Men’s haircuts can vary greatly depending on personal style, but one common goal is to create a look that feels full and voluminous. A well-trimmed haircut can add volume, especially for men with thinner or fine hair. This article will guide you through the steps of trimming men’s hair to add fullness. Whether you are a professional stylist or someone looking to trim your own hair at home, the tips and techniques here will help you achieve a fuller, thicker-looking hairstyle.
Understanding Hair Texture and Volume
Before diving into the process of trimming hair, it is important to understand the basics of hair texture and volume. Hair texture refers to the thickness or fineness of individual hair strands, while volume refers to the overall density of hair on your scalp. Thin or fine hair can often appear limp and lacking in volume, while thick hair may naturally have more fullness.
Haircuts that add fullness are typically layered, with more volume at the roots and gradual tapering towards the ends. The goal is to create the illusion of thickness without sacrificing the overall style. By focusing on these techniques, you can transform flat, lifeless hair into a fuller, more dynamic style.
Step 1: Choose the Right Hairstyle
The first step to adding fullness to men’s hair is selecting the right haircut. Some styles are naturally more voluminous than others. Here are some popular haircuts known for their fullness:
The Pompadour
The pompadour is a classic hairstyle that adds volume at the top, with the hair swept back and slightly raised. This style creates an illusion of fullness by using the height at the crown.
The Textured Crop
This short, choppy hairstyle uses layers to create natural texture and volume. It works well with both thick and fine hair and gives a fuller appearance by keeping the hair at the crown longer while shortening the sides.
The Quiff
The quiff is another style that can add fullness by creating volume at the top of the head. This haircut is similar to the pompadour but with a more relaxed and slightly tousled appearance.
The Taper Fade
The taper fade features a gradual transition from short to long hair, creating more volume on top. The tapered sides and back help emphasize the fullness at the crown.
Once you have chosen the right haircut that suits your hair type, it’s time to focus on how to trim it for maximum volume.
Step 2: Prepare the Hair
For any haircut, preparation is key. Start by washing your hair with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. These products help boost volume and give hair more texture. Once the hair is clean and slightly damp, it is ready for trimming.
It is essential to ensure the hair is not too wet, as trimming wet hair can lead to uneven results. Lightly towel-dry your hair so it is damp but not dripping. This ensures a more controlled cut.
Step 3: Section the Hair
To create a trim that adds fullness, you must cut hair in sections. This helps maintain control and allows for precision.
Sectioning the Top
Start by creating a part in the hair at the crown. Use a comb to divide the hair into two sections – one for the top and one for the sides. Clip the top section away to avoid cutting it prematurely.
Sectioning the Sides and Back
Next, divide the sides and back into smaller sections. The size of these sections depends on the thickness of the hair. For fine hair, smaller sections will help you cut more precisely and avoid taking off too much length.
Step 4: Layering the Hair
Layering is a key technique for adding fullness. It creates movement and texture by removing weight from certain areas and leaving others fuller. To layer the hair, follow these steps:
Start with the Back
Begin by trimming the hair at the back. Work your way from the nape of the neck upward. Take small sections of hair, comb them straight out, and cut at an angle. This method allows the hair to layer gradually, rather than creating harsh lines. Be sure to leave the top layers slightly longer than the bottom ones for a more voluminous appearance.
Layering the Sides
When layering the sides, be mindful of the shape of the face. If you want a fuller look, focus on keeping some length around the ear and along the jawline. Avoid cutting the sides too short, as this can make the top appear disproportionately fuller. Instead, use light layering to blend the top and sides together.
Layering the Top
For the top section, pull each small section of hair upward and cut it at an angle. The key to adding fullness is to leave the layers longer at the crown and gradually cut them shorter as you move toward the front of the head. This will give the hair volume without making it appear too bulky.
Step 5: Texturizing the Hair
Texturizing is a technique that further enhances fullness by cutting small pieces of hair at random to create movement and separation. This step works wonders for fine hair, giving it a thicker appearance.
Use Texturizing Shears
Texturizing shears are specialized scissors with teeth that allow for the removal of some hair without creating a straight line. After layering the hair, use these shears to cut into the ends of the hair, particularly on the top and crown. Be careful not to over-texturize, as this can lead to an uneven look.
Point Cutting
Another texturizing technique is point cutting, where the scissors are held vertically, and the tips are used to snip small portions of hair. This technique softens the layers and adds more dimension to the haircut.
Step 6: Add Volume with a Blowout
A blowout can do wonders to boost fullness. Once the hair has been trimmed and styled, blow-drying it can enhance volume and texture. Follow these steps for a voluminous blowout:
Use a Round Brush
To add lift at the roots, use a round brush while blow-drying. Start at the roots and pull the hair upward and out while directing the airflow with the dryer. This will create volume right at the crown, making the hair look fuller.
Use a Volumizing Mousse
Before blow-drying, apply a volumizing mousse or styling gel to damp hair. These products help create the lift and fullness that you want. Focus on applying the product at the roots and distribute it evenly through the hair.
Blow-Dry in Sections
Separate the hair into sections and blow-dry each one individually. Work from the roots to the tips and avoid over-drying. The goal is to lift the roots and allow the hair to fall naturally, rather than drying it flat against the scalp.
Step 7: Final Touches
After the hair is fully styled, use a lightweight hairspray to hold the style in place. Avoid using heavy hairsprays that can weigh the hair down. Instead, choose a light hold spray that adds texture without making the hair stiff.
Check for Evenness
Once the hair is styled, check the cut for any unevenness or areas that might need touching up. Use a comb to smooth out the layers and trim any stragglers that could disrupt the fullness of the haircut.
Add a Finishing Product
If you want to add more texture and fullness, consider using a texturizing spray or lightweight wax. These products can enhance the look by adding definition and preventing the hair from falling flat throughout the day.
Conclusion
Trimming men’s hair to add fullness involves careful layering, texturizing, and styling. By following these steps, you can create a haircut that gives the illusion of thicker, fuller hair, whether you have fine, thick, or thin hair. Choose a hairstyle that suits your face shape and personal style, then use layering and texturizing techniques to add dimension and volume. A good blowout and finishing products can help seal the deal and ensure that the fullness lasts throughout the day. With the right haircut and styling routine, you can achieve a fuller, more voluminous look that enhances your overall appearance.
