Do-it-yourself haircuts can save people hundreds of dollars each year. Investing in quality hair-cutting tools is usually a necessity, however, especially for individuals who will be cutting hair often. Before beginning a DIY haircut, the hair should be clean and dry. Starting from the bottom of the hair, a small amount of hair should be removed at a time. Hair should also be combed constantly during a haircut, to ensure that no small strands are missed.
Professional hair can be expensive, especially for people with short hair. To eliminate these costs, many people learn to cut their own hair and their family's hair. Cutting hair is not exactly easy, however, and a DIY hairstyling and hair-cutting book is a valuable asset for novices.
Quality hair-cutting tools are also usually necessary. Powerful clippers with several attachments can be used to cut men's and boy's hair. Quality barber scissors should also be purchased. These are usually somewhat expensive, but the extra sharp blades on these scissors can easily cut through even the coarsest hair.
Before starting a DIY haircut, the hair should be washed. Washing the hair helps remove oil, dirt, and other grime, and it helps stops the hair from sticking together. Hair can also be conditioned before a haircut.
After the hair has been washed and conditioned, it should be allowed to dry thoroughly before a DIY haircut. When hair is wet, it is very easy to accidentally cut off too much hair. Hair typically expands when it is wet, which makes it appear longer than it really is. This is especially true of curly hair.
The area where a DIY haircut will take place should be quiet and free of distractions. It should also have a tile, wood, vinyl, or laminate floor, since it will be much easier to clean up the hair clippings. Good lighting is also a necessity when cutting hair.
Most barbers and hair stylists typically start cutting a person's hair at the bottom of the hair, which is usually at the back of the head. During a DIY haircut, only a small amount of hair should be taken off at a time. If hair is cut too short, it can not be reattached, whereas if it is too long, more hair can be cut off. Stepping back frequently to make sure the hair is even on each side is also usually advised. Combing the hair during a hair cut will also help make longer pieces of hair visible.