How to Cut Men’s Hair: Tips and Tricks to Get it Right
From the way a guy’s hair is cut to how it is styled, his hair affects how he feels about himself. It’s a subtle, but important detail in every man’s life – just as it is for women! When it comes to learning how to cut men’s hair, it’s not always as simple as pulling out the clippers and buzzing it all off.
Whether you’re a budding barber just getting started or looking to cut men’s hair at home, there are several tips and tricks you’ll want to consider before picking up any tools.
How to Cut a Man’s Hair: A Few Things You’ll Want to Consider Before Diving In
From an aesthetic perspective, there are quite a few differences between men’s and women’s hair. However, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before you start cutting hair, including:
Should You Do It Wet or Dry?
This is a matter of personal preference and/or the hair type you are working with. There are a few things to consider when deciding whether to cut hair wet or dry, including:
- Clippers often work best when hair is dry
- If you’re using a razor/shears, wet hair is often best
- Shorter cuts are often easier when hair is wet and checked over when hair is dry
- Longer cuts are often done wet. However, this will depend on the desired final look, as blending is often easier when hair is dry also
Should You Blend with Shears or a Haircutting Razor?
The best way to cut men’s hair is to blend with shears or a hair cutting razor. When cutting men’s hair, you have to decide between a razor and shears. A razor can give you the textured, messy look popular in men’s haircuts today. On the other hand, shears will give you the precision that you need to create the perfect cut.
What is Texturizing? Is It Necessary?
Texturizing is an essential part of cutting men’s hair. It gives it that perfect, tousled look that many men desire. However, it’s not always necessary. This is entirely up to you and the man you are working on.
Our Experts’ Guide to Cutting Your Hair at Home Without Botching It
If you’re looking to cut your own hair or do hair at home for your family, then you don’t necessarily need to be a professional barber to get the job done. That said, here are our three most recommended cuts to do at home:
The Simple Tidy-Up
A simple tidy-up is a haircut typically given to a man who has not had a haircut in some time. This cut is also called a “shape up”. The purpose of this cut is to tidy up any straggling hair around the ears and neckline. This is typically achieved with clippers and shears.
The Short-Back-and-Sides
The short-back-and-sides cut is a simple, classic cut that uses clippers with a #2 or #3 guard. This cut will be shorter on the back and sides of the head, with a little length left on top. It’s typically tapered around the ears and at the nape of the neck.
The All-Over Buzz-Cut
The all-over buzz cut is a simple, clean-cut that is achieved with clippers. The #1 guard is used on the entire head to give it an even, short length. This cut is perfect for men who don’t want to spend much time maintaining their hair.
Learning How to Cut a Man’s Hair: Things You’ll Need to Get Started
If you’re considering doing hair at home, then there are a few essentials that you’ll want to make sure you have:
- Hair Clippers: with a variety of guards to achieve different lengths.
- Trimmer: is necessary to achieve the perfect cut. A trimmer is also helpful when working with a beard, and around the neckline.
- Water/Spray Bottle: to help dampen hair when needed.
- Haircutting Shears: are used to blend and define the cut. Shears are also useful to avoid any nicks or cuts from a blade.
- Blending/Thinning Shears: are used to blend the cut (blending shears are more delicate, whereas the thinning shears give a rougher cut) and define the length of the cut.
- Combs: to help detangle longer hair and/or separate sections.
- Straight Razor: used to cut men’s hair to achieve a clean straight look. Straight razors are also used to create the perfect fade or fade-out.
6 Steps for the Perfect Men’s Cut
Once you’ve got the necessary tools, you can start learning how to cut men’s hair! Here are six simple steps for an easy at home cut:
- Section Hair
Depending on the individual’s hair length, you’ll want to begin by using your comb to section the hair. The goal is to make the hair uniform and ensure that you’re not getting any hair in the wrong places.
If the individual’s hair is already pretty short, and they are simply looking for a quick trim, you may be able to skip this step.
- Select Your Clipper Length
Select your clipper length by choosing the guard that best matches the individual’s hair. Guards range in size and are assigned a specific number. Each one will give you a different cut. The #1 guard is used to achieve a full, short-back-and-sides cut, with the higher guards used to achieve longer cuts.
- Buzz the Sides
After you have your clipper length selected, you’ll want to buzz the sides of the head. This will help to define the shape of the cut and will help to avoid any bald spots.
- Create the Fade
After you’ve buzzed the sides of the head, you can begin to fade the top and back of the hair. This provides a clean break between the sides and the top of the head. You may see the cut begin to fade around the ears. You can use the blending shears to blend where the fade ends. This will ensure a clean look. The fade may vary in length depending on the individual’s hair.
- Blend at the Top of the Head
After you’ve finished cutting the sides and working on the fade, you can start to define the hair at the top of the head. This will help to define the shape of the top and give it a clean cut. You can use the thinning shears to add or remove hair. This will also help you achieve a smooth transition from the sides to the top.
- Trim the Very Top
After you’ve finished cutting the sides, fade the top, and blend the fade, you can start to define the hair at the top of the head. This will help to define the shape of the entire look.
The Right Men’s Cut Every Time at Cutter’s
While learning how to cut men’s hair at home isn’t all that difficult, if the man in your life is looking for something a little different to suit their style, then why not send them in for some professional pampering? Our team of professionals know all the tips and tricks to ensure that you get the perfect men’s cut every time you visit the Cutter’s salon!