Would you cut your own hair?

Article by BR Natalie

There are some salon results that can be achieved at home.  Waxing, tanning and pedicures for example.  And then there are some things that should just be left to the professionals right? Like cutting hair.

I cannot fathom taking a pair of scissors to my own hair - judging by my colouring-in skills and my un-even picture hanging, I'd be better off taking a set of clippers to my head, than attempting to cut my own hair.  The thought of an uneven and unsightly hair cut is enough to keep any second thoughts away.  I can safely say I never have, nor ever will, cut my own hair.  I will not trim split ends, I will not tidy my own fringe and I will not attempt to shape my hair in any way.

The main reason for cutting your own hair is likely to be the expense of regular hair cuts.  Which is where I've been lucky my whole life, by always knowing a hair dresser.  And by knowing I mean in the family.  My auntie, my cousin, my sister-in-law's sister.  My current stylist is my sister-in-law.  Her salon is literally a 2 minute walk from my house.  Fringe trims, split ends, brightening up my colour - it's no more than a text away.  And yes the mates rates probably add to the convenience.  But seriously, even if I knew no hairdressers, I think I would still prefer to opt for a low maintenance style, colour my hair at home and leave the cutting to the professionals, at whatever interval I could afford it. 

So I was gobsmacked by recent chatter on the forum.  I had no idea so many people cut their own hair at home - and not just trimming, but actual re-styles!  So I got chatting to the hairdressers in my fam-bam and asked for their tips on cutting my own hair.  This is what they came up with:

1. Don't.  To be fair, this might just be aimed at me - I'm not known for my hand-eye coordination.
2. Invest in a decent pair of scissors.  Hairdressers spend hundreds of dollars on the perfect pair of scissors - they also have them regularly sharpened.  Buy the best scissors you can afford - this is not a job for the junk-drawer scissors!
3. Start small. Maybe just attempt taking a small amount off of the ends, snipping off your splits ends or neatening your fringe.  Take it slowly - this is not something to tackle when you're short of time!
4. Remember - hair stretches when it's wet, so take extra caution when trimming wet hair - it may end up shorter than you think!  BUT always keep your hair wet while cutting it for a neater finish. You'll also want to soften the line when you're finished - pull your hair into a hair tie, slide it as close to the ends of your hair as you can and make small vertical snips.
5. Don't over compensate!  Like your eyebrows, you want to avoid the 'even trap'.  You know, where one looks thinner, so you pluck the other one, which then becomes the thinner one, so you pluck the other one some more, until you end up with no brows?  Do not do this with your hair.  If it's not looking right - admit defeat and go to the hairdresser.  Less you want to go much shorter than you envisioned.

Do you cut your hair yourself?  Why do you choose to DIY rather than see a professional stylist? How adventurous do you get - do you just trim the ends, or do you do proper cuts?  Or are you like Tabby, and refuse to let anyone but a trained hairdresser cut your locks?

Get chatting below!