How to Cut Your Own Hair, According to Stylists and People Who Swear By It

1. Hair prep: Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair and detangle thoroughly using a wide-tooth comb.

2. Sectioning: Divide the hair into sections: front, sides, and back. Use hair clips to keep each section in place.

3. Cutting the back: Release the back section and comb it straight down. Then, starting from the nape, cut a straight line across the bottom, trimming about 1/4 inch or more, depending on your preference. Work upward, releasing small sections and using the previously cut hair as a guide.

4. Cutting the sides: Release one side section and comb it straight. Match the length with the back section and cut straight across, then repeat on the other side.

5. Blending and checking: Comb all sections together and check for any uneven spots and trim as needed to ensure evenness.

How to cut curly hair

“If you have curly hair, you can cut curl by curl to shape it as you want,” says Cavalcante. For an example of this, see below.

Another option is to divide and cut from there. See a step-by-step guide from Mondo below.

1. Preparation: Start with dry hair, styled as you normally wear it.

2. Sectioning: Divide the hair into manageable sections. Use hair clips to hold each section.

3. Cutting the back: Release a small section at the nape and let the curls fall naturally. Cut each curl individually, following the natural curl pattern and cutting just above where the curl bends.

4. Cutting the sides: Release one side section and let the curls fall naturally. Trim each curl individually, following the same method. Repeat on the other side.

5. Shaping and checking: Shape the hair by cutting more off the ends to achieve the desired style. Check for evenness and adjust as needed.

How to trim split ends

To trim split ends, you’ll want to utilize a dusting technique, says Cavalcante. “This involves placing hair between two fingers, sliding it down, and cutting the tips that stick out,” he says. “Not every single piece of hair will travel all way the down together with the length, which is why the dusting technique will be great for that.”

For a step-by-step guide, see Mondo’s suggestions below.

1. Preparation: Start with dry, detangled hair.

2. Sectioning: Divide the hair into small sections.

3. Trimming split ends: Take a small section and twist it tightly. Snip off the ends that stick out of the twist. Repeat throughout the hair.

4. Final check: Comb through the hair and check for missed split ends and trim as needed.

How to cut layers

Whether you want a DIY butterfly cut or something more dramatic like a jellyfish cut, knowing how to cut your hair into layers is an especially helpful skill. It’s no wonder it’s one of Mondo’s most popular tutorials! See how he recommends cutting layers below.