DIY Faux Hawk: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting and Styling Your Own Edgy Look

Want to rock a cool, edgy hairstyle without committing to a full-blown mohawk? The faux hawk, also known as a fohawk, is the perfect solution! This versatile style offers a bold statement while still allowing you to easily revert to a more conservative look when desired. Cutting a faux hawk at home can seem daunting, but with the right tools, a steady hand, and this detailed guide, you can achieve a professional-looking result. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from gathering your supplies to styling your finished faux hawk.

## What is a Faux Hawk?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s clarify what a faux hawk actually is. Unlike a mohawk, which involves shaving the sides of the head, a faux hawk creates the *illusion* of a mohawk. It involves leaving a strip of longer hair down the center of the head and styling it upwards, while the hair on the sides is shorter and often slicked back or styled downwards. This allows for greater flexibility, as you can easily style the hair down for a more traditional appearance. The faux hawk is popular with both men and women, and it can be customized to suit different hair lengths and textures.

## Who Does a Faux Hawk Suit?

One of the great things about the faux hawk is its versatility. It can be adapted to flatter a variety of face shapes and hair types. Here’s a general guideline:

* **Face Shape:**
* **Oval:** Lucky you! The oval face shape is considered the most versatile and can pull off almost any faux hawk style. Experiment with different heights and widths to find what you like best.
* **Round:** A faux hawk with significant height can help elongate a round face. Avoid styles that are too wide, as this can make the face appear wider.
* **Square:** Soften the angles of a square face with a faux hawk that has rounded edges and some texture. Avoid styles that are too sharp or geometric.
* **Heart:** A faux hawk that is wider at the forehead and narrower at the chin can help balance a heart-shaped face. Avoid styles that are too high or voluminous at the crown.
* **Long:** Avoid adding too much height to a long face, as this can make it appear even longer. A shorter, wider faux hawk can help balance the proportions.
* **Diamond:** Experiment with faux hawks that add width at the forehead and chin. Texture and layers can also help soften the angles of a diamond face.
* **Hair Type:**
* **Straight:** Straight hair is relatively easy to style into a faux hawk. You may need to use more product to achieve the desired hold and volume.
* **Wavy:** Wavy hair naturally lends itself well to a faux hawk, as it already has some texture and volume. You may need to use less product than someone with straight hair.
* **Curly:** Curly hair can create a very dramatic and textured faux hawk. Consider using a curl-defining product to enhance your natural curl pattern.
* **Thick:** Thick hair will create a voluminous faux hawk. Thinning shears may be needed to remove some bulk and make the style easier to manage.
* **Thin:** Thin hair may require more effort to achieve volume and hold. Consider using volumizing products and backcombing the hair at the roots.

Ultimately, the best way to determine if a faux hawk is right for you is to experiment and see what you like. Don’t be afraid to try different styles and variations until you find one that suits your personal taste and features.

## Gathering Your Supplies

Before you start cutting, it’s crucial to have all the necessary tools and supplies within easy reach. This will ensure a smooth and efficient process.

* **Hair Clippers:** Invest in a good quality set of hair clippers with various guard sizes. The guards determine the length of the hair will be cut to. A cordless model is ideal for ease of use.
* **Hair Scissors:** A sharp pair of hair scissors is essential for trimming and shaping the faux hawk. Look for scissors specifically designed for cutting hair, as regular scissors can damage the hair.
* **Combs:** You’ll need a fine-tooth comb for sectioning the hair and a wide-tooth comb for detangling.
* **Hair Clips:** Hair clips are helpful for keeping sections of hair out of the way while you’re cutting.
* **Spray Bottle:** A spray bottle filled with water is useful for dampening the hair, which makes it easier to cut.
* **Mirror:** You’ll need a mirror to see the back of your head. A hand-held mirror in addition to a wall-mounted mirror is recommended.
* **Towel:** Drape a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothing from hair clippings.
* **Hair Products:** You’ll need hair products to style your faux hawk. Consider a strong-hold gel, mousse, hairspray, or wax, depending on your hair type and desired style.
* **Optional: Thinning Shears:** If you have thick hair, thinning shears can help remove some bulk and create a more manageable style.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting a Faux Hawk

Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to start cutting! Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

**Step 1: Prepare Your Hair**

* **Wash and Condition:** Start with clean, damp hair. Washing your hair removes any dirt and oil that could interfere with the cutting process. Conditioning helps to detangle the hair and make it easier to comb.
* **Towel Dry:** Gently towel dry your hair to remove excess water. The hair should be damp but not dripping wet.
* **Comb Through:** Use a wide-tooth comb to remove any tangles or knots. Make sure the hair is smooth and free of any obstructions.

**Step 2: Section Your Hair**

This is arguably the most important step. Accurate sectioning determines the shape and definition of your faux hawk. Use a fine-tooth comb to create clean, precise lines.

* **Determine the Width of the Faux Hawk:** Decide how wide you want the strip of longer hair to be. A general guideline is to start with a strip that is about 2-3 inches wide. You can always adjust the width later.
* **Create the Center Section:** Use the comb to create a straight line from the forehead to the nape of the neck, defining one side of the strip. Repeat on the other side, ensuring the lines are parallel and the strip is even. The remaining hair on either side of these lines will be cut shorter.
* **Clip the Center Section:** Use hair clips to secure the center section of hair, keeping it separate from the hair that will be cut shorter. Make sure the clips are secure and won’t slip.

**Step 3: Cutting the Sides (Using Clippers)**

This is where the hair clippers come into play. Start with a longer guard and gradually work your way down to shorter guards until you achieve the desired length. Remember, you can always cut more hair off, but you can’t put it back!

* **Choose Your Guard Length:** Select the guard length you want to use for the sides. A good starting point is a #2 or #3 guard (1/4 inch or 3/8 inch). You can always go shorter later if desired. If you’re unsure, start with a longer guard and gradually work your way down.
* **Start Cutting:** Begin cutting the hair on the sides of the head, starting at the temples and working your way back towards the nape of the neck. Hold the clippers against the head and move them in a smooth, upward motion, following the contour of the head.
* **Overlap Strokes:** Overlap each stroke slightly to ensure even cutting and avoid leaving any stray hairs.
* **Blend the Sides:** As you approach the top of the head (the area where the sides meet the center section), gradually angle the clippers away from the head to create a smooth blend. This will prevent a harsh line between the short sides and the longer center section.
* **Repeat on the Other Side:** Repeat the process on the other side of the head, ensuring that the hair is cut to the same length as the first side. Use a mirror to check for symmetry.
* **Lower Guard (Optional):** If you want the sides to be even shorter, switch to a shorter guard and repeat the process. Be careful not to go too short, especially on the first attempt.

**Step 4: Refining the Sides (Using Scissors)**

After using the clippers, you may need to refine the sides with hair scissors to create a cleaner and more polished look.

* **Check for Unevenness:** Carefully inspect the sides of the head for any uneven patches or stray hairs.
* **Point Cutting:** Use the point-cutting technique to trim the hair. Point cutting involves holding the scissors vertically and snipping into the ends of the hair at an angle. This creates a softer, more textured look.
* **Blend the Hairline:** Pay special attention to the hairline around the ears and the nape of the neck. Use the point-cutting technique to blend the hairline seamlessly with the surrounding hair.

**Step 5: Shaping the Center Section**

This step involves trimming and shaping the center section of hair to create the desired faux hawk shape.

* **Determine the Length:** Decide how long you want the center section to be. The length will depend on your personal preference and the overall style you’re trying to achieve. A good starting point is to leave the hair about 2-3 inches long.
* **Trim the Length:** Use hair scissors to trim the center section to the desired length. Hold the hair between your fingers and cut straight across, ensuring the cut is even.
* **Create Texture:** Use the point-cutting technique to add texture to the center section. This will help the hair stand up more easily and create a more natural look.
* **Shape the Faux Hawk:** Experiment with different shapes and styles. You can create a sharp, defined faux hawk or a softer, more rounded one. Use your fingers and a comb to shape the hair and see what looks best.
* **Thinning Shears (Optional):** If you have thick hair, use thinning shears to remove some bulk from the center section. This will make the style easier to manage and prevent it from looking too heavy.

**Step 6: Styling Your Faux Hawk**

Now for the fun part – styling your newly cut faux hawk! The styling products and techniques you use will depend on your hair type and the desired look.

* **Apply Product:** Apply a small amount of styling product to your hair. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. Avoid using too much product, as this can weigh the hair down and make it look greasy.
* **Choose Your Product:**
* **Gel:** Gel provides a strong hold and a wet look. It’s ideal for creating a sharp, defined faux hawk.
* **Mousse:** Mousse adds volume and texture. It’s a good choice for those with fine or thin hair.
* **Hairspray:** Hairspray provides hold and can be used to set the style in place. Choose a strong-hold hairspray for maximum hold.
* **Wax:** Wax provides a flexible hold and a matte finish. It’s ideal for creating a textured, natural-looking faux hawk.
* **Style the Hair:** Use your fingers and a comb to style the hair into the desired shape. Lift the hair at the roots to create volume. You can also use a hair dryer to help set the style.
* **Experiment:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styling techniques and products until you find what works best for you. You can create a variety of different looks with a faux hawk, from sleek and polished to messy and textured.

**Step 7: Final Touches**

* **Check for Symmetry:** Use a mirror to check the faux hawk from all angles. Make sure the sides are even and the shape is symmetrical.
* **Clean Up Stray Hairs:** Use hair scissors to trim any stray hairs or uneven patches.
* **Apply Hairspray (Optional):** If desired, apply a light mist of hairspray to set the style in place.

## Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Faux Hawk

* **Start with Longer Hair:** If you’re unsure about the length, start with longer hair and gradually work your way down. It’s always easier to cut more hair off than to grow it back.
* **Use Sharp Tools:** Sharp hair scissors and clippers are essential for a clean and even cut. Dull tools can damage the hair and make the cutting process more difficult.
* **Take Your Time:** Don’t rush the cutting process. Take your time and pay attention to detail. The more careful you are, the better the results will be.
* **Use a Mirror:** Use a mirror to check the faux hawk from all angles. This will help you identify any uneven patches or stray hairs.
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** The more you practice cutting a faux hawk, the better you’ll become. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Keep practicing and you’ll eventually master the technique.
* **Get a Second Opinion:** If possible, ask a friend or family member to take a look at your faux hawk and give you feedback. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot things that you might miss.
* **Watch Tutorials:** There are many helpful video tutorials online that can guide you through the process of cutting a faux hawk. Watch a few tutorials before you start cutting to get a better understanding of the technique.
* **Consider Your Hairline:** Pay close attention to your hairline when cutting a faux hawk. A receding hairline may require a different approach than a straight hairline.
* **Adjust for Hair Texture:** Adjust the cutting technique and styling products based on your hair texture. Fine hair may require more volume, while thick hair may require more thinning.
* **Maintain Your Faux Hawk:** To keep your faux hawk looking its best, trim it every few weeks to maintain the shape and length.

## Variations of the Faux Hawk

The faux hawk is a versatile style that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are a few variations to consider:

* **Short Faux Hawk:** A short faux hawk is a more subtle and understated version of the style. It’s ideal for those who want a touch of edginess without being too over-the-top.
* **Long Faux Hawk:** A long faux hawk is a more dramatic and eye-catching version of the style. It’s ideal for those who want to make a bold statement.
* **Textured Faux Hawk:** A textured faux hawk is a messy and natural-looking version of the style. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed and effortless look.
* **Slicked-Back Faux Hawk:** A slicked-back faux hawk is a polished and sophisticated version of the style. It’s ideal for those who want a more formal and refined look.
* **Faded Faux Hawk:** A faded faux hawk features a gradual transition in length from the short sides to the longer center section. This creates a smooth and seamless look.
* **Colored Faux Hawk:** Add some color to your faux hawk to make it even more unique and eye-catching. You can use a temporary hair color spray or dye the hair permanently.

## Troubleshooting Common Faux Hawk Cutting Mistakes

Even with careful planning, mistakes can happen. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common issues:

* **Uneven Sides:** If one side is shorter than the other, carefully trim the longer side to match the shorter side.
* **Choppy Cut:** Use point cutting to soften the edges and blend the hair seamlessly.
* **Too Much Volume:** Use thinning shears to remove some bulk from the center section.
* **Not Enough Volume:** Backcomb the hair at the roots to create volume. You can also use volumizing products.
* **Style Won’t Hold:** Use a stronger-hold styling product, such as gel or hairspray.

## Conclusion

Cutting a faux hawk at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to express your personal style and save money on salon visits. By following this step-by-step guide and practicing the techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking faux hawk that will turn heads. Remember to be patient, take your time, and don’t be afraid to experiment. With a little practice, you’ll be rocking a stylish faux hawk in no time! Enjoy your new edgy look!