Supplies:
Gather your supplies. You will need quality hair cutting scissors, a cape, a chair that is high enough for giving haircuts, and a comb.
Steps:
Wet the hair down. Wet hair is easier to cut than dry.
* Measure from the top of the head down to the desired length of the haircut. Note how much more hair is below, lengthwise, of where the new length is to be.
Section a two to three inch wide strip of hair on the top of the head and comb.
You want to keep the strip on the thinner side, so that this section doesn't become too layered.
This is the first cut, and the most important one. This first step determines the length of the rest of the hair cut.
Holding this strip straight up on top of the head, depending on which side you're on, recall the measurement from * that you noted above. Cut from front to back or back to front, keeping the edges straight. Hold the hair between your fingers on one hand, and cut with the other hand.
This photo is from after I already did the first cut.
To get a good hair cut, quality scissors are essential. Use these scissors for hair cutting only, so that they'll stay sharp.
Comb the first section of cut hair down into the remaining hair.
Part the hair in the center.
Starting on one side, combing as you go, find the end of the first layer that you just cut, pulling in some under hair, pull both sections straight, and cut that section of hair to the edge of the already cut hair that you are holding.
If you are working with thick hair, you may need to do this step several times in each section. For thinner hair, you may be able to easily cut more layers of hair at once.
Repeat on the other side.
A hair cutting cape helps to keep loose hair off the shoulders and clothing. This one is adjustable with snaps, and is also machine washable. This link goes to Amazon. https://amzn.to/4fW596z
Using the same technique, and the two sides to help you keep things in line, cut the back hair.
Comb hair well, in different directions to loosen up any pieces that may have become hidden.
Cut to the length of the cut hair.
Having my daughter sit at a comfortable height for me, is a big help. This artist drafting chair is adjustable, and also has a back rest and a foot rest, making it comfortable for her as well. I prefer using a chair without arms on it. This link for it goes to Amazon. https://amzn.to/4fzwuvL
Voila, she is happy with her hair cut.
Why I like this method.
I didn't have to pin piles of hair on her head.
I didn't have to cut one side and keep measuring to see if they were even. Holding the top layer straight over the center of her head, at the beginning of the cut, served as my guide for keeping the hair even, once I combed that section down.
This is the basic haircut that I have been giving my daughter for around the last 20 years.
Cheryl Paton
