Introduction
With many people unable to visit a hair salon due to the COVID-19 pandemic or looking for ways to save money, cutting your own hair has become more popular than ever. While the thought of cutting your own hair may seem daunting, it can be a great way to maintain your hair without leaving your house. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide and DIY tips on how to cut your own hair, ensuring you achieve a professional look.
While cutting your own hair does require some effort and skill, the benefits are many. You won’t have to spend money on salon visits and you can experiment with different haircuts and styles at your own leisure. However, the thought of cutting your own hair can evoke fear and anxiety for many people, and understandably so. Fear of going too short, making uneven cuts, or ending up with an unprofessional look are common concerns. But with the right tools, knowledge, and techniques, cutting your own hair can be an enjoyable and successful experience.
The Equipment You Will Need to Cut Your Own Hair at Home
Before you embark on cutting your own hair, it’s important to have the right tools. The essential tools you will need are a pair of sharp hair-cutting scissors, a comb, and a mirror. If you’re going for a short hairstyle, you may also need a pair of clippers. It’s important to choose the right tools that fit your hair type and haircut style. For example, if you have thick, curly hair, you’ll need sharper scissors to avoid crushing your hair. For longer hair, a sharper pair of scissors will ensure a cleaner, precise cut.
When choosing scissors, look for professional-grade scissors and avoid using regular household scissors as they can damage your hair. It’s also important to find a comb that has both a finer and wider tooth, making it easier to detangle and section hair. A handheld mirror is crucial so you can see the back of your head, as it will be more difficult to see it in the mirror in front of you.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Your Own Hair: DIY Haircuts Made Easy
Once you have the tools, it’s time to get started! Here’s a step-by-step guide to cutting your own hair.
1. Wash Your Hair
Before cutting your hair, you should make sure it’s clean and dry. It’s recommended to wash your hair with shampoo to get rid of any product buildup or dirt and then dry it before cutting.
2. Section Your Hair
After your hair is dry, use the comb to section your hair. Create straight lines beginning at the back of your head, dividing your hair from ear to ear horizontally. Clip each section up using hair clips to keep them apart while you work on each section.
3. Cut the Back
Starting with the back of your head, unclip a section of hair and comb it straight down. Hold the hair between your index and middle fingers and point-cut the hair with your scissors. This means cutting into the hair at an angle rather than straight across. Keep your cuts small and slow, as it’s better to cut too little than too much.
4. Cut the Sides
Next, move on to the sides of your head. Take out one of the sections from the ear to the parting line, comb it straight down, and cut the hair to the desired length. Work your way up to the top, repeating this process on each side, and ensure that both sides are even.
5. Cut the Top
Finally, move on to the top of your head. Comb the hair up, create a horizontal parting line and trim the hair to the same length as the side sections. Use your comb and scissors for a more layered look by cutting into the hair at an angle and blending it.
6. Finishing Touches
After cutting, rinse your hair again to get rid of any loose hair. Blow-dry and style your hair in the way you desire. Straight hair can be styled easily by combing it straight, whereas wavy hair needs a round brush for a more polished style.
Avoiding Common Mistakes: Tips for a Successful Self-Haircut
There are common mistakes to avoid when cutting your own hair. Here are some tips to achieve the best results:
1. Start with Longer Hair
It’s better to work with slightly longer hair when cutting it yourself. You can always cut more but can’t put the hair back once it’s been cut.
2. Cut Your Hair When You’re Calm and Focused
Don’t cut your hair when you’re stressed, tired or distracted. This concentration lapse might end up in uneven cutting and an unprofessional look.
3. Use Hair Clips
When dealing with hair sections, use hair clips to keep hair apart while you work, ensuring clean and even cuts on each section.
4. Cut Slowly and In Small Amounts
Remember, cutting your hair slowly and in small amounts is easier, as you can see your progress, allowing you to avoid going too short or unevenly.
5. Cut at Even Angles
Try to cut at even angles, especially when working on layers. Make sure to blend and layer the hair around your face to create a more natural look.
How to Cut Men’s Hair: Tips and Techniques for a Great Look at Home
Cutting men’s hair at home can seem intimidating, but with a little practice, it is possible to get a professional look. Here are some tips:
1. Use Clippers
Clippers can be a great tool for cutting men’s hair at home. Start with the longest guard and go shorter until you reach the desired length. Use the shorter guards along the sides and back of the head for a more polished look.
2. Cut the Top and Sides Separately
Using scissors, cut the top hair section separately from the sides and back to make sure it is cut evenly. Use your fingers to lift the hair and use the scissors to cut across the section.
3. Keep It Simple
Opt for a simple haircut that doesn’t require too much styling after the fact – shorter haircuts are often recommended. A buzz cut or undercut is easy to execute at home.
How to Trim Bangs: Easy DIY Techniques for a Polished Look
Trimming your own bangs can be easy and inexpensive to maintain that polished bang look. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start with Clean and Dry Hair
Starting with dry hair, section hair and tie back the rest of your hair. Ensure that your bangs are centered and that the furthest point is positioned evenly across your forehead.
2. Visualize the Shape
Decide on the shape you want for your bangs. You can choose blunt bangs or angled bangs that are shorter in the center and longer at the edges. Take a short piece from the center of your bangs and start with trimming small portions at a time so as not to cut too much hair.
3. Check the Length
Check the length of your bangs regularly to avoid any asymmetry. If you have gotten a bit carried away with the scissor, try to level the hair from the other side. This will ensure that you have evened out the lengths on both sides.
How to Cut Layers: Tips and Techniques for Adding Dimension to Your Hair
If you want to add more depth and volume to your hair, try cutting layers. Here’s how:
1. Choose the Right Technique
There are different techniques to cutting layers in hair, including point cutting and slide cutting. Choose the best technique that will achieve the desired look.
2. Start with Longer Layers
Begin by choosing the length of your longest layer. After snipping off your first (and longest) layer, you can determine the lengths of the following layers. Divide the hair into sections and take each section one at a time.
3. Cut from the Bottom Up
To ensure that each layer is even, cut upwards on each section. Elevate the hair in your fingers, and use a pair of scissors to cut it at the length you want the layer to be, moving slowly up the head, and cutting shorter layers as you go.
How to Maintain Short Hair: Steps for Trimming and Styling at Home
Maintaining a short hairstyle after cutting is important to keep the polished look you desire. Here’s how to do it:
1. Trim Regularly
Short hairstyles grow out quickly, so it’s important to trim regularly. Trim using the same technique you used when cutting your hair initially. Use clippers to trim the back of the hair and scissors for the sides and top.
2. Style with Your Fingers
When it comes to styling short hair, keep it simple and use your fingers. A little bit of product can help add texture or control, but be careful not to use too much. Work the product through your hair with your fingers for a more natural look.
Conclusion
Cutting your own hair may seem daunting, but with the right tools, knowledge, and techniques, it can be a successful and enjoyable experience. Learning how to cut your own hair can save you money and give you more control over your look. Follow our step-by-step guide, avoid common mistakes, and experiment with different hairstyles and looks. Cutting your own hair may require some practice, but you’ll soon master the techniques and get a professional look from the comfort of your own home.