How to Cut Your Hair

While going to a salon may offer more professional results, cutting your own hair is an affordable way to get the look you want. Making mistakes can be costly though, you do not want to make a mistake that could take months to rectify.

In this guide the process is broken down into a series of easy to follow steps. Included is information on determining the correct hair type and deciding on a new look. Also discussed are the differences between cutting hair with scissors and clippers.

If you are tired of spending your hard earned money in a salon, only to hate your new haircut a few days later? Or maybe you just want to be able to freely express your sense of style? Cutting your hair does not have to be a daunting task. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to cut your hair.

• What You'll Need
• Determining Hair Type
• Decide on New Look
• Cutting with Scissors
• Cutting with Clippers
• Conclusion

• Scissors

• Comb

• Mirror

• Spray bottle (optional)

• Shampoo (optional)

• Conditioner (optional)

• Blow dryer (optional)

• Clippers (electric)

• For best results, the style you choose should always flatter your hair type and texture. Types include:

1. Fine hair.
2. Curly hair.
3. Thick hair.
4. Coarse hair.

• Before you start cutting, you need a plan. The right style, cut and length should suit your life style.

1. If you are a beginner, stick to simple cuts.
   • Simple cuts usually are one-length and do not include layers.
2. Browse through your favorite magazines and save any pictures of haircuts you admire.
3. Decide how long you want your hair.
   1. Long.
   2. Mid-length.
   3. Short.
4. Decide if you want layers.
   • Layers may be challenging to execute, especially if you have never cut hair before.
5. Decide if you want bangs.

Celebrity Looks Many people decide they would like the look of a celebrity. Here are some famous celebrities whose hairstyles are often used for people's new looks:

1. Jennifer Garnerhttp://www.beautyriot.com/celebrities/jennifer-garner
2. Jessica Albahttp://www.beautyriot.com/celebrities/jessica-alba
3. Kim Kardashianhttp://www.beautyriot.com/celebrities/kim-kardashian
4. Kristen Bellhttp://www.beautyriot.com/celebrities/kristen-bell
5. Megan Foxhttp://www.beautyriot.com/celebrities/megan-fox
6. Nicole Richiehttp://www.beautyriot.com/celebrities/nicole-richie
7. Victoria Beckhamhttp://www.beautyriot.com/celebrities/victoria-beckham

• Now that you have prepared, it's time to start cutting. Remember to stay relaxed, take your time and don't worry if you make a mistake. The great thing about hair--it will grow back.

1. Start clean.
   1. Shampoo and conditioner your hair to remove hair products.
   2. Keep in mind, your hair will shrink as it dries.
   3. Detangle your hair by combing your hair thoroughly.
   4. Depending on your hair type, you may want to dry your hair completely before cutting.
2. Comb sections of your hair away from your scalp straight up into the air.
3. Cut a little at a time.
   • Keep your snips careful and even.
4. Use the spray bottle to wet hair as it dries.
5. Check your cut:
   1. Take a section from each side of your head and gently pull towards your face.
      • Each section should be the same length.
   2. Scrunch the hair behind each ear.
      • Each side should have the same thickness.
6. Trim sections that are too long.
7. Blow dry or air dry and style as desired.

For very short hair (under 1 inch in length), using electric clippers may be your best option. Clippers have many attachments that make it easy to select a length and cut it the same all around.

1st select your guard length, then slowly begin to cut the hair. Your hair should be dry if you are using this method. Most people start on the outsides, but there is no right way to do it. It's hard to see what you are doing, but you can hear when the clippers are cutting, so that is your clue.

Continue all around the head from all directions until you can hear and feel that no more hair is being cut. Brush off your head and take a look in the mirror. Use a couple mirrors to check from all angles. If something looks off, just go back over that part until it is even.

You may need to trim around the ears with scissors as that part is usually hard to get with the clippers. When you are all done, clean up the hair from the floor. Then take a quick shower to wash all the hairs off.

Afterwards you can check it in the mirror one more time and if there are any stray hairs sticking out, just clip them with the scissors.

• Don't be afraid to cut your hair. Once you decide how you want your hair to look, take it slow by cutting a little at a time. If you cut too much, don't panic. Simply even out your hair and know that it will grow back. Practice makes perfect, so as you advance feel free to try more complicated cuts with angles and layers.

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