How to Cut Men’s Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learning how to cut men’s hair may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s possible to achieve a salon-worthy result at home. Plus, cutting your own hair or that of a family member can save both time and money.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to cutting men’s hair, complete with step-by-step instructions, video tutorials, product reviews, expert advice, hairstyle ideas, and DIY haircut troubleshooting tips.
But first, let’s explore why learning to cut men’s hair is so important.
Why It’s Important to Learn How to Cut Men’s Hair
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people all over the world to stay at home and practice social distancing. As a result, many people are turning to DIY haircuts to maintain their appearance during these challenging times. In fact, according to Google Trends data, searches for “haircut at home” have skyrocketed in 2020.
But even before the pandemic, cutting men’s hair at home has always been a useful skill to have. Regular visits to the barber can be expensive, and sometimes it’s just not feasible to fit those appointments into a busy schedule. By knowing how to cut men’s hair, you’ll be able to save money and time while still achieving a fresh and stylish look.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Men’s Hair
Before we delve into the step-by-step guide, here are some general tips that will help set you up for success:
- Make sure you have a clean and organized workspace before you begin
- Invest in quality tools and products, including clippers, scissors, combs, and hair styling products
- Have a clear idea of what you want the final result to look like before you start cutting
- Be patient and take your time – rushing through the process can result in mistakes
Step 1: Prepping the Hair
Before you begin cutting, it’s essential to properly prep the hair. Start by washing the hair with a shampoo and conditioner that’s appropriate for the hair type. Then, towel dry the hair and comb it to remove any tangles or knots. If the hair is particularly thick or curly, you may want to apply a product that will help soften and smooth the hair.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Tools
Next, gather the necessary tools for the haircut. You’ll need a pair of scissors, clippers, combs, clips, and a cape or towel to drape around the neck. Choose the right type of clipper guard for the length you want to cut – you can always switch to a shorter one if needed. A number two clipper guard is a good starting point for most styles.
Step 3: Cutting the Hair
Once the hair is prepped and the tools are ready, it’s time to start cutting. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
- Section the hair: Start by dividing the hair into smaller sections using clips. This will help ensure that you’re cutting the hair evenly and efficiently.
- Cut the sides and back: Using your clippers and the appropriate guard, begin cutting around the sides and back of the head. Move the clippers in an upward motion, working against the direction of hair growth. Be sure to use a mirror to check your progress.
- Cut the top: Use your scissors to cut the hair on top of the head, holding the hair at a 90-degree angle with the comb to create even layers. Start with longer cuts and work your way shorter, checking for balance and symmetry as you go.
- Cut the fringe: If you want to include bangs or a fringe, use your scissors to carefully trim the hair in front. Start with longer cuts and gradually shorten until you reach the desired length.
- Blend the hair: Use your clippers without a guard to blend the longer hair on top with the shorter hair on the sides and back, creating a seamless transition. Pay attention to the hairline and neck area.
- Check for accuracy: Use a mirror to check your work from all angles, making any necessary adjustments as you go.
Step 4: Finishing Touches and Clean Up
After the main cutting is complete, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches. Use your scissors to go over any areas that need more precision, such as around the ears and at the nape of the neck. Then, use your clippers to clean up any stray hairs around the hairline and neck. Finally, give the hair a good wash, dry, and style using a product that’s appropriate for the hair type and style.
Video Tutorial
If you’re a visual learner, or simply want some extra guidance, we’ve included a video tutorial featuring a professional barber.
In this video, the barber will demonstrate four different hairstyles – buzz cut, crew cut, side part, and slick back – and provide detailed instructions for achieving each look. The video is captioned to guide you through the process, and the barber provides additional narration to offer context and insights.
Product Review
Having the right tools and products is essential for a successful haircut. In this section, we’ll provide recommendations for trimmers, scissors, and styling products based on different hair types and styles.
When it comes to trimmers, we recommend the Andis Master Series, which is powerful and reliable, yet gentle on the skin. For scissors, the Kamisori K-10 Razor is a high-quality option that offers maximum control and precision. For styling products, the American Crew Fiber is a versatile option that works well on most hair types, providing hold, texture, and shine without feeling heavy or greasy.
But don’t just take our word for it – we’ve also consulted with professional barbers to get their insights on the best products to use.
Q&A with a Professional
In this section, we’ve asked three professional barbers to weigh in on common questions about cutting men’s hair. Here are some of their expert insights:
Q: What’s the most common mistake people make when cutting men’s hair at home, and how can it be avoided?
A: The most common mistake is taking off too much hair at once. This can be avoided by starting with longer cuts and gradually shortening until you reach the desired length. It’s also important to continually check your progress as you cut, using a mirror to assess from all angles.
Q: What should people with particularly thick or curly hair keep in mind when cutting?
A: Thick or curly hair requires more careful attention to detail than straight or fine hair. Use your fingers to separate the hair into smaller sections, making sure to comb through each section before cutting. It’s also important to choose the right tools and products, including a high-quality set of clippers and a smoothing product.
Q: Are there any common misconceptions about cutting men’s hair that you’d like to clear up?
A: One common misconception is that cutting hair at home is always a bad idea. While it’s true that some haircuts require professional expertise, there are plenty of simple styles that can be achieved at home with proper tools and techniques.
Hairstyle Ideas
Now that you have the tools, techniques, and products you need, it’s time to get creative with different hairstyles. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Buzz cut: A timeless classic, this ultra-short style looks clean and sophisticated on virtually everyone. Use a number one guard to achieve a uniform length all over.
- Crew cut: This classic military style is versatile and easy to maintain. Start with a number two guard on the sides and back, gradually shortening the hair as you move up.
- Side part: This elegant style is perfect for formal events or the workplace. Use scissors to cut the hair on top, leaving it longer on one side for the part. Blend the shorter hair on the sides and back using clippers with a number two or three guard.
- Slick back: An edgy and modern style, this look can be achieved using a bit of gel or pomade to slick the hair back from the forehead. Use scissors to cut the hair on top and blend with clippers on the sides.
DIY Haircut Troubleshooting
Even when following the best techniques and advice, mistakes can still happen when cutting hair at home. Here are some common problems and potential solutions:
- Uneven layers: If you accidentally cut one section of hair shorter than the rest, try using your scissors to trim the longer sections to match the shorter one, gradually moving shorter as needed.
- Too-short bangs: If you cut the bangs too short, wait a few days for them to grow out a bit. In the meantime, use a styling product to help blend the bangs with the rest of the hair.
- Inconsistent length: If the hair ended up too short or too long, wait a week or two for it to grow, or visit a professional stylist for an adjustment.
Conclusion
Cutting men’s hair at home is a valuable skill that can save both time and money, as well as provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. By following the step-by-step guide, as well as the expert advice and product recommendations, you can achieve a professional-looking result in the comfort of your own home.
We hope this guide has been helpful and informative, and we encourage you to put what you’ve learned into practice. And, of course, if you have any additional tips, tricks, or questions, please feel free to share them in the comments below.
