To cut your own hair effectively, follow these expert tips and methods depending on your hair type and desired style:
General Preparation
- Use sharp hairdressing scissors, not household scissors, to avoid split ends and uneven cuts
- Work with clean, slightly damp hair for easier cutting and better control
- Have a comb with both wide and fine teeth to help section and detangle hair
- Use a towel or cape to catch hair and keep the area clean
Cutting Straight Hair
- A popular beginner method is the "unicorn ponytail": tip your head forward, brush hair into a tight ponytail at the forehead hairline, then trim the ends straight or at an angle for layers
- For layers, the sharper the angle of the cut, the more pronounced the layers will be
- To trim split ends without losing length, twist small sections of hair and snip only the damaged ends
Cutting Curly or Wavy Hair
- Section your hair and make minor trims to the ends to maintain shape and health between salon visits
- Curly hair is forgiving since its natural shape can disguise uneven lengths, but avoid major reshaping at home
Cutting Short or Men's Hair
- Clippers are ideal for short hairstyles. Start with a longer guard on top and shorter guards on the sides, moving the clippers against hair growth for an even cut
- Use mirrors to check all angles and ensure evenness
- For fades or more complex styles, professional help is recommended
Cutting Bangs or Fringe
- Section off the hair you want to cut and hold scissors at a 90-degree angle to gently chip into the ends, avoiding a blunt, straight-across cut
Step-by-Step Basic Haircut (Example for Straight Hair)
- Wash and towel dry hair.
- Comb hair smooth and section if needed.
- Use the unicorn ponytail method or create a guideline by cutting a small section at desired length.
- Cut hair in sections, matching length to the guideline.
- Trim bangs last, cutting small amounts at a time.
- Check for evenness and make small adjustments
Caution
- Avoid complex cuts like layered or transitional styles at home unless experienced
- Cut small amounts gradually to prevent mistakes
By following these guidelines and taking your time, you can successfully trim or cut your own hair at home with good results.
