How to Trim Your Own Hair at Home

Use sharp hairdressing scissors, work with damp hair in sections, and trim less than you think you need.

Most people cut too much because they panic about unevenness. Better to have slightly uneven hair than accidentally short hair.

1. Gather proper tools. Get sharp hairdressing scissors, never kitchen shears. You need a fine-tooth comb, hair clips, and a handheld mirror. Sharp scissors make clean cuts that prevent split ends.
2. Start with clean, damp hair. Wash and condition your hair, then towel dry until slightly damp. Wet hair appears longer than it actually is, so damp gives you the most accurate length. Comb through to remove all tangles.
3. Section and secure. Part your hair as you normally wear it. Clip the top sections up and work from the bottom layer first. This prevents you from cutting too much off the visible top layer.
4. Cut upward into the hair. Hold sections at a 45-degree angle and point-cut upward into the ends. This creates a softer edge than blunt cutting straight across. Cut small amounts at a time.
5. Check and balance. Release all sections and check for evenness using your handheld mirror. Make tiny adjustments by cutting individual pieces that look longer. Always cut less than you think you need.