Trimming your own long hair is by no means an easy task; on the contrary, it can be a great effort that is full of benefits and can save you money. When you master the art of cutting long hair, you can keep it in good condition without having to frequent the salon, which will not only save you a small amount of money, but also give you a great sense of accomplishment in the process of self-styled hair.However, to successfully trim your own long hair, it is not a quick fix. It requires some careful preparation, from choosing the right time to making sure the environment is comfortable and clean, every step is crucial. In this article, we will guide you through the process of trimming your long hair at home.
Tools You Will Need
Sharp Hair – cutting Scissors
Importance: Using sharp scissors specifically designed for cutting hair is crucial. Regular household scissors can cause split ends and frayed edges as they are not sharp enough to make a clean cut. Hair – cutting scissors have a fine edge that allows for precise cutting without damaging the hair shaft.
Investment: It’s worth investing in a good pair of hair – cutting scissors. You can find them at beauty supply stores. They usually range in price, but a mid – range pair can provide excellent results. Look for scissors with comfortable handles that fit well in your hand for better control during the cutting process.
Comb
Detangling and Sectioning: A wide – toothed comb is ideal for long hair. It helps in detangling the hair gently before starting the trimming process. When it’s time to cut, the comb is used to section the hair evenly. This ensures that you cut the same length throughout each section.
Choosing the Right Comb: Select a comb made of durable materials, such as hard rubber or high – quality plastic. Avoid combs with rough edges that could snag or break the hair.
Mirror
Good Visibility: A large mirror is essential for seeing what you’re doing. You may also want to have a handheld mirror to check the back of your head. Make sure the lighting in the area is bright and even. Natural light is best, but if you’re indoors, use bright overhead lights or a well – placed lamp to avoid shadows.
Positioning: Position the mirror at eye level or slightly lower. This allows you to have a clear view of your hair as you cut. You can also move around to check different angles of your hair in the mirror.
Preparing Your Hair
Clean and Dry Hair
Washing: Start by washing your hair with a good – quality shampoo and conditioner. This removes any dirt, oil, or product buildup. However, make sure your hair is completely dry before you start trimming. Wet hair can be deceptive in length, and you may end up cutting more than you intended.
Drying Technique: When drying your hair, use a towel to gently blot out the excess water. Avoid rubbing vigorously as this can cause frizz. You can also let your hair air – dry or use a blow – dryer on a low – heat setting. If you use a blow – dryer, direct the air flow down the length of the hair to smooth the cuticle.
Detangling
Starting from the Ends: Use the wide – toothed comb to start detangling from the ends of your hair. Work your way up gradually, holding the section of hair you’re combing close to the roots to minimize pulling. This process may take some time, especially if your hair is thick or prone to tangling.
Using a Detangling Spray: If your hair is very tangled, you can use a detangling spray. Spray it evenly over the hair and let it sit for a few minutes before combing. This helps to make the combing process easier and reduces breakage.
Sectioning the Hair
Dividing into Sections
Top and Sides: Start by dividing your hair into four main sections. Create a part down the middle of your head from the front to the back. Then, make another part horizontally across the middle of your head. This will give you two sections on top and two sections on the sides. Use hair clips or small elastic bands to hold each section in place.
Sub – sections: For more control, especially if your hair is very long or thick, you can further divide each of these main sections into smaller sub – sections. This allows you to cut each part more accurately.
Trimming the Hair
Trimming the Ends
Evening the Length: Take one of the small sub – sections of hair. Hold the end of the hair between your index and middle fingers. Slide the fingers down the hair shaft until you reach the desired length you want to cut. Then, using the hair – cutting scissors, make a straight cut across the hair held between your fingers. Repeat this process for each sub – section of hair in all four main sections.
Checking for Evenness: After cutting each section, let the hair down and use the comb to check if the length is even. If you notice any uneven parts, you can make small adjustments by cutting a little more from the longer strands.
Layering (Optional)
Creating Layers: If you want to add layers to your long hair, start by taking a small section of hair from the top of your head. Hold the hair vertically between your fingers. Cut into the hair at an angle, starting from the desired length for the top layer and cutting downwards. The angle of the cut will determine the thickness and shape of the layer. For a more subtle layer, make a shallower angle cut. For a more dramatic layer, make a steeper angle cut.
Blending the Layers: After creating the initial layer, continue to take sections of hair from around the top of the head and repeat the angled cutting process. Make sure to blend the layers by cutting the adjacent sections in a similar manner. You can also use the comb to check if the layers are flowing smoothly and evenly.
Finishing Touches
Checking for Split Ends
Inspecting the Hair: After trimming, carefully examine your hair for split ends. You can do this by holding a small section of hair up to the light and looking for any frayed or split ends. If you find some, you can use the scissors to carefully snip off the split part. However, don’t over – trim as this can cause the hair to become shorter than you intended.
Using a Split – end Sealing Product: There are some products available in the market that claim to seal split ends. You can apply a small amount of such a product to the ends of your hair after trimming. This can help to prevent further splitting and keep the hair looking healthy.
Styling
Simple Styling: After trimming your long hair, you can style it as usual. You can let it flow freely, make a ponytail, or create a braid. Styling your hair can also help you to see if the trim has achieved the desired look. If you notice any areas that need further adjustment, you can make small corrections.
Product Application: Depending on your hair type and the style you want, you can apply some styling products. For example, if you have frizzy hair, you can use a small amount of anti – frizz serum. If you want to add volume, you can use a volumizing mousse.
Conclusion
Trimming your long hair at home can be a fun and practical skill to learn. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can maintain the health and length of your long hair. Remember to be patient and take your time during the process. With practice, you’ll be able to achieve professional – looking results and keep your long hair looking its best between salon visits.
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