How to Cut Your Own Hair at Home and Actually Love the Results

Let’s be honest: DIY beauty treatments can be a total game-changer. They save time, money, and sometimes even your sanity. Cutting your own hair at home? Yep, it’s totally doable—if you approach it with care and a good dose of patience. While drastic changes like a sleek bob, fresh layers, or first-time bangs are best left to the pros (seriously, don’t try those at home!), small touch-ups between salon visits are fair game.

Even hairstylists agree! Howard McLaren, co-founder of R+Co, says at-home trims are a smart way to save cash and stretch out those trips to the salon. His advice? “Always leave your hair a little longer than you think,” and work on dry or slightly damp hair for the most accurate results. Wet hair can be tricky, as it stretches and may dry shorter than expected. (Straight hair is the exception—spritz it damp for sharper lines.)

If you’re ready to DIY your way to salon-worthy locks, we’ve got expert-approved tips and video tutorials for every style, from quick trims to layered looks. Grab your scissors, and let’s get started!

1. How to Cut Your Hair Straight

For straight hair, precision is key. Whether you prefer blunt ends or a rounded shape, the trick is to bring sections of hair to the front and snip slowly. A pair of professional styling shears, like the ARC Professional Scissors, is essential—dull household scissors can lead to jagged ends (and more split ends later). Keep those lines clean and sharp!

2. How to Trim Split Ends Without Losing Length

Want to target pesky split ends but keep your current style? This technique is perfect for you. Carefully snip away the frayed ends without altering your hair’s shape or length. Bonus: You can stretch the time between salon visits while keeping your hair looking fresh.

3. How to Add Layers to Long Hair

Long layers are the look right now, and YouTuber Carli Bybel has an amazing tutorial for cutting graduated layers at home. By sectioning hair, pulling it forward, and making angled cuts, you can achieve a layered look that’s super stylish. That said, layers can be tricky for beginners—celebrity stylist Frédéric Fekkai recommends leaving major layering to the pros for the best results.

4. How to Trim Curly Hair

Curly and wavy hair is actually more forgiving when it comes to at-home cuts (yay!). The key is to focus on trimming the outer shape and snipping small sections for healthier ends. McLaren suggests leaving major weight removal to a stylist but says maintaining the shape is totally doable at home.

5. How to Use the "Unicorn Ponytail" Method for Layers

This foolproof method is perfect for creating face-framing layers. Simply gather your hair into a high ponytail at the top of your head, pull it forward, and trim the ends at an angle. The steeper the angle, the more dramatic your layers will be. It’s simple, beginner-friendly, and surprisingly effective!

6. How to Cut Shoulder-Length Hair

For lobs, bobs, and mid-length hair, section your hair into even parts, secure it with small elastics, and trim the ends gradually. Use tiny, precise cuts to clean up any uneven edges. But remember, big transformations—like blunt bobs—are best handled by a stylist to ensure balance and shape.

7. How to Maintain a Pixie Cut

Pixie cuts require a bit more finesse, but with clippers, styling shears, and patience, you can manage simple touch-ups. Section hair evenly, clip back small parts, and comb through thoroughly for a neat, precise finish.

8. How to Trim Your Bangs

If you’ve already got bangs and they’re starting to creep into your eyes, a little trim is all you need. For blunt, side-swept, or curtain bangs, snip in small, vertical motions rather than straight across to keep the ends soft and natural. First-time bang cuts, though? Leave those to the pros (or practice on a wig first!).

9. How to Trim Natural Hair

Trimming natural curls is all about detangling and sectioning. Use your fingers to guide the cut and follow already-trimmed sections as a reference to keep your lengths even. This method is perfect for maintaining healthy hair without sacrificing its beautiful shape.

10. How to DIY a Blunt Bob

A blunt bob is a bold choice, and while it’s best done by a stylist, advanced DIYers can try it at home with flat-ironed hair and super-sharp shears. Precise, even cuts are the name of the game here—no shortcuts allowed!

A Few Final Tips

• Always invest in professional-grade shears for a clean cut.
• Watch plenty of tutorials and practice on small sections first.
• When in doubt, leave major changes to a trusted stylist.

At-home trims can be fun and practical, but they work best when you stick to simple touch-ups or maintenance. Ready to give it a try? Snip carefully—and good luck! 💇‍♀️