The DIY Hair Trim
Photo: Ilan Rubin/Trunk Archive
I’m a lover of all things DIY—nail art, hair color, cut-off jean shorts—you name it, I’ve done it myself. But there’s one thing I’ve never tried: the at-home hair trim. Sure, there are plenty of times I’ve wanted to snip my ends between salon visits, but fear immediately takes over. I have to put down the scissors and step away from the split ends.
I figured it was time to buck up, conquer my fear and learn how to give myself a trim. I called up Jen Atkin, CLEAR Scalp & Hair Celebrity Stylist (she’s the genius behind the locks of Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Jessica Alba, and Katy Perry—to name a few) to get all the tips and tricks needed for trimming your hair at home.
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You’ll need to gather up a few supplies before you get started. The essentials include a good pair of professional scissors, a wide-toothed comb and duck clips (those are the clips that look like duck bills; you can find them at the drugstore). Unfortunately, your kitchen shears won’t make the cut as a professional scissors. “Definitely steer clear from kitchen scissors, nail scissors, and office scissors. Use a pair of super-sharp styling shears,” Atkin says. You can find a pair at your local drugstore or beauty supply store—try a brand like Joewell or Cricket.
Do not get carried away. The first rule of cutting your own hair is definitely play it safe—even if it’s not your first time. “Don’t cut off more than half an inch at a time. You can always go back and cut more,” says Atkin. She recommends you keep hair dry for more control. Wet hair shrinks and you don’t want to end up cutting off too much.
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To get an even trim, grab a half-inch section of your hair between the index and middle finger of your non-scissor wielding hand (of course, your scissors should be in your dominant hand) and drag your fingers down your hair until you reach the point slightly above where you want to cut your hair. “Make sure the hair isn’t knotted or twisted between your fingers, it must lie perfectly flat,” she says.
Start at the front of your face and work your way back. This is where things can get a little bit tricky—it might be worth it to have a friend around. “Use a handheld mirror to check the hair at the back of your head. If you find any unevenness, take your scissors one more time, and very carefully, even it out by cutting as little hair as possible.”
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If you’re going for a blunt look, cut straight across. For a softer finish, hold the scissors vertically and cut directly into your hair until all sharp angels are gone.
When it comes to trimming your bangs, the method changes a little bit. Start by pulling your bangs down and twisting them into a tight rope, then cut. “Be sure to point the end of the scissors towards the ceiling and cut off ends in tiny little snippets,” she says.
Armed with this new knowledge—and a pair of super sharp scissors—I’m ready to take on this DIY. Have you mastered the at-home trim?
