Cutting your own hair is extremely tricky and a lot can go wrong. This is why we recommend that, if at all possible, you wait until the salons reopen to visit your favourite stylist.
If, however, you absolutely feel that you cannot wait, here are our helpful tips to follow to cut your hair at home:
The most important part to get right is sectioning!
You cannot just cut the hair as a block. After your hair is washed and towel dried, section your hair first from the front and the back and then split your back sections into two new sections – the split needs to be from ear to ear. As the sections are created, less hair is involved at the time so that it will be easier to manage. Make sure that you cut in clean lines and that you cut the same amount on each section. For a trim (this shall keep you until the salons reopen) we recommend cutting 1cm to 2cm. This will ensure that split ends are removed and that your hair will look cleaner and fresh.
Repeat the same section by section until you reach the top of the head. You then need to section the front into two new sections each and cut it one by one. Make sure that you again cut the same amount as you did at the back.
Hair by Stefano at the Live True London Brixton Salon
How to Cut Your Fringe
Make sure that you blow dry it first in the way you wish it to go. Cut your fringe only on dry hair as otherwise it will bounce back and it will look shorter than you intended. For a fringe, cut only half a centimetre at the time so that you have control over the length. If you have a sweeping fringe, avoid blunt cutting and only cut with the tip of the scissors.
When the cut is finished, style your hair fully and do a final check to see if the hair is all connected fully. If not, make the adjustment needed.
Hair by Yonny at the Live True London Clapham Salon
Men’s Hair
Cutting men’s hair will always be easier with clippers – a scissor over comb style cut on oneself is rather tricky! Make sure that the guard is locked safely onto the machine. If the guard falls off, this could cause a disaster with all of the hair being shaved off. Use the longer guard first and work on the sides, repeat the same movement with shorter guards and stopping roughly 1 cm lower each time. Repeat the same at the back while holding a mirror, being careful as the reflection means you’ll have to work backwards. When this is done you can cut the tips on the top and connect with the sides and back. You are now ready to style.
Hair by Ludovic at the Live True London Clapham Elms Salon
The Professional Advise
As a rule for all cuts, kitchen scissors are usually too big for haircuts. We recommend that you use the thinnest scissor you can find so that you can always control the amount of hair being cut.
For more great haircare tips from our team of hair experts, visit our blog here. And if you’re ready to book, make an appointment today using our online booking system here– easy as can be!
Live True London Clapham Salon | 020 7627 0169
Live True London Vauxhall and Nine Elms Salon | 020 7582 6312
Live True London Brixton Salon | 020 7924 9506