How To Cut Your Own Hair Correctly During Lockdown
Whilst the country is still in some sort of lockdown and the prospect of non-essential businesses opening is still in the air, we're all reaching the same issues in regards to our hair. Our roots are growing through, our split ends are multiplying, our bangs are turning into curtains and if your'e a guy then your'e probably embracing your inner Mowgli look!
Hair grows at an average of one inch every 6 weeks so for some hairstyles, they may need a little TLC during this never ending lockdown.
With all non-essential contact discouraged and any non-household member to cross your premises, this means that you cannot even access a mobile hairdresser. So, unless your household member is a train hairstylist, looks like we’re all pretty screwed in that department. Unless *gulp* we cut our own hair!
I know that idea sounds terrifying! We all suddenly have flashbacks of our childhoods when our parents experimented with bowl cuts and DIY fringes!
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But with a few handy tips from professionals, we can get through this phase and, providing you’re after a simple trim and no crazy new hair style, cut our own hair can be accomplished during self-isolation.
Celebrity Hair stylist Emily Chaplin has a few hairy tips for us before we attempt all the adventurous Youtube Hair Hacks!
Let’s break it down into hair types:
Straight hair
Emily, who’s cliental has included hair beauties such as Courtney Love and Amanda Holden, warns that straight will be the hardest to cut.
(Photo by Keren Perez on Unsplash)
This is because scissor-happy DON’TS can be disguised on wavy or curly hair types - but the same can't be said for poker straight locks, so tread with caution.
"Use a hairdryer or straighteners to make sure your hair is super straight, then section your hair in half in a straight parting all the way from your forehead to your nape," Emily says.
"The best way to go about cutting straight hair is to point cut into the hair as opposed to cutting blunt lines," she advises. Point cutting is where you cut into the hair from an off-vertical angle, instead of horizontally.
"You'll find that this takes the weight out of your hair and leaves it looking softer through the ends instead of blunt. It also means that you can be a bit more scissor happy on those damaged sections where the split ends seem to be clustered together."
Emily adds: "For shorter hair types you could steal your boyfriend's beard trimmers and knock the ends of the hair off, so you get a nice sharp line."
Wavy hair
For wavy hair, Emily suggests you should begin by "wetting the hair down and part into two sections same as before."
(Photo by Paul Siewert on Unsplash)
Next, "make sure each section is combed down from the root and pull it over your shoulders before cutting."
Making sure you have a mirror at head level, so you are keeping your head straight and not looking down, "cut a straight line using your fingers to keep the tension on the section".
Fringes
For cutting your fringe, Emily suggests blow drying it smooth and straightening it beforehand. "Get yourself a comb and comb through the fringe stopping at where you want to cut it.
"Use the comb as a guide, and starting in the middle of the comb, place your scissors slightly below it and cut across following the comb."
Top tip: lift the fringe away from the face when trimming & work in a curve to create a fringe that will shape your face. Start small, it’s always easier to cut more off, (YOU CAN’T ADD ON!)
Curly hair
"Curly hair is easier as your mistakes aren't so visible," says Emily.
(Photo by Jaroslav Devia on Unsplash)
Start by wetting the hair so it's easier to comb through (dry curly hair has a tendency to get knotty). "Remember to only take small amounts of hair off as curly hair springs up when it dries, something curly-haired people will know all too well!" the hairstylist adds.
"When you have layers, split the hair into two sections in a centre parting. Take sections starting from the back, picking up the layers and nibbling the ends off," Emily say.
"Continue to take small sections either side, working your way towards the front so that you know each side is fairly balanced and even."
Afro hair
"Afro hair is visual, and there aren't any rules as such," says Emily. "Set up in front of a mirror and see if you can find another mirror in your house to put on a chair behind you so that you can see the back of your head."
(Photo by Jaroslav Devia on Unsplash)
She adds: "Slowly cut small pieces at a time until you've created the visual shape that you desire."
Men’s Hair
If your man is sporting a short back and side cut, unless you want him looking like Forest Gump by the end of quarantine; it looks like you may have to purchase a pair of clippers. ( Start Short on the bottom and work up thickness when you get to the top of the head)
Just remember not to try anything too adventurous with your home hair cuts & styles as we look could be looking at another 6-8 weeks before a professional can fix your youtube fails!
Happy home haircutting, guys!
To keep your hair in good condition during self-isolation, indulge your locks with a deep conditioning treatment once a week with a Coconut & Argan Oil Hair Mask from Give Me.
Use this time let your hair have a break from dye & heated tools (remember nobody is going to see you!) Regular will encourage a healthy growing process. Your Hairdresser won’t recognise your healthy tresses in 12 weeks!
