
If you’re looking to try the time-saving practice of home haircutting, heed the advice of these salon pros, who we asked: “What are some do’s and don’ts for giving yourself a haircut?”
Between work, kids, pets, laundryand the gym;Day in, day out, every week...it feels like you’re always on the move!
Until one day, you wake up...catch a glimpse in the mirror...and think:
“WOW, I REALLY NEED A HAIRCUT! But Do I cut it myself?”
“Your hair may not be quite this long, but that doesn’t mean you’re not due for a cut!”
The truth is, even if you wear your hair long, you still need an occasional date with the Scissors
A regular haircut is necessary to freshen your tips, and eliminate those unsightly split ends.It’s also essential for smoothing and resculpting a style that may have grown out of its shape. So, you grab your phone to book an appointment at your favorite salon.
But you remember:
Work. Kids. Pets. Laundry. Gym. Store. Dinner. Traffic!
How are you ever going to fit in even an hour at the salon for a haircut?And then, a new and exciting thought hits you:
WHY DON’T YOU CUTYOUR HAIRYOURSELF?
After all, cutting your own hair at home would certainly save you time...not to mention money.Plus, you’ve watched stylists cut your hair for years. And they make it look so easy!
But that’s the thing:
Pro stylists have so much training and expertise they make any styling technique look simple.
And their effortless skill hides the fact that...just like with many “simple” beauty procedures there’s a right and a wrong way to cut your hair!
So, if you’re looking to try the time-saving practice of home haircutting, heed the advice of these salon pros, who we asked:
“What are some do’s and don’ts for giving yourself a haircut?”
Their tips will save you from still having to call the salon...to schedule a hair rescue!
DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL
Got a job interview coming up? An exciting first date? A fancy formal evening out?
If so, it is not the time you want to be cutting your own hair.That’s a tip from Donna Williams, a stylist at the Tomahawk Salon in Brooklyn, NY. She says cutting your own hair should be for one purpose: maintenance of an existing style.
“With the right technique, you can refresh your own favorite hairstyle right at home!”
“Don’t try to re-do a haircut,” Williams advises...and it’s also not the moment to begin experimenting with anything “really specialized.”
For example, Williams says, “You don’t ever want to take on layers yourself.” She also believes you should not use a home haircut to try out a blunt style like a pageboy.
But, if your main goal is to freshen frazzled tresses, or give your go-to style a quick polish, home haircutting is a fine way to achieve those styling goals.Still, Michael Angelo, founder of the Wonderland Beauty Parlor in New York’s West Village, says it’s important to stay realistic about what a home haircut can do for your style.
“People can cut their own hair,” Angelo says, “as long as the end goal isn’t a perfect, crisp, polished look.”1
In short, feel free to keep those scissors handy when you need a quick styling touch-up.But when your hair needs a serious length-and-shape overhaul...it’s time to call a pro stylist!
THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB
Just like with any styling practice, you’ll get the best results from a home haircut with tools that are up to the task.Translation: Just grabbing any pair of scissors at the big box store won’t cut it...literally!
“Typical household scissors aren’t sharp enough” to precisely cut hair, says Nicole Hitchcock, owner of the NH2 Salon in Novato, CA.In fact, Hitchcock says, the rounder edges of regular scissors “will create split ends.”2
So, if you’re after a truly attractive home cut, it’s well worth investing in a pair of pro-quality shears, which you can find any place fine hair care products are sold.Actually, since most of your home haircutting will involve a light trim, or evening out bangs, you might want to consider a blade that’s designed for close, precision cutting.
“Cutting your bangs can be a breeze...as long as you’ve got scissors that can get the job done!”
“Eyelash or nail scissors are great,” says Matt Fugate of New York’s Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon.
That’s because, according to Fugate, “The smaller the scissor, the less chance of a mistake.”3
In addition to the right scissors, Andrea Claire, an international stylist whose resume includes the hit reality show Canadian Idol, recommends making sure you also have4:
- QUALITY COMBS: Fine teeth work better for the close-edged work you’ll be doing
- HAIR CLIPS: “This is for sectioning...so you’re not constantly batting hair around.”
- ...AND ASPRAY BOTTLE: This is just for water to dampen your locks while you cut…“Any spray bottle will do”5
IT’S NOT JUST “SNIP, SNIP, DONE”
Now that you’re ready to start your home cut, it’s important to remind yourself:
Pro stylists only MAKE this look easy!
In fact, there are a number of subtle yet powerful methods you can use for a sublime home trim.For example, AnnaRose, a styling consultant for the blog A Beautiful Mess, is not a fan of what might seem like the obvious way to trim your bangs.
“Always cut into your bangs vertically, never horizontally,” says AnnaRose.She warns that horizontal cutting “is the fastest way to end up with super short, crooked bangs.”Instead, AnnaRose suggests, “You want to take little bites with the scissors and work your way across.”6
Or, if it’s split ends you’re looking to lose, Gareth Williams, an artistic ambassador for the Headmasters salon chain, has a hack that doesn’t involve hacking!
“There’s a quick way to trim split ends, and you can easily do it yourself...a knockout time saver!”
“Simply take a two-centimeter section of hair,” says Williams, “and twist the hair really tight.”
If you’ve got it tight enough, Williams says, “You will start to see little pieces of hair stick out.”Those stray strands are your split ends, and you can trim those flyaways for a neat-and-clean look.7
Finally, Amy Batlowski, the owner of Studio A salon in Newport Beach, CA, has a critical tip for avoiding home hair disaster.No matter how easy cutting your own hair feels, says Batlowski, “Do. Not. Get. Cocky. STAY NERVOUS.”
This will ensure that you keep your perspective regarding your haircutting skills and ensure any trims you do will make your hair look fresh, sleek, and revitalized!8
MAKE IT WORTH THE RISK ...Don’t forget:
Your home haircut is only going to be a time and money-saver if you do it right!
That’s why we hope our pro stylist suggestions put you on track to standout home style.
And that will leave all the time you save for the things that really matter.
Things like work. Kids. Pets…you know the rest!
CITATIONS
- McClear, Sheila. “If You're Tempted to Cut Your Own Hair, Be Sure to Follow Our Experts' Tips - NY Daily News.” Nydailynews.com, New York Daily News, 13 July 2014, www.nydailynews.com/life-style/fashion/expert-tips-cutting-hair-article-1.1860778.
- Hochwald, Lambeth. “4 Things You Need To Know Before You Cut Your Own Hair.” Prevention, Prevention, 25 May 2018, www.prevention.com/beauty/a20508314/4-things-you-need-to-know-before-you-cut-your-own-hair/.
- Jacques, Renee. “The Right Way to Trim Your Own Bangs (When You Absolutely Can't Get a Salon Appointment).” Allure, Allure Magazine, 25 May 2017, www.allure.com/story/cut-your-own-bangs.
- “Hairstylist and Makeup Artist.” Andrea Claire, aclairebeauty.com/.
- Grant, Vanessa. “How to Cut Your Own Hair without Screwing It Up.” The Loop, 15 Mar. 2015, www.theloop.ca/how-to-cut-your-own-hair-without-screwing-it-up/.
- “Tips for Cutting Your Own Bangs (at Home!).” A Beautiful Mess, 23 Mar. 2017, abeautifulmess.com/2014/08/tips-for-cutting-your-own-bangs-at-home.html.
- Cox, Rebecca. “The Only 2 Haircuts You Can Do at Home.” Byrdie, Byrdie, 29 Mar. 2017, www.byrdie.com/how-to-cut-your-own-hair.
- Nahman, Haley. “A Hairdresser's Guide to Cutting Your Own Hair.” Man Repeller, Man Repeller, 8 Aug. 2016, www.manrepeller.com/2016/08/how-to-cut-your-own-hair.html.
FAQs
What to think about when cutting your own hair? ›
The key is to start small with a few careful snips — and to go slow. You can always take more hair off, but you can't add back what you've already chopped! If you're cutting your hair while it's wet, remember it will look even shorter once it dries, so snip with extreme caution.
Is it a good idea to cut your own hair? ›“People can cut their own hair,” Angelo says, “as long as the end goal isn't a perfect, crisp, polished look.” In short, feel free to keep those scissors handy when you need a quick styling touch-up. But when your hair needs a serious length-and-shape overhaul...it's time to call a pro stylist!
What is the first step in hair cutting? ›The first cut should be to establish the baseline length, which you agree with your customer. This becomes the guideline for the length of the haircut.
What are the benefits of cutting your hair mentally? ›Studies have shown that cutting one's hair (especially when going through a traumatic life change, such as a breakup) can provide a sense of control and emotional release. Changing one's hairstyle can also be a powerful tool in helping redefine or solidify one's identity. Even a simple trim has mental health benefits.
Why is cutting your own hair so satisfying? ›Here's why: It's liberating: Again, that feeling of getting rid of the old and embracing something new feels cathartic. It also feels good to take control. Hair seems like a silly thing to feel in control over, but sometimes the simple act of making a decision, even a silly one, can make you feel more powerful.
Where do I start when cutting my own hair? ›Start with small, minor cuts.
"Don't cut to the length you want the end result to be at first — start smaller and work your way up," Fitzsimons says. "Remember, you can always trim more, [but] it is unfortunately not possible to put [hair] back once you've chopped." (If you need some easy haircut ideas, we've got you.)
Nearly half of men are cutting their hair at home. A growing number of men and women are skipping the salon or barbershop. 45% percent of men are cutting their hair at home, according to research firm Attest. 21% of women are doing the same.
Is it hard to cut your own hair? ›Cutting your own hair doesn't have to be difficult, and even if you mess something up, don't panic because it will grow back. Keep practicing, and you might be giving yourself better haircuts than your barber.
What are the 4 basic haircutting techniques? ›- The 0-degree haircut, which is also known as the “blunt” or “bob”.
- The 45-degree haircut, better known as the “wedge”.
- The 90-degree haircut, called the super popular “layered” haircut.
- The 180-degree haircut, known as the “shag”.
Such constant meanings are shown in a folk tale, the mental lives of patients, clinical studies by other authors, and certain practices of other cultures. The cutting of hair symbolizes separation from a mothering object, castration, and reparation.
Why does cutting hair help with depression? ›
Existential psychotherapist Sara Kuburic agrees with the need to feel in control as a large motive behind emotional haircuts. She shares that it “can also boost our confidence and make us feel better about ourselves. A hair change can mark a new beginning or be symbolic of letting go (literally).”
Does cutting your hair change you? ›Whether it's the weight of one's hair or the reduction in volume from the shears, cutting your hair changes the shape, size, and bulk but it does not change the texture.
Does cutting hair boost confidence? ›It's a Rejuvenating Moment. Often, you get a better sense of self-worth when you feel uplifted. A good haircut can do just that. It's a feeling that lingers even after you've left the salon.
What is it called when you cut your own hair? ›New Word Suggestion. Someone who cuts his or her own hair.
How often should I cut my own hair? ›If you want to keep your hair at the same length, get it cut every 6 to 8 weeks. But if you want to grow it a little longer, cut it every 8 to 12 weeks.
Which haircut is better for thin hair? ›Bobs, pixies, layers, and bangs — these haircuts are strategically designed to help fine hair full-fill its potential. The appearance of thin hair can change dramatically under the power of the humble scissor — and a trusted cutting hand, of course.
What happens if you never cut your hair? ›Basically, if you don't have a trim, your split ends will run riot and likely split further up the shaft eventually snapping and making your hair short, which stops it from growing long. This way, your hair can continue to grow healthily from your roots, but the ends won't fray and snap shorter.
What culture does not cut hair? ›As a result, Sikhs do not cut their hair. The uncut hair and the turban are a declaration to life in accordance with the Teachings of the Sikh Gurus and the Siri Guru Granth Sahib.
Is it unhealthy to cut your hair a lot? ›Can You Cut Your Hair Too Often? Sometimes, too much of a good thing isn't so good. In the case of most haircuts and trims, this is definitely true! Even if you're not trying to grow out your hair, you want to avoid trimming it too frequently and anything under four weeks is likely too often.
How much do you tip a hairdresser? ›According to Consumer Reports, you should tip at least 15% of the service fee, even if the service wasn't the best. Consumer Reports also says to “never skip a tip.” But, it adds, if your service was really bad, speak to the manager.
What are the 5 principles of haircutting? ›
The five important principles of hair design are: proportion, balance, rhythm, emphasis, and harmony.
What is the most popular cutting technique? ›The most common cutting techniques that can be used with virtually any type of kitchen knife is slicing.
What is the most low maintenance haircut? ›The most low-maintenance haircuts are very short haircuts like pixies and cuts with long layers that make styling easy and don't require a ton of salon maintenance. While you'll still need to see your stylist every few months to keep your cut looking its best, you can go longer between appointments.
What are the 6 principles of haircutting? ›What are the 6 Principles of Haircutting? Perspective, Dimension, Distribution of Weight, Elevation, Over-Direction, Body Position.
Is it better to cut your hair Dry or wet? ›For most textures, Tripodi actually recommends trimming hair while it's slightly damp. "If it's towel-dried and a lot of moisture is taken out of the hair, but you can still see its natural texture, that's a generally good time to cut it," she explains.
When should you not cut your hair? ›Truth About Embargo on Cutting
Significantly, the ban applies on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. In addition, on auspicious days like a festival or Puja, you should not cut hair.
- Tell your barber how long it has been since your most recent haircut. ...
- Tell your barber about your lifestyle. ...
- Be specific about how you want your hair to look. ...
- Bring a picture (but only of your hair)
Many people are nervous about going to the hair salon, especially if they are going to get their hair cut. If this is you, do not despair. If you look up haircut anxiety, you will see that you are not alone in how you feel. There are strategies you can put into place to help you overcome your nervousness.
What is the psychology behind cutting hair? ›Some people cut their hair off because of depression, loss, and grief. They think “out with the old in with the new.” It's something you can control when life seems out of control. Cutting off your hair is a normal and common way to deal with loss.
How do I overcome my haircut anxiety? ›Go in with a plan.
Sometimes the anxiety comes from the unknown. In this case, do your research ahead of your visit and have a good idea of the cut you're looking for. Feel free to bring in photos for your stylist to look at. Having a general idea of what the outcome will be reduces the fear of the unknown.
Do people with anxiety cut their hair? ›
“I've found that people typically have an impulse to cut their hair after they've experienced stressful situations, positive or negative, where things have felt somewhat out of their control,” she says.
Why do people with anxiety cut their hair? ›It's completely normal to want to superficially change your appearance. “You can consider it a form of self care,” says Christy Beck, a therapist based in State College, Pennsylvania. “You're doing something for yourself to make yourself feel better.”
Why not to cut hair? ›If you cut your hair or nails it is showing disrespect to Hanuman & Goddess Laxmi & this may affect your life. Some people beliefs cutting hair or nails may affect our financial life because Goddess Laxmi comes to our life with prosperity.
Is cutting hair a trauma response? ›The emotional shedding process
A breakup or other traumatic experience are common times for us women to cut their hair as we see it is the one thing we can take immediate control of; we all know it is often a struggle to adjust our feelings and move on right away.