Cutting the back of your hair may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a salon-quality cut at home. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, this step-by-step guide will provide you with the essential knowledge and confidence to master the art of self-haircuts.
Before you embark on this hair-cutting adventure, it’s crucial to gather the necessary tools. You’ll need a sharp pair of hairdressing scissors, a wide-toothed comb, and a mirror. A handheld mirror or a full-length mirror will suffice, depending on your comfort level. Additionally, having a spray bottle filled with water handy can help you dampen your hair and make the cutting process smoother. With these essentials at your disposal, you’re ready to transform your tresses.
To begin, dampen your hair to make it more manageable and easier to cut. Divide your hair into sections, securing the top and sides with hair clips or hair ties. Focus on one section at a time, starting with the nape of your neck. Use the wide-toothed comb to gently detangle the hair and smooth out any knots. With the comb still in your hair, hold it horizontally against the nape of your neck, using it as a guide for your scissors. Slowly and carefully trim the hair along the comb, creating a straight line. Continue this process, working your way up the back of your head, until you reach the desired length.
Sectioning the Hair
Parting the Hair
Creating a precise center part ensures even hair removal. Use a fine-toothed comb to divide the hair into two equal sections, starting from the top of the head and working down. Hold each section firmly with a hairband or clip to keep it out of the way.
Layering the Hair
To facilitate cutting, section the hair into horizontal layers. Use hair clips to secure the upper layers out of the way. Start at the upper back of the head, creating a horizontal section about 2 inches wide. Clip it up. Continue sectioning downwards in 2-inch increments until you reach the nape of the neck.
Tips for Sectioning Effectively
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a sharp comb | Ensures clean partings |
| Comb thoroughly | Removes tangles for precise sectioning |
| Secure sections tightly | Prevents hair from falling out and disrupting the cut |
| Maintain even layers | Provides a foundation for straight and consistent cutting |
Holding the Scissors
When cutting the back of your hair, it’s important to hold the scissors correctly. Here are a few tips:
Here is a table summarizing the correct way to hold the scissors:
| Hand | Thumb | Fingers | Blade | Orientation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominant | Outside ring | Inside ring | Cutting edge facing back of head | Parallel to floor |
Cutting Vertically
This method is commonly used to cut layers or to remove weight from the back of your hair. To cut vertically:
- Section off the top half of your hair and secure it out of the way.
- Starting at the nape of your neck, take a small section of hair and hold it perpendicular to your head.
- Using sharp shears, cut the hair straight across, holding the shears parallel to the floor.
The length of the cut will determine the amount of layers or weight you remove. For long layers, cut the hair longer. For shorter layers or to remove more weight, cut the hair shorter.
- Continue cutting small sections of hair, working your way up the back of your head. Be sure to keep the shears perpendicular to your head and the cuts parallel to the floor.
- Once you reach the top of your head, blend the layers by cutting the hair at an angle.
- Hold a mirror behind your head to see the back of your hair.
- Use a comb to guide the razor and ensure even shaving.
- Take breaks and rinse the razor frequently to remove hair and shaving cream.
- Gather your tools: You’ll need a sharp pair of hairdressing scissors, a comb, and a mirror.
- Prepare your hair: Wash and condition your hair. Dry it until it’s slightly damp but not completely dry.
- Section the hair: Create a horizontal section at the nape of your neck, dividing the hair into upper and lower sections.
- Comb through: Use a fine-toothed comb to ensure the hair is smoothly distributed.
- Trim the ends: Hold the scissors parallel to the floor and gently trim the ends of the hair, focusing on evening out any unevenness.
- Use sharp scissors. Dull scissors will tear the hair and make it difficult to create a smooth, blended look.
- Cut small sections of hair at a time. This will help to prevent the layers from becoming too choppy.
- Cut at a slight angle. This will help to create a seamless, natural-looking blend.
- Check the back of your head frequently to make sure that the layers are even.
- Leave it natural: If you have naturally curly hair, you can simply leave it to air dry and it will form natural curls. You can also use a diffuser to dry your hair and enhance the curls.
- Straighten it: If you have naturally straight hair, you can use a flat iron to straighten it. Start at the roots and work your way down the hair, using short strokes.
- Blow it out: A blow dryer can be used to style your hair in a variety of ways. You can use it to create volume, smooth out frizz, or add curls. Start by applying a heat protectant spray to your hair. Then, use a round brush to blow out your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down.
- Use a curling iron: If you want to add curls to your hair, you can use a curling iron. Start by dividing your hair into sections. Then, wrap each section around the curling iron and hold it for a few seconds. Let the hair cool before moving on to the next section.
- Add some braids: Braids are a great way to add some interest to your hair. You can braid your hair in a variety of ways, such as pigtails, French braids, or Dutch braids. To braid your hair, divide it into three sections. Then, cross the left section over the middle section and the right section over the new middle section. Continue crossing the sections over each other until you reach the end of your hair.
- Put it up in a bun: A bun is a classic hairstyle that is easy to do and looks great on everyone. To put your hair up in a bun, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Then, gather your hair into a ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Next, divide the ponytail into two sections and twist each section around itself. Then, wrap the two sections around each other and secure them with a hair tie. You can also add some bobby pins to hold the bun in place.
- Accessorize: You can also use hair accessories to add some flair to your hairstyle. Some popular hair accessories include headbands, hair clips, and bows. You can also add some glitter or hairspray to your hair for a more festive look.
- Trim regularly: Trimming the back of your hair every 4-6 weeks will help prevent split ends and keep your hair healthy.
- Condition deeply: Deep conditioning your hair once a week will help keep it moisturized and prevent breakage.
- Protect from heat: Always use a heat protectant spray when using hot styling tools on the back of your hair.
- Avoid over-washing: Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Wash your hair every 2-3 days or as needed.
- Use a wide-tooth comb: A wide-tooth comb will help prevent tangles and breakage when brushing the back of your hair.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase: A silk pillowcase will help reduce friction and prevent breakage while you sleep.
- Get regular trims: Regular trims will help remove split ends and keep your hair healthy. Aim for a trim every 6-8 weeks.
- Moisturize regularly: Dry hair is more prone to breakage, so keep your hair moisturized by using a leave-in conditioner or hair oil.
- Avoid tight hairstyles: Tight hairstyles can put stress on your hair and lead to breakage. Opt for looser hairstyles that won’t damage your hair.
- Follow a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals will help support healthy hair growth.
Hair Type Recommended Trim Frequency Straight Every 4-6 weeks Wavy Every 6-8 weeks Curly Every 8-12 weeks How to Cut the Back of Your Hair
Cutting the back of your own hair can be a bit tricky, but it’s definitely possible with a little practice. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles.
- Divide your hair into two sections, one on each side of your head.
- Tie each section into a ponytail at the nape of your neck.
- Use a pair of sharp scissors to trim the ends of each ponytail.
- Untie the ponytails and use your fingers to blend the layers together.
- Check the length of the hair in the back to make sure it’s even.
- If necessary, trim any stray hairs to create a clean, finished look.
People Also Ask
What is the best way to cut the back of long hair?
The best way to cut the back of long hair is to start by dividing it into two sections. Tie each section into a ponytail at the nape of your neck and trim the ends of each ponytail. Then, untie the ponytails and use your fingers to blend the layers together. Finally, check the length of the hair in the back to make sure it’s even and trim any stray hairs.
What is the best way to cut the back of short hair?
The best way to cut the back of short hair is to use a pair of sharp scissors and trim the ends of the hair in small sections. Start by cutting the hair at the nape of your neck and work your way up to the crown of your head. Be sure to blend the layers together as you go to create a natural-looking finish.
Can I cut the back of my hair myself?
Yes, you can cut the back of your hair yourself with a little practice. However, it’s important to use sharp scissors and be careful not to cut too much hair off. If you’re not sure how to cut your hair, it’s always best to consult with a professional hairstylist.
Cutting Horizontally
To cut the back of your hair horizontally, follow these steps:
1. Comb the hair
Brush your hair to remove any tangles. Spray a little water before combing to make the hair easier to cut. Start at the nape of your neck and work your way up, holding the hair taut as you brush.
2. Create a horizontal part
Decide how short you want your hair to be and create a horizontal part at that length. Measure from the nape of your neck. Use a comb or your fingers to create a part that is parallel to the floor.
3. Cut horizontally
Starting at one end of the part, hold a pair of scissors perpendicular to the hair. Cut the hair in a straight line across the part. Continue cutting from one end of the part to the other, keeping the scissors parallel to the floor.
4. Check your work
Once you have finished cutting the back of your hair, check your work. Look closely at the hair to make sure that it is all the same length. If there are any uneven areas, you can fine-tune them by holding the scissors at an angle. Cut 1 inch at a time and check again until the hair is even.
Using a Razor
Using a razor to cut the back of your hair is an efficient method that requires precision and care. To ensure a clean and even cut, follow these detailed steps:
1. Gather Your Materials:
You will need a sharp razor, shaving cream or gel, a mirror, and a comb.
2. Prepare Your Hair:
Wash and condition your hair to remove any dirt or product buildup. Comb your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles.
3. Apply Shaving Cream or Gel:
Generously apply shaving cream or gel to the back of your hair, ensuring it is evenly distributed to protect your skin from irritation.
4. Hold the Razor Correctly:
Hold the razor at a 45-degree angle to your skin. Apply light pressure and avoid using excessive force to prevent cuts or nicks.
5. Shave in Small Sections:
Working in small sections, carefully shave in the direction of hair growth. Start from the top of your neck and work your way down, shaving with short, gentle strokes. For greater precision, you can use the following techniques:
Tip: If you have thick or coarse hair, you may need to shave in multiple passes to achieve the desired length.
Trimming the Nape
Trimming the nape is a crucial step in achieving a polished and professional look. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure you get it right every time:
Advanced Tips for Trimming the Nape:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use a guide comb | Attach a guide comb to the scissors to trim hair to a specific length. |
| Point-cut the ends | Angle the scissors slightly upwards and trim the ends with quick, sharp snips. This creates a more natural, textured look. |
| Feather the edges | Use the scissors to thin out the edges of the nape, blending it seamlessly with the rest of the hair. |
Blending the Layers
Once you have cut the first layer, it’s time to blend it into the rest of your hair. This will help to create a seamless, natural-looking style.
To blend the layers, start by taking a small section of hair from the top layer and pulling it down over the bottom layer. Then, use your scissors to cut the hair at a slight angle, so that it blends into the bottom layer.
Continue to blend the layers in this way, working your way from the top of the head to the bottom. Be sure to cut small sections of hair at a time, and to cut at a slight angle. This will help to create a smooth, blended look.
Once you have blended all of the layers, check the back of your head to make sure that the layers are even. If necessary, make small adjustments to the layers until you are satisfied with the results.
Tips for Blending Layers
Here are a few tips for blending layers:
Blending Layer FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about blending layers:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How often should I blend my layers? | You should blend your layers every 4-6 weeks, or as needed to maintain a smooth, blended look. |
| Can I blend my layers myself? | Yes, you can blend your layers yourself, but it is important to use sharp scissors and to cut small sections of hair at a time. If you are not comfortable cutting your own hair, you can always visit a professional stylist. |
| What are some tips for blending layers? | Here are a few tips for blending layers:
• Use sharp scissors. |
Checking for Evenness
After you have finished cutting the back of your hair, it is important to check for evenness. Here are a few tips:
1. Use a mirror to see the back of your head.
2. Tilt your head back slightly to get a better view.
3. Run your fingers through your hair to feel for any uneven areas.
4. If you find any uneven areas, use your scissors to trim them until your hair is evenly cut.
5. Be sure to cut slowly and carefully to avoid cutting too much hair.
6. Once you are satisfied with the evenness of your hair, you can style it as desired.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for checking for evenness:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Use a mirror to see the back of your head. |
| 2 | Tilt your head back slightly to get a better view. |
| 3 | Run your fingers through your hair to feel for any uneven areas. |
| 4 | If you find any uneven areas, use your scissors to trim them until your hair is evenly cut. |
| 5 | Be sure to cut slowly and carefully to avoid cutting too much hair. |
| 6 | Once you are satisfied with the evenness of your hair, you can style it as desired. |
Styling the Cut
Once you have cut the back of your hair, you can style it in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas for different styles you can try:
| Style | How To |
|---|---|
| Leave it natural | Air dry or diffuse naturally curly hair |
| Straighten it | Use a flat iron to smooth out hair |
| Blow it out | Use a blow dryer and round brush to add volume, smooth frizz, or add curls |
| Use a curling iron | Wrap sections of hair around a curling iron to create curls |
| Add some braids | Divide hair into sections and cross over each other to create braids |
| Put it up in a bun | Gather hair into a ponytail, divide into two sections, twist and wrap around each other, and secure with a hair tie |
| Accessorize | Add headbands, hair clips, bows, glitter, or hairspray for flair |
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is crucial to keep the back of your hair looking its best. Here are a few tips to follow:
