How to Do a Blunt Cut

As anyone who has completed a cosmetology program knows, there is more than one skill to be learned when it comes to being a professional hairstylist. It’s important to be knowledgeable in professional hair care products and styling products, as well as their specific uses and how each one might be utilized to elevate the client’s final look. In addition to product usage, stylists need to be comfortable with both the color wheel and color theory in order to properly use professional hair color and make informed decisions or recommendations for different hair types. Finally, a well-rounded stylist should master a few different haircut techniques in preparation for any type of client inspiration, including the blunt cut technique. 

What Is a Blunt Cut? 

In simple terms, a blunt haircut is a precise cut that appears in a “straight across” fashion, making the hair look very detailed and geometrically-inclined. Recently, a ton of celebrities have donned the look, making it a coveted style for the masses and a look stylists should know how to pull off effortlessly. The blunt cut popularity wave has built up as a response to beachy, tousled looks with layered locks which have been super-trendy over the past few years (as well as general pandemic caution and a lack of necessity for regular salon appointments). As these trends have shifted, many have moved on to the opposite of shaggy hair in the form of razor-sharp haircuts with blunt cut lines. This type of cut includes the signature blunt bob, even-length long hair, most asymmetrical cuts and more.

The Blunt Cut Technique

Though it may seem rather simple, the blunt haircut technique requires a good eye, patience and attention to detail. For the best blunt cut results, follow these steps:

• Start with wet, tangle-free hair. Go through with a wide tooth comb and then a fine tooth comb in order to see the length of each section of hair. 
• Use quality hair salon tools to your advantage! Section off hair with blow dry clips and divide it into two sections (one on each side). Next, section only the neckline hair into a curved shape (that looks like a rainbow) towards the nape of the neck. 
• Cut the first neckline section straight across, taking special care to streamline the length. Comb through the hair again to make sure the hair is all one length before moving on to another section. 

• Remove hair from clips in the remainder of the neckline area, keeping the sides and top layer around the crown of the head sectioned off. Repeat step 3 and make sure the hair is one length. 
• Dry the hair including the clipped hair that has not been cut. The top layer and sides are best cut in this style when they fall naturally after a blow dry. 
• Brush through the hair and cut the sides first and then the top section, using the previously cut neckline section for reference. Stand at the client’s profile (not behind them) for the best perspective when cutting the side sections. 
• Use salon-quality hair styling products to finish off the look. For thin or fine hair, use a volumizing spray and lightweight hairspray to lock the hair in place and keep the blunt cut looking sharp. For thick or frizzy hair, consider a smoothing oil to help finalize the look and add shine.