In this current reality, getting a haircut in a salon is just not possible. As a reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic, state and local governments are mandating temporary closures of hair salons, among other beauty businesses, across the country. Many salons that are not legally required to shut their doors are doing so voluntarily to keep their employees and customers safe — and we don't know how long these closures will last.
So what are you supposed to do when overgrown bangs, split ends, and unshapely layers start to wreak havoc? When you're practicing social distancing and staying at home as much as possible, learning how to cut your own hair can seem like a viable solution — or the only solution， here's what stylists want you to know before picking up the scissors.
Tip #1: Invest In Good Hair Scissors
First things first, you'll need to find the right pair of scissors for the job, and no, the plastic ones you picked up from Ikea won't produce the best results.
Kenna suggests using a pair of steel scissors, which are more precise, although even kitchen or fabric scissors will do the trick. "I've actually used a pair of kitchen scissors on the set many times after mine went missing or got taken at the airport," Kenna says. "As long as they're sharp, they don't have a gap at the end, and are angled right, you can use them."
Tip #2: Watch YouTube Videos of At-Home Haircuts
YouTube videos are your new best friend if you're about to take scissors to your own head. Morales finds that video tutorials and step-by-step advice from professionals can help you make good snipping decisions. While articles (like this one) and pictures may provide some guidance, you really need to see it happening in motion to get a good feel of what's to come.
Some pieces of advice when selecting which videos to watch: Make sure that if you're planning on truly cutting your hair solo, you don't watch a video where a stylist cuts someone else's hair. Though educational, in terms of understanding the angles, you won't get much information out of it. In the same vein, try to find a video that features a hair model that has your same texture or hair type. If you have straight hair and want to trim off an inch, watching a curly-haired lady give herself a pixie cut won't be all that useful for you.
Tip #3: Know When To Cut Dry Hair
While your hairstylist probably gives you a nice shampoo before going in with scissors, since we lack their expertise, cutting dry hair will make sure you know exactly what your cut will look like. Since wet hair looks longer, you might find yourself with a slightly shorter 'do than you were aiming for. While Morales recommends that your hair is clean and fresh, depending on your hair type, a dry cut might be a better option. This is especially true for curly hair, which may look completely different wet than dry and natural.The second reason why cutting dry is the way to go is this: No matter how careful you are, you will inevitably get hair all over yourself. After cutting, hop in the shower, rinse off the itchy hairs, and style your new hair as you normally would. If you find that you didn't cut enough, rinse and repeat. It's way better than realizing you now have a bob when all you wanted was fresh ends.
Tip #4: Don't Do A Major Chop
Celebrity Stylist give advice we all need to listen to: Don't give yourself a brand new look at home. For non-stylists, "I recommend just barely clipping the ends; and this way you can’t mess up too bad."
Tip #5: Take Your Sweet Time
And if you don't want to cut your own hair, hair extensions are also your good choice!