What tool is essential for blending hair during cutting?

Blending shears or a blending razor are specifically designed for the purpose of seamlessly integrating different lengths of hair and achieving a fluid, natural look. Their unique blade structure allows them to cut some strands while leaving others untouched, which helps in creating layers and reducing bulk without creating a harsh line or blunt edge. This tool is essential when working with textures and ensuring that the transition between lengths appears soft and blended.

In contrast, while a straight razor can be used for slicing techniques that may also yield a blended effect, it is more suited for creating texture rather than specifically for blending. A comb serves primarily as a tool for sectioning and lifting hair during cutting, and regular scissors, while versatile and useful for general cutting tasks, do not provide the specialized blending capabilities that shears or razors do. Thus, blending shears or razors are the ideal tools when the goal is to achieve a smooth, blended finish in a haircut.