Modern Salon
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

The Deserted Island Challenge: #1 Haircutting Tool

The old question is: "You are stuck on a deserted island. You can only have one haircutting tool. Which tool would you bring?"

October 4, 2012
2 min to read


The old question is: "You are stuck on a deserted island.  You can only have one haircutting tool. Which tool would you bring?"  Most people who know me would think I would pick a clipper.  Wrong.  I cannot take my clipper because it is a deserted island and there is no place to plug it in.  The cordless clipper is not an option since I cannot recharge it once it’s dead.


Ivan Zoot


My pick is my blending scissors.  A classic barber blender is the secret weapon of every great men's haircutter.  The versatility and options available with a quality bending scissors are endless and exciting.

Ad Loading...

 Proper shear-over-comb with a blender lets you take a surface down smoothly and progressively.  If you have strong shear-over-comb skills you can put out an amazing taper.  If your shear-over-comb skills are in need of more development there is no better tool than a blender to build this important skill and the confidence to deliver it.





 Strong lines and geometric shapes can be created with a good blender.  The teeth of a good blender are finer and closer than notching shears.  Grasping a section and repeatedly taking it down will produce precision lines that fall beautifully.  Some of the dry hair cutting masters like Yosh are wizards with a blending scissors, creating very impressive, classic shapes with ease.

 Layering with a barber blender is the key to smooth transitions and many classic guy looks.  No guy haircut is properly finished without the touches of a blending scissors.

 Blending with a blender?  Do I even need to explain that one?

 A world class blending scissors is a career investment that will pay off every day in the shop and can be indispensable on that deserted island.

Ad Loading...

 I guess the only question left is "Who are you going to cut?" The island is deserted.


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Career

Ad Loading...
Michelle Bowden works on a hair piece on a mannequin
Career|Articles|Apr 15, 2026

How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)

From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.

Ad Loading...
Career|Articles|Jan 9, 2026

Beautiful Careers Happen Here

Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!

Sponsored by Ulta Beauty

Ad Loading...