Cutting your own hair, especially a short haircut, might seem daunting at first, but with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, you can achieve a stylish and professional-looking result. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to DIY a short haircut, taking into account different hair types, face shapes, and personal preferences.
Understanding Your Hair Type & Face Shape
Hair Type
Before you start cutting, it’s essential to understand your hair type. Different hair textures require different approaches.
- Straight Hair: Easy to manage and cut, but prone to showing every little imperfection.
- Wavy Hair: Adds volume and texture but can be tricky to cut evenly.
- Curly Hair: Often thicker and more resilient, requiring careful layering to avoid a triangular shape.
- Coily Hair: The most dense and resilient, needing precise cutting to avoid a bushy appearance.
Face Shape
Your face shape will guide the type of short haircut that suits you best.
- Round Face: Aim for angles and layers to elongate the face. Shorter sides and longer top can help.
- Square Face: Soft, rounded layers can soften the angles. Avoid harsh, straight lines.
- Oval Face: Versatile shape that can suit most haircuts. Experiment with different lengths and styles.
- Heart-Shaped Face: Keep the sides short and the top longer to balance the width at the top and narrowness at the chin.
- Long Face: Add width with shorter layers and avoid too much length on top.
- Diamond Face: Soft layers around the face can balance the width of the cheekbones.
Gathering Your Tools & Materials
To DIY a short haircut, you’ll need the following tools and materials:
- Hair Clippers: Electric clippers with different guard sizes for varying lengths.
- Hair Scissors: Sharp, professional-quality scissors for finer detailing.
- Comb: A good quality comb for sectioning and lifting hair.
- Clipping Clips: To hold sections of hair in place while you work.
- Mirror: A large, adjustable mirror to see all angles of your haircut.
- Towel: To protect your clothes and clean up hair clippings.
- Hairspray or Water Spray Bottle: To dampen hair for cutting and styling.
- Styling Products: Pomade, gel, or mousse to finish the look.
Preparing Your Hair
Step 1: Wash & Dry Your Hair
Start with clean hair. Wash it with your usual shampoo and conditioner, then towel-dry it until it’s damp but not soaking wet. Damp hair is easier to cut and style than dry hair.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Use clipping clips to section off the hair you want to cut last. Typically, you’ll start with the sides and back, leaving the top for last. This ensures you have a clear view and can control the length more easily.
Cutting the Sides & Back
Step 3: Clipper Guard Selection
Choose a clipper guard that corresponds to the length you want. Shorter guards (e.g., #1, #2) will give you a buzz cut, while longer guards (e.g., #4, #5) will leave more length.
Step 4: Cutting the Sides
- Start Low: Begin cutting at the bottom of the sideburns, using the clipper with the selected guard.
- Move Up: Work in small, upward sections, following the natural curve of your head.
- Blend: Overlap each section slightly to blend the cuts seamlessly.
Step 5: Cutting the Back
- Use a Mirror: A handheld mirror can help you see the back of your head.
- Start at the Bottom: Cut along the nape of your neck, blending upward.
- Check Symmetry: Regularly check both sides to ensure they are balanced.
Cutting the Top
Step 6: Decide on Length & Style
Decide how long you want the top to be. You can leave it longer for a pompadour or quiff, or shorter for a more classic short haircut.
Step 7: Trim the Top with Scissors
- Use a Comb: Hold a comb vertically against the hair, lifting small sections.
- Trim: Cut the hair that sticks out of the comb, gradually working your way around the top.
- Blend: Use a scissors-over-comb technique to blend the cuts and create a smooth transition.
Step 8: Add Texture & Layers (Optional)
For a more textured look, use point-cutting techniques:
- Point-Cutting: Hold the scissors with the blades pointing down and cut small sections of hair at an angle.
- Layering: Create layers by cutting the hair shorter at the front and longer at the back of the top section.
Finishing Touches
Step 9: Clean Up
Remove Clipping Clips: Take out any clips you used to section your hair.
Brush Out: Use a brush to comb through your hair, removing any loose hair clippings.
Inspect: Check your haircut in different lights and angles to ensure you’re happy with the result.
Step 10: Style Your Hair
- Use Styling Products: Apply a small amount of pomade, gel, or mousse to your hands and style your hair.
- Blow-Dry (Optional): For a sleek, polished look, blow-dry your hair using a round brush to create volume and smooth out any kinks.
- Add Texture: If you want a more casual, textured look, let your hair air-dry and scrunch it with your hands.
Tips for a Successful DIY Short Haircut
Practice Makes Perfect
If you’re new to cutting your own hair, start with a longer length and gradually trim it shorter. It’s easier to remove more hair if needed than to add it back!
Work in Small Sections
Cutting in small, manageable sections ensures a more even and controlled result.
Use a Mirror
A large, adjustable mirror is crucial for seeing all angles of your haircut. A handheld mirror can also help you reach the back of your head.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush the process. Take your time to ensure each section is cut evenly and to your satisfaction.
Stay Positive
Remember, even professional hairdressers make mistakes. If your DIY haircut doesn’t turn out perfectly, it’s just an opportunity to learn and try again.
Personalizing Your Short Haircut
Face-Framing Layers
Soft, face-framing layers can add a feminine touch to a short haircut. Use scissors to create gentle, sweeping layers around your face.
Side Bangs
Side bangs can add a playful, youthful vibe. Cut a section of hair from one side of your forehead, angling it towards your cheek.
Textured Ends
Point-cutting the ends of your hair can create a rugged, textured look that’s perfect for those with wavy or curly hair.
Undercut
An undercut involves shaving the sides and back of your head very short, while leaving the top longer. This style is versatile and can be styled in multiple ways.
Fade
A fade involves gradually blending the hair from a shorter length at the bottom to a longer length at the top. This can be done with clippers and different guard sizes.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Uneven Layers
- Mistake: Cutting layers too drastically or without blending.
- Solution: Use a comb to lift small sections and cut gradually, blending each section with the previous one.
Too Short
- Mistake: Cutting too much hair at once.
- Solution: Start with a longer guard and gradually move to shorter ones, trimming in small increments.
Choppy Ends
- Mistake: Using dull scissors or cutting without a comb.
- Solution: Invest in sharp, professional-quality scissors and always use a comb to guide your cuts.
Uneven Sides
- Mistake: Not checking for symmetry regularly.
- Solution: Use a mirror to regularly check both sides of your head, ensuring they are balanced and even.
Conclusion
DIYing a short haircut may seem intimidating, but with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can achieve a stylish and professional-looking result. Remember to start with clean, damp hair, section it off, and work in small, manageable sections. Use a mirror to ensure symmetry and blend your cuts seamlessly. With a bit of creativity and personalization, you can create a short haircut that suits your face shape, hair type, and personal style.
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