At first glance, physical appearance is undeniably a vital aspect that individuals, particularly those of the opposite sex, notice. If you subscribe to the idea of love at first sight, you would likely agree that your hairstyle plays a significant role in that instant attraction. However, balancing the demands of work, social engagements, and family responsibilities often makes scheduling a visit to your barber a challenging task.
The prospect of learning to cut your own hair becomes increasingly attractive when you consider the cumulative costs associated with frequent salon visits. From 1997 to 2023, haircuts experienced an average annual price increase of 2.66%. This trend clearly illustrates how inflation influences the cost of grooming; for example, a $20 haircut in 1997 would amount to approximately $39.57 in 2023.
To save both time and money, it might be worthwhile to master the art of trimming your hair at home with clippers, thereby minimizing the need for salon appointments. Here, I present a comprehensive guide to using hair clippers on yourself in the comfort of your home.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Haircutting
1. Condition, Wash & Dry Your Hair
One important tip I often share is that whether you plan to get your haircut professionally or tackle it yourself, ensuring your hair is clean and well-prepared is essential. Washing your hair simplifies the cutting process significantly. Clean hair is easier to manage compared to oily hair, which tends to clump together and can become tangled in the clippers. After washing, ensure your hair is completely dry and combed, as wet hair behaves differently, potentially leading to an undesired style.
2. Find Your Comfort Zone
No matter how many times I emphasize this, it bears repeating: comfort is key when cutting your hair. Before you begin, position yourself in front of a mirror where you can easily see your reflection. Ensure that you also have access to water for convenience. Moreover, seek out an area with optimal lighting, as good visibility is crucial for avoiding mistakes. Once you’re comfortable and everything is in place, section your hair according to your desired style, as this will guide your cutting technique.
3. Adjust Your Clipper Settings
Before diving into cutting your hair, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with your clipper’s settings. Most clippers feature a taper lever that allows you to customize the cutting length for a seamless blend. The taper lever adjusts the proximity of the blades: the closer they are, the shorter the hair will be, while equal blade lengths yield a smooth, shiny cut. If you prefer a less polished look, simply adjust the taper lever to create more distance between the blades. For longer styles, utilize the appropriate clipper attachments, which I will discuss further in this guide.
Once you're ready, start by trimming the sides and back of your hair, as these areas are easiest for beginners. While some people may choose to start from the top, it is generally more effective to begin at the sides. If your goal is a higher cut, select the appropriate attachment and trim from the bottom to the top using the blade's edge. Take your time; a single mistake can compromise your hairstyle.
Be consistent with your clipper settings across both sides of your head. If you adjust the level for one side, ensure you replicate it on the other side before making further adjustments. To achieve a consistent fade, tilt the clipper slightly and repeat the process on the opposite side, making sure that both sides match as you go. Once you finish the sides, you can proceed to the back of your head.
4. Transition to the Back
After completing the sides, move on to the back of your head, once again cutting from the bottom up. Patience is essential here, as mastering the technique of trimming the back of your hair takes practice. Use a mirror positioned behind you to track your progress and maintain evenness throughout the cut. Ensure that your workspace is well-lit, and don’t hesitate to adjust your position for better visibility. Unless your desired style dictates otherwise, keep the guard length consistent between the sides and the back for a uniform look.
5. Fading Your Hair
If your chosen hairstyle requires fading, switch to a lower guard attachment for the lower parts of your hair. Remember, higher attachments leave more hair, while lower ones cut closer. For the most effective fading, work slowly with the same adjustment settings, gradually blending the sections to achieve an even look.
If you wish to trim the top portion of your hair, employ hair scissors rather than regular household scissors, which tend to be inadequate for haircuts due to their dullness. Hair scissors are specifically designed for this purpose, offering a sharper edge that yields a cleaner cut. Comb through your hair first to determine the actual length, and then elevate the hair on top of your head using your fingers or a comb, ensuring it aligns with your hairline. Take your time and start with small cuts, gradually reaching your desired length.
6. Style Your Hair and Trim Your Sideburns
Once you’ve finished cutting, inspect your hair in the mirror to confirm that the sides and back are even. To check for uniformity, pull the hair straight and take a horizontal section from either side. If you have sideburns, now is the time to trim them as well. Start at the bottom and work your way up, using clippers or a razor to achieve your preferred length. The base of your sideburns should align with the dip beneath your cheekbone. Always ensure that both sideburns are symmetrical by comparing them visually or using your fingertips as a guide.
7. Final Touches to Your Haircut
As you complete your haircut, consider tapering the neckline for a polished finish. Start by cutting at the top of the neckline and progressively work your way down to the nape. After your haircut is complete, rinse off any loose hair that may have settled on your scalp, neck, or face. Following this, dry off with a towel and style your hair according to your preference.
Understanding Clipper Attachments/Guards
Now that you’ve grasped the fundamentals of cutting your hair, let’s delve into clipper attachments and their applications. It’s vital to understand the guards that accompany your clipper and the corresponding hair lengths they represent. Typically, most clippers are equipped with eight guards, numbered from 1 to 8, but some models may offer up to 16 built-in options or additional guiding combs. The smaller comb generally ranges from 3 to 24 mm, while the larger ranges from 14 to 35 mm. The guard size directly correlates with the length of hair left after cutting, meaning that as
