How to Cut Your Own Hair at Home Like a Pro

If you’re looking to save money and time spent at the salon or barbershop, learning how to cut your own hair at home is a great skill to have. With some practice and the right tools, you can trim and style your hair yourself to maintain your look between professional cuts.

Key Takeaways for DIY Haircuts

Cutting your own hair has a learning curve but pays off if you follow some best practices:

• Invest in proper salon-quality tools – sharp shears and clippers
• Thoroughly section hair before cutting for accuracy
• Trim damaged ends regularly, every 4-6 weeks
• Cut in small sections, cross-checking your work
• Texturize ends and add layers for movement
• Maintain hair health between cuts with conditioning

Why Try Cutting Your Own Hair at home?

There are many good reasons to consider DIY haircuts:

• It saves money otherwise spent on regular salon or barbershop visits. Those costs really add up over time.
• It saves you time not having to book appointments and commute to the stylist. You can cut your hair when it’s convenient for you.
• You can shape and style your hair exactly how you want it, experimenting with different looks.
• You can touch up your cut in between salon visits to keep your style looking fresh. No more shaggy growth.

Learning this useful skill boosts your confidence and gives you freedom over your look. Once you get the basics down, you may never go back to the salon!

Prep Your Tools and Workspace

To ensure an accurate, smooth DIY haircut:

• Wash and thoroughly dry your hair beforehand so it’s clean and tangle-free. Air drying works best.
• Set up your cutting station in a room with bright lighting. Supplement with a portable light if needed.
• Invest in quality shears and clippers designed specifically for cutting hair. Don’t use cheap household scissors.
• Have combs, clips, a hand mirror, cutting cape/towel on hand so tools are organized.
• Section out the hair you’re focusing on and securely clip back the rest.

Proper prep and tools prevent mistakes and make the process much simpler.

Sectioning Hair is Crucial

How you section your hair before cutting has a major impact on the final shape and style. Part hair cleanly from your natural crown first.

For shorter cuts:

• Work in quadrants, separating hair both vertically and horizontally. Follow the shape of your head.
• Take 1-2 inch subsections within each quadrant to focus on small areas.

For longer cuts:

• Part hair deeply from front to back. Clip up the top section.
• Work in horizontal sections starting at the bottom nape area first.

Careful sectioning leads to the most accurate, even cut as hair grows out. Don’t skip this important step!

Invest in Quality Tools

Having the proper tools makes all the difference in how precise and easy your DIY haircut will be:

• Shears: Opt for sharp, salon-quality shears with fine blades specifically made for haircutting. Dull scissors will damage hair. Expect to spend $75+ but quality lasts.
• Clippers: Choose adjustable clippers from trusted brands like Wahl and Oster. Cordless offers flexibility. Invest $70+ for models with sharp, durable blades.
• Guards: Use guard combs to blend lengths smoothly. Make sure you have a full set.
• Hand mirror: Get a sturdy mirror with adjustable angles so you can see the back of your head.
• Cutting cape/towel: Use this to catch hair trimmings and protect clothing.
• Disinfectant: Clean tools thoroughly before and after use.

The right high-quality tools make cutting much faster and provide better results. They’re worth the investment for DIY haircutting.

Tips for Cutting Men’s Hair

Most men want relatively short, simple cuts like fades, crew cuts, and tapers. Here are some tips for cutting men’s hair yourself:

• Fading sides/back: Start with the longest clipper guard and work down to the shortest for a gradual fade. Angle clippers lower as you move upwards. Use shorter guards higher up.
• Clean neckline: Use clippers to define and straighten the lower edge around the ears/neck.
• Blending top: With scissors, take small horizontal sections and use point cutting, snipping vertically into ends to remove bulk.
• Short layers: Use thinning shears and slide cutting to remove weight without losing length.
• Side part: Comb hair neatly and define part lines with clipper over comb technique.

Take it slow. Cross-check sides and back as you move up the head. Finish by styling with product.

Expert Tips for Cutting Long Hair

For longer locks, these pro techniques will help you maintain your style at home:

• Always cut hair in small sections for the most control.
• Point cut ends to keep length while removing damaged split ends.
• Use layers to remove bulk without losing overall length. Angle layers around face-to-frame features.
• When cutting layers, take diagonal slices and use guide hairs to match each section.
• For straight across blunt ends, cut wet hair with the sharpest shears.
• Finish with slide cutting to blend layers seamlessly together.

Cut less than you think – you can always remove more length later if needed!

How to Cut Curly Hair at Home

Cutting curly hair yourself has some unique challenges. Follow these tips:

• Trim hair when damp, not soaking wet. Let curls take shape before cutting.
• Work in small sections and point cut into ends to encourage curl formation.
• Use long layers to remove bulk while keeping length needed for curl coiling.
• Angle top layers towards the face and razor ends for maximum volume.
• Style with creams, not oils, for defined separation of curls.

When in doubt, always cut curly hair a little longer than you think! The curl shrinkage is real.

Maintaining Healthy Hair Between Cuts

To keep your hair in optimal shape between trims:

• Shampoo less frequently, only 1-2 times per week. Overwashing causes damage.
• Use a rich, moisturizing conditioner and let it soak for a few minutes before rinsing out.
• Apply a hair mask or hot oil treatment weekly to deeply nourish dry ends.
• Limit the use of hot styling tools that can cause splitting over time.
• Get a little trim every 4-6 weeks to clean up split ends before they travel up the hair shaft.
• Use leave-in treatments with heat protectant when heat styling to minimize damage.

Proper at-home care keeps your hair looking its best!

Fixing Haircut Mistakes

Uh oh, a DIY cut gone wrong! No worries, here are some tips to fix it:

• Even out uneven sections by cutting them to match the length of surrounding hair. Use clips to isolate problem areas.
• For layers or bangs cut too short, pin and cut surrounding hair to match the length.
• Add face-framing layers around shortcuts to soften bad angles.
• Use styling products to mask flaws and blend lengths.
• If all else fails, wear hats or headbands until the cut has grown out some.
• See a professional stylist for a shaping cut to fix the issues.

With strategic snipping and styling, haircut mistakes can be remedied!

FAQs: DIY Haircutting Tips

Help! How do I fix a bad DIY haircut?

Even out uneven sections and lengths, pinning up longer pieces as guides. Add layers to blend. Style strategically to mask flaws. See a pro for a shaping cut once some growth comes in. It will recover!

Q: How can I trim my own hair at home?

A: Trimming your hair at home can be done by following a few simple steps. First, make sure your hair is clean and dry. Then, section your hair into manageable sections using hair clips. Take one section at a time and trim the ends using sharp scissors. Remember to cut small amounts at a time and check the results regularly to avoid cutting too much.

Q: Can I cut my hair straight at home?

A: Yes, you can cut your hair straight at home. To do this, start by washing and drying your hair straight. Then, use a comb to part your hair in the desired style. Next, use a pair of sharp scissors to trim your hair evenly along the desired length, following the straight line of the comb. Take your time and check the results as you go.

Q: Should I cut my hair wet or dry?

A: It is generally recommended to cut your hair when it is dry. Cutting wet hair may cause the hair to appear longer than it actually is, leading to uneven results. However, if you prefer to cut your hair when it is wet, make sure to comb it straight and take small sections at a time to ensure an even cut.

Q: How do I section my hair to cut it?

A: To section your hair for cutting, start by parting it in the centre and divide it into two equal sections. Then, take a small section from one side and clip the rest of your hair out of the way. This will help you cut one side at a time with ease. Repeat the process on the other side and make sure to blend the sections evenly.

Q: Can I cut a pixie cut at home?

A: Yes, you can cut a pixie cut at home with some practice and the right tools. Start by washing and drying your hair straight. Then, use hair clips to section your hair and cut small amounts at a time to achieve the desired length and style. It is recommended to watch tutorials or seek professional advice before attempting a pixie cut at home.

Q: Should I cut my hair wet or dry for long layers?

A: For long layers, it is recommended to cut your hair when it is dry. This way, you can better visualize the length and shape as you cut. Wet hair tends to stretch and may result in uneven layers. However, if you prefer cutting your hair when wet, make sure to comb it straight and take small sections at a time to ensure an even cut.

Q: Can I cut my hair with clippers at home?

A: Yes, you can cut your hair with clippers at home. Start by washing and drying your hair. Use a comb to part and section your hair as desired. Then, attach the appropriate guard to the clippers and run them smoothly over your hair, going against the direction of hair growth. Take your time and check the results as you go.

Q: Can I trim my hair without using scissors?

A: While using scissors is the most common method for trimming hair, it is possible to trim your hair without them. Some people use small, sharp kitchen scissors or even specialized hair-cutting tools. However, it is important to exercise caution when using alternative methods to ensure a precise and even trim.

Q: How do I cut the back of my hair?

A: Cutting the back of your hair can be a bit tricky but it is possible to do it yourself. One method is to use a combination of mirrors to get a better view of the back of your head. Alternatively, you can ask a family member or friend to assist you in cutting the back of your hair. It is important to work slowly and check the results regularly to ensure a balanced and even cut.

Q: What should I do if I want to cut my hair and I have no experience?

A: If you have no experience cutting hair, it is recommended to seek professional help. However, if you still want to cut your own hair, it is important to educate yourself first. Watch tutorials, read guides, and practice on mannequin heads or hair samples before attempting to cut your own hair. Start with simple trims and gradually work your way up to more complex styles.

Conclusion

Cutting your own hair at home can be a rewarding way to save time and money while maintaining your preferred style. With the proper tools, techniques, and preparation, anyone can learn to trim, shape, and style their hair on their own. Start by investing in quality shears and clippers, sectioning hair meticulously, and taking your time to achieve salon-worthy results. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks and proper at-home care will keep hair healthy between professional cuts. While mastering DIY haircutting has a learning curve, you can gain confidence and freedom over your look with practice.