines, and add lightness or a feathery appearance without removing significant length. It is commonly employed on layered cuts and can help hair fall more naturally and with improved movement.

In practice, point cutting involves using the scissors to snip into the hair ends at an angle, rather than making straight, blunt cuts. Stylists may use straight, thinning, or texturizing scissors, and the technique can be performed on damp or dry hair depending on the desired result and the texture of the hair. The cuts are typically small and irregular, creating micro-texture rather than a uniform edge. Variations include micro-point cutting, where very short snips are made close to the ends, and staggered point cutting, which targets different sections to achieve a more natural look.

The technique is versatile across hair lengths and can be tailored to achieve different effects, from soft, romantic textures to more rugged, piece-y finishes. Proper execution relies on controlled, precise snips and careful assessment of how each cut affects weight distribution and movement. Overuse or excessive snipping can lead to fraying or uneven ends, so it is often recommended to work gradually and check balance from multiple angles.

In other fields, the term pointcut exists in aspect-oriented programming, where a pointcut specifies join points in a program’s execution for applying additional behavior; this use is unrelated to the hairstyling technique.