Tools You Will Need
Sharp Hairdressing Scissors: A good pair of scissors designed specifically for cutting hair is essential. Dull scissors can cause split ends and an uneven cut.
Comb: A fine – toothed comb will help you part and detangle the hair.
Spray Bottle with Water: This will be used to dampen the hair, making it easier to cut.
Clips: To section the hair and keep it out of the way during the cutting process.
Preparing the Hair
Wash and Condition: Start by washing the hair with a suitable shampoo and conditioner. This will remove any dirt, oil, or product build – up, and make the hair more manageable.
Dry the Hair: Gently towel – dry the hair until it is damp. You don’t want it to be completely wet, as overly wet hair can be difficult to cut accurately.
Comb the Hair: Use a comb to detangle the hair thoroughly. Make sure there are no knots or tangles, as these can interfere with the cutting process.
Sectioning the Hair
Create a Top Section: Use clips to separate the top section of the hair from the sides and back. This top section will usually cover the crown area. The width of this section can vary depending on the desired look, but a good rule of thumb is to make it about 2 – 3 inches wide at the front and taper it towards the back.
Divide the Sides: Next, divide the hair on either side of the head. You can do this by creating a part from the front hairline to the nape of the neck. Clip these side sections separately.
Separate the Back: The remaining hair at the back of the head should be its own section. This will be cut last.
Cutting the Top Section
Determine the Length: Decide on the desired length of the top section. For a short shaggy look, this could range from 2 – 4 inches. Hold the hair straight up and use your scissors to cut it to the desired length. Make sure to cut evenly across the section.
Add Texture: To create the shaggy effect, you can use a technique called point cutting. Instead of cutting the hair straight across, hold the scissors at an angle and make small, random cuts along the ends of the hair. This will create a more textured and tousled look.
Layer the Top: To add more volume and movement, you can layer the top section. Start by taking a small subsection of hair from the front of the top section and cutting it slightly shorter than the rest. Then, continue to layer the hair towards the back, gradually increasing the length as you move towards the crown.
Cutting the Side Sections
Length and Angle: For the side sections, the length will usually be slightly shorter than the top. Start by cutting the hair at an angle, with the front being shorter and gradually increasing in length towards the back. The length can range from 1 – 3 inches, depending on the overall look you want to achieve.
Texture and Layers: Use the point – cutting technique to add texture to the side sections as well. You can also layer the hair by cutting some strands shorter than others. This will give the hair a more natural and shaggy appearance. Pay attention to the hair around the ears, as you may want to cut it slightly shorter for a neater look.
Cutting the Back Section
Blending: The key to cutting the back section is to blend it with the side and top sections. Start by cutting the hair at the nape of the neck to the desired length, which should be slightly shorter than the sides. Then, gradually increase the length as you move up towards the crown, making sure to blend it smoothly with the other sections.
Texture and Volume: Use point cutting and layering techniques to add texture and volume to the back section. This will ensure that the shaggy look is consistent throughout the entire haircut.
Finishing Touches
Check for Symmetry: Once you have cut all the sections, stand back and check for symmetry. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure that both sides of the haircut look even.
Trim Stray Hairs: Use your scissors to trim any stray hairs or uneven ends. This will give the haircut a more polished look.
Style the Hair: Finally, you can style the short shaggy hair using a texturizing spray or a light – hold styling product. This will enhance the shaggy effect and give the hair more volume and movement.