An asymmetrical haircut usually isn’t the result of a single error, it’s a series of very small discrepancies that add up over the course of the cut. It’s common for a student to cut an entire section before they notice that the left and right sides no longer match. Mastering the technique of checking balance ensures that those tiny discrepancies don’t become major problems down the line.
Because of varying grain and density, it can be difficult to gauge length and shape just by looking at the hair. One side may look shorter because the hair lies flatter, or grows in a different direction. To check balance, take small subsections from either side of the head and bring them into the center to compare their length directly. This technique allows the stylist to see discrepancies that would be otherwise impossible to detect when the two sides are still separate.
One pitfall that students face when cutting hair is the tendency to adjust one side to match the other without rechecking the guide from previous sections. If the original guide is lost, the shape can slowly be altered as the cut progresses. One section is adjusted to match the other side, and another correction is made, until the entire outline slowly creeps up. Rather than making the same mistake, it’s better to stop and reestablish the guide from the original section that set the length of the haircut. Use that guide again before making any adjustments so that the correction will still fit within the intended outline.
Students can hone their sense of balance with a simple 15-minute exercise. On a mannequin head, cut a straight edge around the bottom of the back of the hair. Every two or three sections, stop cutting and cross-check the ends of the hair horizontally across the head. Take pieces from either side and comb them into the center where they can be held together in the fingers to gauge whether the ends match. If not, just trim the longer side until they’re even. This exercise will teach the student patience, and help them to understand the importance of checking their balance before moving on.
With practice, checking balance becomes second-nature and is incorporated into the rhythm of the haircut. The scissors will move with more confidence because each section has already been checked against the others. Instead of noticing an uneven edge once the hair is dry, balance is maintained throughout the cut. The final result will feel more calming and controlled, with each section working together to create the intended outline rather than fighting against it.