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How to Cut Your Own Hair (Men): a Step-by-Step Guide 2024

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how to cut your own hair for menAre you ready to take matters into your own hands? To cut your hair – a task that has traditionally been reserved for barbers and hairdressers – might seem daunting, especially when it comes to men’s haircuts.

But if done right, with the proper tools and techniques, cutting your own hair can be an empowering experience.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to cut your own hair (for men), this step-by-step guide will show you everything from what supplies are necessary through styling tips at the end of it all.

Key Takeaways

  • Choose the right tools for cutting your own hair, including an electric trimmer, hair clippers, a hand mirror, and a comb.
  • Use different clipper guards and fading techniques for desired trends and a sharp look.
  • Pay attention to the back of your head and crown area when trimming to ensure an even cut.
  • Consider your hair type, length, face shape, and lifestyle when choosing a hairstyle and cutting your own hair.

What You Will Need

how to cut your own hair for men 1
Cutting your own hair can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can actually be relatively straightforward. To get started, you’ll need an electric trimmer, hair clippers, a hand mirror, and a comb – all of which are essential to achieving a professional-looking style.

Electric Trimmer

Using an electric trimmer with guards is essential for achieving a professional look and creating smooth transitions, so make sure to choose one that suits your hair type. Combining different clipper guards and fading techniques can help you tailor the style according to your desired trends.

Hair types may require regular scissors or even handheld mirrors, while some prefer trimming without any guard at all! An electric trimmer will provide precision cuts as well as more control when it comes to combing techniques, ensuring you get the exact results you want!

Invest in good quality hair clippers if you want a cut that stands out from the crowd – they’ll last longer too.

Hair Clippers

Invest in quality hair clippers to achieve a sharp, distinct look that will turn heads! With the right tools and techniques like guard settings, fading techniques, precision trimming, and personal styles, you can create an edgy style that suits your personality, whether it is short or long.

Don’t forget other essentials such as a good quality hair comb, a small mirror, or even the Brio Beardscape for perfect finishing touches.

Hand Mirror

A hand mirror is a must-have tool when styling your own hair. It allows you to check out the back of your head and make sure every lock looks sharp. Properly placed, it can give an accurate view of texture, product usage, cutting technique, and more.

Plus, with its help, you’ll be able to choose from endless styling options for any look – short or long! With the right handheld mirror in tow, get ready for a foolproof way to create that perfect cut each time – just follow our step-by-step guide for the best results!

No need to worry about messing up something on already cut hair; use this essential accessory as an invaluable aid in creating new ones instead!

Hair Comb

A hair comb is the perfect tool to achieve any look. It allows you to blend and distribute product evenly, creating a natural appearance with brushstroke-like effects. With the right barber tips and cutting techniques, it can help maintain your desired length without having to go for regular cuts or trims frequently.

Set Up Your Workspace

Set Up Your Workspace
Now that you’ve gathered your tools and supplies, it’s time to set up your workspace. Planning ahead can make all the difference when it comes to achieving a perfect cut, so take some time to organize the area before getting started.

Clear away any unnecessary items from around the room and make sure there’s plenty of space for moving freely as you work.

Additionally, pick out a basic pair of clippers and make sure they’re running in the right direction before use. Adding some styling clay can also help with controlling fly-aways while cutting your hair.

Finally, don’t forget about hygiene: wash both hands thoroughly with soap or hand sanitizer before starting work on yourself (or anyone else).

Now that everything’s ready for action – let’s get snipping!

Wash and Comb Your Hair

Wash and Comb Your Hair
Before getting started, make sure to give your hair a thorough wash and combing. It’ll help you achieve the perfect look! Depending on your hair type, find a washing technique that works best for you. For most types of hair, use just a little water and shampoo or conditioner. If necessary, pick up some specialized products from local grocery stores to really get your locks looking great before cutting them.

Once washed and dried off with towel drying or air-drying techniques (avoid heat styling tools), begin carefully combing through all sections of known hair – top front section down to the back of your head – so everything is nice and neat before taking out those cutting tools.

With this preparation complete, plus clean up tips like laying down an old towel in case of stray hairs during styling sessions as well as using clay for flyaways control while trimming away at each part evenly, you’ll be able to create styles that bring out all the best features in any man’s hairstyle.

And finally, don’t forget about experimenting with different styling options available: blow drys are always classic, but try variations such as gels & creams depending on desired finish result.

Trim the Sides

Trim the Sides
Start snipping away at the sides with confidence and finesse to create a crisp, polished look. Setting up your guard size depends on your type of hair – for curly locks or thick manes, use a shorter trim guard (#2-3) so that you can keep the curl without it being too short.

With this selection in place and hand mirror ready, as well as checking out the front of your bathroom mirror every now and then, begin cutting along the neckline area first before working your way around the entire side of the head from top down towards the bottom.

Not only will these steps upgrade any gentleman’s ‘do, but also remember styling tips like using pomade plus waxing here and there throughout the job to help add extra texture to finish the product off nicely!

Trim the Back

Trim the Back
After trimming the sides, move to the back of your head for a neat look. To achieve this look, you’ll need a good set of clippers with various guard sizes and an attentive eye. The trickiest area is often at the crown where hair can be unevenly distributed.

Start by clipping from one side to another in small sections until all hairs are even and trimmed down accordingly.

For scalp care during this process, keep in mind barber tips like using short strokes—not too deep!—to avoid irritation or skin damage while still achieving desired results.

As you go along, remember styling products like pomade plus waxing here and there throughout help add extra texture.

Finally, when everything is done, make sure to check for stray hairs before calling it complete.

Fade the Sides and Back

Fade the Sides and Back
Fading the sides, back, and temple areas of your hair can give you a sharper look that makes styling easier. To achieve this style, it is important to use the right tools, such as clippers with guards and trimmers, for an even finish.

Fade the Sides

To perfect your look, you’ll want to fade the sides with clippers for a seamless blend. Start by choosing the right guard size and knowing your hair type, length, and texture. Then, move in opposite directions of known hair growth while blending techniques.

For an extra sleek look without spending too much time on it, use waxing or pomade products! If unsure of what direction to take, try cutting in layers first before making any drastic changes. This is always a good idea when working with little experience or time constraints.

In no time at all, you can achieve that professional barber-style finish!

Fade the Back

Fading the back of your hair requires precision, skill, and knowing your hair length, texture, and direction.

  • Take scalp care into consideration.
  • Choose either a more casual or formal look.
  • Utilize barber shop resources if needed.
  • Follow the grain of your hair when cutting.
  • Include a close shave around the cheeks for longer styles. With these tips in mind, anyone can create an attractive style that’ll last!

Fade the Temple

Defining the outline of your hair requires special attention, especially when it comes to fading at the temples. Blocking with a well-trimmed beard or another point of demarcation is key. Clipping and blurring then create an overall softer look by blending seamlessly into previous steps.

Trim the Outline

Trim the Outline
Once you’ve faded the sides and back, it’s time to trim the outline. With a steady hand and some patience, you can create a sharp look that will make your hair stand out from the crowd.

Start by sectioning off your hair for proper length control before using clippers or trimmers with guards to outline where necessary. If you need help achieving a skin fade on longer cuts, then consider enlisting an experienced barber such as Carl Charles, founder of New York Consulting Firm, who is known for his gifted barber skillset in creating detailed cuts with clean lines.

For those looking to go wilder with their look, then opt for more intricate details when outlining; don’t be afraid of small details like zig-zags! Whatever style suits best, make sure that all angles are trimmed up properly so as not to let any stray hairs ruin what could otherwise be an amazing cut!

Cut the Top


Now that you’ve successfully trimmed the outline of your hair, it’s time to cut the top. With a few simple steps and some creative flair, you can create a look that’s all your own.

Start by cutting the front using trimmers or clippers with guards as necessary. Then, move on to cutting in sections from both sides of the center parting before blending into one another at the back for an even finish across the top section of the head.

Finally, use scissors for detailing any finishing touches needed before styling accordingly.

Cut the Front

Now it’s time to sculpt the front of your hair, so you can create a distinctive style that expresses who you are. Whether curly or straight, you’ll have a modern look without having to spend a lot of money at the barber with the right blending techniques and careful consideration for your hair type and length.

With our new work-from-home arrangements, we’re all getting close-up views of our faces again – no more hiding behind Zoom pixelation! Use clippers and trimmers with guards as well as scissors for precision cutting on buzz cut styles.

Layer up curls if needed and ensure an even trim along forehead lines by using hand mirrors.

Cut the Middle

Crafting your middle section is essential to achieving a high-end style, so take time to carefully clip and trim for an even finish. Consider the length of hair you want with comb assistance and use fade techniques if desired.

Explore styling options from short buzz cuts to more creative looks – there’s a whole lot of men out there who’ve had great success with their at-home haircuts in the past week!

To avoid hard demarcation lines when starting up top, hold trimmers further away from the scalp and angle them slightly down as you cut around the head shape for perfect results.

Show off your new look now – no barber required!

Cut the Back

To complete your look, carefully angle the trimmer to sculpt the back of your head for a sleek and stylish outcome. Choose clippers based on hair texture – longer locks will require more aggressive buzz trimming techniques.

Finishing Touches

Once you’re satisfied with the cut, add the finishing touches to your masterpiece! Personalize styles and create sharp lines by blending techniques such as fading methods. With a precise cutting tool in hand, drastic at-home makeovers are possible even with little hair.

For noticeably longer patches in quick succession, moments of crisis can be remedied within seconds! Take control of your look and feel liberated—mastery is yours for the taking when it comes to personalizing hairstyles.

Style Your Hair

Style Your Hair
Once you’ve achieved the perfect cut, it’s time to put your own personal spin on it with some styling! With a few simple tips and tricks, anyone can create their dream look. Whether you’re aiming for something classic or more modern, there are plenty of options available to make sure your hairstyle reflects who you are.

For those looking for an easy way to add texture and volume without too much effort, try out some scissor cuts.

For those wanting something shorter, buzz cuts can be ideal if done correctly using clippers set at the right length.

But don’t forget about taking care of your hair in between styles! If yours tends to be dry or curly, try using products specifically designed with these textures in mind; they’ll help keep your locks looking healthy even after drastic at-home makeovers like this one.

Finally, it’s worth considering what works best when combining different techniques – from traditional barbering skills used by many independent contractors working from home gyms nowadays – so that together they provide exactly the result desired: A fresh new look that boosts confidence levels sky high!.

The Look: Buzzcut Season

The Look: Buzzcut Season
Embrace the liberating feeling of a buzzcut this season and make your own statement with confidence. Achieving a great look requires taking into account both hair texture and scalp care.

If you have too much hair, then going for the classic barbershop tips is key: shorter on the sides and back while leaving some length up top.

For those that prefer something even shorter, production manager cuts are all about clean lines without any extra bulk sitting atop the head – perfect if you’re looking to start fresh but don’t want anything overly dramatic just yet.

With these trends gaining traction lately, lots of people are finding themselves in uncharted territory when it comes to their past life hairstyle choices; not only does this offer freedom but also control over how they choose present themselves each day! So why not give yourself permission try out new looks? You’ll be sure find one that suits who YOU really are!.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How should I decide which hairstyle will suit me?

Consider your lifestyle and face shape when selecting a hairstyle. A good rule of thumb is that 50% of men choose the wrong style for their hair type! Pick something that reflects who you are, not just what’s trending.

What techniques can I use to avoid mistakes while cutting my hair?

Haircutting mistakes can be avoided by following these simple steps: Know your desired style, use the right tools with precision, and don’t forget to check for stray hairs.

Should I use scissors or clippers?

Make the cut with confidence by choosing the right tool for your style. Start with clippers to define edges and create a seamless look, then switch to scissors for detailed trimming.

How can I maintain my hairstyle between cuts?

Maintain your hairstyle between cuts by regularly shampooing and conditioning, using a comb for styling when needed. Use hair products such as pomade or wax to keep it in place. Get regular trims every 4-6 weeks, depending on the style you desire.

What products should I use to style my hair?

Style your hair with products designed for the look you’re after. Choose wax, clay, or gel depending on the desired texture and hold. Experiment to find what works best for you and change it up if needed! Embrace your own individual style and don’t be afraid to express yourself through creative experimentation.

Conclusion

Now that you have the tools and know-how to cut your own hair like a pro, you can start experimenting and creating different looks. With the right tools and technique, you can create any look you want. According to statistics, men are spending twice as much time on their hair today as they did in the past.

So don’t be afraid to take matters into your own hands and get creative with your look.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.