10 Simple Ways To Help You Cut Your Hair At Home

What will you do if you do not have enough time to visit the salon and get a haircut? Simple, just learn how to cut your hair. Yes, it is possible. Many of us might have experienced this kind of situation at some points because of our hectic schedules. For this reason, we cannot neglect the hair as frequent trimming is equally important to prevent split ends and other issues. This article lists 10 easy DIY ways to cut your hair. So keep scrolling to check them out and get your grooming skills ready.

Before You Get Started

• Using the right hair-cutting tools is extremely important to achieve a decent cut. A fine-tooth styling comb, sectioning clips, hair shears, and a mirror are a must.
• Every inch of hair counts in making or breaking a hairdo. If you are a beginner, start with little snips instead of chopping off long lengths at a go.
• Curly hair is prone to shrinkage, so it is best to cut it when it is dry. Chopping wet curly hair can result in a completely different look than the one you are going for.

10 Ways To Cut Your Hair At Home

1. Shoulder-Length Hair

This hairdo has reigned supreme for many seasons, thanks to the versatility it brings on board. It’s a great option for those who are constantly experimenting with their looks.

What You Need

• Hair-cutting scissors
• Hairbrush
• Elastic bands
• Rat-tail comb

How To Do

1. Detangle your hair using a brush. Then, use a rat-tail comb to section your hair from the center to the nape, and part it evenly.
2. Bring the left and right ends to the front. Decide on the length you want and secure them with elastic bands.
3. Chop off the loose ends using scissors.

2. Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are the “it” hairstyle of the season. Skip your salon appointment and do it from the comfort of your home. Yes, it can be a bit tricky, but just make sure you don’t cut the bangs too short.

What You Need

• Hair-scissors
• Elastic bands
• Rat-tail comb
• Hair clips

How To Do

1. Comb your hair to smooth out tangles. Run the rat-tail comb from the center to get middle-parted hair.
2. Gather a few strands from the front part of your hair in a way that creates a triangular section and clip back the remaining hair.
3. Pull the strands in front and comb them. Now, cut the hair falling below your chin using scissors while placing two fingers underneath to get better precision.
4. Separate the chin-length bangs from the center. Take the left section of the bangs and cut it at a downward angle from below in accordance with your eyebrow shape. Repeat the same process for the right section of the bangs.
5. Lastly, use a scissor to small snips vertically at the ends of the bangs to complete the look.

3. Split Ends

No one likes split ends. I actually thought it was okay to have split ends until they started ruining the texture of my hair. So, I chopped them all off on my own! Here’s how you can do it.

What You Need

• Hair-cutting scissors
• Comb
• Elastic bands or hair clips

How To Do

1. Divide your hair into several sections and clip them up, leaving out one section.
2. Comb the loose section to remove all knots and tangles.
3. Hold your scissors vertically and use short snips to cut the ends of your hair. This is known as the point-cut method.
4. Once you’re done, check the section for any split ends.
5. Clip up this section and move on to the next one.

4. Long Layers

Forget diamonds – layers are a girl’s best friend! They can change up a hairstyle instantly. And, you don’t need to go to a salon for basic layers. Here’s how you can cut them yourself!

What You Need

• Hair-cutting scissors
• Comb or hair brush
• Hair clips

How To DoLayers At The Back

1. Comb your hair and detangle it thoroughly. If you have straight or fine hair, use a hair brush. If you have curly hair, then use a wide-toothed comb.
2. Bend forward and flip your hair over in front of you. Tie it into a ponytail two inches below your hairline.
3. Brush your hair again and tie another elastic band at the point where you want to cut your hair.
4. Place two fingers on either side of your hair above the second elastic band.
5. Spread out the hair evenly and cut it straight across.
6. If you want to feather your ends, hold the scissors vertically and cut upwards. But, be careful when you do this. I would recommend getting your hair feathered by a professional.
7. Remove both the elastic bands, flip your hair back, and brush it.

A blogger attempted a DIY layered haircut at home and found a helpful technique to make the process easier. She recommends, “Brush, brush, brush….you want to make sure that it is as smooth around your scalp as possible to get an even cut. Then slide the elastic band down the ponytail until you reach the amount that you want to cut off. I took off quite a bit because I really needed to. This part was really difficult and next time I will use 2 elastic bands and slide the first to the cutting point and the other an inch or so below it. Next step, cut just under the elastic band (or between the two if you are using more than one.) (i).”

Layers are a great way to make short hair work for most face shapes. Learn how to cut face-framing layers by yourself below.

Layers At The Front

1. Comb your hair and detangle it thoroughly. Use a hair brush if you have straight or fine hair and a wide-toothed comb if you have curly hair.
2. Leave out the front hair and clip off the rest of your hair. You can also take some hair that falls on the side.
3. Allow the hair to fall on your face and brush it a few times.
4. Take the hair in the center of this section and place a finger over and under it. Cut that section of hair using the point-cut method.
5. Keeping the center hair as a reference and depending on how many side layers you want, cut the rest of your hair a few centimeters below that section.
6. Once you’ve finished, brush all the hair to make sure it’s even. Part the hair the way you want and unclip the rest of your hair.

5. Trimming Curly Hair

Curly hair should not be cut when it is wet. You should also never stretch your curly hair when cutting it. I know that most hairstylists straighten curly before cutting it. But, here’s how you can cut your curly locks by yourself the right way.

What You Need

• Rat-tail comb
• Hair-cutting scissors
• Clips and elastic bands

How To Do

1. Comb your hair to remove any tangles.
2. Separate the section of hair that you will use to make your bangs and let it fall on your face.
3. Clip off the rest of your hair.
4. Using your eye line as a reference, trim this section of hair upwards and outwards.
5. Starting from the sides, unclip sections of your hair and trim them using the point-cut method.

6. Unicorn Ponytail Cut

This is one of the most used and searched tutorials on YouTube. The unicorn method of cutting hair is simple and easy.

What You Need

• Two elastic bands
• Hair-cutting scissors
• Comb

How To Do

1. Tie all your hair in a ponytail just before the crown of your head.
2. Use an elastic band to secure the ponytail in place.
3. Take a second elastic band and tie it where you want to cut your hair.
4. Hold your ponytail straight up and cut it just above the second elastic band.
5. You can feather the ends of your hair with the point-cut method.

7. Asymmetrical Bob Cut

The asymmetrical bob is quickly rising to become one of the most-sought after bobs of all time. Give yourself this edgy short hair makeover at home by following the steps below.

What You Need

• Elastic bands
• Hair-cutting scissors

How To Do

1. Part your hair down the middle. Extend the parting till the nape of your neck to divide your hair into two sections, one on each side of your head.
2. Tie each section with elastic bands.
3. Tie two more elastic bands at the point where you want to cut your hair.
4. Pull one of the elastic bands a little lower than the other.
5. Using the point-cut method, cut below the second elastic bands of both the sections.
6. Cut one section steeper than the other to form an asymmetrical bob.

Quick Tip

Some people also prefer flat ironing hair to ensure the hair is uniform and ready for blunt bob cut.

8. Straight Bangs

Straight bangs are a classic hairstyle that also looks very modern. This style has been around since forever and still remains the queen of bang styles.

Favour Akinjiyan of Favoured Beauty says “Make sure you don’t raise your eyebrows while cutting your bangs because you may end up cutting the bangs too short. Keep your face neutral so you can accurately gauge the length of your hair”.

What You Need

• Rat-tail comb
• Hair-cutting scissors
• Clips and elastic bands

How To Do

1. For a full center bang, use a rat-tail comb to part the shape of a triangle in the front of your hair.
2. Separate this section of hair and cut it straight across evenly.
3. Use the point-cut method to soften the ends.
4. If you want a tapered fringe, cut this section of hair just below your eyebrows and keep making it longer as it reaches your ears.

Quick Tip

You can simply smooth out bangs by blow drying them with a large round brush, don’t over style them or you may end up with fried bangs.

9. Blunt Cut

The blunt cut is a straight-ended cut. This means there it does not involve feathering or thinning out the ends.

What You Need

• Elastic bands
• Comb
• Hair-cutting scissors

How To Do

1. Divide your hair into four equal sections – two in the front and two at the back.
2. Tie all four sections with elastic bands.
3. Use four more elastic bands to tie each section at the point where you want to cut your hair.
4. Cut the hair in one section straight across below the second elastic band.
5. Use this section as a reference to cut the other sections.

10. Front Ponytail

What You Need

• Hair ties
• Comb
• Hair-cutting scissors
• A mirror

How To Do

1. Create a front section, typically from the temples to the crown, and secure the rest of the hair with a hair tie.
2. Decide on the desired length of the ponytail. Consider cutting it slightly longer than intended to allow for any adjustments.
3. Comb the sectioned hair straight down and secure it into a ponytail at the desired length. Cut the ponytail in a straight line with sharp scissors for precision.
4. Release the ponytail and check for evenness. Make any necessary minor trims to ensure finesse.
5. Style the cut front ponytail as desired and make sure it blends with the rest of your hair for a polished look.

When you sit down to cut your hair, remember to take your time and avoid cutting too much at once irrespective of your chosen haircut. Professional hair stylists recommend starting with small sections. You can gradually adjust your cuts as you gauge your style. It is recommended to watch a couple of video tutorials and practice on a mannequin head before cutting your hair.

People assume cutting your hair by yourself is no big deal. However, there are some commonly committed mistakes in the basic steps that can drastically ruin your look. Scroll down to know what are these common mistakes that people make so you can avoid them.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Here are common mistakes to avoid when cutting your hair.

• Do not use make-do tools and equipment. Invest in a pair of sharp hair-cutting scissors and sectioning clips to avoid jagged, uneven cuts. Do not try to manage with your kitchen scissors and blades.
• Do not cut wet hair too short. Hair appears longer when wet, so if you cut wet hair too short, it may end up much shorter than intended once it dries.
• Not sectioning the hair can lead to uneven lengths and missed spots. Always divide your hair into manageable sections for better control.
• Do not cut too much at once. It is easy to get carried away, but cutting large chunks at once can result in mistakes.
• Never ignore your face shape, as doing so may give you unflattering results. For example, short, blunt bangs may not suit every face shape. Research styles that complement your face before cutting your hair.
• Not checking both sides for symmetry is another common mistake many people make while cutting their own hair. For styles that require symmetry, like bangs or a bob, cutting without frequently checking both sides can result in a lopsided cut.
• Avoid over-cutting bangs. Cutting bangs too thick or too short is a common mistake. Always start with small snips, keeping the length slightly longer than desired.
• Never rush through the process. Cutting your own hair requires patience. Take your time to make small, careful cuts, and step back frequently to assess your progress.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you will have a better chance of achieving an even haircut and reducing the need for professional fixes!

Infographic: Mistakes To Avoid While Cutting Your Hair At Home

Cutting your hair at home can save a lot of money, and you can also experiment with your hair as you please. However, a small mistake can result in a bad haircut. So, it is best to be prepared and avoid certain common mistakes while getting a haircut at home. Check out the infographic below for more details.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I make a mistake while cutting my hair?

First of all, do not panic! Do not try to fix it yourself. Gently wrap your hair in a bun or wear a hat and go to a salon to get it fixed by experts. They will surely figure out a style that complements your overall look even if it may not be the hairstyle you initially desired.

Why shouldn’t you cut your hair with regular scissors?

You shouldn’t cut your hair with regular scissors because they may break, tug, and damage the hair strands. In contrast, hair cutting scissors will give you a sharp and precise hair cutting experience.

Which is the best haircut for self-cutting?

Bob and pixie are some of the best haircuts for self-cutting. They require minimal tools and are time-saving.

Should I wash my hair before a haircut?

It’s best to wash your hair before a haircut, as clean hair is easier to work with and provides a more accurate representation of your hair’s natural texture and length.

What are the disadvantages of cutting dry hair?

Cutting dry hair can lead to uneven tresses and a less precise haircut, unless you have curly hair. Dry hair may also be more prone to breakage and damage during the cutting process.

How do I check and adjust the length and balance of my hair as I cut it?

Use front and back mirrors to view your hair from different angles and adjust the length as needed. Comb your hair regularly to check for any uneven sections.

Should I have someone else help me with cutting hard-to-reach areas, such as the back of my head?

It’s recommended to have someone else help you with cutting hard-to-reach areas to get an even and precise cut.

How can I avoid making mistakes or uneven cuts while cutting my own hair?

Start with small, gradual cuts and work slowly and methodically. Take breaks as needed to step back and evaluate your progress, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek guidance from online tutorials or professional hairstylists. You can also practice cutting the hair on a mannequin to get more comfortable.

Illustration: Simple Ways To Help You Cut Your Hair At Home

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Say goodbye to expensive salon visits! Learn the art of cutting your own hair in the video below and master the skill to achieve professional-looking results from the comfort of your home.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Favour AkinjiyanMakeup Artist

   

Favour is a certified makeup artist with 5 years of experience and a lover of all things science and beauty. She is also the founder of Favoured Beauty, a brand committed to creating an inclusive community in the beauty space and developing science-backed solutions for hyperpigmentation.

Read full bio of Favour Akinjiyan

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Asmita DeAssociate Editor

Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.

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Bhumika DagaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Bhumika is a content writer with 2.5 years of expertise in crafting articles across diverse genres. She graduated from the University of Delhi and completed her post-graduation from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi.

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