Instructions on How to Taper Hair
Although mostly for men, the tapered look works great for some women as well. All you need is a pair of scissors and clippers, and unless you have a good mirror and incredible coordination, you might need someone to help do the cutting. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Choose how long you want the shortest hair to be cut. It is easiest to do this using a set of clippers and clipper guards. Most people would be comfortable using a #3 guard (3/8 inch) on the clippers, but you can also go shorter with a #1 (1/8 inch) or #2 (1/4 inch) or slightly longer with a #4 (1/2 inch).
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2
With the guard attached, use the clippers starting at the base of the neckline and slowly pull the guard away from the back of the head as you move up with the clippers. The amount of tapering is all up to you. Repeat this process on the sides.
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3
Starting from the base of the hairline, roll up the hair with a comb. Using the clippers, move further up the sides and back of the head, cutting the hair that sticks through the comb to your desired length. The hair should be cut from shorter to longer as you work upwards around the head. This clipper-over-comb technique is useful for tapering hair at lengths longer than your guards will allow.
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4
Use your scissors to trim the bangs. After combing the hair straight down, use your fingers to cut the desired amount off by allowing only that amount to stick through the comb, and then snip off the ends.
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5
Using the same technique as in the last step, take clumps of hair between your fingers and cut according to your desired length all along the top of the head. Combing the hair after each snip ensures that you get all the hairs.
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6
Review the hair from all angles, snipping off any excess and fixing any irregularities you may see. The hair should have a gradual curve to it--longer on the top and shorter on the sides and back.
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7
Remove the guard from the clippers and clean up around the neckline and ears, being careful not to cut too far into the trimmed hair. On this setting, the results of a mistake are usually obvious and irreversible.
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8
Clean up the mess of fallen hair on the floor, rinse out your hair and admire your tapered look in the mirror.
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Tips & Warnings
Since tapering hair is far easier when you have a partner to help, trade haircuts with a friend to save time, money and the risk of accidentally butchering your hair.
