Trimming your own short curly hair can be intimidating, but with the right tools and techniques, it's totally doable. Not only can you save money by skipping the salon, but you'll also have more control over the final result. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process from start to finish, including tips for maintaining healthy curls and avoiding common mistakes.
Table of Contents
- Tools You'll Need
- Preparation
- Sectioning Your Hair
- Cutting Your Hair
- Finishing Touches
- Tips for Maintaining Healthy Curls
- FAQs
Tools You'll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Sharp scissors
- Wide-tooth comb
- Clips or hair ties
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Mirror
It's important to use sharp scissors to avoid damaging your hair. You can use regular scissors or invest in a pair of hair cutting shears.
Preparation
Start by washing and conditioning your hair as you normally would. Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your curls on a low heat setting. Avoid brushing or combing your hair while it's wet, as this can cause breakage and frizz.
Once your hair is dry, use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle any knots or tangles. You can also use your fingers to separate your curls.
Sectioning Your Hair
Next, use clips or hair ties to section your hair into four equal parts: two in the front and two in the back. Start by creating a part down the middle of your head, then create a horizontal part from ear to ear. Clip or tie the top section of hair out of the way.
Take one of the bottom sections of hair and divide it into smaller sections, depending on how much hair you want to trim. Start with a small section at the back of your head to practice your technique before moving on to larger sections.
Cutting Your Hair
Hold the section of hair between your fingers and gently twist it to create a tight coil. Use your other hand to hold the scissors horizontally and snip the ends of the coil. Start by trimming a small amount of hair, then gradually work your way up the coil until you've reached your desired length. Repeat this process on all sections of hair.
Remember to cut your hair while it's dry, as curly hair often looks shorter when it's wet. It's also a good idea to cut less hair than you think you need, as you can always go back and trim more if necessary.
Finishing Touches
After you've finished trimming your hair, use your fingers to gently shake out your curls and separate them. If you notice any uneven areas, you can go back and trim them as needed.
For added volume and definition, you can use a curl-enhancing product like mousse or gel. Apply the product to your hair while it's still damp, then scrunch your curls with your hands as you blow dry on a low heat setting.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Curls
- Avoid using heat styling tools like flat irons and curling irons, as these can damage your hair.
- Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your curls hydrated and healthy.
- Protect your curls while you sleep by using a silk or satin pillowcase.
- Avoid touching your hair too much, as this can cause frizz and breakage.
FAQs
How often should I trim my curly hair?
It's generally recommended to trim curly hair every 6-8 weeks to keep split ends at bay and maintain healthy curls.
Can I use regular scissors to cut my hair?
Yes, you can use regular scissors to cut your hair, but it's important to make sure they're sharp to avoid damaging your hair.
Should I cut my hair while it's wet or dry?
It's best to cut curly hair while it's dry, as wet hair often looks shorter and can be more difficult to cut evenly.
What should I do if I make a mistake while trimming my hair?
If you accidentally cut off more hair than you intended, don't panic! You can always go back and trim more hair to even it out. If you're really unhappy with the results, consider visiting a professional stylist to fix the problem.
