When it comes to the world of professional barbering and hairdressing, mastering fundamental techniques can make all the difference between a good cut and a great one. Among the foundational methods used by top stylists is the scissor over comb technique—a precise, elegant, and effective method for cutting hair that provides a high level of control and customization.
At Marco Teck, our mission is to provide industry professionals and aspiring barbers with high-quality tools, education, and resources to take their skills to the next level. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to hold scissors properly while performing scissor over comb techniques.
Understanding the Scissor Over Comb Technique
The scissor over comb method is exactly what it sounds like: it involves using a pair of scissors and a comb simultaneously to cut hair. The stylist holds the comb in one hand to lift and position the hair, and the scissors in the other to trim along the comb’s edge.
This method is often used for:
- Tapering hair around the neckline or ears
- Blending different lengths
- Creating smooth transitions
- Short men’s cuts and fades
- Sculpting precision layers
It’s particularly popular in barbering for its ability to deliver clean lines and a tailored finish.
Why Proper Scissor Grip Matters
Before diving into the technique, it’s essential to understand the importance of how you hold your scissors. Many beginner stylists make the mistake of holding scissors incorrectly, leading to:
- Fatigue and hand cramps
- Poor control
- Uneven cuts
- Long-term wrist or hand strain
At Marco Teck, we always emphasize ergonomics and control. Holding your scissors the right way not only improves your precision but also protects your body over time.
Step-by-Step: How to Hold Scissors for Scissor Over Comb
1. Choose the Right Scissors
Start with a high-quality pair of Marco Teck professional shears designed for control and comfort. Look for:
- Offset or crane handles for wrist comfort
- Sharp convex edges for clean cuts
- A size appropriate to your hand (5.5–6.5 inches is standard for this technique)
2. Insert Fingers Properly
Hold the scissors with your thumb and ring finger—not your index or middle fingers.
- Thumb goes into the thumb ring.
- Ring finger goes into the other ring.
- Your index and middle fingers rest on the shank for stability.
- The pinky rests on the tang (the small protruding piece).
This grip provides balance and allows you to open and close the blades using your thumb only, keeping your hand steady.
Marco Teck Tip: Don’t “chomp” the scissors open and shut with your whole hand. Use just your thumb for the movement—this preserves control and smoothness.
3. Maintain Relaxed Wrist and Elbow Position
Keep your elbow up and wrist relaxed. Tension in your arm can transfer to your cut and make it uneven. The wrist should be neutral and the movement fluid.
4. Posture and Body Alignment
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Position your body directly in line with the area you’re cutting to avoid overreaching or twisting. Good posture helps you maintain cutting angles and protects your back during long days behind the chair.
Scissor Over Comb: Executing the Technique
Now that you’ve got the correct scissor grip, let’s move into applying the scissor over comb technique like a pro.
Step 1: Hold the Comb Correctly
In your non-dominant hand (usually your left if you’re right-handed), hold the comb with your index and middle fingers behind it and your thumb in front. This allows you to pivot the comb easily and maintain control over the hair.
Choose a comb with fine and wide teeth—Marco Teck combs are designed to suit a range of hair types and techniques.
Step 2: Lift the Hair
Insert the comb into the hair at the desired angle and gently lift the section you want to cut. The hair will lay across the spine of the comb, forming a straight guide.
The angle of the comb determines the shape of the cut:
- Horizontal for flat cuts
- Angled for layers or tapers
Step 3: Cut Along the Comb
Use your dominant hand to cut along the edge of the comb, using your properly gripped scissors. Move only your thumb to open and close the blades, keeping the rest of your hand still for control.
Cut just the tips that extend beyond the comb. Don’t cut into the comb—doing so can damage your tools and ruin the cut.
Step 4: Work in Small Sections
Move the comb slightly and repeat. Always overlap your sections to maintain consistency and avoid gaps or steps in the cut. Follow the shape of the head for a natural result.
Step 5: Blend and Refine
Once the basic shape is in place, go back over the area to blend lines and make adjustments. Switch comb angles, change cutting lengths, or use texturizing scissors (also available at Marco Teck) for finer blending.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned barbers can develop bad habits. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcutting: Taking off too much at once. Always cut in small increments.
- Poor posture: Leads to inconsistent results and long-term pain.
- Incorrect scissor grip: Causes loss of control and uneven lines.
- Cutting into the comb: Damages both the comb and the hair.
- Not overlapping sections: Creates steps and uneven blending.
At Marco Teck, we encourage regular practice and technique refinement. Video yourself cutting and assess your posture and hand positioning.
Training Tips and Drills
Want to level up your skills? Try these drills:
1. The Comb Angle Drill
Practice holding your comb at different angles on a mannequin head or a foam block. Visualize how the angle affects the final haircut shape.
2. Thumb-Only Scissor Drill
Sit with your scissors and practice opening and closing them using only your thumb. Build up muscle memory and control without hair first.
3. Precision Line Drill
Use a comb and scissors on a section of synthetic or real mannequin hair and work on following the edge of the comb with perfect alignment.
4. Eye Level Drill
Practice scissor over comb at different levels—chin, eye, and overhead—so you’re ready for any client situation.
How Marco Teck Can Help You Master This Technique
At Marco Teck, we’re not just a tools company—we’re a partner in your journey to becoming a master of your craft. Here’s how we support barbers and stylists like you:
✅ Premium Shears
Our scissors are engineered for comfort, sharpness, and balance—ideal for scissor over comb work. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned pro, there’s a Marco Teck shear for you.
✅ Professional Comb Sets
Durable, anti-static, and heat-resistant combs that glide effortlessly through all hair types. Our combs are designed for maximum precision and comfort.
✅ Barber Starter Kits
Just starting out? Grab a full kit including scissors, combs, clips, and a case—perfectly suited for mastering scissor over comb and other core skills.
Conclusion: Precision Starts with Technique
The scissor over comb technique is a cornerstone of clean, professional cutting. When you hold your scissors correctly and combine that with proper comb control, the result is a smooth, polished finish every time.
As with all great skills, mastery comes from consistent practice, attention to detail, and using the right tools.
Marco Teck is proud to support barbers and stylists at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re fresh out of barber school or a seasoned cutter, refining your scissor over comb technique can elevate your craft and set you apart in a competitive industry.