According to Google Trends, the question "how to cut your own hair" skyrocketed in Google searches during the lockdown in 2020. People couldn't visit hairdressers, so many men and women watched tutorials and trimmed their hair at home. Having this skill was very handy at the time.
Nevertheless, knowing how to trim your hair is still in demand. These tips will help you if you would like to save money, have fun, and try a new haircut.
Is It Possible To Cut Your Hair Yourself
Is it a good idea to cut your own hair? Most hairdressers and stylists would say “No.”
However, if you are determined to fix your split ends without a professional barber, we'd say it's possible. Snipping them is pretty straightforward and will save you time between hairstylist appointments.
Of course, if you are up to a complete makeover, be it a new sleek and trendy pixie cut or one of those stunning layered haircuts, we'd say you should visit a professional hairstylist. But if all you need is just a minor fix, you may want to try cutting your hair yourself.
After all, whether cutting your own hair is worth it mostly depends on hair length, hair type, and what result you want to achieve.
Long hair is usually a lot easier to manage than short hair. It’s also more forgiving. Likewise, working with straight hair is more manageable than with wavy or curly hair.
A tip is to bring hair to the front and secure it with a small elastic rubber band before trimming off the ends for people with a bob, long bob (lob), or shoulder-length hair.
With the right tools, techniques, and tips that hairstylists are happy to share, you can cut your hair without leaving the house. Plus, you will save money!
What Is the Best Way To Cut Hair by Yourself?
Things can go wrong very quickly when cutting hair yourself. However, knowing some basics will save you from trouble. Take a look at these dos and don'ts of cutting your own hair.
Do cut your hair in the bathroom. Avoid all kinds of carpets. Standing in front of a mirror is the best option.
Don't cut your wet hair. Hair bounces when it dries, so you can easily cut more than you originally planned.
Do trim less than you think you should. The key to not over-cut your hair is to do it slowly. You can easily cut more if it's too long, but if you've chopped too much, you can't put the hair back.
Don't cut your hair ends to be in a straight line. Since you are not a professional, you will never make it straight. It’s more like it will be chunky and bulky. Therefore, layering is a better option.
The Process of Cutting Your Own Hair
The following step-by-step guide will help you understand how to cut your own hair without going to the salon. Be cautious and follow these tips carefully.
Step 1: Assemble What You Need
The first thing to do is prepare the right tools for DIY hair cutting. Here are some that you will require:
- Hair-cutting shears: Do not use kitchen scissors to cut your hair. Instead, use a proper shear. Their blade is especially for hair cutting, designed with a grip that helps you comfortably move your wrist.
- Alligator Section Clips: These clips can hold a lot of hair at once. Plus, section hair clips do not leave creases on the hair.
- Cutting Cape: To protect your clothes, you can wear a cape. Everything that you cut will glide off the cape to the floor.
- Cutting Comb: A good comb helps when you cut your hair at home. It should have two sides: a wide and a fine tooth. You will need both of these sides to help with your hair sections.
- Disinfectant: Don't forget to clean your tools before and after use.
Step 2: Prepare
While the general rule of thumb is not to cut wet hair, you can try this if you have experience cutting your hair yourself.
Cutting your hair wet or dry hair also depends on your hair texture. Damp curls are easier to manage. But unless you have frizzy and naturally curly hair, don't wet it much before starting to cut it.
It would help to shampoo and condition your hair before cutting it. Otherwise, dirty and oily hair can cause trouble because it clings together and creates an uneven finish.
So, smooth, dry, and clean hair are necessary before starting to cut it off.
Step 3: Divide Your Hair
The most important part of this DIY project is attentively sectioning your hair. It would be best to start by sectioning it into at least four parts. The smaller, the better; one inch wide is excellent.
Divide your hair in half from ear to ear and tie or pin the top half up. Then section the top and bottom halves into more sections. Use a clipper or scrunchie to do this. This kind of sectioning will help you cut your hair equally.
It is essential to keep your natural hairline in place. Use a wide comb to prepare each section for cutting.
Step 4: Trim One Section at Time
If it’s the first time you have decided to cut your hair at home, start by trimming one section at a time rather than trying something bolder.
Untie each section, one by one. Hold it, and comb or brush your parted hair to thoroughly detangle and straighten it.
Use your fingers as a guide for how much you should cut. Use the fine tooth side of your comb to bring all the hair together. Decide where you can cut using your first and middle fingers and keeping a tight grip. Hold hair shears up against your fingers, then cut a straight line.
If you are satisfied with the length - great! However, if you are not, go back and cut more of your hair. Leave this cut section down so you can use it as a guide for the following sections.
Step 5: Cut the Front
Since you have cut the first section, now is the time to cut the remaining sections.
Use your fingers and the fine side of the comb to match the length of the opposite side. Gather both sides of your hair together to see if they are even.
If you are not a fan of blunt cuts or have thick hair, bring ends up, and point cut into them by making y-shapes with your scissors.
Step 6: Cut the Back
Now that you have finished the front, it is time for the back sections. Be cautious, though, because the back sections will be a bit longer. Hair falls at a different angle, so you must keep the line straight. Whatever you do, don't make the back sections longer than the front.
A good tip from a stylist is to look over your shoulders and see if the lines are straight. You can turn a bit and see if everything is in line.
Step 7: Additional Layers and Framing
If you are up for something bolder, consider face framing and adding some layers to your hairstyle.
Depending on your face shape, layers can enhance your facial features. It is an optional step, but if you do it right, it will elevate your haircut.
Hairdressers recommend a technique called “slide cut.” You use your fingers again, starting around the cheekbones, and pull a small part of your hair in front. Then slowly slide down with the open shears. Doing so will give you a soft finish.
You can also achieve hair layers at home. All you need to do is take vertical sections, bring them forward at a 90-degree angle, and cut. The higher you raise the hair, the higher layers will be.
Step 8: Cleaning and Styling
Good cleanup is a must after a haircut. No matter how long it takes to trim your hair, take care of your tools afterward. Use water and disinfectant to clean the tools properly.
Having some good-quality hair styling products is always a good idea. You can use something that will seal the hair cuticle after cutting. Also, a texturizing spray will make your hair look messy yet chic, giving it some body and shape.
What if I Mess Up?
So, you've got a haircut that you think looks awkward and don't know how to fix it? Is the fringe asymmetrical or uneven? Did the sides turn out not-so-straight? It can happen, especially if this is your first cut.
Many are afraid to even think about cutting their hair, and you were brave enough to try it. There are some ways to cover the mistakes you have made.
If you have cut your bangs too short, you can blow-dry and style them, then see if you need to use scissors again to make slight edits. Of course, if that’s not working, you can always style your hair in a headband or clip while you wait for your hair to grow back.
Blowing your hair and using certain hairstyle products blend the mistakes. Perhaps making your hair a bit shaggy is an option. The trick is to style your hair wet, then use an air-dry creme.
Updos and braids are great for hiding badly cut hair. A nicely braided bun will hide all flaws. For longer hair, even gripping it into a simple ponytail can work. Also, don't hesitate to use accessories like headbands, clips, and barrettes.
This Guide to How To Cut Your Own Hair Is Easier Than You Think!
Hair grows back, and everything will be okay, even if you mess up.
However, start with confidence, and your hairdo will be fine. Don't rush, don't cut your hair wet, section it well, and trim it one part at a time. You will end up with a beautiful and refreshed hairstyle without a hair salon!
This post originally appeared on Savoteur by David.
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