Q&A for How to Cut Your Own Hair (Men)

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  • Question
    How do you trim around the edges?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Flip the clipper over and hold perpendicular to the skin. Carefully trace along the edge of your hairline.
  • Question
    What clipper do you need to get zero on sides or do you use the open blade?
    Laura Martin
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If you want a skin fade you should use an unguarded clipper for the edges.
  • Question
    I cut perpendicular to my finger, but I cut my finger instead of my hair! Where did I go wrong?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    The writer of this article used the wrong word. As the pictures show, the instructions should read "Cut parallel to your fingers or the comb."
  • Question
    How do I cut my hair without scissors?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You could use a sharp knife, but it would be very dangerous. If you don't have scissors, I would suggest buying some or getting your hair cut by a professional.
  • Question
    What do I do if I mess up my hair when cutting it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Either cut it shorter, shave it off, or go to a professional and see if they can fix it for you.
  • Question
    How do I leave hair in the back?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Simply don't cut it.
  • Question
    What if I have only one arm?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can use electric or battery-powered clippers that fit in the palm of your hand. (Remington and other brands sell this kind of product.)
  • Question
    How do I use the clippers to trim up the back and sides?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Use a comb to section what you want to cut off the back, then determine how low you want to cut with the clippers by using a handheld mirror. Start clipping, but look in the handheld mirror often. Feel the back of your hair every so often to make sure it's even.
  • Question
    How can I section parts of my hair?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    To section parts of your hair, first use a comb. Decide what parts you want to divide into sections. Then, with the comb, divide it. This works best when hair is wet.
  • Question
    How do I shave the side of my head?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Using a comb, make a part between where you want the shaved area to be and where you will not shave it. Comb the hair above the part so that it is as far as possible away from where you will be shaving, and comb what you will shave in the opposite direction. Then, shave as you normally would.
  • Question
    What do I do if my hand shakes?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Take a breather, and if your hand is still shaking when you come back to cutting your hair, don't go through with it. Your hair could end up looking very uneven.
  • Question
    How is the hair around my ears supposed to look?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you want a sleek, clean look, it’s best to get your razor or electric clippers and shave about 1/2 an inch around your ears and your temples. Your sideburns should run smoothly into your shaved hair.
  • Question
    I cut my head while using scissors, what should I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If the cut is really deep and/or won't stop bleeding, go to the emergency room. If it's relatively minor, clean it with soap and water and apply a band-aid. Be more careful next time.
  • Question
    How do I cut curly hair?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It is recommended that you get curly hair cut by a professional.
  • Question
    Why can't I use clippers for the top of my hair?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can, but only if you are looking for a buzz cut type of style. Use a larger blade than on the sides.
  • Question
    Should I get a hand mirror to handle grooming my the back of my head and other spots that are hard to see?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Either that or a wall-mounted makeup mirror with an arm that allows you to see the back while also having the front view of your main bathroom mirror.
  • Question
    How do I cut the top of my head uniformly with scissors?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Measurement and practice. It will get easier each time you do it, and you'll soon get the hang of it.
  • Question
    Will this work on female hair too?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you want your hair cut as pictured, then yes. There are other articles that may be useful, though, including How to Cut Your Own Long Hair and How to Cut a Girl's Hair .
  • Question
    When will the men's barber Shops open back up?
    Hamza Hassan
    Hamza Hassan
    Community Answer
    When the corona virus pandemic is over. Or at-least when cases have decreased to safe levels.
  • Question
    Is it possible to use a trimmer on the entire head?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It depends on the haircut you want and the haircut you currently have if you just want a buzz cut: yes. If you want curtains or longer hair that hangs and dangles: no
  • Question
    I do not have a clipper. So how do I cut?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can cut your hair on your sides to a number one or two with scissors. However, if you do not wish to spend a lot of time doing that, you can buy clippers.
  • Question
    How can I tell the direction of hair growth, so I can use clippers against direction of hair for cleaner cut?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If it's long, lift the hair straight up and see where it falls. If it is short, try combing it in different directions and seeing what way it naturally falls. Usually your hair will grow downwards (towards your neck).
  • Question
    Are thinning scissors really necessary? Or are standard scissors enough?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Thinning scissors are only used to add texture to your hair. You should be fine with normal scissors.
  • Question
    Can I cut my top hair using the clipper?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can, but be aware of the risk. Set the clipper to the longest setting. If possible, use a large, thick-toothed comb to "protect" the bottom of the strands, to make sure you aren't cutting it too short. Take your time, and be careful. In case you have an important event coming up in the next few days (like a meeting or a party), it would probably be better if you used an ordinary pair of scissors like this tutorial says.
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