Someday, I’ll be someone who has regular hair salon appointments on the books. Today, I’m someone who doesn’t realize how ratty my split ends are until it’s the day before a big event—and suddenly there isn’t a single reputable salon available within fifty miles. So I’m forced to take matters into my own hands—or, ideally, the hands of my BFF—and give myself an at-home haircut.
Back in college, my bestie and I coined a little something called the intuitive haircut. It’s when you, with no training and no specific vision in mind, cut your hair at home based purely on what you’re feeling that day and the current hair trends you’ve seen on your favorite celebrities. I’ve had some great haircuts in my life, but I always feel the most like myself when I go intuitive.
And yes, there are plenty of at-home haircut tutorials out there with tips and tricks galore (Marie Claire even has a whole guide written by celebrity hairstylists here). My approach is just a little looser. As long as I have quality shears and a mirror on hand to make sure I’m not doing anything unhinged in the back, I feel pretty comfortable. I’m not about to attempt blunt bangs or tackle a trendy bob on my own—but a light dusting to get rid of split ends, plus a little face-framing action? I can handle that.
Hair grows back, after all, and if you mess up, there are cute hats out there to get you through until you can finally hit the salon, where your stylist will be waiting with open arms (and only maybe a slightly disappointed look on her face). Here’s exactly how I cut my hair at home, if you, too, are willing to take the plunge.
Sophia Vilensky immediately before and after her recent at-home intuitive haircut.
(Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)
Scissor Happy
Kitchen scissors are never going to do the trick for an at-home haircut. You need sharp shears—ideally, specifically for cutting hair—to trim your strands. While there are some fancy options on the market that you might find in, say, one of the best salons in New York, you can also get a super-affordable pair at the drugstore. Just remember that the quality of your scissors will inform your entire haircutting experience.
There’s a reason for this, by the way. The dull scissors you use for everything else can further damage your already damaged ends. They can tear or fray strands by pulling or crushing the hair, which can lead to uneven ends—really the opposite effect you’re going for. Meanwhile, a sharp, fresh blade will slice through cleanly for a precise finish.
When you actually start with the scissors, work in super-small sections (an inch or two wide, tops) and point the tool upward so it’s vertically in line with the hair. This is a technique called point cutting, and it helps with blending. You keep your hair’s shape and avoid a super blunt edge.
Sophia Vilensky’s floor after her at-home haircut.
(Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)
ULG
Hair Cutting Scissors
If you’re not looking to spend much on your haircutting scissors, look no further than this bestselling (and super affordable) pair. They’re made of Japanese stainless steel and hand-sharpened to ensure they slice every strand with precision, without damaging it.
Fromm
Explore 5.75” Shear
While this option is more expensive than the shears you can find at the drugstore, there’s a good reason for that. FROMM is a stylist-loved brand, and their Explore series was created for the all-purpose DIY cutter. They’re once again made from Japanese steel (ice-tempered this time) and feature a smooth blade edge for crisp lines and an ergonomic design to keep your hand comfy while you trim.
Section by Section
If you’re doing things the right way (i.e., not going in blind and chopping away), you’ll want to section your hair while cutting. A clear separation will keep distractions (escaped waves) at bay and help you look at what your hair needs more holistically.
There are many ways to section, and they all start with a middle part. Some hairstylists recommend popping your locks into two pigtails and cutting the ends at an angle for a super-simple chop. If you’re going to do a little more (and why not?!), start by standing up super straight and finding the crown of your head. Grab a section of hair from the crown to the top of your ear on either side; this is where you’ll start, letting the front-facing strands inform the rest of the look. The back can be alligator-clipped away for later.
Remember, I’m not going for a wolf cut here—just a simple one-length wonder. These are the tools you’ll need to secure a clean part and sleek sections—plus keep your not-ready-to-be-cut hair out of the scissors’ way.
Mane
All Grip No Slip Alligator Hair Clips
A good set of alligator clips will secure said sections on top of your head so you’re not distracted by them. Ideally, they’ll be comfy (these certainly are) and work well on wet or dry hair, depending on your style.
Kent
Fine Tooth Salon-Style Dressing Comb
Whether you’re planning to cut your hair or just want to make sure your part is perfect for a variety of hairstyles, a rat-tail comb will always be the go-to for sectioning. This one is handmade in England (hi, quality) and super affordable.
Spritz & Spray
Though I highly recommend a dry cut if you’re new to the intuitive haircut, it can be helpful to see how things look when wet. Instead of hopping in the shower and coming out with soaking strands (this might be a last-minute decision, after all), you can spray each section with a bottle of water until it’s very damp. This tool will be useful for future hairstyling, too.
Again… I don’t just do this because it feels nice. Wet hair is way more manageable than dry hair—and easier to clean up. Wet hair doesn’t move and groove while you’re working; it stays put and lets you see exactly how straight a line (or lack thereof, if you’re in a place of dusting) you’re working in.
Sophia Vilensky holding her spray bottle during an at-home haircut session.
(Image credit: Sophia Vilensky)
BeautifyBeauties
Spray Bottle for Hair
Unlike your haircutting scissors, this spray bottle can spend some of its time in the kitchen. My fiancé grabs ours when he needs to refresh a piece of day-old bread. It works perfectly to dispel staleness, and does the same trick when it comes to my hair. There’s no stale hair allowed here—that’s why I’m attempting a makeover in the bathroom mirror.
Worldgsb
Glass Spray Bottle
I don’t love storing things in plastic, even the water I use to spray down my hair once in a blue moon. So, here’s an affordable glass option, too! You can get this bottle in clear, amber, or blue glass, and while it doesn’t mist, it features an adjustable spray nozzle that’ll help you get the job done even faster.
Mirror Mirror on the Wall
If you’re going about your at-home haircut solo, you’ll need eyes in the back of your head. A three-way mirror is the only solution, and can also come in handy when you’re attempting a French twist.
Remember that bottom section of hair you tucked out of the way earlier? Yeah, you’re going to want to see what you’re working with there.
Civil Alchemy
Triple Folding Mirror
It’s not like a rogue at-home haircut is the only reason to invest in a three-way mirror. This is a pretty option that can stay on your wall year-round. You’ll never miss a curl at the back of your crown again.
HIEEY
Three-Way Mirror for Hair Cutting
Amazingly, the internet is full of easy-to-hang three-way mirrors made for personal haircutting ease. This option is affordable and foldable, so you can get the exact angles you need.
If Things Go Wrong…
Everyone knows that the easiest way to fix a bad hair day is to throw on a hat. A chic claw clip can also be your savior if you need to hide uneven ends until you make it to the salon. But, hey, isn’t that part of the experience? I’ll let you decide.
Let Them Make Art Collection
Working Artist Dad Hat
You are a working artist! Your medium is your hair. But not all artworks are masterpieces. If you want to distract from your attempted layers, or—and I salute your bravery if you did try this—micro bangs, a cute baseball cap will do the trick.
Lele Sadoughi
Large Crystal Claw Clip
Or, if those ends really shouldn’t see the light of day, throw all of your hair up and secure it with a claw clip. This one has crystals on it, which should pull some extra weight in distracting
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