Clippers or Scissors? Cut Smarter & Win More Clients - Behindthechair.com (2025)

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Men’s Cutting Basics: How to Master Efficient, Personalized Haircuts

A great haircut isn’t one-size-fits-all. Knowing how to adapt your approach for each client builds trust and keeps them coming back. With 36 years of experience, barbering veteran Robert-Jan (Bertus) Rietveld (@the_bloody_butcher) has the answer—it’s all about cutting smarter, not harder.

A haircut is not one-size-fits-all, and neither is the approach. Turning a quick short cut into a more personalized client experience is what sets great stylists apart. As the co-founder of REUZEL, Bertus knows that mastering the clippers and scissors is the key to better blends, faster cuts and a loyal clientele. In “The Ultimate Men’s Cutting Masterclass” on BTC University, he shares his pro tips so you can cut with confidence.

Want a sneak peek? Bertus breaks down simple techniques that make every cut cleaner, faster and more precise. Here are five key takeaways from his class.

Become a BTC-U Member for unlimited access to Bertus’ class!

1. Clippers for Speed and Sharp Blends

Clippers are the way to go if you need to remove bulk quickly and create a clean, polished fade. Bertus prefers clipper-over-comb for better control and smoother transitions—especially when blending into a beard or working with dense hair. “A guard follows every bump and every little dent in somebody’s skull while when you’re working clipper-over-comb, you get a little bit more control,” he explains.

Here’s an easy clipper technique for smoother fades:

2. Scissors for Precision and Soft Transitions

Scissors offer precise control for layering, blending and refining details—making them essential for polished, well-balanced cuts. Bertus breaks down the key techniques any new stylists should master:

• Precision Control: Ideal for layering, soft blending and detailed finishing.
• Small Adjustments, Big Impact: Slight angle changes and finger positioning can significantly shape the final result.
• Scissor-Over-Comb Technique: Helps maintain balance, structure and seamless grow-out for every cut

Clients often notice the extra attention to detail. “I think it adds a little bit of quality to the haircut. People like it when you show original handwork,” Bertus says. A well-executed scissor cut can leave a lasting impression—making them more likely to return.

Here’s how Bertus makes clients come back (and bring their friends):

3. Water Is Your “Serum of Truth”

Bertus always starts with water before picking up scissors or clippers, because wet hair reveals growth patterns, weight distribution and movement. If the hair holds its shape with just water, it’s a sign that the cut will be easy to style—no heavy product needed. “It shows that in the end, your client can recreate that with a product, giving them confidence throughout the haircut,” Bertus explains.

Bertus demonstrates how a great cut should work on its own before finishing the look withREUZEL Grooming Tonicfor natural movement, REUZEL x Liquid Death Severed Head Pomade to add texture and the REUZEL Green Pomade Grease to slick the hair back.

Here’s the easiest way to get clients to use (and buy) the right products:

4. Work Smarter: Let the Hair and Your Positioning Guide You

Bertus explains that the sides of the head act like a clear roadmap—the shape is flat, making the cut straightforward. But as you reach the nape, the skull starts to curve, and precision and technique become essential to maintain balance and flow. “So what do we do? We use the crown as a pivot point,” he says.

In other words, keep your ribcage pointed at the crown to avoid getting lost in the haircut. This positioning keeps it balanced, stops you from taking off too much and ensures the hair grows out looking just as good as the day it was cut.

5. Master the Tool That Works Best for You

Scissors or clippers? Both can achieve the same result—what really matters is how you use them. Bertus makes it clear: it’s not the tool, it’s the technique. “If you like using scissors, don’t let anyone tell you different—clippers are nothing but a whole row of tiny scissors doing the same thing,” he says.

No matter your tool of choice, understanding shape, balance and control sets great haircuts apart. “There is a stylist for every client and a client for every stylist. Specializing in a certain tool and technique puts your name on the map and people will find you for it,” Bertus says.

More skills, more clients—stream the masterclass now on BTC-U!

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