We'll take a guess you've googled hair clippers or hairdressing scissors at least once during lockdown or maybe even purchased them? We sure have. Cutting your own hair at home may not be your first choice, but needs must right? And while it's not something we'd usually recommend, with hairdressers still closed, we know many of you are taking matters into your own hands.
Stylists train for years to master the art of cutting hair, but DIY do's seem to be on par with baking banana bread in this new world, so we're here to offer our expert's top tips if you do decide there's no option, but to get scissor happy.
Cut with confidence
If you really have to cut, it's worth investing in the right tools. Even a trained professional would struggle to get good results with kitchen scissors. You can get inexpensive hairdressing scissors and cutting combs online, which will give you a much better finish.
For long hair, Atelier stylist Noemie recommends channeling Pippi Longstocking and begin by putting your hair in two braids. 'Tie a hairband one inch up from the very ends so you can clearly see all the ends in one bunch, then holding the hairband make very small vertical snips, pointing the scissors upwards.'
Her advice for shorter hair is to proceed with caution, as it's much harder to get right. 'Don't get too scissor happy and if possible try to hang in there until your salon reopens.' For how to style you way through watch her how to style short hair video over on our IGTV #DoTryThisAtHome series.
Fringe benefits
Being poked in the eye by your own fringe is no fun. Atelier stylist Roi walks us through how to trim your tresses at home whilst avoiding disaster.
- Firstly, make sure you're working on a freshly clean and blow-dried fringe.
- Do not cut on wet hair as the hair can bounce back and look shorter than you intended.
- Start by pulling the rest of your hair away from the face in a nice clean ponytail, so you're just left with the fringe.
- Sectioning your hair is really important. Begin by splitting the weight of your fringe into two, so you're working on a very fine section, then divide this into three.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to pull the hair down to the eyebrows and then lift it slightly before cutting at the point where your nose meets your forehead. Lift the hair at a slight angle, this helps ensure the hair bends around the head with a nice curve.
- Repeat on the second and third sections, bringing in the new sections to meet the hair you've just cut for an even line. Let down the top section of your hair and use the under layer as your guideline.
- If someone is cutting for you, a good trick is to have them use a piece of paper for finishing touches. Lift up the fringe, wrap the paper flat against your head, to show the line more clearly, and tidy up any areas you may have missed.
- Remember, try to cut upwards with your scissors, not across.
- If your fringe is looking too solid or sharp, you can soften it right at the end by cutting in straight, not at an angle. This breaks up the line to look a little softer.
In need of a short, back and sides?
Getting a shape-up at the barbers is a weekly ritual for many of us, but it could be a while before your next trip to the salon Our advice? Don't attempt to give yourself a complete restyle. However, if you're conscious you're turning into a wooly mammoth, our Atelier stylist Pete shares his top tips on how to master the short, back, and sides.
'Start with the larger grade on your clippers and move them up the head, like you're going up a wall,' says Pete. 'Try not to move your head too much or you're going to end up with lumps and bumps.' Follow this movement all the way around the head from the temples to the centre. 'When it comes to the back, you don't want to accidentally curve around and cut off the hair at the crown,' warns Pete, 'which is why it's so important to visualise going up a wall.'
When you've completed the loop around your head, drop the grade down, and repeat, working straight up until you run out of hair to cut. Finally, add a little strength to the hairline by taking the guard off your clippers, or using neck clippers, to take the soft, outer edges away. Finish up with a little product, and you'll be Zoom call ready.
The at home fade
Watch below as stylist Mason walks us through how to create a skin fade on yourself at home. Before you get going make sure to equip yourself with clippers, Mason recommends Wahl, and two mirrors - one at the front and one and the back of your head. His top tip is to first create a guideline so you know how high or low your fade is going to go. 'Make sure you're always angling the line diagonally down,' recommends Mason.
Begin by your ears, pulling your ear down, and go as far back as you can see. Then move onto the back of your head, this is where the second mirror comes in handy. Following the same principle make your guideline first. 'Begin with the clippers open and then cut down slightly with them closed, and finish on zero when you need to blend the line. Work your way down in guards as you move up your hair.' Remember, skin fades grow back so quickly, so don't worry about it too much. Practise makes perfect. Although we're kind of hoping we won't have that long to master the technique!
