Learn How to Cut Your Own Hair and Save Some Money

The idea of cutting your own hair is tempting. It’d be nice to skip the expensive salon prices and even save some time, but you might dread the emergency visit with your hair stylist to save you from your self-inflicted butchered layers. Start with a few beginner tips and you can avoid that pain. People cut their own hair at home all the time — you’re more than capable of joining the party if you’re ready.

Should You Cut Your Own Hair Wet or Dry?

You can cut your own hair wet or dry, depending on your goal. Salon experts usually start by washing your hair in their sink before they start trimming. It’s one of the reasons the average woman’s haircut costs $51.71 compared to the average man’s haircut, which doesn’t include a hair wash and costs $34.56. Wet hair falls in clumps and is easier to hold in one hand, so it might be worth your time if you’re trimming a significant amount of hair.

However, dry hair holds your natural shape. You won’t accidentally cut your cowlick in the wrong way because water isn’t distorting it. It might also feel easier to trim dry bangs because you’ll know exactly where they land. If you dry them with a roller brush before your trim, you won’t worry about cutting them too short because the water is weighing them down.

Can I Cut My Hair by Flipping It Upside Down?

Some people think they can cut their hair by flipping it upside down, but that requires expert training. Some at-home styles require a ponytail placed on your forehead or browline. Flipping your hair upside down to position your ponytail correctly can help before flipping your head back up to cut your ends.

How to Cut Your Own Hair: 5 Tips Every Beginner Should Know

If you want to know how to cut your own hair, take some notes on tips for beginners. Proceed with caution to avoid making significant cuts you can’t fix. If you take your time, your hair will look great no matter which style you prefer.

1. Use Professional Scissors

You only need to cut an inch or two to remove split ends, but the wrong scissors will make trimmed hair look just as fluffed out. You need scissors with sharp blades designed for thin strands. Look into getting a pack professionals use to have scissors and thinning shears ready for any style you want to try.

2. Cut Small Sections at a Time

Whether you want to learn how to cut your own hair in layers or not, make tiny snips. The worst at-home haircuts happen when people trim big chunks at a time. Small snips allow you to have more precision control and minimize any potential damage in case you’re making a mistake with your scissors.

3. Use a Hair Catching Bib

You’ll want to cut your hair in front of a mirror, which means you’ll likely be above your sink. Even tiny pieces of hair will clog your sink’s drain. Use a bib to catch your hair by attaching it to your bathroom mirror with suction cups. You won’t have any mess to clean up when you finish your trim.

4. Wet Your Hair for Big Cuts

Imagine cutting six inches off your hair. While you might be able to hold it in one hand, it’s going to spread out into a large mess if you cut that much while it’s dry. Soak your hair with a spray bottle or a wet towel to make it damp before big cuts. You’ll have easier sections to clean up, especially if your hair bib catches each chunk.

5. Position the Direction of Your Scissors

How you hold your scissors matters. Watch a video demonstrating your desired cut to ensure you’re holding your tool correctly. Shears won’t make a noticeable difference if you hold them vertically, while regular scissors can do a significant amount of damage if you hold them horizontally.

How to Cut Your Own Hair in Layers

Learn how to cut your own hair in layers by following along with a stylist. The Salon Guy is one of the most popular hair stylists on YouTube. He’ll walk you through layering your hair with a standard pair of scissors. Watch through the video before you’re ready to start so you know what to expect, then play it again while you cut. You’ll make fewer mistakes, especially if you follow the rule about making small snips at a time.

How to Do the Butterfly Cut

If you’re among the 27% of women who think layered bobs look fantastic, the butterfly cut might be perfect for you. It works with any length but stands out the most in short hair because the length makes each layer more dramatic. Beloved YouTuber and hair stylist Brad Mondo will walk you through each step. Position the unicorn ponytail and the crown ponytail like he instructs and you can’t go wrong with this easy cut.

How to Do the Wolf Cut

Anyone who loves a shaggy, 70s-inspired look might want to try the wolf cut. It creates choppier layers than a butterfly cut, so it’s more dramatic. Use the tutorial by Paul Watts HAIR to cut two sections and smooth out those layers. You’ll end up with curtain bangs and shaggy locks, much like Stevie Nicks.

How to Cut Curtain Bangs

Dakota Johnson and Billie Eilish aren’t the only people who can rock a set of curtain bangs. You can too, if you cut them correctly. Follow this tutorial by Brittnee Alexus Hair to learn how to cut and blow dry your new bangs. If you add about 10 seconds to your hair-drying routine, you’ll have perfectly swoopy bangs every day.

Get the Haircut You’ve Been Waiting For

Once you learn how to cut your own hair — in layers or otherwise — you’ll save so much money and time. Give yourself some freedom to be creative and compassionate if you need a helping hand. Whether you cut your hair correctly the first time or the tenth time, you’ll get the hang of a style that feels authentic.