Why precision cutting is key to an effortlessly chic haircut
Attention to detail has never been more important in hairdressing.
Why? Because 2025’s hottest trends are all about chic short hair. From blunt and curly bobs to the classic pixie and hybrid ‘bixie’ (as seen on Nicole Kidman at the Met Gala), cropped looks are everywhere right now.
To ensure a neat finish, these face-framing styles require a greater level of accuracy than longer looks, but that doesn’t mean a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Short bobs are very prevalent at the moment, and they’re based on a precision haircut, but most people want versatility, they don’t want it to stay in one position,” says Paul Edmonds.
“We use precision but then soften the edges and texturise the hair so the client can move it around. That kind of personalisation is what modern hairdressing is all about.”
Selena Gomez recently unveiled a wavy bob which is a perfect example of the personalised precision look, as is Emma Stone’s super-short pixie cut, which Paul refers to as the hair equivalent of athleisure fashion: “You can go to the gym, do your hair, and it's effortless, but it's got a really strong shape.”
Director Tasha says these effortlessly cool looks are part of the evolution of the ‘clean girl aesthetic’ trend that has been huge on social media. “All these trendy bobs, even when they have a softer silhouette, they still fall into precision cutting because of the way they’re cut and styled.”
And lots of current men’s hair trends require a meticulous technique, Paul says, including “the floppy hair that's longer through the top but has a strong outline shape.”
Here, Paul and Tasha explain the benefits of precision cutting, how they practise it in the salon, and offer their styling tips for the latest on-trend looks…
WHAT IS PRECISION CUTTING?
Precision cutting is the art of sculpting hair while paying careful attention to shape, structure and movement.
“It normally involves blunt cutting techniques – which require accuracy and balance – to create a technically correct look that you can replicate exactly,” Paul explains. In contrast, with freehand cutting, “you’re not so worried about a controlled look.”
Tasha uses the analogy of engineering versus sculpture. “With precision cutting, like engineering, you calculate the angles and decide precisely what you will do before you start to cut.” Freehand cutting is more like sculpture, where “you start with a material and try to edit the shape based on how it falls.”
While freehand cutting generally creates a more undone finish, the precision technique is “very versatile and can be textured,” Tasha continues. “You can combine different things, like texturing or taking weight out or rebalancing the shape.”
That’s particularly true for textured hair, Paul says: “With curly and wavy hair, we may soften the look or end up cutting twice, first before the hair has been shampooed and again after.”
Even long locks require a more meticulous method at times. Paul has a client who travels a lot and only gets her long hair layered when she comes into the salon because ”hairdressers abroad don't know how to layer it properly. I do a blunt layering technique and she likes that because it lasts longer.”
Indeed, precision cuts are designed to last longer and grow out gracefully. “They've got the structure that holds the haircut together,” Paul says, meaning easier at-home maintenance and fewer salon visits.
PRECISION CUTTING AT PAUL EDMONDS
Not just any hair stylist can craft a precision haircut.
“That's partly because of how training is done these days,” Paul explains. “Training is more topline and hairdressers are being taught how to texturise rather than being taught the very strong basics.”
But at Paul Edmonds London, we have a host of stylists who are experts in precision cutting, including Paul, who was trained in the iconic Vidal Sassoon method, and Tasha, who says, “I believe that one should have a very strong precision cutting technique first, and only then can you move onto freehand techniques.”
She’s thrilled that bob and pixie styles are on trend this year because she loves crafting “clean shapes and short cuts – it always puts me in a good mood.”
Paul is well-versed in classic cuts such as graduated or blunt bobs, while all of our team members use a bespoke approach to create a cut that flatters the client’s hair type and face shape.
If you’re thinking of switching up your look and opting for a shorter style, our front of house team can advise on who would be the best stylist for you.
STYLING TIPS AND PRODUCTS FOR PRECISION CUTS
When it comes to styling a precision haircut, your product choice will depend on how sleek or textured you want to go.
For neat styles, Paul says, “Oribe Foundation Mist primer is great as a blow-dry spray because it will hold the look together,” or the frizz-fighting Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray creates “healthy-looking hair without being too heavy.”
For hair that’s left to air-dry, Tasha says the lightweight Oribe Hair Alchemy Fortifying Serum is ideal because it “controls the hair and stops it going fluffy,” and it’s a firm favourite among her clients. “Every single person who tries it comes back and says it’s probably the best product they’ve ever owned.”
Oway Styling & Finish Nurturing Drops, which can be used on wet or dry hair, are “great for anyone who wants a little bit of shine through the ends,” Paul says. For a slightly undone pixie cut a la Emma Stone, he recommends Oribe Gel Serum. “It gives the hair a little bit of texture and weight, but it's not greasy.”
A cut above the rest
Bold bobs and cool crops are bang on trend right now, and a meticulous cutting technique is a must when creating these elegant yet effortless styles.
With no shortage of precision cutting specialists at Paul Edmonds London, you can count on our stylists to craft a beautifully flattering and versatile look every time.
Tempted to try a jaw-skimming bob or pretty pixie cut? Book your next appointment at Paul Edmonds London.
FURTHER READING
