So we’re all friends here right? So you shouldn’t get mad when I tell you that you’re likely NOT trimming your hair often enough. If you have one of these tell-tale signs that your hair needs a trim, and you can’t make it to the salon or don’t want to shell out $80 for a simple trim, then here are the three ways you can do it at home by yourself (plus a bonus method!).
Option 1: Search & Destroy
Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures, so when you come across serious knots, rather than pull them out, cut them out with some hair shears! Search and destroy is essentially you trimming your hair non-methodically – finding knots or thinned out ends on your hair in its natural state and cutting them out. The downside of this method is that it’s extremely imprecise – you might finish “searching” and find that a week later you’ll see another knot!
Option 2: Twist & Trim
Most naturals trim their hair this way, and this is how I typically trim my hair. Make 12 or more twists in your hair and simply snip the ends where your twists begin to thin out. The more twists you do, the more precise your trim will be. It’s also best to do this on freshly washed hair because your twists will clump together better, but another great time to do this is in between washes when you remoisturize!
Option 3: Stretch & Cut
In order to make the most even cuts, consider stretching your hair either using a hair steamer or a blow dryer, and use a level to cut perfectly across. If you are going to use heat, be sure to use a heat protectant! Stretching your hair allows for the most even cut, because you sometimes won’t be able to get to all the gnarly ends in your twists.
Feel free to use a blend of these methods – stretch and cut a few times a year, twist and trim for times when your hair is really acting up, and search and destroy as needed.
For you visual learners, here’s how I did all three methods of trimming on my hair!
Wait, what am I supposed to cut my hair with?
I’m glad you asked girlfriend (or manfriend…). I recently came across the Bellesentials Hair Cutting Tool on Amazon, which comes with two pairs of scissors and two leveling tools. What’s a leveling tool you may ask? Essentially its a clip (or clamp, depending on how you approach it), that you use to create a guide for a perfectly even cut! If you want to be super precise, you can use the nifty leveler that’s attached to the clamps for a salon quality cut! Best thing, the set is only $16.99 – cheaper than some shears at Sallys and the like!
*Update: The Bellesentials kit is no longer unavailable, but you can find tons of other hair cutting shears here.
Bonus: Flat Iron & Trim
You thought I forgot right? I didn’t include this method in my video 1. because the last time I tried to flat iron my hair by myself I nearly broke my arm and 2. I don’t recommend this method. If you primarily wear your hair in a kinky state, then why would you flat iron it JUST to get a trim?! If you go to a hair stylist and they indicate that they must flat iron your hair in order to trim it, ?? run quickly out the door, rewatch this video, and do it by yourself!
Just read this AFTER giving myself a trim!
Lastly have a lot confidence that you can do it!!
Great tip!!
I am definitely a twits and trim girl! 🙂
Iv tried only the twist and trim method and I liked it. I think it suits my lifestyle. lol. I haven’t stretched my hair with heat since I turned natural 2 years ago and I don’t see it happening soon.
Then do what works for you boo boo!
I like method 2 and 3 but 3is the best.