Where You Start Cutting Changes the Final Hairstyle
“Can you make my hair look like this picture?”
This is a common request in salons, but in reality, even if two hairstyles look the same, subtle differences can arise in the final result.
Why is that?
One of the reasons is: “Where the cut begins.”
The point where the haircut starts can subtly change the balance, texture, and shape of the final style.
The first cut becomes the “reference point.”
For example, when creating a style with distinct layers and movement at the top—
If you start cutting from the sides or back, the top may end up longer and heavier than intended.
On the other hand, if the design calls for keeping the top longer, starting with the top can make it difficult to retain the needed length.
The point of the first cut becomes the axis that determines the overall length and balance.
That’s why the very first snip holds so much meaning.
Deciding the order based on “what matters most.”
The starting point of a cut is not only the design axis—it’s also an emotional anchor that supports the client’s sense of security.
For example, if a client says, “I’m bothered by the heaviness in the back,” I try to address that area as early as possible in the process.
If someone came in because they were concerned about their bangs, I’d start with the bangs first.
By tackling the area of concern first and showing it to them, the client feels reassured: “I can trust this stylist today.”
Starting from where the client is most concerned.
Of course, technical aspects of the cut are important—but what I value most is making sure the client can sit comfortably and feel at ease in the chair.
That’s why I believe it’s essential to put their feelings in order before the scissors start moving.
I cut the part they’re most concerned about first and shape it properly.
Then I adjust the length and balance of the rest of the hairstyle based on that design.
It might seem like a small thing, but to the client, it creates a tremendous sense of relief.
Even within the act of cutting hair, “where you begin cutting” is a fundamental element of understanding haircutting itself.
Yet surprisingly few stylists consciously think about this from the very start.
Most Japanese stylists are skilled with their hands and can cut mannequins very well.
But the techniques that make real people happy are something else entirely.
For truly personalized haircuts
Cutting hair is not just about removing length—it’s about creating a design just for that individual.
That’s why the order in which we begin the cut holds so much meaning.
It’s not about following a textbook.
It’s not about copying a photo.
It’s about customizing even the sequence of the cut based on “your head” and “your feelings.”
That’s what I believe a personalized haircut is all about.
