Although we'd all rather treat ourselves to an afternoon in a hair salon getting an expert cut from the pros, desperate times call for desperate measures which means DIY haircuts have gone firmly on the to-do list.
But, before you whip out the kitchen scissors and start hacking away at your split ends, take a moment to get some expert advice. Because cutting your own hair can most definitely go wrong.
Guiding us through the ins and outs (or ups and downs) of cutting your hair at home is Victoria Beckham's go-to hair stylist and backstage pro, Luke Hersheson. From the professional tools you'll need, to exactly where to cut your hair in your house, and how to trim the back of your hair when you can't actually see it, Luke's got your DIY trim sorted. Consider that wonky bob avoided.
How To Cut Your Own Hair
The Dos And Dont's Of Cutting Your Own Hair
When it comes to cutting your own hair, let's just say there's a lot that could go wrong. Follow Hersheson's dos and don'ts and your ends will be looking fresh (and even) in no time.
- Do try a virtual consultation - you can book with Hershesons and use the time for whatever you like - it’s 20 minutes and costs £10 which goes to the NHS. We’re on hand to help talk you though trimming your hair if you're not confident on your own.
- Do cut your hair in the bathroom. Standing in the shower with a mirror is best - just avoid all carpets!
- Don't cut your hair when it's wet - when it dries it will bounce up which means you'll end up with it shorter than you wanted. Cut it dry instead.
- Don't cut across the ends of your hair in a straight line because a) you’ll never get it straight and b) it’ll look really chunky and blocky.
- Do trim less than you think - you can always take off more so only cut a tiny bit.
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How To Cut Your Hair Step-By-Step
Before you get started it's best to heed Hersheson's wise advice: 'Don’t pretend you’re at the hairdressers and you’re going to copy what you see there because it will go really wrong.'
Now that's out of the way, it's time to get trimming. Read on for Luke's pro tips to cutting your own hair...
Step 1
'Make sure your hair is dry - when it’s dry you’ll see the dead ends better than when it’s wet.'
Step 2
'Comb your hair down so you can really see what you’re trying to take off.'
Step 3
'Section your hair. Take a centre parting from the centre of your head all the way down to the centre of your neck and split your hair in two. Then take a section from the middle of your head down to your ears - almost like you're creating a hot cross bun effect. That gives you four clean sections.'
Step 4
'When you’ve got your four sections, bring them all the way around to the front.'
Step 5
'Take your scissors and point them upwards into the hair so you’re cutting almost little triangles at a slight angle - it'll give you a more broken, natural looking edge.
'If you’ve got curly or textured hair don’t comb it. Leave it as it is and pick each curl up, cutting them individually by sight.
'If your hair is really thick and you’re trying to take out weight, take the thinning scissors and, from the mid lengths to the ends, going down open and close them. It'll take some weight out without giving you a blocky line.'
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