“Each year it’s a good idea to rethink your approach and fine-tune techniques by making small shifts in your mindset and tools,” says Sam Villa, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Sam Villa. “Whether you’re looking to cut with more efficiency, style with more intention or protect your health, here are five tweaks that I think will make working behind the chair more enjoyable and sustainable.”
1. Reassess Your Shears
Work smarter, not harder by using shears that reduce fatigue and support proper posture. It’s also essential to use the right pair for each job:
- Dry cutting shears for finishing thick, coarse hair
- Blending shears for softening lines and face-framing fringe
- Traditional shears for wet cutting and building layers
If your wrists, shoulders or thumbs feel stressed, it may be time to upgrade your shears. Taking the time to select the right tool can significantly improve both comfort and performance.
2. Perfect Your Razor Angle
Razor cutting can create effortless texture and movement — but the angle makes all the difference:
- Perpendicular = rough ends
- Flat = weak, thin ends
- 45° “Golden Angle” = clean finish
Mastering this subtle adjustment can elevate the overall result and ensure consistent, polished finishes.
3. Use Dryer Attachments Strategically
Level up your blow-drying by selecting the correct attachment for each hair type and texture.
- Use a diffuser to enhance curls and coils with dispersed heat and added definition.
- Use a concentrator nozzle for precision airflow control, smoother finishes and faster drying times.
Intentional attachment choice can dramatically improve styling efficiency and results.
4. Rethink Section Sizes
Large, uneven sections are one of the most common causes of imbalanced shapes. On the other hand, overly small sections can unnecessarily slow down your cutting process.
- Use small sections when cutting with precision or working on dense textures.
- Broaden section sizes for quick refinements or dry detailing.
- Use long cutting combs to efficiently compress and control larger areas.
Being mindful of section size helps maintain balance while improving speed.
5. Refresh Your Techniques
Refining and mastering a skill reduces the time it takes to perform it — while elevating your results.
Simple adjustments such as:
- Switching to a different comb
- Maintaining even tension and elevation
- Changing how you hold your tools
can lead to cleaner cuts and more refined finishes.
Investing in ongoing education, both digital and in-person, ensures your techniques remain sharp and current.