How to Cut Your Own Hair

Never pay for a haircut again! Cutting hair isn't as hard as it seems.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scissors
• Comb
• Spray bottle of water
• Large mounted mirror
• Small hand mirror
• Large butterfly clips or hair tie

1. Dampen hair with spray bottle and comb out. Hair should be damp enough to straighten out, but not dripping. Pull hair on the top of your head into a topknot and secure with a clip or hair tie, leaving the hair that grows below your ear level hanging down. Make sure it's combed straight.

2. Cut fringe of hair to desired length. Remember that most hair dries shorter than it is wet, so leave a little leeway for it to shorten. This is especially true for wavy or curly hair. Using the large mounted mirror, eyeball what you've done to be sure it's even.

3. Release hair from top of head and regather slightly less, so that another layer of hair falls over what you've already cut. Comb the longer hair out over the cut hair, and cut it to the same length. Repeat until all the hair has been released and cut to the same length.

4. Comb hair in front of face and check to be sure it matches side to side. If there is any discrepancy, trim it even. Restore your hair to its usual part.

5. If desired, layers or rounding may be added by cutting into the blunt style. Using a comb held vertically, pull hair away from the head and cut vertically, not horizontally. This will result in a slight angle being created all the way around, giving a rounding effect. For more dramatic layers, pull sections of hair straight up and snip little chunks out, without cutting the entire section. Fiddle with it until you feel you've achieved the effect you want. Check the back by turning your back to the big mirror and holding the hand mirror in front of you.

6. Dry and style your hair as you wish. If anything seems out of place, now's the time to trim it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're nervous about cutting your hair, start with slight modifications to what you have until you gain confidence that you won't ruin your look.
• Hold the hair you're cutting and simply throw it in a trashcan to avoid a mess.
• If you're dramatically changing your style or have a short hairdo, you may want to go to a professional.

[Antiki]

on 12/23/2008 I have done this type of hair cutting when I'm in a pinch for money, which is a lot. My hair is straight and this is a great way to save money. I usually cut only about 3 layers. I also noticed that on the shorter styles, to give more fullnes at the back, a small layer underneath, at the back of the head is cut a little shorter than the rest.

[Thims]

on 9/21/2008 For me the title of this artice is "How To Create A Major Disaster!" Snip, snip! ;-) Good article.

[LynnG3]

on 9/20/2008 I have cut my own hair, it saves a lot of money, esp. when you have a car note to pay!! Great idea, however, I have found a good hairdresser now, she charges only $10 and doesn't expect your bank book for a gratuity!!LOL!!