How to Cut Your Own Hair: 9 Ways to Make

Whether saving money, fueling your love of DIY, or trying to maintain your style while at the salon, learning how to cut your hair can be incredibly empowering. The rise of at-home grooming has made DIY haircuts more popular than ever, with social media awash with haircut tutorials and success stories. But before you pick up the scissors, it’s crucial to understand the basics of cutting your hair to ensure great results every time. This blog will tell you about the tools, techniques, tips, and inspiration you need to master cutting hair at home.

The Essential Tools You Need

Before you embark on your DIY hair-cutting expedition, make sure you’re equipped with the right tools. Using the wrong tools can lead to uneven cuts or unnecessary frustration, so here’s a guide to the essentials:

Scissors: Invest in professional hair-cutting scissors; kitchen scissors won’t do the trick. Look for affordable options online or at beauty supply stores.
Clippers: If you’re looking to cut short or blend in a faded color, clippers with adjustable guards are a must-have.
Comb: A fine-tooth comb will help you section and control your hair while you’re cutting.
Mirror Setup: Choose a handheld mirror and a large mirror to see your haircut from all angles.
Section Clips: These help keep your hair organized while you work, especially for layering techniques.
Spray Bottle: Keeping your hair wet ensures precise cuts and better control.

Budget advice? Visit your local beauty supply store, or check out online platforms like Amazon for affordable, highly-rated options.

Understanding Your Hair Type

Before your first snip, it’s crucial to understand your hair type, as it will affect how you cut, layer, and blend.

Straight Hair: Every imperfection shows through, so precision is key
Wavy Hair: Provides some tolerable texture, but cutting too short can make your waves loose.
Curly Hair: Dry cutting is necessary for more precision, as hair curls contract when wet.
Thick or Coarse Hair: Sections are essential for controlling density and trimming evenly.
Fine Hair: You should focus on volume-enhancing cuts like layers or textured ends.

Not sure about your hair type? Take a close look at the elasticity, texture, and how it reacts to water, then plan your strategy accordingly.

Basic Cutting Techniques

Every hairstylist starts with the basics. These beginner-friendly methods will help you achieve a polished look:

1. One-length cut

Part your hair into equal sections.
Use a comb to pull small sections together (close to the shoulders).
Section your hair evenly, following your guidelines from the first section.
Continue sectioning and trimming your hair until you reach the back of your head.

The one-length cut is a classic hairstyle that never goes out of style. It’s a simple yet elegant look that can be easily achieved at home. All you need is a good pair of scissors, a good comb, and some basic hair styling skills.

2. Trim Split Ends

Twist small sections of hair tightly.
Split ends will come out—cut them off as you twist.
Repeat the process until all split ends have been trimmed.

Having split ends can be frustrating, especially when you want to achieve healthy, beautiful hair. Split ends occur when the protective outer layer of your hair, known as the cuticle, becomes damaged or worn down. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including heat styling, excessive brushing, chemical treatments, and even environmental factors like sunlight and pollution.

3. Using Clippers for Short Styles

Choose the appropriate guard length (the more cuts, the more).

Glide the clippers upwards in a smooth motion, starting at the base.
Move sideways and back, making sure to blend in any lines or uneven areas.
Use the shorter guard length for precise details around the hairline or facial hair.

When it comes to styling short hair, clippers are one of the most versatile tools. They can help you achieve a clean and stylish look without spending hours at the salon.
These tricks can keep you looking fresh even between salon visits!

Advanced Cutting Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try something more advanced. These techniques take a little practice, but they can transform your look:

Layering

Cut the top layer of your hair and hold it at a 90-degree angle.
Trim the ends of the hair diagonally, leaving them loose, and trim the bottom section of the hair short.
You repeat this process for the rest of the layers, ensuring they blend seamlessly.

Layering is a hair-cutting technique that involves cutting hair of different lengths to add texture, shape, and depth to your hairstyle. It is a popular choice for those who want to add volume and movement to their hair. This technique can be used on all hair types, from straight to curly, and can be customized based on personal preference and face shape.

Texturizing

Point the scissors upward into the hair for a natural, feathery effect.
Avoid cutting too deep into the section for a balanced look.
Hold the scissors at an angle for a textured, choppy look.

When it comes to haircuts, texture is key. It adds dimension and movement to your strands, giving you that effortless and stylish look. Whether you have short or long hair, incorporating texture into your cut can make all the difference.

Cutting Bangs

Start slowly by cutting long bangs—you can always go shorter!
Use small, vertical snips for a soft finish.
Avoid cutting bangs straight across, as this can create a harsh and blunt look. Instead, try angling the scissors slightly for a more natural finish.
Consider your face shape when deciding on the length and style of your bangs. For example, if you have a round face, opt for longer side-swept bangs to help elongate your features. If you have a heart-shaped face, try shorter and wispy bangs to balance out your forehead.
Remember that curly hair will bounce up once it dries, so be cautious with the length of your bangs when cutting them wet.

Need guidance? Explore video tutorials from experts for a closer look into these techniques.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned DIYers make mistakes. Avoid these common pitfalls to save your style (and sanity):

Skipping Sections: Keep hair neatly divided for even cuts.
Cutting Too Much at Once: Always go for small trims—you can cut more if needed.
Not Accounting for Hair Shrinkage: Curly or wet hair will shrink when it dries, so leave some extra length.
Using Dull Scissors: Dull blades can make uneven, jagged cuts. Invest in sharp tools instead.
Ignoring Your Hair Type: Different hair types require different cutting techniques. Do your research before you pick up the scissors.
Not Knowing When to Stop: It’s easy to get carried away when trying to fix a mistake, but sometimes it’s best to put the scissors down and seek professional help.

If something goes wrong, don’t panic! Styling products like pomade or a trip to the salon can easily fix any mistakes.

Styling Tips After the Cut

The secret to loving your new haircut is styling it well. Here’s how to make the most out of your fresh trim:

For Straight Hair: Apply a smoothing serum and flat iron for a sleek look.
For Wavy Hair: Scrunch your damp hair with mousse to enhance texture.
For Curly Hair: Use a diffuser and hydrating curl cream for bounce and definition.
For Short Hair: Experiment with pomades for textured, trendy styles.
For Medium-Length Hair: Try braiding or twisting sections of your hair for a beachy, boho look.
For Long Hair: Create loose waves with a curling iron or by wrapping hair around the barrel and securing it with clips until cool.

Styling after a new haircut can be both exciting and challenging. You may have fallen in love with your new cut at the salon, but now it’s time to recreate that same look at home. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some helpful tips for styling different hair types and lengths. Maintain your beautiful look by investing in quality products. Brands like Moroccanoil and Briogeo offer great solutions for after-cut care.

Real Stories and Before-After Transformations

Sometimes the best inspiration comes from real-life success. Meet Anna, who decided to cut her curtain bangs after watching a tutorial. “Despite my nervousness, I took my time and carefully followed each step. I receive so many compliments now!”
Or Rachel, who cut her boyfriend’s hair during lockdown. “She laughs as she acknowledges, “The first time was so bad.” “But now I can do the perfect fade without thinking!”
Before you get your hair cut, check out DIY haircut transformation videos on Instagram or TikTok for inspiration and tips.

Cut Your Confidence

Cutting hair can seem intimidating, but with the right tools, an understanding of your hair type, and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating the style you love. Start by experimenting with basic techniques, then graduate to more advanced styles as your confidence grows.
If you’ve mastered the art of DIY haircutting or tried these tips, share your before-and-after stories or tips in the comments below! Be sure to hit us up in the comments section for more beauty and styling hacks to rock your signature style every day.