✂️ Block Graduation Breakdown | Advanced Shear / Scissor Work Tutorial

I know shear / scissor work is something that a lot of you guys struggle with and want to learn more about. I do quite a bit of block graduation these days and get lots of questions about what i'm doing and why I'm doing it. In this video I will do my best to explain the what's and why's and show you the benefits of doing block graduation. I hope I can help you all improve your scissor work and overall understanding of haircutting!
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✂️ Tools used
Gamma+ Boosted, Black FX Custom Babyliss Boost Clipper, Babyliss Snap FX Clipper, Babyliss Snap FX Trimmer, Babyliss Custom FX Shaver, Gamma UNO Shaver, Andis Slimline Pro, Stylecraft Rebel, Stylecraft Saber Trimmer. Klutch enhancement card, Beam Team XL, Tomb45 No drip, Tomb45 Power Mat, Tomb45 Powerclips.
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Welcome to the official KZbin Channel of Seancutshair - Learn how to cut every type of Hair! ✂️
From hair tutorials and equipment discussions to business topics and everything in between, this channel is your go-to spot for anything barbershop related. I am Sean Ralston, owner of Klutch Barber Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky, creator of the Klutch enhancement card, and educational entrepreneur on a mission to share my knowledge with the barber community and beyond.
➡️ In modern society, a haircut is an extension of an individual's style or personality. With much room for individuality, a haircut has the power to change how people view themselves and the image they wish to present to the outside world. People often have a specific vision for the look they want and our job as barbers is to bring those concepts to life.
➡️ Complete with step-by-step haircut tutorials, equipment unboxing, and discussions about business tips and tricks, this channel is covering all the burning topics in today's barber industry. Like and subscribe to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the barber world. Be sure to hit that bell to never miss a video! 🔔
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#Seancutshair #haircuttutorial #haircut #stepbystep #blockgraduation #scissorwork #shearwork #scissors #shears #barber

[@Seancutshair]

Hope you guys enjoyed this video!!! Leave me some feedback on the live voiceovers! While you’re here make sure to hit that 👍🏻 and subscribe with the 🔔 turned on!!!

[@ian6921]

There's obviously a lot of ways to skin a cat. But your way is the fastest I've seen. Bravo.

[@Guzmies]

pls whats the name of the liquid you sprayed before you started blow drying?i think its was to hold @exactly 8:14

[@sabsgunner8586]

What a magnificent video

[@shanur]

This was everything I wanted in a block graduation tutorial and more, thank you Sean

[@Seancutshair]

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@karlbrennan9105]

One piece of advice I’d offer is to start your block grad on the widest part of the head which is above the ear. This ensures a square shape as you cut towards the front of the head. Also, using cross graduation through the back of the head connects the two sides much better. Use cross grad in the direction the crown is flowing

[@Seancutshair]

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@scottmckee6865]

With the way Sean is cutting the block graduation with the middle finger against the head, it doesn't really matter where he starts. Because the finger is against the head it is going to naturally follow the shape of the head. So, it really depends on the shape you are trying to create. If trying to maintain that square shape, from a top down view, he would actually need to pull his fingers off the side of the head slightly to maintain that straight line.

[@hollybigwood8939]

Hello, Im a cosmologist working hard to nail down men’s cuts. I understand graduation as building weight in the form . What is cross graduation? Does it refer to the clipper work at the back of head?

[@S0N0FJACK]

​@Holly Bigwood cross graduation also known as round graduation is when you cut on a diagonal line. It maintains more length and flow towards the Partial Ridge while blending into shorter hair below. It's normally done by keeping knuckles on scalp and angeling fingers slightly away from the head. Hope that helps

[@hollybigwood8939]

@@S0N0FJACK thanks for the explanation! That helped! Cheers!

[@antoniotowers388]

Love the way you break everything down, and make it a little easier for us to comprehend the techniques. Keep doing your thing G.

[@Seancutshair]

Will do 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@draculamaxxed]

This tutorial has been a lifesaver! 7 months into cutting professionally and I’d been struggling with doing short sides and a long top. I did some of my best cuts today, thanks man 👊🏻

[@Seancutshair]

That’s great!

[@jaymcdonald983]

yeah a lot of hair has always overwhelmed me...i needed this

[@Seancutshair]

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@massterrbarber]

I actually used this technique for a client and it worked great thanks for sharing your experience ❤

[@Seancutshair]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hollybigwood8939]

wonderful instructor! I’m a cosmologist so scissor work I get. It’s the clipper work that is sweat inducing😂( my goal to master as best I can.) I am so excited to use this! I definitely recommend practicing on mannequin’s! I use Pivot Point snap cap. I love them! I get a lot of wear out of them! So happy! 🙏 Thank you!

[@Seancutshair]

Thank you! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@richardnieves3766]

Hey Sean love your content. I’m a barber student would love to see more scissor cuts. You’re a great inspiration.

[@Seancutshair]

I’m recording all that I can! 👌🏻

[@antwallace4594]

sean i been watching you and chis bossio matty blendz and eddie the you tube academy. I graduated barber school two years ago and learn more watching you four guys. Specially the way you brake down block graduation felt funnt doing it at first buy my clients are starting to let me tackle haircut anyway as long as i get it done

[@Seancutshair]

Nice! Just keep practicing it gets easier and easier

[@Zerozensei]

Hey Sean, just came by to say that since I watched this video of yours and tried it.. It became a technique that I cannot live without anymore.. been using it so much lately! Such a game changer. Thank you so much 🙏

[@Seancutshair]

Great to hear! Keep at it 👊🏼

[@nickschwabenland]

I woulda been so mad if you didn’t show the rest the cut😹🔥🔥🔥

[@Seancutshair]

Glad I did then!

[@Seancutshair]

Glad I did then!

[@nickschwabenland]

@@Seancutshair your the 🐐, you made everybody glad by doing so. keep grinding love the vids 🔥

[@supremetrimmer]

A great tutorial. Such a good work on breaking it down to make it a little easier to understand for people that want to learn. 🙌💯

[@Seancutshair]

Appreciate it! Definitely what I’m trying to do!

[@issac1904Oside]

It's good you took the glove off to see your work better

[@Seancutshair]

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@brucewayne2091]

I said before & I'll say it again, you make doing the top easy! Still waiting for that up close video on seeing the guide when doing clipper & scissor/comb 😉

[@Seancutshair]

I’ve been trying to show a little more of the guides!

[@brucewayne2091]

@@Seancutshair Appreciate it!

[@maximusrodriguez7748]

Dude this definitely helped a lot. It’s harder being left handed but the explanation was exactly what I needed.

[@Seancutshair]

Do it the same way just flipped!

[@oliviareynolds7353]

Damn dude you are a really good educator. This helped me a lot. The skin line video helped me so much. But this once again something I always kind of understood but didn't really know why I did what I did so thank you for making it make sense so I can nail down an actual formula for these cuts 🔥🔥🔥

[@oliviareynolds7353]

Also much easier to see without the glove

[@Seancutshair]

Appreciate it! Glad it helped!

[@luisurena8789]

Looking good but, black hair dark hair, dark comb, and black gloves. Making me have to put on my reading glasses. 😂

[@Seancutshair]

Yeah I’ve since switched to no gloves and a white smock and stand behind the head lol

[@highflyer72]

I like this technique, it does seem faster!

[@Seancutshair]

It’s good! Try it!

[@Brisius]

What a fresh cut, his back looks dope

[@Seancutshair]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@calebturner4724]

Hey man I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all of your content. Right now I’m trying to learn a bit about cutting hair and your chanel has really helped me learn a lot.

[@Seancutshair]

Love to hear it!

[@phillyhank8726]

What's up brother Sean? hey man, I love ALL Ur vids. Ur style of cutting really sticks in my head, like, I really get it, but one thing I noticed, not only with you but pretty much every barber I follow. It's when u guys place the comb on to the head to locate the ridge. I understand that is done to locate where the head starts to curve. Now, I'm not a pro barber and maybe I'm wrong but what I do to locate the ridge is just use light. I just spot the area right underneath the glare created by the light, which is reflected right at the highest peak of the client's ridge. So, the bottom edge of the glare is right where the head starts to turn. just wanted to see if I'm the only one that does this.

[@Seancutshair]

Never heard of that but if it works have at it!

[@sabsgunner8586]

This is the type of video I've been looking for all along

[@Seancutshair]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@djgrusm3367]

I’m definitely trying this top first technique: How would you apply this technique if they give you a predetermined length that they want off the top? Example: 2” ?

[@Seancutshair]

You could still set up the sides in a similar way. Then cut the top down to their desired length

[@blendzcityblueb4862]

@Seancutshair Thank you so much for this video. I’ve been struggling with connecting long hair to the fade. I’ve never had some explain things so easily that it just made sense. Thank you SOOOOOO MUCH!

[@Seancutshair]

Good to hear!!!

[@classicbarberacademy]

Hey bro" this clue does make a good sense indeed, a major win.

[@Seancutshair]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@LeviCutz]

SHEEEEEEEEEEEESH. Killin' it. I've been doing this a lot actually. GOATED.

[@Seancutshair]

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@roliggg]

I have found Kim Jong Ung´s barber !

[@Seancutshair]

🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jenniferballard1672]

Love it, to me it simplified the top and ridge.

[@Seancutshair]

Yes! It doesn’t have to be too complicated

[@johnthach9802]

I have a hard time using block graduation on Asian texture, BUT contrary to popular belief the FADING part is much easier … Thanks for the help Sean!

[@Seancutshair]

It is definitely tough on this springy hair!

[@jamessinclair833]

I still find myself using a comb as a guide and running the clipper up. Fast and I get the same shape. Its frustrating because I want to use this technique but it feels redundant.

[@Seancutshair]

You’re not understanding the difference of controlling the hair using this technique. Just running a clipper up seems to be the same but I’m some scenarios you’ll ruin all the length you were trying to leave

[@jamessinclair833]

@@Seancutshair one hundred percent, and at times I've had cut crowns too short using block graduation 🤷‍♂️ #getgoodkid

[@beingashope]

I agree with you 100%

[@luky6125]

Hey man I think it would be cool if you wear white gloves just for us to see the dark color hair a little bit more and see what exactly your doing! Thank you!

[@Seancutshair]

I don’t have white gloves but I’ve started taking gloves off for scissor work

[@Morpheus0014]

Great vid. I started using block graduation on a few of my clients now. And it does pay off. It’s nice finishing on the fade and shape up and styling to be honest. Have you got any vids on using thinning shears and how to use them properly?

[@Seancutshair]

Yeah it’s a solid technique, most people that think it’s unnecessary don’t understand what it is doing that’s different than what they do. Was hoping this video would explain that. No thinning shear videos I hardly use them but I will see about making one

[@klismanprendi]

Everything was helpful , but in my opinion like a barber I think the right side of tapper need little bit to go more smoothly. But still looks good 👍🏼.

[@Seancutshair]

Appreciate the feedback

[@leonj103]

4:20 you can always do this? No matter the hairstyle? You can just get it to your guideline en cut the length on top to it no matter if you have a slickback?

[@leonj103]

Also, you remove lenght. Can you also not remove lengte, but still connect the top with the sides? Woth the middle natural parting en cut the sides without cutting the top. Or will it be uneven?

[@Seancutshair]

You can decide if you want it to connect or be longer and disconnected, connected in the back and over directed in the front, you have freedom to create what you want

[@g.a.williams9785]

Great Video!!!!👍I watched this video this morning before work, and actually used this technique today in the shop. The cut came out great, keep making content, this video came in Klutch!

[@Seancutshair]

Hell yeah that’s what I like to hear!

[@betobreakers17]

Dope tutorial! Made everything easy to follow. Something that would be helpful in any of your scissor work tutorials would be to maybe take the gloves off so we can better see the sections of the hair you’re cutting

[@Seancutshair]

Yeah I need to start doing that I always cut them anyway lol

[@jaimecastellanos3212]

This amazing info. Thanks alot. Specially in a busy shop this is gold info. Thanks Boss 👍🙏

[@Seancutshair]

Glad it was helpful!

[@samanthasequoiasamsquanch7818]

Mens cuts are my biggest insecurity and you make it look so effortless.

[@Seancutshair]

Thanks! Just keep at it!!

[@Lesbewives]

This thumbnail had me thinking your were about to cut a black lady short style 😮‍💨 I’m like damn Sean really cuts hair 😅

[@Seancutshair]

😂😂😂

[@sdxgladiator2804]

How do you know when to do block graduation and when to do Mohawk guideline sheer work ?

[@tiernytassler3900]

This is great, really good explanation! Thank you!

[@Seancutshair]

You're very welcome!

[@tiernytassler3900]

Great video, thank you so much!

[@Seancutshair]

You're very welcome!

[@RobWardley]

Great video, thank you. Just not sure why you do the final scissor work part where you went down the middle of the head and had short hair either side of the section you picked up? Thank you

[@Seancutshair]

That’s how this process works, when you tie in zones 3 and 4 to each side it leaves a small section (zone 5) down the middle to do last

[@mflo6890]

As always brother, that was an extremely helpful video.. thank you so much fam! 🙌🏽

[@Seancutshair]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@emmanuelreyes4451]

You’re a great teacher man! 💈🙏🔥

[@Seancutshair]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@scottmckee6865]

Amazing video Sean!!! DFS at work!! 💪💪💪

[@Seancutshair]

Always! 👊🏼

[@panchorodriguez7709]

Awesome video, easy to understand and hope to see more like this.

[@Seancutshair]

Thanks and there will be!

[@alanhernandez6885]

really easy to follow along and i really needed this thank you sean

[@Seancutshair]

Appreciate it!

[@cicco1838]

Awesome work broo!

[@Seancutshair]

Thanks 🔥

[@jamesjames8974]

I'm wondering why barbers cut into the nape making a line from bottom of ear to ear which is an un-natural hairline. Better if head is up not bent forward and down when cutting. Keeping head up straight following the natural hairline looks more natural. More natural and less funky then cutting into the nape making a fake hairline ....as in cutting into the hairline. Otherwise it looks awesome.

[@Seancutshair]

Not better for your back 😂

[@alexsylvester1258]

Great job of breaking it down thanks for that 🙏🏻

[@Seancutshair]

👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

[@madisonedenfield2939]

This helped so much very informative thank you 🥹

[@Seancutshair]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hammiethebarber4254]

Another 🔥🔥🔥 cut, Sean.always appreciate the work.

[@Seancutshair]

Thanks homie 🙏🏼

[@vinceday_]

Great cut bro! Love the breakdown of graduation. 🙏🏾

[@Seancutshair]

Thanks dude 🙏🏼

[@ingalill]

Im gonna cut my son's hair this way , thanks!

[@Seancutshair]

Welcome!

[@maguireallen5121]

What do you do, if you set in your block graduation and cut the top to the length that matches the sides, and then the client tells you he wants more length off? Do you have to re-set in your block graduation shorter on the ridge? Thanks Sean!

[@Seancutshair]

You can take just the top shorter, the initial weight you set will still be needed to fill in the sides

[@donnielindon1015]

Awesome job man stay safe yall

[@Seancutshair]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@wufadez]

Thank for the tips man. Fire cut!

[@Seancutshair]

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@Digitally_Lyndsey]

So informative! Thank you for sharing.

[@Seancutshair]

Glad it was helpful!

[@olliegilbert8340]

I call this the Yu yu hakasho cut spirit gun

[@Seancutshair]

Well alright 👌🏻

[@hirogaming5471]

Can you show how to cut a side part?

[@Seancutshair]

I have a few videos of those!

[@hirogaming5471]

@@Seancutshair okey thanks

[@RAPONGA]

Good job a man

[@Seancutshair]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jesseruiz2337]

Your way of shear work makes it much easier to learn, thatks for sharing. What brand blow dryer is that? I have the chromed wahl one, but that compact one you use would fit better in my tool case.

[@Seancutshair]

Welcome! It’s a Dyson supersonic

[@shaunwilliams6777]

Love this bro, dfs formula 🙌🔥

[@Seancutshair]

💯💯💯

[@louisgomez18]

When should you choose block graduation over clipper over comb?

[@Seancutshair]

When a haircut is shorter and more square to the head I use clipper over comb. When there is more hair needed in the parietal ridge I use block graduation to protect the length and style

[@louisgomez18]

@@Seancutshair got it! thank you for the reply!

[@babybird1081]

So using block graduation what if customer wanted another length on top?

[@Seancutshair]

You can customize it to the lengths they want

[@andrzejdudu2953]

do you know how to do a proper graduation on the sides with the weight line left on the sides ?

[@Seancutshair]

You can do it this way or clipper over comb. I tend to always take it out more than I want to. Just so trained to have things smooth and clean.

[@joshdanao5650]

Great tutorial sir!

[@Seancutshair]

Glad you liked it!

[@myronmathurin3289]

Bro u so skill nice work love your channel bro educational great vides🔥👊🏽💯💥

[@Seancutshair]

I appreciate it 🙏🏼

[@chuckhunter8740]

Hi brother great video and technique. Can I ask you what kind of scissors are those?

[@Seancutshair]

FreshShears. I have a few videos on them

[@chuckhunter8740]

@@Seancutshair can you tell me the exact model you're using in this video. I really like them

[@a.dkutzbarber]

really enjoyed this and it helped alot 🔥

[@Seancutshair]

Good to hear!

[@ARSENIO3234]

Amazing as usual.

[@Seancutshair]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@bettyricks7033]

Nice cute you no your stuff witch is good.👍👍👍

[@Seancutshair]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@bengreenan6957]

Would it still be ok if you started with the back and sides then do the square layer after

[@Seancutshair]

You can do it however is comfortable for you

[@arkeishasmith5946]

Great work and very informative 👏

[@Seancutshair]

Thanks!

[@nasmr02]

Fire like always 🔥

[@Seancutshair]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@denisbasshead7787]

Υο Sean nice work again👉✊👈

[@Seancutshair]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@denisbasshead7787]

@@Seancutshair and me thank you for all your job you share here at youtube and i learn better because i start barberschool academy and i love so much to see profesionals like you and learn better always

[@peluqueria2.0oficial6]

Exelente y los numeros al lado fue de ayuda 👍

[@nermo.artist]

Dope! Thanks Sean!

[@Seancutshair]

Welcome 🙏🏼

[@eyo31abe]

Amazing work!!

[@Seancutshair]

Thank you!

[@harrywakeling1244]

so clean man!!!

[@Seancutshair]

Thanks!

[@robrealcuts]

So what guard usually flows into the block graduation

[@Seancutshair]

3 or 4 depending on your finger size

[@robrealcuts]

@@Seancutshair bet that brotha. Thanks. I do 3 closed and I feel like it takes away too much of the darkness I’m trying to keep.

[@juliancerna]

Sean thanks for this. 👏🏼

[@Seancutshair]

Welcome!

[@igotyoufaded7810]

Im the beginning do you keep ur fingers on his head tight when creating box graduation or u lift of a bit?

[@Seancutshair]

You can do whatever you want. On this cut they’re against the head

[@drippycuttz]

Great video!

[@Seancutshair]

Thanks!

[@LoneWolff217]

How far back do you cut with scissors on top? Like past the upper half of the hair swirl?

[@Seancutshair]

From the crown forward

[@tommynguyen.3485]

hi sean - thanks for the video ... does it works to leave the length longer on the top/side and fade "gradually" around the head with the clipper?

[@paccccc1ui]

What spray are you using before blow drying?

[@Seancutshair]

Statement grooming spray

[@emmacarrroll8814]

Hey Sean your videos are incredible would you use block graduation all the time? Or only in certain caes? Surely you can just use it all the time obviously depending what the clients wants?

[@Seancutshair]

Yeah it just depends on what the client wants. Most of the time it’s a style with more length I start with block graduation. Sometimes on the shorter cuts I may just clipper over comb or start with a guard

[@emmacarrroll8814]

@@Seancutshair ok cool thanks Sean x

[@solidgroundministries6469]

What kind of cam you using to record your vidz. Also what kind of hair dryer you using?

[@Seancutshair]

I film with a Canon Eos R. The blowdryer is a Dyson

[@hueyfreeman2200]

Love yo shit bro bro keep this shit goin 🔥🔥

[@Seancutshair]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@billm.5087]

Hi Sean, I really appreciate your "turtorials"! very helpful. coming from a Cosmotology Field , transitioning into Barbering is very exciting. however, I need to learn so much. The Parietal Ridge is never really finished well for me. Ive tried scissor over comb, clippers etc. Fading? either high, med, low, I need advice on the first line and second line process! Do the gloves help with grip? Also, product, there's a spray you use? I would consider one on one class with you, if that's something available? Or if your in the North Carolina area for a training course sometime. Thank you, Bill

[@Seancutshair]

I have a couple step by step fade and taper videos, some of my most viewed which really break down those first fade steps. Gloves are really just to prevent hair splinters, no difference in grip or anything

[@billm.5087]

@@Seancutshair Thank you!

[@mingmrx954]

cool bro thank you

[@Seancutshair]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@juanabeldelgado8376]

Quick question are ceramic blades worth it? To mod on clippers? Would you put one on the style craft rebel you have?

[@Seancutshair]

I bought into it for a minute but I don’t think it’s necessary. Haven’t used them in a while

[@juanabeldelgado8376]

Thanks bro great channel you have here

[@nicholasmoody87]

Gem of a video!

[@Seancutshair]

Thank you!!!

[@leelongoria692]

Dope video Sean!! Live voiceovers 👌🏽! Did you use the canon m50 with the 24-70 lens for this video?

[@Seancutshair]

I have a canon eos r now

[@leelongoria692]

Oh ok. I just ordered the m50 with the “big dawg lens”. I appreciate you dropping fire content. Keep up the great work! 🙏🏽 💈 🔥

[@Seancutshair]

@@leelongoria692 that’s a solid set up 👌🏻

[@sabrinas5559]

Which clippers and trimmer is he using ?

[@donxbarber]

This helped a lot

[@Seancutshair]

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@waltercruz9651]

Sean, need you to hook me up with the Rebel DC motor. Ive seen its sold seperately. Can I get a link? Thanks. Helpful video like always

[@Seancutshair]

Not sure might be able to get it from SC

[@waltercruz9651]

@@Seancutshair ive seen it at barbersalon and thi dude on ebay but cant get shipping to P.R..