Let’s talk about DIY haircuts, shall we?
I never expected to write about cutting hair at home, but after a surprising number of requests, here we are. If you like saving money and doing things yourself, DIY haircuts are worth considering. I have no formal training — I learned by experimenting in high school and college, trimming friends’ styles at their requests. Over the years I developed a simple, practical approach: remove what’s unnecessary until you reach the desired shape.
Believe it or not, I’ve been cutting John’s hair for about seven years, and I’ve done more than 50 haircuts for friends and family over the last decade. This is simply one non-professional person’s way of grooming her partner — an above-the-neck manscaping routine more than a professional tutorial.
To make the process clearer, we recorded a video showing the steps. Here’s a behind-the-scenes shot of John getting set up—definitely a shaggy starting point.
It’s amazing what a little at-home trimming can do. How you doin’, hubby?
We included the video to show technique up close. You’ll see how I handle sections and scissors; the visuals make the method easy to follow even if you can’t listen to the audio. Below the video I’ve summarized practical tips to help anyone who wants to try a DIY men’s haircut at home.
- Cut hair dry or only very lightly misted. Wet hair tends to shrink as it dries, which can leave the cut shorter than intended. Dry hair also shows natural cowlicks or fall, so you can see the final shape as you work.
- Choose a quiet time, like after your child is asleep, so you can focus without distractions. Fewer interruptions make the job quicker and neater.
- I don’t use an electric buzzer. Instead, I shave John’s neck with a regular razor after trimming. That gives a polished finish without buying or storing a large buzzer.
- Simple hair-cutting scissors work fine. I use an inexpensive pair; you don’t need professional tools to get a tidy result if you work carefully.
- Use your fingers as a guide. For example, I typically cut the sides about one finger-length from the scalp and leave the top slightly longer — about two finger lengths — to maintain shape and movement.
- When trimming, cut vertically rather than horizontally. Vertical snips (parallel to the spine) blend layers more naturally; horizontal cuts can look blocky. The video demonstrates this more clearly than words can.
- Remember I’m not a professional stylist — these are practical tips that have worked for us. If you’re nervous, practice gradual trims rather than taking off large amounts at once.
Here’s an after photo from the back to help visualize the finished look.
If you’re thinking of trying DIY haircuts, these simple habits—cutting dry, using fingers as guides, trimming vertically, and finishing the neck with a razor—can make a big difference. Cutting John’s hair at home has added up over the years; conservatively, we’ve probably saved several hundred dollars in salon costs. If you value practical, cost-saving skills and don’t mind a bit of trial and error, home haircuts are a worthwhile option.