The 70s are back, bringing longer men's hairstyles that challenge barbers across Australia. Award-winning barber and educator Mikail Dasko knows this struggle firsthand. After running a successful Canberra barbershop and now teaching at Victoria University Polytechnic in Melbourne, he has discovered that medium-to-long men's cuts require constant tool switching, which slows down work and strains the body. That's until he found his game-changer: the Osaka TAN 6.5" scissors. Here's how one versatile tool transformed his approach to modern men's styling.

The Unexpected Comeback: Why Medium-Long Men's Hair is Dominating 2025

Australia's hairdressing industry is booming, with employment projected to jump from 63.5 thousand to 69.6 thousand professionals by 2026. This growth comes down to how dramatically men's grooming habits have shifted—we're talking about a massive $3.9 billion industry here. Men are going for longer styles that honestly haven't been this popular since the '70s, which means there's real opportunity out there for barbers who know how to nail these techniques.

The global male grooming market is on track to hit over $29 billion in 2024, and Australians are absolutely at the forefront of this movement. They want sophisticated styles that require advanced scissor work rather than basic short haircuts.

From Short Cuts to Statement Styles

Modern barbering has come a long way from those basic clipper and scissor cuts we used to do. Now we're talking textured, layered styles that demand serious scissor techniques, skilful blending, and genuine artistic flair. These aren't your typical fade-and-trim jobs but cuts that push barbers to learn completely new approaches and get familiar with specialised tools for longer hair. If you want to keep clients happy, sharpening those scissor skills is your only option. 

The Technical Challenge for Today's Barbers

Longer men's hairstyles are genuinely tricky. All that complex volume, different textures, and unpredictable growth patterns require precise scissor techniques and specific angles that frankly, most barbers never learned in training. These modern textured styles easily eat up 45 minutes or more, which is a far cry from that quick 20-minute short cuts. Barbers must master these skills to deliver quality efficiently, as every minute counts in client service.

Mikail Dasko's Journey from Award-Winning Shop Owner to Industry Educator

From Canberra Champion to Melbourne Mentor

After achieving recognition for his barbering excellence in Canberra, Mikail joined Victoria University Polytechnic as a barbering instructor. This transition gives him a unique perspective on both practical application and teaching methodology.

His role at Area Studio in Melbourne keeps him current with trends and techniques. This dual position means he understands both the theory and reality of modern barbering challenges.

Why Teaching Demands the Best Tools

Teaching barbering requires consistent results, impossible with subpar tools. When you're showing aspiring barbers how to nail precision cuts, your scissors absolutely have to deliver flawlessly every single time.

Mikail discovered that mediocre tools don't just affect his work—they undermine his teaching credibility. Students notice when techniques don't work as demonstrated, and often the problem isn't skill but equipment quality.

Why Most Barbers Struggle with Long Hair Techniques

Research shows hairdressers work with arms elevated above 60 degrees for 6.8% of their workday. During customer tasks, this increases to 9.0%, compared to 3.7% during auxiliary tasks. This strain becomes challenging when constantly switching between tools.

All that constant reaching, grabbing, and repositioning of different scissors just piles on unnecessary repetitive motion to what's already a physically demanding job. Your body pays the price for inefficient tool management.

The Constant Tool-Switching Dilemma

Traditional approaches require different scissors for different techniques. You might start with 7" shears for bulk removal, switch to 6" for precision work, then grab thinning shears for texture. Each switch interrupts your flow and adds physical stress. This doesn't just slow you down—it breaks your concentration.

Precision vs. Efficiency

We bet there are a few times you were torn between precision and efficiency when it comes to longer styles. You think detailed work requires multiple specialised tools, whilst efficiency means compromising quality.

Here's the thing: the right tool actually gives you both precision and efficiency. It's not about hoarding more scissors—it's about finding that one perfect pair that can handle multiple techniques without sacrificing performance.

Enter the Game-Changer: Why Mikail Chose the Osaka TAN 6.5

"This black, sleek, lightweight, versatile and affordable scissor is the perfect choice for scissor over-comb, precision cutting, slicing and notching," explains Mikail. After testing various options, he found the Osaka TAN 6.5" could handle every technique he needed for modern men's styling.

Four Techniques, One Perfect Tool

The Osaka TAN 6.5 excels in scissor-over-comb work, essential for longer men's cuts, delivering precision for detailed areas, clean slicing for texture, and seamless notching for natural layers. Its versatility allows Mikail to complete entire haircuts without switching tools, maintaining optimal hand positioning and unbroken rhythm. This ensures consistently excellent results for clients.

The Sweet Spot: Why 6.5" Makes All the Difference

"The size is all about preference and 6.5 is a great medium if you want to do a little bit of everything without constantly changing your tools," notes Mikail. This length provides enough blade to handle longer sections efficiently whilst maintaining control for detailed work.

Scissor-Over-Comb to Precision Slicing

Mastering the Scissor-Over-Comb Foundation

Scissor-over-comb forms the backbone of longer men's cuts. The Osaka TAN 6.5's sharp Japanese steel cuts cleanly without pulling or dragging, even through thick hair. The balanced weight distribution prevents hand fatigue during extended cutting sessions.

Precision Cutting Without the Bulk

Precision work around hairlines demands absolute control. The Osaka TAN 6.5's ergonomic design allows fine motor control, whilst the sharp edge ensures clean cuts that won't fray or split ends. This means seamless transitions from bulk removal to detail work without changing tools. 

Advanced Slicing and Notching Techniques

Modern men's styles rely on texture created through slicing and notching. The Osaka TAN 6.5's Japanese steel construction delivers the edge retention needed for these demanding techniques, creating movement and natural blending.

The Professional's Choice: Comfort Equals Quality Results

Research in ergonomic tool design emphasises "bending the tool, not the wrist." Studies show ergonomically designed cutting tools result in reduced wrist deviation, higher usability scores, and less hand and finger discomfort during extended use.

The Osaka TAN 6.5 incorporates these principles whilst maintaining performance standards that professional barbers demand.

Japanese Steel Meets Ergonomic Innovation

Japanese steel didn't earn its legendary reputation by accident—it's genuinely exceptional when it comes to sharpness and edge retention. The Osaka TAN 6.5 uses that premium Japanese steel that keeps its cutting edge sharp through literally hundreds of haircuts. This consistency means your technique remains stable, and results stay professional. The ergonomic design reduces physical stress from repetitive cutting motions. When performing 8-10 haircuts daily, this comfort factor becomes crucial for career longevity.

Why Lightweight Doesn't Mean Less Durable

The lightweight construction reduces hand fatigue whilst maintaining cutting performance. Modern metallurgy allows strong, durable construction without excessive weight. The reduced weight also improves precision control during detailed work.

Why This Scissor Works from Students to Hair Experts

"Suitable for all levels to help tackle these new trends," emphasises Mikail. This versatility makes it excellent for barbering students learning techniques and experienced professionals adapting to longer styles.

Beginning barbers benefit from one reliable tool that handles various techniques as they develop skills. Advanced barbers appreciate the efficiency and consistency of mastering one exceptional tool.

Investment in Your Craft: The ROI of Quality Tools

Professional scissors are investments in your craft and career sustainability. Quality scissors like the Osaka scissors maintain performance over thousands of cuts, providing consistent results that build client loyalty.

The efficiency gains from using one versatile tool add up quickly. If you save two minutes per haircut by eliminating tool switches, that's 16 extra minutes daily with eight clients. 

Your clients deserve the best—and so do you.

The Osaka TAN 6.5, as Mikail Dasko has shown us, is genuinely changing how Australian barbers tackle modern men's styling—boosting precision while protecting your body and building your professional reputation. Built with thoughtful ergonomic designs and that legendary Japanese steel, OSAKA's professional scissors give you unmatched sharpness and comfort for those flawless client results. For over 30 years, stylists around the world have put their trust in OSAKA's dedication to quality and innovation. Check out the complete OSAKA range to experience what precision Japanese craftsmanship feels like.