Apprentice Cutting Checklist: Before, During and After
A practice checklist for apprentices: what to set up before you cut, what to watch while you work, and what to note after, plus a printable record.
By SalonScissors editorial team Updated
Practice sticks when each session has one goal. Run through this before, during and after you cut, then take it to your educator.
Your educator sets the technique, the supervision and what counts as done. This checklist just keeps each session focused.
Before you cut
- Write down the exercise and the line or shape you’re aiming for.
- Note your scissors: model, size and hand. Use the same pair for the whole exercise.
- Check they’re clean and open and close smoothly.
- Set out your comb, clips and a safe spot to rest the scissors.
- Agree with your educator where you’ll pause for feedback.
Pick one thing to watch that fits the exercise. For a blunt line, that might be how clearly you can follow the guide. For over-comb, whether the comb stayed at the same angle.
While you cut
- Keep the guide and the section in view.
- Follow the sectioning and cutting order you agreed.
- Pause at the agreed point and compare before taking more.
- Note where the line drifted, a section got hard to see or the scissors caught.
- Ask for feedback when something looks different from what you expected.
Write down what happened, not why. “Hair folded on the second close” is something your educator can help you sort out. If the scissors keep catching, stop and get them checked.
After you cut
- Check the finished shape the way your educator asks, wet or dry.
- Write their feedback next to your own note.
- Take a photo if you’re allowed, from the same angle each time.
- Clean, dry and put away your scissors. Our cleaning routine shows the steps.
- Choose one change for next time, and one thing to keep the same.
Copy this record
Using a notebook instead of the PDF? Start the page with the date, your educator, the exercise and the result you’re aiming for, and your scissors (model, size and hand). Then fill in this grid:
| When | What I noticed | Feedback and next check |
|---|---|---|
| Before cutting | ||
| First pause | ||
| Finished result | ||
| Scissor care |
Finish with one change for next time and one thing you’ll keep the same.
Here’s what a good “one change” looks like: “Same sectioning exercise, same cutter. Pause after the first section so my educator can check the guide.” Change one thing at a time and you’ll know what made the difference.
Common questions
What should I write down?
The exercise, the scissors you used (model, size and hand), what you noticed and one change for next time. That’s enough to compare one session with the next.
Which scissors should I practise with?
The pair on your course list. Still buying? If you’re not sure, start with a 5.5” cutter, and add a thinner when your course asks for one.
What if my scissors keep folding the hair?
Stop and get them checked. Folding after a clean usually points to the edge or the tension. Our guide to dragging scissors explains what to look for.
Next step
Still putting your kit together? This Ichiro Ergo set pairs an Ergo cutter with a 6.0”, 30-tooth thinner. Choose the 5.5” convex slice or the 6.0” micro-serrated cutter.
Ichiro Ergo Slice & Serrated Hairdressing Scissor Set
Best for apprentices who need a cutter and a thinner
For more first-kit options, see our apprentice scissor guide.
Comparing scissors for your kit?
Tell us what you cut and which scissors you are comparing.
Useful next reading
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