Isn’t it true that people sporting stylish haircuts are always deserving of a second glance? If you’ve ever come across captivating reels or videos showcasing impressive haircuts, you can surely appreciate the allure of having one yourself. It’s a common desire that many of us share, and some individuals even invest a significant amount of money to achieve a haircut that turns heads. If only we could simply wish for it, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for many of us.
In light of the ongoing global economic challenges, it’s understandable to feel increased frustration when relying on someone else for your haircut, especially at such steep prices. If these cuts lasted longer, perhaps we could find solace in that; however, the truth is you often find yourself back for yet another trim sooner than you’d like—pathetic, isn’t it? We hear you!
What if we told you that a solution is at hand? Curious about how? Then this article is tailored just for you, and you absolutely shouldn’t skip any part of it—not even for a slice of pizza!
We recognize the struggle you face concerning haircuts, and in an effort to lighten your load, we’ve crafted this guide to help kickstart your DIY journey. Contrary to the widespread belief that cutting your own hair is a daunting task, it’s actually quite straightforward and manageable when you follow the right steps. In this article, we provide a brief overview of the necessary tools for cutting hair and offer an easy, beginner-friendly guide on how to cut men’s hair using clippers at home (as promised in the title). Without further delay, let’s dive in. Enjoy!
To Cut or Not to Cut?
First and foremost, let’s clarify this point and get it out of the way. This issue shouldn't even be up for discussion. Why do we say this? Well, individual preferences play a significant role here, and no one should feel compelled to get a haircut. Haircuts should be a personal choice, free of pressure. Regardless of whether you choose to get a haircut, one undeniable fact remains: maintaining a tidy appearance is crucial—you certainly don’t want to go around looking disheveled. Therefore, a little touch-up here and there is essential for feeling good about yourself.
Now that we’ve addressed that, we can focus on the core subject of this article—how to cut men’s hair. If you belong to the “haircut” camp, feel free to immerse yourself in the upcoming sections, as they will be incredibly beneficial for you. Conversely, if you lean towards the “no haircut” side, we still encourage you to read on; you never know when this knowledge might come in handy down the line.
Essential Tools for a Haircut
Before embarking on your hair cutting journey, the first and most crucial step is to acquire a personal clipper (if you don’t already own one). We strongly recommend this as it’s one of the key factors that will ensure you take your DIY haircut seriously. After all, who goes to work without the necessary tools? Possessing a haircut kit is a clear sign that you’re prepared to begin. You may wonder, what are these tools? For beginners, we suggest starting with the following essentials:
As you advance in your skills, you can gradually incorporate more advanced tools and kits that will streamline your haircutting process, including:
Once you have gathered these tools, the next vital step is to familiarize yourself with how to properly use the clipper, as it will be your primary tool.
How to Use a Hair Clipper
As a newcomer, you will likely start with basic haircuts. To begin, it’s essential to understand the blade numbering system associated with clipper guards. If that sounds complicated, don’t worry; we’ll break it down shortly.
Each clipper guard is assigned a specific number, and these numbers serve a critical function—they indicate the length to which the guard will cut your hair. There are eight different guard numbers, ranging from 1 to 8, with lower numbers signifying shorter haircuts. For example, guard number 2 corresponds to a very short cut, while guard number 1 indicates the shortest possible cut. Conversely, guard number 8 will cut your hair to a length of 1 inch. Thus, the lower the number, the shorter the hair length produced, and vice versa.
Here’s a quick reference for guard numbers:
- Guard number 1: 1/8 inch
- Guard number 2: ¼ inch
- Guard number 3: 3/8 inch
- Guard number 4: ½ inch
- Guard number 5: 5/8 inch
- Guard number 6: ¾ inch
- Guard number 7: 7/8 inch
- Guard number 8: 1 inch
Additionally, you may notice there is a “0” setting on the clippers, which means you’re using them without any blade guard or attachments.
Having covered the basics of the clipper, guard numbers, and settings, let’s now delve into the process of cutting your hair using a clipper.
Steps to Cut Men’s Hair with Clippers at Home
1. Wash Your Hair
The very first step in preparing for a haircut is to wash your hair. The rationale behind this is straightforward: washing your hair helps to soften and detangle it (assuming your shampoo is equipped for this task), making it easier for a comb to glide through. Opt for a shampoo or a gentle soap designed for hair. However, if your hair is particularly knotted at the top, it’s advisable to detangle it first before applying shampoo. Some shampoo brands even combine both functions, so if you’re looking to save some money, this might be a convenient option. Be generous in your application and massage the shampoo into your scalp, which not only softens your hair but also promotes blood circulation, easing the cutting process.
2. Dry Your Hair
Your clipper is likely electric, and it won’t function effectively on wet hair—you’ll only hear a sound with no action. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure your hair is completely dry before using the clipper. If you’re eager to expedite the drying process, consider using a towel or a blow dryer. This will save you time and enhance the overall cutting experience.
3. Get in the Right Position
This step is critical for a successful haircut. Since you’ll be cutting your hair yourself, finding the appropriate position to facilitate the process is essential. While you may need to adopt some uncomfortable
