DIY Hair Tips
We've all been there—staring at our hair in the mirror, wondering if we can pull off cutting it ourselves. The thought of DIY haircuts can seem a bit scary at first, but with a few tricks and some practice, you can easily give yourself a stunning new look at home.
Whether you're looking to save time and money or simply love experimenting with new styles, these 10 DIY haircut tips will help you create a professional-looking cut without leaving your house.
1. Get the Right Tools
Before we get into the techniques, let's talk about the tools you'll need. You don't need to visit a fancy store to get these tools—most of them can be found at your local beauty supply shop. At the very least, you'll need a sharp pair of scissors to make clean cuts without any fraying. A fine-toothed comb is essential to smooth out any unruly strands before you cut. And don't forget a handheld mirror to check the back of your head. Also, grab some sturdy hair clips and a spray bottle to keep your hair damp while you cut.
If you want to take some of the weight off your hair, thinning scissors (also called texturizing or layering scissors) will be a huge help. And if you're trimming a pixie cut, high-quality clippers and various clip-on attachments are key.
2. Wet Straight Hair, Dry Curly Hair
While most DIY haircut tutorials suggest wetting your hair before you start cutting, this doesn't work for every hair type. If you have straight hair, it's easier to cut when wet, as it gives you a clean and precise result. However, curly hair behaves differently—when wet, curls shrink and may not look the same as when dry. If you have curly hair, it's better to cut it dry to avoid unexpected results.
Use a fine-toothed comb to section off small portions of hair, then pinch them with your fingers and cut upwards. You don't need to cut much—just a few millimeters can help soften the edges.
3. The Bubble Method for Layers
If you've ever watched a DIY haircut video on Instagram or YouTube, you've probably seen women pull their hair into little ponytails to cut layers. Gone are the days of the bowl haircut—now, strategic styling is the way to go.
For long hair that you want to layer, the bubble method is a great technique. Gather your hair into a high ponytail at the top of your head, then comb it straight up and trim the ends. Add some layering, and voilà! You've got a beautiful, layered hairstyle. This method works for nearly any hair length, whether you're starting from a bob or growing out your mermaid-length locks.
4. Twisting for a Feathered Look
If you're aiming for soft, feathered bangs or layers, twisting your hair is one of the best ways to achieve a natural, blended look.
For bangs, pull them in front of your face and twist them tightly. Then, trim the ends at the bottom. It may sound scary, but the final result will give you soft, feathered bangs that blend beautifully. You can also use this twisting technique for creating a stacked bob. Grab the back of your hair, twist it tightly, and then cut. This will result in shorter hair at the back and longer pieces at the sides.
5. Embrace the Natural Flow
Different hair types require different techniques. If you have curly or textured hair and love a natural look, try cutting your hair dry without trying to make it straight. Don't attempt to make your curly hair into one solid length—work with the natural flow of your hair.
For textured hair, keep your hair dry and untangled. Trim the ends without pulling the hair, almost like you're trimming a bush. After cutting, brush through your hair and trim any stray ends that may stick out. This will give you a natural, textured look
6. The Deva Cut for Curly Hair
Curly-haired Lykkers, the Deva Cut technique is made just for you. This method involves cutting curly hair while it's dry, and you don't need to comb it out first. Simply separate your curls with your fingers, and trim each curl individually. This technique helps maintain the natural shape of your curls, giving them a beautifully defined look.
7. Cutting Short Hair at Home
If you've been rocking a pixie cut and it's starting to grow out, there's a simple trick to trim it at home. You'll need a good clipper set with different size attachments.
Start by sectioning the top of your hair into a horseshoe shape and clipping it up. This step is crucial because you don't want to cut the top too short. Next, clip up the hair around your ears and neck, then take a deep breath and start cutting the loose hair with clippers.
After you've cut the first part, switch to a longer attachment for the next section, and finally, use the longest attachment for the top. You can blend the layers using scissors for a more natural look, or ask a friend to help.
8. The Undercut
The undercut is one of the easiest styles to try at home.
Brush most of your hair into a short style and leave a few centimeters of hair at the back of your head. You can even leave some loose hair around the ears if you want. The key to a good undercut is making sure the line between the hair that's tied up and the hair that's left loose is straight and symmetrical. Once you're happy with the line, trim the loose hair with scissors and then use clippers to shave the bottom section clean.
This style is perfect for beginners because it's simple and easy to fix if it doesn't go exactly as planned. You can always let your hair grow out if it's not perfect the first time.
DIY haircuts can be a fun and rewarding way to try new looks at home. With the right tools, a bit of practice, and some patience, you can create beautiful styles that save you time and money. Whether you're trimming long layers, cutting bangs, or experimenting with a bold new look, these tips will help you feel more confident in your at-home haircutting skills.
So, Lykkers, have you ever tried cutting your hair at home? Share your tips and tricks with us in the comments—we'd love to hear about your experiences!