How to Cut Your Own Hair for Men: The Ultimate Guide

Have you ever stood in front of the mirror, frustrated by a bad haircut or in despair over split ends? Maybe you thought: “How can I cut my own hair?”. You’re not alone. Many have considered this option, especially during times when going to the barber wasn’t possible or convenient.

But why should you consider cutting your own hair? There are several reasons:

• Economic saving
• Flexibility in schedules
• Total control over the result
• Developing a new skill

However, before you grab your scissors or clippers, it's important to understand that cutting your own hair takes practice, patience, and the right techniques. In this guide, we'll explore the advice of expert Victor Fontanez, aka VicBlends, a true ace barber loved by celebrities. With his experience and my advice, you'll learn how to get a professional cut in the comfort of your own home.

Introduction

Are you no longer comfortable with your current haircut, but don't have time to go to the barber? No problem! Cutting your own hair is an increasingly popular solution, and you don't have to be a professional to get great results. This "homemade" approach to cutting men's hair can save you time, money and stress, turning your bathroom into a mini-beauty salon. Does it seem like an impossible task? Relax, you're in the right place. I will guide you step by step to create an impeccable cut, suitable for any male style, from the most minimal to the trendiest.

We will see how to choose the right tools, define the length, create precise shades and finishes, manage the sideburns and the nape. Get ready to discover a new skill that will allow you to always have a well-groomed look, without leaving the house.

But also discover the best ones men's hairstyles of the moment.

Why Cut Your Own Hair?

Before we get into the “how,” let’s ask “why.” There are many reasons why a man might decide to cut his own hair. You might have a busy schedule, with no way to squeeze in a barber appointment. Or, maybe you want to save a few bucks without sacrificing a well-groomed appearance. Or, you might be a creative person who loves to experiment with new styles. Cutting your own hair offers:

• Saving time and money: No queues, no unexpected events, no excessive costs.
• Flexibility: Get a haircut whenever you want, even late at night, without having to depend on the salon's opening hours.
• Total control: Each step is under your supervision, ensuring a tailor-made result.

Plus, learning to handle scissors or a clipper can give you a sense of autonomy and satisfaction. Sure, it won't be perfect the first time, but with a little practice you can quickly improve.

USEFUL RESOURCES:

• Men's Faded Beard Guide
• Men's Haircuts Long Above: Your Complete Guide to a Unique Style
• Edgar Men's Hair Cut: Guide to Selection and Style Advice
• Men's Hair Highlights: Definitive Guide and Ideas for Cuts with Lightening

Preparation: Tools and Environment

Before you begin, it is essential to prepare the environment and equip yourself with the right tools. A home haircut can become a disaster if you do not have the right tools or if you work in an unsuitable environment.

The Essential Tools for a DIY Cut

To get a flawless cut, you need to start with the right tools. Don't panic: you don't need a professional arsenal, just carefully choose a few key elements. Here's what you shouldn't miss in your kit:

1. Quality Hair Clipper:
   • Adjustable lengths to suit different stylesSharp, easy-to-clean bladesLong-lasting battery (at least one hour) or corded use
   Example: Remington professional hair clipper (BUY IT HERE – has over 40.000 reviews on Amazon with 4,5 stars!)
2. Professional Hair Scissors:
   • Sharp blade for precise cutting
   • Ease of handling and comfort to avoid tiring your hands
   Suggestion: Invest in scissors made specifically for hair, not paper scissors.
3. Narrow Tooth Comb and Wide Tooth Comb:
   • To detangle, section and align hair while cutting.
4. Old Cape or Towel:
   • Protects your clothes from annoying strands.
5. Large Mirror and Additional Mirror:
   • A large front mirror and a smaller portable one to check the back of your neck and sides.
6. Precision Razor or Trimmer:
   • Useful for finishing the contour, nape of the neck and sideburns.
7. Styling Products (Gel, Wax or Cream):
   • To style the final cut and give it a professional look.

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Creating the Ideal Environment

The environment in which you get your hair cut is almost as important as the tools you use. Here are some tips for creating the perfect space:

• Lighting: Make sure you have good lighting. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not available, use bright lights that don’t cast shadows.
• Mirrors: VicBlends suggests using a tri-fold mirror. If you don't have one, you can place a mirror behind you and use a hand mirror to see the back of your head.
• Space: Choose a spacious area that is easy to clean. The bathroom is often the best choice, but make sure you have enough room to move around freely.
• Towel or blanket: Place a large sheet or towel on the floor to catch the cut hair and make cleanup easier.

Remember, a well-organized environment not only makes the process easier, but also helps you focus better on cutting.

Knowing Your Hair

Before you start cutting, it is essential to know your hair well. Each hair is unique and requires a personalized approach.

Identifying Hair Grain

The “grain” of hair refers to the natural direction of growth. VicBlends emphasizes the importance of this aspect:

"Before cutting hair, barbers look at the direction of hair growth, also known as the 'grain'. Trimming the hair to the grain causes the hair to fall lower when cut, which makes it appear darker to the eye."

To identify your hair texture, follow this tip from VicBlends:

1. Wash your hair without combing it
2. Let it dry naturally
3. Observe which direction the hair moves, including the curves.

This will help you understand how to cut your hair following its natural direction, obtaining a more uniform and professional result.

Understanding Texture and Thickness

In addition to grain, it is important to consider the texture and thickness of your hair. These factors influence how your hair reacts to the cut and how it behaves afterward.

• Fine Hair: Tends to be more delicate and may appear thinner after cutting. Requires a gentler approach.
• Thick Hair: May be more resistant to cutting and require more passes with the clipper.
• Curly Hair: Curly texture can make it difficult to achieve an even length. You may need to trim your hair when it’s dry to better assess the length.
• Straight hair: Generally easier to cut, but small mistakes can also be more visible.

Knowing these characteristics will help you choose the most suitable techniques and tools for your hair type.

Choosing a Cut: Starting with a Simple Style

If this is your first time trying your hand at DIY, don't go for a haircut that's too elaborate. Keep it simple, like a short, clean cut, maybe with a slight difference in length between the sides and the top. With time and experience, you can try more complex fades, more pronounced undercuts, or even medium-long layered cuts.

Simple Style Example:

Basic Cutting Techniques

Here is a simple procedure, divided into clear steps, to cut your hair yourself without stress. Keep calm, give yourself all the time you need and remember: it is better to make slow and precise movements, rather than rush and risk an irregular cut.

Let's start with this beautiful one short haircut for men!

Starting from the Base

The first step is to create a uniform base. Here's how to proceed:

1. Choose the desired length for the lower part of the hair.
2. Use the hair clipper with the appropriate protection.
3. Start at the nape of the neck, moving the clipper from bottom to top.
4. Work in horizontal sections, overlapping each pass slightly to avoid uncut strips.
5. Hold the clipper perpendicular to your head for an even cut.

VicBlends points out: “By setting the bottom of the head at the desired length, it will be easier to know when to stop on the way up.”

Working Towards the Summit

Once you have created the base, proceed towards the top of the head:

1. Change the clipper guard for longer length.
2. Start at the temples, moving the clipper upwards.
3. Follow the natural curvature of the head.
4. Use gradual, overlapping movements to avoid harsh lines.

“When you try to overdo it, you start to ruin your part and your hairstyle,” VicBlends warns. Keep it simple and gradual.

Blend and Smooth

The blending is the most delicate part of the cut. Here's how to proceed:

1. Use a guard that is mid-length between the one used for the base and the one for the top.
2. Work in the transition zone between the two lengths.
3. Move the clipper in a “C” motion, moving it slightly away from your head as you move it upwards.
4. Repeat the process, adjusting the length if necessary, until you achieve a smooth transition.

Remember the words of VicBlends: “Take your time and focus on the end result.” Blending takes patience and practice.

Another Advanced but Simple Technique

I leave you another procedure below. Always similar and equally simple.

Step 1: Separate the Sections
Mentally divide your head into zones: sides, nape, top. Use the comb to outline the areas and lift the longer hair on top with a clip if necessary.

Step 2: Start from the Sides

• Choose the guide comb of the clipper according to the desired length (e.g. 6 mm).
• Start from the bottom of the neck and move up with slow, steady movements.
• As you go up, try moving the clipper slightly away from your head to start creating a natural blend.

Step 3: Move on to the Nape of the Neck

• Using the mirror, repeat the same process on the back of your head.
• Keep the same length as the sides. If you are not confident, it is better to go a little longer: you can always shorten it later.

Step 4: Top Part

• Now switch to a slightly longer guide comb (e.g. 9-12mm) or use scissors.
• Lift the hair with the comb and cut gradually, taking small sections to avoid mistakes.
• If you use scissors, hold them perpendicular to the comb for a softer effect.

Step 5: Create the Gradient

• To achieve a faded effect between the sides and the top, choose three lengths: the longest for the top, a medium length for the middle, and a short length for the bottom.
• Proceed in small steps, shortening by 1-2 mm as you go down.

Step 6: Detail Finishes

• Use a trimmer or precision razor for finishing touches: sideburns, nape of the neck, ear contour.
• Work slowly, looking for symmetry on both sides of the face.

Video Tutorial How To Cut Your Own Hair For Men

Length Reference Tables

To help you choose the lengths, here is an indicative table:

VicBlends Advanced Tips

To take your DIY cut to the next level, here are some advanced tips from master VicBlends.

Using the Hair Clipper Lever

The hair clipper lever is a powerful tool for achieving precise blending. VicBlends explains:

“All professional hair clippers have a lever that allows the barber to ‘open’ or ‘close’ the teeth. An open lever cuts the hair longer than a closed one.”

• Lever closed (down): Shortest cut, almost to zero.
• Open lever: Longer cut.

Use the lever to create smoother transitions between different lengths.

Choosing the Right Protections

Clipper guards are essential for controlling the length of your cut. VicBlends recommends:

“Remember that if the lever is open, it will always cut less, but if the lever is closed, it will cut more.”

Each number on the guards represents a measurement in millimeters. Experiment with different combinations of guards and lever positions to get the result you want.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Everyone makes mistakes the first few times, but recognizing them early can save you a lot of headaches:

• Don't overdo the length on top if you don't know how to handle it: Better to shorten gradually.
• Don't start with too short measurements: If you start right from 3 mm and make a mistake, you won’t be able to fix it.
• Don't cut without combing: Comb often to check the actual length of the hair.
• Don't rush your movements: The secret is slowness and precision.
• Don't neglect the hygiene of your instruments: Clean and disinfect your clipper and scissors after each use.

Shades and Advanced Techniques

Once you have mastered the basic cut, you can venture into more advanced techniques. The perfect fade, for example, requires patience and experience, but with practice you can achieve effects worthy of a professional barber.

Some advanced techniques:

• Gradual Fading: Start at the sides with a short measurement, then gradually move up 1-2 mm towards the top.
• Layer Cutting with Scissors: Lift the hair with the comb and create light layers to add volume.
• Texturizing with Toothed Scissors: Ideal for thinning out or creating movement on top.

How to Manage Sideburns

Sideburns define the contours of your face and can change the perception of your style. Here's how to style them:

• Check Symmetry: Look straight into the mirror and make sure your sideburns are at the same height.
• Use a Reference Length: Start with 6mm and if it seems too long, shorten by 1mm at a time.
• Razor or Trimmer for Cleaning: To define the contours, use a very sharp razor and proceed with a steady hand.

The Nape: The Most Difficult Point

Cutting the hair at the back of the neck is the biggest challenge, since we do not have a direct view of the area. To make your life easier:

• Use Two Mirrors: One large frontal and one small portable one for the rear view.
• Proceed in Small Steps: Start at the base of the nape of the neck and work your way up.
• Maintain a Slight Bend: Don't make the lines too rigid, unless you want a geometric effect.

After the Cut: Washing, Styling and Scalp Care

The cut is done, but your mission doesn't end there. To enhance the result and ensure the health of your hair, follow these final tips:

1. Wash Your Hair: Remove residual hair with a gentle shampoo, perhaps enriched with nourishing ingredients.
2. Apply Aftershave to the Nape of the Neck (If Necessary): If you have used a razor, you can soothe your skin with a special product.
3. Light Styling: Use a modeling cream or a light gel to give the desired fold. A good option is a multipurpose cream like the very famous American Crew Forming Cream (you can find several variations there) FIBER it is the most purchased one – you can find it IN THIS PAGE).
4. Check the Result in Natural Light: A quick check outside or near a window will help you spot any small imperfections that need fixing.

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Maintenance and Touch-ups

A good haircut doesn't end when you turn off the clipper. Maintenance is key to keeping your look fresh for longer:

• Regular touch-ups: Make small touch-ups every 2-3 weeks to maintain the shape of the cut.
• Hair care: Use products suited to your hair type to keep it healthy and easy to manage.
• Styling: Learn some simple styling techniques to enhance your new cut.
• Observation: Pay attention to how your hair grows and behaves over time. This will help you improve your future cuts.

VicBlends suggests: “The first thing to think about is your hair type. A certain cut can have a completely different effect on different hair types.” Tailor your maintenance routine to your specific hair type.

Comparison Table: Advantages of DIY vs. Barber

Conclusions

Cutting your own hair as a man is not an impossible feat, on the contrary. With a little practice, the right tools and the right amount of patience, you can achieve a well-groomed and personalized look in total autonomy. From short and minimal cuts to more complex shades, the satisfaction of saying "I did this" is priceless.

Remember to always keep a relaxed approach and not rush. Take your time learning, experiment with different lengths and most importantly, have fun with the process. Who would have thought that turning your bathroom into a mini hair salon could be so rewarding? Now that you have the guide, it's your turn to try!

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