How to Cut Your Hair at Home

Let's face it, in today's world, we're all looking for ways to save a buck. With the rise of DIY beauty trends, trimming your own hair at home might seem like a tempting way to stretch your budget. Listen, we've all been there – the split ends are getting out of control, or your bangs are begging for a quick trim. But before you grab those scissors, let's talk for a second.

Sure, a DIY haircut can save you some cash in the short term. But achieving salon-quality results, the kind that make you look and feel like a million bucks, well, that takes some serious skill and experience. This guide will walk you through the basics of cutting your hair at home, but remember, becoming a hairdressing pro requires a whole different level of expertise - the kind you can only gain with a proper qualification! 

Tips Before Snip
Before you unleash your inner stylist, let's set you up for minimal disaster. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• Gear Up: Invest in a pair of sharp, professional hairdressing scissors. They'll give you clean cuts and prevent split ends. You can find these at most beauty supply stores in Australia. Think of it like this: a makeup artist wouldn't use a paintbrush from the dollar store, right? The same principle applies here.

• Start Small: The age-old advice of "measure twice, cut once" applies perfectly to hair! Especially for beginners. Begin with conservative trims and gradually take off more length if needed. You can always cut more, but you can't put it back!

• Dry is the Way to Go: Hair can stretch and behave differently when wet. To avoid unwanted surprises, work with your hair completely dry. This allows you to see its natural texture and visualize the final cut more accurately.

• Section Control: Sectioning your hair with clips is your best friend for achieving even cuts. Separate your hair into manageable sections and clip them up. This gives you more control and prevents accidental snips in the wrong place.

• Lighting: Good lighting is crucial for seeing exactly what you're cutting. Choose a well-lit area, preferably with natural light, so you can clearly see every strand and avoid uneven results.

As the famous hairstylist Vidal Sassoon once said, "Hair has a memory." This means that once you cut it wrong, it can take time and a professional's touch to fix it. So, tread carefully!

Thinking Long Term? While a DIY trim might be okay in a pinch, achieving salon-quality cuts, colors, and styles takes serious training and expertise. If you're passionate about hair and beauty, consider pursuing a professional hairdressing qualification!

DIY Haircut Techniques: A Beginner's Guide

Let's explore some basic techniques you can try at home. But remember, these are simplified versions, and achieving truly flawless results takes professional training and experience.

1. Trimming Split Ends

Split ends can make your hair look frizzy and unhealthy. So, trimming them is a relatively simple DIY task. Here's how:

• Gather your supplies: Grab your sharp hairdressing scissors and a fine-tooth comb.

• Section your hair: Separate your hair into small sections using clips. This helps ensure you don't accidentally take off too much.

• Identify the split: Run the comb down each section, focusing on the ends. Look for the point where the hair separates into two or more strands.

• Snip it clean: Using sharp scissors, carefully snip off a small amount of hair just above the split. Avoid cutting upwards, as this can encourage further splitting.

• Work methodically: Repeat this process section by section, focusing on the areas with the most split ends. 

2. Blunt Haircut

The blunt haircut is a classic style. Here's a simplified approach to achieving it at home:

• Prep work: Ensure your hair is completely dry and combed through.

• Ponytail guide: Gather your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Secure it tightly with an elastic band.

• Level it up: Here comes the important part. Holding the ponytail taut, assess the length you desire for the blunt cut. Remember, you can always cut more later, so start conservative!

• Snip with confidence: Using sharp scissors, cut straight across the bottom of the ponytail, following the line created by the elastic band.

• Release and refine: Carefully remove the ponytail holder and let your hair down. Use a comb to check for any unevenness and make minor adjustments if needed.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive: A blunt cut looks best with healthy, thick hair. If your hair is fine or prone to breakage, a blunt cut might not be the most flattering option. Here's a great YouTube video tutorial on a blunt haircut: HOW TO DO A BLUNT HAIRCUT LIKE A PRO | BEGINNER FRIENDLY HAIRCUTTING TUTORIAL

3. Layering for Long Hair

Adding basic layers can breathe new life into long hair, making it appear thicker and more voluminous. However, layering requires more precision than simple trims. Here's a simplified approach, but remember, for more complex layering techniques, professional training is highly recommended.

• Prep is crucial: As always, work with dry, detangled hair.

• Parting for success: Decide on your desired parting – center, side, or deep side.

• The guide section: Separate a small triangular section of hair at the front of your head, near your parting. This will serve as your guide for the rest of the layers.

• Finding your length: Hold the guide section taut and determine the desired length for the first layer.

• Angle and snip: Hold the scissors at a slight angle and point down towards the ground. Carefully snip off the desired amount of hair from the guide section.

• Mirror, mirror on the wall: Use a mirror to check the levelness of the cut.

• Repeat and refine: Continue taking small sections of hair throughout your head, using the first section as your guide for length and angle. Work your way back towards the crown and down the sides. Take your time and be cautious – you can always cut more, but you can't add hair back!

Looking for a more detailed layering tutorial? This YouTube video offers a great breakdown for beginners: HOW I CUT & LAYER MY HAIR AT HOME » diy long layers haircut

4. Trimming Bangs:

Bangs can be a game-changer for your hairstyle, framing your face and adding personality. However, a DIY bang trim gone wrong can be disastrous. If you're feeling brave, here are some pointers:

• You'll need sharp hairdressing scissors, a fine-tooth comb, and a thinning shear for wispier bangs.

• Start with a conservative trim – you can always cut more later, but you can't add hair back!

• The Twist Technique: Here's a popular method: Slightly dampen your bangs and twist a small section away from your face. Using sharp scissors, carefully snip a small amount of hair diagonally across the pointed ends. Repeat with small sections until you achieve the desired length.

For a more detailed visual guide, check out this excellent YouTube tutorial: How to Cut Your Own Bangs/Fringe!. 

5. Face-Framing Layers

Face-framing layers are a popular technique that adds subtle texture and softens the overall look of your hairstyle. They can be particularly flattering for those with longer hair or angular faces.

• Precision is Key: Unlike blunt cuts, face-framing layers require more precision.

• Sectioning is Your Friend: Separate your hair into manageable sections using clips for better control.

• The Guide Section: Take a small triangular section of hair near your face at your desired parting. This will be your guide for the rest of the layers.

• Angle Matters: Hold the scissors at a slight downward angle and carefully snip off a small amount of hair from the guide section.

• Mirror: Use a mirror to check for evenness as you work your way through the rest of your hair, using the guide section as your reference.

The Importance of Professional Hairdressing

Here's why taking up a hairdressing qualification could be the perfect next step to elevate your beauty career.

• Safety First

Let's face it, DIY haircuts come with risks. Uneven cuts, hair mishaps, and even scalp irritation are all possibilities when wielding scissors without proper training. Imagine the look on a client's face if you accidentally chopped off a big chunk of their hair! Professional hairstylists have the knowledge and experience to avoid these pitfalls, ensuring a safe and satisfying experience for their clients.

• Beyond the Basics: Mastering the Art of Hair

Haircutting is just the first chapter. Professional hairdressing encompasses a vast range of skills, from advanced cutting techniques like graduated bobs and intricate layering to expert coloring and innovative styling. Think vibrant balayage, flawless blowouts, and head-turning updos – these require years of training and practice to master. With a qualification, you'll learn a world of creative possibilities and be able to offer your clients a truly transformative hair experience.

• The Art of Consultation: Creating Personalized Beauty

A great hairstylist is more than just a scissor-wielding technician. They're artists who understand the importance of consultation. They take the time to consider your client's face shape, hair texture, desired style, and even lifestyle to create a personalized look that flatters and empowers them.  Learning this skill through a hairdressing program will make you an invaluable asset in the beauty industry.

• A Rewarding Career Path

The world of hairdressing is more than just a job; it's a creative outlet and a chance to connect with people on a deeper level. A career in hairdressing allows you to be part of their special occasions, from weddings and graduations to everyday moments of self-expression.  It's truly a rewarding path!

• Invest in Your Skills

If you're passionate about hair and beauty, consider pursuing a professional hairdressing qualification. Makeup School Sydney offers accredited Certificate iii in Hairdressing and Certificate IV in Hairdressing programs that will provide you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in this exciting industry. These nationally recognized qualifications cover everything you need to know, from hair science and safe work practices to advanced cutting techniques, coloring, and styling. You'll gain hands-on experience in a supportive learning environment, working with experienced instructors and fellow students.

Imagine the possibilities – a flourishing career, the ability to transform people's lives through the power of hair, and the immense satisfaction of being a sought-after hairstylist. With dedication and the right training, you can turn your passion into a thriving profession. 

Take the first step today and explore Makeup School Sydney's hairdressing programs – you won't regret it!

Don't settle for DIY – invest in your future and become a hairdressing pro! 

Choose Your Career Today!

FAQ

What is the simplest way to cut your hair?

Answer: Pulling the hair straight up with your fingers is the simplest way to cut your hair, as it is the best approach to ensure that the length is evenly distributed. 

How can I trim my hair without damaging it?

Answer: Hold your shears up against your fingers to ensure they are straight. And make sure you start with very small amount, the shorter the better.

How long does it take to cut your own hair?

Answer: Depends on your level of skill. It can take as little as 10 minutes to up to 2-3 hours. Whether you are expert or not it’s always best to take time when your cutting your hair by yourself.

How long does it take for hair to set after a haircut?

Answer: Give your hair one week to adapt. Hair may appear strange immediately after a haircut because the roots have been exposed and require time to settle. The appearance you were hoping for may begin to show after 1-3 washes each week.