The term shears is used to describe a cutting tool that is longer than 6″ with double-ground edges and two different-sized finger holes. The term scissors is used when describing a cutting tool measuring less than 6″. Both barber scissors & shears are serious tools and should not be dropped if at all possible.

Pull the hair outward and hold the section of hair in between your fingers. Take the thinning shears and cut through the section of hair, starting one inch away from the tips. Once more, you can flip the shears around and cut in the same spot for added thinning/shaping. Repeat until you have gone all the way around.