Hair Cutting 101

A hair cut doesn't have to be intimidating. It can be fairly simple if you follow the steps and have patience.

FIGURE A

Simple Straight Cut, All One Length

1. Wash hair and towel dry. Carefully comb through with a wide-tooth plastic comb. (Note, it's easy to damage hair when it's wet by brushing too briskly with a brush.)

2. Divide the hair into two or three sections horizontally down the head. Twist each section and secure with a a clip, barrette or elastics. (SEE FIGURE A)

3. Release the clip of the section of hair that is closest to the neck.

4. Comb again through the damp hair, making sure it is straight. Comb through a small section of the hair that is about a fingers' length. As you comb through, stop just above the ends, place the comb under the thumb of your left hand or place it down on the table. Pick up the scissors and cut with your right hand. Use your fingers as a guide to trim the hair. (SEE FIGURES B & C) Be sure your fingers are very sharp.

5. Comb through this nearly cut section of hair and double check to make sure the cut is straight.

6. Once you are satisfied that the section of hair is straight, move around the head to the next small section (about a fingers' length).

7. Repeat steps 4-6 trimming around the head making sure that each smaller section is even with the next.

8. Remove the clip from the next large section of hair and comb it out straight so it blends with the freshly-cut hair. You should see a definite line between the cut hair and the non-cut hair. (SEE FIGURE D)

9. Repeat steps 4-6 trimming around the head making sure that each smaller section is even with the next.

10. Continue this process until you are done with the large sections of hair you twisted and clipped originally. (SEE FIGURE E)

FIGURE B

FIGURE C

FIGURE D

FIGURE E

11. Shape up the front of the hair by combing the sides slightly forward. (SEE FIGURE F)

12. Comb through and stand back to see if it is even. Trim little by little to even up the front. (SEE FIGURE G)

13. Once you're done trimming, comb through the entire head of hair again to ensure that everything is even.

FIGURE F

FIGURE G

DONE

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"If you plan to trim your own bangs, invest in a good pair of shears, paper scissors just don't cut it. (To trim your own bangs, twist the hair together into one piece then snip into the ends in a zigzag motion. Brush out the hair & cut the longer pieces to match the shorter ones.)"

- by CoolNurse.com

"It's better to comb the bangs slightly forward when you are trimming them. This helps so you don't get the 'line' of bangs you see sometimes."

- Tiffany Flanagan, hair stylist, (Leavenworth Ward, Platte City Missouri Stake, USA)

Keep bangs limited to 1/2" deep. This will keep bangs wispier and less full and thick. You want to avoid making half the head bangs.

Tips for Cutting Men's Hair

1. Use clippers to evenly trim the back and sides. A #2 or #3 guard are popular for most men.

2. Use the clippers to trim up to the middle of the back of the head. From there, trim hair using sharp scissors.

3. Always cut hair by pulling it through your fingers vertically and making the cut. This will help keep from leaving a "line" in the hair.

4. NEVER cut hair by pulling it through your fingers horizontally. This will leave a line and show where you made the cut.

5. Bend the ear forward when trimming around it. Use clippers to trim most of the side but opt for scissors for a more precise cut around the ear.

6. Curly, kinky hair is much easier to cut than thinner straight hair. Curly hair doesn't show mistakes as much.

Tips for Cutting Kids Hair

1. Place child in high chair and use tray to help catch hair. Place high chair in kitchen for easy cleanup or outside on a back porch or deck in nice climates.

2. Try having a parent or friend hold the child on his/her lap. This will help when you're trying to cut certain spots of the head. The person holding the child could hold the head still to ensure an accurate cut.

3. A toy or small treat might help distract a worried child from the haircutting process.

4. If your child is a heavy sleeper, try trimming their locks in their sleep.

5. Always start with the bangs first. This is the most important part (keeping hair out of their eyes). Should the child refuse going on, at least you have the most important part done.

6. Let older kids get involved in the haircutting process by letting them help pick out a style.

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