While many hair salons and barbers have already reopened, you may still be reluctant to head back for a trim right away. Maybe you've gotten used to your longer locks, or still think you might be able to shape up your haircut with some clippers, a pair of scissors, and a steady hand. But there are lots of things that can go wrong when you cut your own hair.
If you have bangs, you're likely to cut them too short and, worse, unevenly (pro tip: cut into the bangs, not straight across). And if you're cutting long or layered hair, making both sides symmetrical will be a challenge, as the hairdresser can move around your head — but you can't.
Still, there is one thing you can do to guarantee better results before you make one snip. Read on to find out what it is.
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If you're grabbing your kitchen scissors (or, worse, your kids' safety snippers), put them down — fast (but carefully). While it may be tempting to assume any pair of scissors can do the job, that's simply not the case. You don't see your hairstylist whacking away with any sharp object they come across.
A pair of dull scissors doesn't cut your hair but instead breaks it, damaging the ends. Not only will you as the "hairstylist" struggle to cut the hair as precisely as you may want, but you're also guaranteeing split ends will appear within a week or two. A dull pair of scissors is especially dangerous if you have thick hair. You may not be able to cut through a segment, making it even more likely the end result will be scraggly and uneven. A quality pair of scissors may not guarantee perfection, but it makes the job of trimming your own hair a lot easier.
Another tip for better results: Trim less than you think you need to cut. Then wash and dry your hair and assess what else needs to be done. It might take a while and require several attempts, but you're less likely to make a mistake you'll have to grow out for weeks or months.
If nothing else, cutting your own hair may be manageable in a pinch, and if you're not overly aggressive, any mistakes will be small ones. Even better, you'll have a new appreciation for your stylist or barber when you do make that long-awaited return visit.
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