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Original poster

Have you learned to be your own hairdresser?

40 replies

TeaandLemonDrizzle · 30/03/2023 09:42

Has anyone taught themselves to cut their own (long) hair - or anyone else’s?

Fee up of paying ridiculous hairdressing costs for a wet cut and all it is is a trim basically!

OP posts:
Original poster
TeaandLemonDrizzle · 30/03/2023 09:42

*Fed

OP posts:
Redminionpenguin · 30/03/2023 09:53

No but I found an amazing home hairdresser that does dry cuts for £8 each. I did a search on Facebook to see who was often recommended locally and used them. I've also just left it slightly longer between cuts each time.

kirinm · 30/03/2023 09:55

£8 a cut? Don't you feel embarrassed paying someone less than minimum wage?

Netcam · 30/03/2023 09:56

Yes, it's saved a fortune. I have some hair scissors and a comb. DH and I do each others. I grew mine so he literally does a line along the back. I learnt to do a reasonable job with his during Covid and he's happy with it. DS1 insists on going to the hairdresser but DS2 lets me do his and I think it looks fine.

fruitbrewhaha · 30/03/2023 09:58

kirinm · 30/03/2023 09:55

£8 a cut? Don't you feel embarrassed paying someone less than minimum wage?

It doesn’t need to take long though.

I cut both my girls hair, long, just snip off the bottom, it takes less than 5 minutes.

I also cut mine, long, curly, with layers, I might spend more than 5 minutes on mine, but not much.

foreverwingingitx · 30/03/2023 09:59

I only ever really get a trim so I get my partner to cut my hair 😂 he's not perfect but after lots of YouTube videos and guidance, he's definitely improved haha

beguilingeyes · 30/03/2023 10:03

I started doing mine during Covid. I watched a YouTube video and bought a pair of hairdressing scissors (which are lethal.)
My hair is dead straight and not thick though so it's relatively easy.

kirinm · 30/03/2023 10:08

You aren't paying someone else. That hairdresser has a business, overheads, travel costs, experience.

I'd tip more than £8!

Watercoloursky · 30/03/2023 10:39

I bought some hairdressing scissors on Amazon (fiver) and get my OH to do it - I have long, straight hair all of the same length, so when I need a trim I just get him to cut a straight line across the bottom couple of inches or so. If I had layers or anything more fiddly, I'd go to a professional, but it doesn't seem worth it for a job that takes 5 mins at most.

JamSandle · 30/03/2023 10:47

kirinm · 30/03/2023 10:08

You aren't paying someone else. That hairdresser has a business, overheads, travel costs, experience.

I'd tip more than £8!

The whole point is a lot of people are struggling to afford having their hair done. If the hairdresser wants to do it for £8 she can.

purplecorkheart · 30/03/2023 10:49

No as I go to someone who has set up a salon in their home and their prices are quite reasonable. If I was still attending the salon I used to go to I would certainly be considering it

CrunchyCarrot · 30/03/2023 10:57

Yes I've been cutting my own (straight) below shoulder length hair for years. It's not difficult with a decent pair of hairdresser's scissors.

Long ago my now departed mother fell on hard times and had to give up having her weekly perm (she had lovely wavy hair) and learned to cut it herself. It always looked immaculate. I've no idea how she managed to cut short, wavy hair!

kirinm · 30/03/2023 10:59

@JamSandle I'm quite capable of understanding. I still think it's shocking.

hamsterchump · 30/03/2023 12:26

TeaandLemonDrizzle · 30/03/2023 09:42

Has anyone taught themselves to cut their own (long) hair - or anyone else’s?

Fee up of paying ridiculous hairdressing costs for a wet cut and all it is is a trim basically!

Yes I cut and colour (poundland colour on roots only every 3 weeks) my own hair and have for about 15 years now. I always hated going to the hairdresser so only ever went a few times in my teens and early twenties. Brad Mondo does good tutorials on Youtube.

If you just want your hair all one length but with a U shape at the back then you can part it all down the middle and bring the two sides forward and together to cut in front of your breastbone to easily achieve this. Long hair is easy and forgiving of most mistakes especially if it has any kind of wave.

hamsterchump · 30/03/2023 12:27

To add you do want good hairdressing or at least sharp scissors. I got a great pair in Home Bargains for £2 that I've been using for years. As long as you keep them just for hair and not paper etc then they should last.

Wiccan · 30/03/2023 12:42

I'm a hairstylist and worked as a mobile. When you're using someone else's electricity and water you keep your prices low . There are plenty of DIY techniques on you YouTube , it really isn't that difficult it just takes practice

hairtodaygonetomorro · 30/03/2023 12:55

FYI you can not get good hair cutting scissors for £2. Mine cost over £500, plus having them sent away for sharpening can cost £100's also. Our kits are expensive and the cost of haircuts reflect this.

If you're feeling the pinch with having a salon cut, try a mobile stylist after seeking recommendations. Maybe go a longer time in between cuts.

For DIY cuts I've seen some horrors and the clients thought they did a good job. If you're taking minimal off not a lot can go wrong but for big changes, layers and short hair types I wouldn't. I don't cut my own hair and nor would I ever. I have been a hair stylist for over 20 years.

Wiccan · 30/03/2023 13:42

I think it all boils down to if you have natural talent and are comfortable doing it. Let's face it most mum's aren't qualified chefs but we know how to cook good food

hamsterchump · 30/03/2023 17:10

hairtodaygonetomorro · 30/03/2023 12:55

FYI you can not get good hair cutting scissors for £2. Mine cost over £500, plus having them sent away for sharpening can cost £100's also. Our kits are expensive and the cost of haircuts reflect this.

If you're feeling the pinch with having a salon cut, try a mobile stylist after seeking recommendations. Maybe go a longer time in between cuts.

For DIY cuts I've seen some horrors and the clients thought they did a good job. If you're taking minimal off not a lot can go wrong but for big changes, layers and short hair types I wouldn't. I don't cut my own hair and nor would I ever. I have been a hair stylist for over 20 years.

You can for infrequent home hair cutting. The only reason to buy such expensive shears is if you are doing hundreds of cuts a year and so need the edge to last much much longer. Unless OP has unnaturally fast growing hair she will probably only be doing 1 cut every few weeks or months. She just needs a good sharp pair of scissors used only for that purpose. I can understand you wanting to gatekeep this but OP has said she just has a trim anyway which she could easily achieve at home with a tutorial, so don't be ridiculous.

Rayn22 · 30/03/2023 17:11

What I need is a decent hair colour. They grey shows though on home ones after a while!

Fantasticaldolphin · 30/03/2023 17:18

I cut my own hair. I have wavy hair that doesn’t require me to be able to cut in a straight line. I’m actually happier with my own hair cuts than when the hairdresser cuts it.

discobrain · 30/03/2023 17:25

There are tons of YouTube tutorials for this, and they're excellent.

I have a side shave with the rest of my hair layered and long. I've been cutting and shaving it myself for years.

Original poster
TeaandLemonDrizzle · 30/03/2023 17:43

I seem to remember a lady across the road (a trained hairdresser) cut my hair as a child. I actually hate going to the hairdressers. I feel uncomfortable. Not sure why! I think I will look for a mobile hairdresser or make a mess of it myself!

OP posts:
Roselilly36 · 30/03/2023 17:50

Don’t do it, OP, try a local hairdressing college, cheaper but supervised.

Hotvimto3 · 30/03/2023 17:52

Yes have been for ten years. You tube is your friend

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