NYC HAIR GUIDE
NYC Men's Scissor Cuts: Finding a Softer Side and Neckline
Use local portfolios to compare softer tapers and natural necklines, and learn what to ask for in a consultation.
Every image you see is a bookable style. Click any photo to view details and book an appointment with a stylist.
To get a softer haircut that avoids the sharp contrast of a high-and-tight clipper fade, the key is to ask for a scissor cut with a taper instead of a fade. This approach leaves more length on the sides and back, creating a more blended, textured look. The main tradeoff is maintenance: while scissor cuts grow out more gracefully than a skin fade, they may require slightly more frequent trims to maintain their tailored shape.
The Soft Taper
A gradual blend that leaves more length than a fade.
A taper gradually shortens the hair down the sides and back of the head, but it doesn't usually go down to the skin like a fade. It’s often done with scissors over a comb, which gives the stylist more control over the final texture and length. This technique creates a clean, classic shape that complements many styles, from polished side parts to more casual textured crops.
Consultation Tips for a Softer Cut
Use the term 'scissor-over-comb'.
This technique allows for a softer, more textured finish than clippers and clearly communicates that you want to avoid a buzzed look.
Talk about your daily routine.
Let your stylist know how much time you're willing to spend on styling. A scissor cut with more length may require a light pomade or cream to look polished, unlike a very short clipper cut.
Bring multiple reference photos.
Show photos of what you like, but also what you want to avoid. Saying "I like the texture here, but I want to avoid this hard line" gives your stylist precise direction.
Before You Book
Analyze portfolio examples
Look for stylists whose portfolios feature the kind of soft, textured, or tapered cuts you're interested in. This is a better indicator of their expertise than a general salon description.
Consider your hair's texture and density
A scissor cut works differently on fine, straight hair versus thick, curly hair. Find reference photos with a hair type similar to your own for a more realistic idea of the final result.
Compare portfolio photos and discuss your goals with a stylist.
