If you take a look at the recent happenings in the world, you will realize that DIY (do-it-yourself) is becoming a necessity. The pandemic and the lockdowns all point out the reasons why you must be able to do certain things yourself. And this also includes grooming as you have to maintain your fresh look without vising the barbershop. So, you must know how to cut your own hair at home. This article is the complete guide you need to learn to cut like a professional stylist. Thread along as we take the guide step by step.
An Easy Guide on How to Cut Your Own Hair at Home
1. Get your Tools Ready
Make sure you go for exceptional tools and a haircutting kit. You might just cut crap if you ignore acquiring quality products. While you consider your wallet and resources before purchasing the tools, bear in mind that DIY is exciting and easy with the right tools available.
One brand we recommend for hair cutting kit is WAHL. And above all products from the brand, we have the special Wahl Corded Clipper Color Pro and Wahl 79445 Clipper Fade cut Haircutting kit. These two kits have great features that aim at making you feel like a professional. The clippers have several blades that are easy to attach and detach. The kit also has all tools you need to have a perfect haircut. There are combs scissors of different sizes.
You may choose to purchase your tools need separately instead of a full kit. Or you prefer another brand aside from the one we recommend. Check amazon store or any other for high-quality clippers. But make sure you follow the tips.
Tips for choosing quality clippers
- Make sure that you choose a quality brand such as Wahl, Oster, and Andis. Don’t be tempted to go for cheap but get a reliable clipper.
- Check the clipper housing; what is it made of? Plastic or valox?
- The blades must also be sharp and strong enough to withstand wear and tear.
- Clipper motors are the engine house, and they must be the right size and power.
- Lastly, the clipper should be easy to use and have all complete accessories. It should include blade oil, blade guard, warranty, and instructions.
2. Prepare Your Hair
Start by washing your hair with shampoo. Your hair must be clean to make it easier to work on it. Use a shampoo and conditioner to free your hair from dirt and snarl. A good shampoo should not leave your scalp dry and irritated. We recommend PURA D’OR Biotin Shampoo & Conditioner or Dove Men + Care Fortifying Shampoo & Conditioner.
Always consider your hair type when choosing a shampoo or conditioner. You can buy a 2 in 1 product like the once we mentioned earlier. Or you buy a shampoo only product and a conditioner. Wet your hair and apply shampoo, massage the content into your hair properly and rinse. Then, washing, apply the conditioner, and rinse thoroughly.
After successfully getting the dirt out, pick your comb and run it through your hair to detangle. Straightening out the knots will make you arrive at a cleaner cut. If you have tough and coarse hair, you can use hair detangling products to make it easier.
Next, when your hair is fully detangled, use a towel to dry it; your hair should not be wet while you cut. It is most preferably that it’s damp as your hair may not lay well if it is cut when soaking wet. If you find knots after drying up, you should comb again.
3. Ready to Cut
Now, your hair is ready to be trimmed. Look for a comfortable corner in front of a mirror to sit. If it is your first time, you may spend a long time cutting, and you will also mess up the place. So choose somewhere convenient. You can sit in front of a large size mirror in the bathroom.
Also, you may decide to set up another mirror behind you so that you can easily see the back of your head. Standing or hanging a mirror is acceptable as long as you are comfortable with it. Choose a style and be ready to cut.
4. Using a clipper to cut
For a start, make sure you place your clipper in a small guard setting. This setting controls how much hair you would cut, so it must be set to 1 or 2 for beginners. For the sides, trim from bottom to top with the blade edges. Let there be an even fade by tilting the clipper to an angle. Take one side at a time and repeat the procedure on both sides before cutting the back. Make sure you cut against your hair grain all the time. This will make your cuts cleaner.
The back of your hair should be the next area after cutting the sides. This should also be trimmed from bottom to top like the sides. With a mirror behind you, you will be sure that your first cut will be successful. Ensure you don’t change the guard setting when you are doing the sides and back since you are only doing a basic haircut. But you should use a shorter guard to even out fades by going over the lower half of your hair with clippers. Do this slowly so you can get a perfect fade!
5. Cutting other styles on your own.
If you want a different haircut from the one discussed above, you can try any of the styles mentioned below.
- Buzzcut – A buzzcut is usually a full cut and also the most comfortable option. You should start with a higher guard, like 5, so that you can determine how low you want it. This #5 guard will only cut your hair to half an inch. You can go lower by using a higher guard if you want. Start cutting from the top of your hair, and make sure you run the clipper against your hair grain. Then, stop at the widest area of your noggin and continue at the temple.
- Undercut – This is similar to a basic haircut, but it has long locks, and the top is left untouched. Choose the top section that you wish to leave untouched. It is recommended that the cut at the sides should stop just below the widest part of the head. Run a high guard at the top area of the head to test how low it will be. If you are satisfied, run the clipper through your head. Again make sure you are against your hair grain. And follow the instruction as revealed in the last section of the article.
6. Cutting with a scissors
Scissors can help you get more precise cuts than clippers; it also gives your hair preferred texture. You’ll find styling scissors in your clipper set. If the set doesn’t come with one, you can check the Amazon store for quality styling scissors. Styling scissors are completely designed for this purpose, so it is not recommendable that you should use household scissors. These household scissors, no matter how new, are not sharp enough for a fine haircut.
Raise the hair on the top of your head with your fingers or a comb and trim with the scissors. You should work carefully in dividing your hair into sections. To have equal length, you can raise some part of the previously cut section and the new section as a guideline. Work on the top of your head cautiously because it is more noticeable.
After cutting the top of your head to the desired length, hold up the hair perpendicular to your hairline, and make sure they are equal. If you have bangs, you should section it into small parts and trim. Use a comb to brush through the section you want to cut, then trim it with your scissors.
7. Finishing
Check the sides in the mirror and make sure they are even. Straighten out your hair with a comb and check if all sections are of the same length. Trim off any extra length you notice to even out the hair. But make sure you do this carefully. Take out tiny amounts of hair at a time when trimming, and do not be hasty, so you don’t over trim. Then, cut your sideburns to the desired length with a razor or clipper. The hair on the nape of your neck should be tapered down with a clipper or beard trimmer. Graze cut the top of the neckline first and then cut closer to the nape of your neck. Make sure you use a handheld mirror to view the neckline properly. Since you have followed these instructions on how to cut your own hair at home, you will have a perfect outcome.
If you wish to style your hair, you should do so immediately after cutting it. Rinse it in the shower to get all strays out of the way. Dry with a towel and use your comb to part and style as you want.
Finally, you are confident that after this article on how to cut your own hair at home, you will cut like a professional. Try it today! It’s easy!