Only use your hair-cutting shears for cutting hair. If you use them on other things, they will get dull, making it more difficult to cut your hair. [2] X Research source Skip razors because they can make curly hair more frizzy.
If a tangle is being particularly stubborn, see if it need to be cut a bit to help untangle it.
Some stylists say damp works well, too. Mainly, it means less drying time. Just make sure the curls have mostly scrunched up before you start cutting, so you can get an idea of the shape. [4] X Research source Another option is misting dry hair with a light leave-in conditioner, so that you get the best of both worlds.
Make sure you comb all the loose hairs and get the hair as straight as possible. Once you’ve got it combed into a ponytail, pull the elastic an inch or two down. Cut your hair straight across below the ponytail holder. Undo the ponytail. Comb your hair into a high ponytail onto the very top of your head. Once you get it all combed straight, cut across the top, as well, about two inches from the end of your hair. [6] X Research source Comb it out, and you’re done.
“Dusting” is lighter than a trim, meaning you don’t take as much off. Work on small, single sections of your hair at a time. Hold them up to the mirror so you can see which ones are damaged. [8] X Research source Trim off the ends of curls that are damaged. Once you’ve got all the damaged ends in a section, move on to the next section. [9] X Research source Pin back any area you’ve already trimmed.
Make sure your hair is dry or just damp before starting this method. [11] X Research source You can also do this method with small braids. Your sections should only be about an inch by an inch. Trim off 1/4 of an inch to 1/2 of an inch. [12] X Research source Pin or tie back areas you’ve already trimmed. [13] X Research source
This method also works best with dry or damp hair. Once you’ve done an area, pin it up.
Small sections work best for this method, as it makes it easier to work with the hair. [16] X Research source Try for about 1-inch by 1-inch sections, though if your hair is thinner, you can go a little bigger. [17] X Research source
Make sure not to use a brush, as that can frizz out the hair. Stick to a wide-toothed comb.
With the hair between your fingers, cut off the ends sticking out. Go across in a straight line. The straight line can work here because it’s only a very small section of hair.
You can use bigger hair clips to pull back the hair that’s already been trimmed. You can re-braid or twist sections to keep them out of the way of your cutting.
You can also have the person flip forward instead. [22] X Research source The point of this technique is to create instant light layers.
One method you can use is to comb out a section. Use your fingers to hold the hair, moving out to the ends. Instead of cutting what’s held between your fingers, cut on the other side of your hand. Cut at a downward angle, moving towards your fingers, being careful not to cut yourself. This technique helps to create texture.
Basically, you’re just going to keep pulling out curls to trim off the ends a bit until the hair doesn’t look so bulky.
However, you can also go for very short. Just make sure it’s at least 2 inches all over the person’s head. While you’re cutting, shape the hair to follow the shape of the person’s head. Others swear by short layers, with the top layer being 5 to 6 inches long. You have to find what works best for each hair type. [27] X Research source The flipping technique helps to give natural layers to the hair, so if you’re happy with that, you don’t need to add any more layers. [28] X Research source To add layers, work down through the hair, shortening from the top to the bottom. However, you can also use clips to work on individual layers at time. Clip up most of the hair to work on the bottom layer. Pull some out for the next part, and work on that layer. Continue until you have as many layers as you want.
Pull the hair through your fingers, and trim off the ends. [30] X Research source
