What is the best way of cutting our hair at home? SHOULD we be cutting our hair at home? We're well into Lockdown 3.0 now and those are the big hair-centric questions raising thair controversial heads again. Split ends are rife, layers have grown out, fringes are morphing into curtains, action needs to be taken, but is cutting your own hair at home really the way forward? Ah the humble haircut, how we took you for granted BC (before COVID, of course). While some of us managed to nab an appointment in-between Lockdown 1.0 and 2.0 or had the fortune of living in a Tier 1-3 area – we are all now faced with the same restrictions in Lockdown 3.0. Again, our beloved hairdressers and beauty salons will close their doors and for many of us, we’ll be taking our beauty maintenance in-house. Which means more DIY manicures, several sheet masks and perhaps a haircut at home. If it’s the latter you’re considering, remember to always tread, or rather snip, carefully.
It goes without saying that the best option where haircuts are concernes would always be to visit a hairdresser and let the professionals work their magic. ‘A cut isn’t always essential in-between salon visits,’ points out James Johnson, Celebrity Stylist and Color Wow Ambassador, ‘a nourishing hair treatment can work just as well.’ So only go for the DIY chop if it really is a necessity. And if it is, do your research. As a good starting point, we’ve quizzed the experts for their top tips and tricks and searched high and low to bring you the best tutorials for cutting your hair at home. Read on…
How To Cut Your Own Hair At Home
Regardless of whether your hair is long, short, straight or curly – there are a couple of basics to consider before you reach for the scissors:
Invest in the right tools
Do not (I repeat, do NOT) use kitchen scissors. The blunt edge can, in fact, cause more split ends, so you’re better off investing in a pair of razor-sharp hairdressing scissors. Try the Dark Stag Offset Scissors, £67.50, from Sally Beauty, or for a cheaper alternative Boots have a pair for £8.50. Make sure you’ve also got a mirror and a comb to hand.
Cut your hair when it's dry
According to hair stylist Bobby Collier at Larry King Hair Salon, it’s always better to cut your hair dry as opposed to wet. ‘This way you can control how much is coming off as it’s easier to see. If you cut your hair when it’s wet, there’s a chance that the hair will jump when it’s dry – especially if your hair is curly.’ And this can result in too much being taken off.
Shop: The Best Hairdressing Scissors To Cut Hair At Home
Best Hairdressing Scissors 2021
1 of 6Boots Salon Performance Hair Cutting Scissors, £8.50
These stainless steel, sharp scissors are a good affordable option. They come with a dial tool to adjust the closeness of the blades and a finger rest for control.
2 of 6Saiza Scissors Iguana 5.5, £127.40
With so many 5-star reviews, Saiza scissors are said to deliver professional results. The scissors are made from stainless steel and feature ergonomic offset handles, convex edges for a smoothing cutting action and can be used on wet or dry hair.
3 of 6Toni & Guy Thinning Scissors, £95
Ideal for taking off that extra weight, Toni & Guy's thinning scissors are easy to use and will last for ages.
4 of 6Dark Stag Steel Bevelled Razor Edge Barber Scissors, £28.95
Designed for barbering, the Dark Stag scissors use hollow-ground blades that give precise cuts. They're also super comfortable to hold and come in different sizes.
5 of 6Kobe Kopper Thinning Scissors, £52.50
Featuring 30 teeth for expert thinning and an adjustable screw to make sure they're comfortable - these thinning scissors will get the job done well. What's more, the copper aesthetic is so chic.
6 of 6Fitstop Professional Hairdressing Scissors, £8.99
At just £8.99, these hairdressing scissors are an absolute steal. They're designed for pros and amateurs alike featuring stainless steel razor sharp blades, finger inserts for soft grip and will last for an age.
How To Cut Long Hair At Home
If you have mid-length to long hair, follow Collier's four-step guide below to trim off broken ends without a blunt or harsh edge:
1. Section the hair: 'Section your hair straight down the back of your head and bring both sides forward in front of your shoulders.'
2. Point cut: 'Point cutting is the best technique to achieve a softer line. So, instead of cutting straight across, you cut upwards into the hair.'
3. Cut cautiously: 'If it's dry/split ends you want to be rid of, take off no more than one inch.'
4. Finish with the back: 'Once you've got your desired length at the front, put all of the hair back behind your shoulders. You should then have a slight "V" shape. To straighten this out, I would recommend asking someone else to point cut from short point to short point.'
How To Cut Short Hair At Home
When it comes to a DIY hair cut, trimming longer hair is definitely less intimidating than cutting a short hair style. Why? It's easier to spot a mistake on short hair and because there's less hair - the mistake is harder to hide. Jonhson recommends snipping slowly - 'you can always take off more, but you cannot put it back.' And the same trusted technique of point cutting can be applied to short hair - 'cut up into the hair, rather than across, to avoid that blunt edge.' And if you can, always recruit the help of friend to tackle the back section.
How To Cut A Fringe
There are several different ways to cut a fringe, four of which we've covered in our step-by-step guide which you can read here. Choose between the twist and cut (ideal for full fringes), the razor technique (for a soft, feathered finish) or the point cut technique. For more guidance, watch the Kardashians' Hair Stylist, Jen Atkin's useful tutorial on how to shape the front section of your hair at home.
How To Cut Curly Hair At Home
Before cutting curly hair, read Ricky Walters, Director of SALON64 top tips and tricks:
1. Cut dry: ‘I cut the majority of my curly hair clients on dry hair to try and resemble what the hair looks like most days. If you have curly hair, try and replicate how it looks 99% of the time before you begin cutting. Bear in mind, if your hair is tied up in a tight bun this would have stretched your curls out and therefore not suitable to cut after this.’
2. Consider the shape: ‘When cutting curly hair dry, think about the shape you want to create. Before pulling the trigger on your scissors, lift the curl up to the position you would like it to sit and check in the mirror if this looks good. Perhaps even go a little longer as a safety net.’
3. Gardening: ‘For those with very curly hair (like me) don’t use a comb. Curly hair should be cut as visual as possible. Very similar to trimming a hedge, just shape where needed by picking up curls in your hands and taking a little off the length. Try to point your scissors down so you cut at an angle and not straight across as this can leave heavy lines.
Fortunately for the curly-haired of you out there, hairstylist Mel of Manes by Mel is here to talk you through trimming your own hair at home. She shares her top tips for sectioning the hair, point cutting and the best after care.
How To Cut Men's Hair
Regal Gentleman has us covered with this in-depth how-to video. Give it a good watch, take things slowly and you'll have his short back and sides trim sorted in no time.
READ MORE: How To Cut Your Own Fringe At Home, An Illustrated Guide
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