How to Thin Hair Using Shavers

Before you chop all your hair with scissors, use a razor for more style.

If you find your hair is too thick and lays on your head with no real style, it's time for a haircut. Rather than go to the salon and pay exorbitant prices, you can cut it yourself. Thin your hair with a razor from a shaver if your hair is thick and needs definition. A razor is a good way to cut it without creating blunt, straight lines. The razor will cut certain strands, leaving others in place. This gives you a layered look.

Things You'll Need

• Comb
• Nonelectric shaving razor or straight hair razor
• Mirror
• Towel
• Water spray bottle, filled

Instructions

1. Get in front of a mirror, with a towel, comb and shaver in hand. Spread the towel out over your shoulders. You may want a second one on the floor to catch hair clippings.

2. Spray your hair with water to dampen it. Dry hair will dull the razor, causing it to pull your hair. Comb it until smooth.

3. Gather a small chunk of hair in your offhand. Grasp the razor in your dominant hand. Lay the razor flat against a few strands. Drag it toward the ends of the hair in short, steady strokes. The more of an angle the razor has, the fewer strands it will cut. Holding the razor erect will result in a greater amount of hair removal. Drop the hair back in place.

4. Work your way through your hair. Always touch the razor to your hair halfway down the shaft. Don't cut it too close to the scalp. If it's easier, part your hair in sections and pin back the rest.

5. Start by removing a small amount of hair first. Once you drop it into place, look at how it falls and thin more, if needed. Get more aggressive with the razor as you become more comfortable.

6. Thin the hair in the crown area of your head for added lift and volume. Leave it as is (full) at the very top of your head, then thin it halfway down. The ends will be much thinner, but your hair will have a good amount of volume where it matters most.

7. Thin short hairstyles. Cut the top layers with the razor so they are 4 inches long. Make the sides and nape area even shorter to add lift and texture.

8. Step back and look at your hair in the mirror as you work. Put a hand on each side of your head, gather hair, and judge if it's the same thickness. If one side feels thicker, thin it more. Look at the back of your hair in the mirror, too.

References

• Made Manual; How to Thin Hair With Razor; Anita York
• Think Quest - CT Teen Hair: How to Cut Your Hair
• 1920-30.com: Cutting Hair With A Razor