What technique incorporates the use of shears to create soft, blended ends in hair styling?

The technique that utilizes shears to create soft, blended ends in hair styling is known as slithering. This method involves sliding the scissors down the hair shaft while cutting, which results in a feathered effect and allows for seamless blending at the ends. This technique is particularly effective for removing bulk from thick hair, adding movement, and ensuring a soft transition between lengths.

Slithering is distinguished by its ability to create texture and softness without leaving harsh lines, making it a favored technique among stylists who aim to achieve a polished, natural finish in hairstyles. By focusing on the ends of the hair, slithering helps to enhance the overall shape and flow, resulting in a more dimensionally appealing look.

Other techniques like clipper cutting tend to focus on creating precise lines and shorter hairstyles, texturizing is broader and can involve various methods including thinning shears, and fringing specifically refers to cutting bangs or the fringe area of the hair. These methods do not predominantly emphasize the soft, blended finish provided by slithering.