How to Ask for "Texture"
Without Getting Thinning Shears
"Texture" means different things to different barbers — and the wrong interpretation leaves your hair thin and fluffy. Here's how to be precise.
By Jessica Hamilton — Master Stylist & Creative Director
"Give it some texture" is one of the most commonly misunderstood requests in the barbershop. To one barber it means point-cutting (creating movement and separation); to another it means thinning shears (removing bulk). Those produce very different results — and thinning shears on the wrong hair leaves it fluffy, frizzy, and hard to style.
The Three Different Things People Mean
| Technique | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Point cutting | Scissors cut into the ends at an angle — creates separation and movement without removing bulk | Almost everyone; the safe default |
| Thinning / texturizing shears | Notched blades remove a percentage of hair — reduces bulk | Genuinely thick, heavy hair only |
| Razor texturizing | Razor slices the ends for soft, piecey movement | Straight to wavy hair; can frizz curly hair |
| Bulk removal | Scissor-over-comb or thinning to reduce weight underneath | Very dense hair that puffs out |
Why Thinning Shears Get a Bad Reputation
Used correctly on thick hair, thinning shears are a great tool. Used on fine, thin, or curly hair — or used too close to the roots — they create short broken hairs that stick up, frizz, and never sit right. That's the "my hair is fluffy and won't behave" outcome, and it takes months to grow out.
Exactly What to Say
- For movement and separation: "Point-cut the ends for some texture — please don't use thinning shears."
- If your hair is genuinely too heavy: "It's too bulky — can you take some weight out underneath?"
- If you have fine or curly hair: say so explicitly — "my hair's fine, please no thinning shears."
- If you liked a previous cut: "last time it was point-cut and it sat great — same again."