How to Cut Short Hair at Home

Cutting your hair at home is a great way to keep your short hairstyle looking fresh while also saving money. On average, cut your hair every 4-6 weeks, and wet your hair before you trim it. If you have short hair, shape your hair into a bob or go with a pixie cut for an ultra-short style. Using either scissors or a hair razor, trim the back first and then move on to the sides of your hair. With the right tools and attention to detail, you can easily cut your own hair.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cutting Your Hair into a Short Bob

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To cut your hair evenly and easily, divide your hair into a back section, left section, and right section. Leave the hair in the back section down so you can cut that first, and secure the left and right sections with clips or hair ties.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Decide how long you want to trim your hair. This depends on the length of your hair currently. You can cut your hair at the nape of your neck for a short and stylish bob, or trim just a bit off of your ends if you want to grow out your short hairstyle.^{[2]XResearch source}
- If you want some help deciding how long to make your bob, search online for reference photos. Keep these handy when you are cutting and styling your hair.
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3
Cut your hair horizontally ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) longer than desired. Your first cut doesn’t have to be perfect, as you are simply removing the extra hair off the bottom. Make your cuts about ¹⁄₂ in (1.3 cm) longer than you want your hair to be in the end so that you can make finishing touches to clean up your ends. Do this for the back section of your hair first, and use a mirror to help you make straight cuts or ask a trustworthy friend or family member to help you with the back section.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If you are taking off more than 2 to 4 in (5.1 to 10.2 cm) of hair to create your bob, consider chopping off the bulk of your hair first. To do this, make a horizontal cut across all of your hair to get rid of the extra weight.
- Keep in mind that you can always cut more hair off, but you can’t put it back once you cut it, so it is best to cut a very small amount and then cut a little more if you want it shorter.
4
Make small vertical snips along your ends to even out the cut. After you make a horizontal cut, reposition your scissors so the ends face upwards, and make small snips along your hair. Do this along the back of your hair to finish trimming this section.^{[4]XResearch source}
- This gets rid of any uneven pieces so your hair is all the same length.
5
Trim the left and right sections of your hair to match the back. Next, take out the clip or hair tie and comb your hair down. Follow the line of the back section and make a horizontal cut across the ends of both sides. Then, make small, vertical snips to clean up any uneven spots.^{[5]XResearch source}
- If you have thin or fine hair, you can cut it all at once. If your hair is thick, you should divide it into several sections before you cut it.
- Use the back section of your hair as a guide as to how much to take off of the sides.
- If you prefer, use a hair cutting razor to trim the length off the sides. This is a good idea if you want the pieces in the front to be longer than the back. Wiggle your razor back and forth slightly to shave off the ends of your hair.
6
Add layers if you want to give your bob some more dimension. Comb a section of hair, and hold the ends in between your fingers. Point your trimming shears downward at a 45-degree angle as you trim the bottom. The angle of your cut creates a layered look, which looks great for a short bob style.^{[6]XExpert SourceCourtney Foster
Professional Hair StylistExpert Interview. 9 December 2019.}
- You can also create layers with a hair razor. Hold the end of your hair outward and wiggle your razor back and forth at a 45-degree angle.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Trimming a Pixie Cut

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1
Separate the bottom 1/3 or so of your hair in the back. Use a fine-toothed comb to divide your bottom section of hair from the rest, and clip up the rest of your hair on the top of your head.^{[7]XResearch source}
- By working in small sections, you can easily cut a pixie style at home.
2
Make horizontal cuts at a slight angle across the bottom section. Comb your hair and hold the ends in between your fingers vertically. Then, position your scissors at an angle so they are parallel with your hand. Cut your hair downward at a slight angle, and continue doing this across the back section of your hair.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Make your cuts at the nape of your neck for an ultra-short style, or leave 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) for a longer pixie style.
3
Move on to another section of hair after you finish the bottom section. Let your hair down once you trim the back section to your desired length. Divide the rest of your hair in the back, starting at the crown of your head. Then, comb the hair, pinch it in between your fingers, and move your fingers to the length you want to cut. Trim your hair horizontally using your fingers as a guide.^{[9]XExpert SourceCourtney Foster
Professional Hair StylistExpert Interview. 9 December 2019.}
- Make your cuts downward at a slight angle so this section blends in with the bottom section.
4
Continue cutting your hair in sections, working from side to side. After you finish cutting the back, work your way around to the right side of your head. Then, do the same for the left side of your head. Trim your hair similarly, making it as long or short as you’d like.^{[10]XExpert SourceCourtney Foster
Professional Hair StylistExpert Interview. 9 December 2019.}
- To make this easier, use a small section of hair from the previous part as a guide when cutting the next section.
5
Comb your bangs forward so you can easily trim your fringe. After you finish trimming the sides, brush all of your hair toward your face. Pinch the ends of your hair between your fingers and trim horizontally to take off some length. Continue cutting your hair until your bangs are as long as you like. Then, blend your bangs into the back section of your hair by using a 1 in (2.5 cm) section of hair for reference.^{[11]XResearch source}
- As you do this, comb your hair to check the length.
- Keep your bangs longer than the sides and back for a swooped fringe, or trim them to the same length for a short pixie style.
6
Even out any uneven sections or long spots before you finish up. Once you finish trimming your bangs, run your hands through your hair, and look for any uneven spots. Use your scissors to snip off any long pieces or jagged edges.^{[12]XResearch source}
- You can also use a hair razor to clean up your neckline. If possible, have a friend do this for you.

Expert Q&A

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What do I need to do if I'm going to cut my hair at home?
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
Courtney Foster
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Answer
You need to make sure that you're using really sharp cutting instruments. If you use dull instruments, your hair is going to split, which can lead to breakages as your hair grows longer. Also, make sure that you track the length frequently if you're cutting your hair in layers to make sure you don't end up with an asymmetrical cut.
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Things You’ll Need

Clean, wet hair
Haircutting clippers
Hair razor
Clips
Hair ties
Mirror
Spray bottle filled with water (optional)

Tips

If your hair is curly or thick, consider straightening your hair before you cut it. This way, there are no kinks that could mess up your cut. While this is optional, it can make it easier to cut off your ends.^{[13]XResearch source}
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You can trim your hair when it is wet or dry. You may find it easier to trim thick hair when wet. Keep a spray bottle filled with water nearby and spritz your hair as needed. However, once your hair dries, it may appear slightly shorter than when you cut it.
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