A short bob haircut is a chic and stylish choice that can completely transform your look. While it may seem intimidating to cut your own hair, with the right tools, preparation, and technique, you can achieve a great short bob at home. This article will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that you get the best results possible.
Gather the Necessary Tools
Quality Hair – cutting Scissors
Invest in a pair of professional – grade hair – cutting scissors. These are designed specifically for cutting hair and will make clean, precise cuts. Regular household scissors can cause split ends and damage your hair. You can find good hair – cutting scissors at beauty supply stores or online.
Make sure to keep your scissors sharp. Dull scissors can crush the hair instead of cutting it cleanly. You can have them sharpened by a professional or use a sharpening tool made for hair scissors.
Comb
A fine – toothed comb is essential for this process. It will help you part and straighten your hair before cutting. The comb should be able to glide through your hair smoothly without pulling or snagging. A comb with a pointed end can also be useful for sectioning your hair.
Before using the comb, make sure your hair is free of tangles. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to detangle your hair gently.
Hair Clips or Bobby Pins
You’ll need these to section your hair. Hair clips are great for holding larger sections of hair in place, while bobby pins can be used for smaller, more precise sections. Choose clips that are strong enough to hold your hair but won’t cause any damage or leave dents.
Divide your hair into sections to make the cutting process more organized. This will also ensure that you cut each part evenly.
Two Mirrors
One mirror should be a large, stationary mirror, and the other can be a handheld mirror. Position the large mirror in front of you as you usually would for doing your hair. The handheld mirror will be used to see the back of your head. This setup allows you to check the symmetry of your haircut from different angles.
Make sure you have good lighting so that you can clearly see what you’re doing. Natural light is best, but if that’s not available, use bright, white light bulbs.
Prepare Your Hair
Wash and Condition Your Hair
Start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. This will remove any dirt, oil, or product build – up, making your hair more manageable. After washing, gently towel – dry your hair until it’s damp.
Avoid using a hair dryer at this point as it can make your hair frizzy or cause it to dry unevenly. Damp hair is easier to cut and will give you more control over the length.
Detangle Your Hair Thoroughly
Use the comb to detangle your hair from the ends to the roots. If you encounter a particularly stubborn knot, use your fingers to gently loosen it before combing through again.
This step is crucial because tangled hair can lead to an uneven cut. Make sure your hair is completely smooth and free of knots before you start cutting.
Section Your Hair
Using the hair clips or bobby pins, divide your hair into several sections. Start by creating a horizontal part from ear to ear across the top of your head. Clip the top section up. Then, divide the bottom section into left and right halves, and clip them separately.
You can further divide each of these sections if your hair is very thick. This will make it easier to cut each part evenly and ensure that you don’t miss any strands.
Cutting the Short Bob
Decide on the Length
Before you start cutting, determine the length of your short bob. You can use a ruler or measuring tape to measure from your desired starting point (usually around the chin or just above the jawline) to the ends of your hair. Mark this length on a strand of hair at the front with a small clip or a piece of string.
Keep in mind that it’s better to start with a slightly longer length and make adjustments later if needed. You can always cut more, but you can’t add hair back if you cut it too short.
Cut the Back Section
Unclip the back section of your hair. Comb it straight down so that it hangs evenly. Hold the hair between your fingers, keeping your fingers parallel to the floor. Using your marked strand as a guide, cut the hair straight across.
Cut slowly and carefully, making sure the cut is even. It may be helpful to cut in small sections at a time, especially if your hair is thick.
Cut the Sides
Now, unclip one of the side sections. Comb the hair straight down and towards the back. Angle the scissors slightly downwards as you cut, following the curve of your jawline. The hair on the sides should blend smoothly with the back section.
Use the already – cut back section as a reference to ensure that the sides are even in length. Repeat the process for the other side.
Create Texture (Optional)
If you want a more textured short bob, you can use the point – cutting technique. Hold the scissors vertically and make small, angled cuts into the ends of the hair. This will add movement and a more tousled look to your bob.
You can also thin out the hair slightly if it’s very thick. Use thinning scissors to remove some of the bulk from the underside of the hair, but be careful not to over – thin as this can affect the shape of the bob.
Finishing Touches
Check for Symmetry and Evenness
Use your mirror setup to carefully examine the length and shape of your short bob. Look at the back, sides, and front to make sure everything is even. Check for any stray hairs or uneven sections and make small adjustments as needed.
You may want to ask a friend or family member to take a look from different angles as well.Sometimes, they can spot something you might have missed.
Trim the Ends
Once you’re satisfied with the overall shape, go through your hair with the scissors to trim any split ends or rough edges. This will give your bob a clean, polished look.
Hold the hair between your fingers and cut off only a small amount at a time. Be cautious not to cut too much as this can alter the shape of your bob.
Style Your Short Bob
You can style your new short bob in various ways. For a sleek look, use a flat iron to straighten your hair. Apply a small amount of smoothing serum to reduce frizz. If you prefer a more textured look, use a styling product like a texturizing spray or a small amount of pomade.
You can also add some volume at the crown by using a volumizing mousse and blow – drying your hair with your head upside down. Experiment with different styling techniques to find the one that suits you best.
Conclusion
Cutting your own short bob can be a fun and rewarding experience. While it requires some patience and attention to detail, following these steps will help you achieve a great – looking haircut. Remember, if you’re unsure at any point during the process, it’s better to be conservative with your cuts. With practice, you’ll be able to master the art of cutting your own short bob and enjoy the stylish results for weeks to come.
Related Topics: