If you ever think of cutting your hair on your own, you should probably look up a few tips for cutting your own hair. Well, a DIY haircut is certainly a risky business but it could really help you save a lot while getting to experiment as much as you want to and ladies who have been doing their own hair for a while say it’s actually pretty simple once you get used to it. So here are a few basic tips for cutting your own hair:
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1. Practice
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You know what they say – practice makes it perfect! So, before you decide to cut your own hair, try doing your own bangs or trims for a while! It’s not as radical as going for an entire cut but it will help you get to know your hair better and give you that much needed experience! Also, the best thing to do is look up a few tips for cutting your own hair!
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Starting with small adjustments can build your confidence. Experiment with simple styles like cleaning up split ends or shaping around your face. Remember, mistakes can happen even in salons, so don't be too hard on yourself if your first attempts aren't flawless. Remember to use the right tools – invest in a pair of sharp, professional hairdressing scissors to avoid jagged cuts. Kitchen or craft scissors just won't do the trick and can lead to split ends and more damage. Keep your hand steady and go slowly; it's not a race, and precision matters!
2. Ask for Help
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If this is the first time that you're cutting your own hair, ask someone to be there with you. Maybe they don't need to do it for you or actually help you, but it's always good to have a second opinion. Having someone there will be helpful because they can let you know if you're messing up. They can let you know if you're not doing an even job and in the end they can tell you how you did.
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3. Gear up
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If you’re planning to reduce your living costs by learning how to cut your own hair you should definitely invest in a few must-have tools such as professional scissors and a comb. Now, you may think that is completely unneeded but, believe me, this professional tools won’t only make the process much easier and hassle free but prevent hair damage as well. This especially goes for scissors because pro tools deliver clean cuts, can’t go blunt and won’t make your hair split.
4. Sharp Scissors
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Make sure the scissors you invest in are sharp! If you use dull scissors you could cause more harm than good and nobody wants that. You could end up giving yourself split ends, which kind of defeats the purpose of cutting your own hair. The professionals suggest using fabric scissors if you can't get a hold of professional scissors.
5. Prep Your Hair
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Proper prepping is a crucial step of every good DIY haircut so wash your hair, condition and detangle well before you start cutting! Comb your hair straight then section off the top part and use hair clips to secure it up and out of the way. Do the same with side parts as well as all other sections until all you can focus on is the very bottom layer of your hair. Comb again, chop to the length you want then start releasing the sections you’ve clipped up one by one repeating the process after you’ve done with each section.
6. Chop
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And we’ve finally came to the good part which is, of course, the actual cutting! Now, when you cut your own hair there are a few things you must have in mind. First and the foremost – remember that hair stretches when wet and will appear longer than it actually is which means that you must be very careful not to chop it shorter than you want. Okay? Well, it’s time to start cutting then! Use two fingers to take a small section of your hair, slide your fingers down and cut the ends off. Move on to the next section and repeat, making sure that you cut off the same length every time. The section you’re cutting can’t be tangled or twisted – it must lay perfectly flat between your fingers.
7. Don't Cut Too Much
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Make sure when cutting your hair, don't cut too much off at once. The professionals suggest that you cut off only 1/2 and inch of hair at a time. This is to prevent yourself from cutting off too much hair at once and being unhappy with your cut. Most of the time if you're cutting your own hair, it's just for a trim so that's why this is an important rule. If you are trying to cut off a lot of hair, then maybe you don't have to follow this rule, but be careful!
8. Wet, Wet, Wet
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In order to achieve a perfect DIY haircut, you’ll need to make sure your hair is wet all the time. Don’t allow it to dry as it will be much more difficult to cut properly and may even result in a uneven cut you won’t be happy with. Simply fill a spray bottle with a mixture of water and conditioner (or just water) and spritz a half-dry section before cutting it to the length you want.
9. Soften Your Ends
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After you know you're happy with the length you've cut your hair to, there's another step to this process. When you're done, put your hair into a scrunchie and push it down to the ends of your hair. Be careful with this part! Only do this if you're comfortable because you'll be cutting your hair vertically. Using only the tips of your scissors, cut the very ends of your hair vertically so that the cut isn't so blunt.
10. Inspect
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All done? It’s time to inspect your cut and make sure every section is perfect! Use a small, hand-held mirror to get a clear view of the back while combing your hair down, then left and right to detect any strands that may be sticking out. Now do the same to the front of your hair and sides.
11. Take It Easy
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A professional stylist can cut a perfect hairstyle in under ten minutes and, as impressive as that is, it definitely falls under the category of «do not try this at home» things you don’t want to experiment with when you decide to cut your own hair. Take it slow, be precise, give every section attention it deserves and never chop your hair in a hurry.
Have you ever tried to cut your own hair and are there any other hair tips you’d like to share? I’m really thinking about cutting a few extra layers on top!
This article was written in collaboration with editor Lydia Sheehan.
Comments
Alexis: I have curly hair and the best way to cut mine I've found is to straighten it. Separate it into 2 sections (low very even pig tails) and then snip the amount off that I want. It comes out even and that way I know for sure how much I'm taking off instead of waiting to see what happens when it shrinks up (from a wet cut).
Sheila: I'm 53 and about 30 years ago I went into a salon looking for a basic short cut and came out looking like a poodle...and that was after telling the stylist twice that it was not what I asked for and that I was not happy with it. I went straight home, fixed it myself and no one but me has touched my hair since. My hair is very fine and limp, so I keep it pretty short, depending on the time and energy I have to cut it. I've been disabled for the past 20 years, so I have to wait for a good day when I can stand in front of the mirror for 20 minutes, and I have to make sure I get it done within that length of time, so I have developed my own very simply routine. First, I comb my hair forward from the back of the crown and cut the front at the top of my eyebrows. Then I simply run my fingers through it and, using the already-cut portion as a guide and working my way from front to back, I hold the hair straight out from my head and cut it all the same length. I can generally do that by feel...for example, pulling my fingers through it until the already-cut hair falls. That way, when it falls down, it creates an overall layered effect and gives me the body I need. Once that is done, I comb the back straight down and make sure that it is even. The rest is always pretty even but if it's not perfect, I really don't care because it's close enough that you can't tell once it's styled. There have been a few times that I've screwed up and cut one spot shorter than I intended which meant that I had to cut it all shorter than I wanted, but I've always gotten compliments and no one believes me when I tell them I cut it myself. Bottom line, if I screw up myself, then I have no one but myself to blame. And by the way, for those of you who wear your hair short and shave the back of your neck, try a depilatory instead. You will be amazed at the difference....fast, easy, no cuts and no rashes. Just make sure you pin the back of your hair up tightly and don't get it above your hairline, and don't leave it on too long. The brand I use works in 3 minutes, so I usually cut my hair, pin it up, put on the depilatory, jump in the shower and wipe it off.
Noni: You do know that curly hair needs to be cut dry, right? Since curls shrink up when dry, and looks totally DIFFERENT when wet, it really makes no sense to cut your hair when wet....just putting that out there. And if you do decide to cut your curls, then be sure to take baby-trims, otherwise the outcome may be less than desired. But here's some good news! Curly hair doesn't need to be all one length to be perfect! Your curls will hide that! :) I'd be pleased if you could do an article on how to cut wavy/curly/kinky(AA hair) at home! Since our hair is a bit different... ;) Thanks!
Rebecca: Tip from a hairdresser. Don't cut your own hair. Don't cut layers. I would never do it on my own hair if I wanted it to look at all straight or even. You'll end up ruining your hair. Trust me. I've had girls come in and there's not much u can do to save it because sometimes it's beyond the point of saving .... Length wise.
dani: I dry cut my own hair but make sure I style as I normally do. Therefore I straighten it pin straight to make sure I have it flat and use a fine comb to make sure there are no knots. For slight layers I pull my hair into a pony tail on top of my head. I then pull the pony tail straight up and cut straight across the top of it which creates layers. This isnt the best haircut but works inbetween cuts.
Anonymous: I've been cutting my own hair for 20 years now... start when I was a pre teen. My mom let me so why not. Now I will say the first few years I cut pretty blunt and wasn't always even but by the time I was in my late teens,early twenties I was a pro. I agree with the scissors and products, especially scissors it definitely makes a difference. No one ever believed I cut my own hair... I guess after such a long time of doing myself I could do it with my eyes closed. Funny now I am going to Cosmetology school to become a professional.
Anonymous: I have tried to cut my hair but it dont work so I have my sister do it she is like my personal hairstylest!!!
Rebecca: By pulling into a pony tail will cut layers (had a girl come in cause she did this) and when I tried to fix it there was hair all over the place short layers on top if long on too of short it does not look good. Now I'm not saying this because I want your money and I want you to come in but layering your own hair you have to be so careful. If you want to save money and cut your hair at home just bring your hair to the front and tidy up the ends (length) or get ur friend to do it you'll get a better result. TRUST ME!
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