DIY Haircuts for Kids: A Comprehensive Guide to Cutting Hair at Home

Cutting your kids’ hair at home can seem daunting, but with the right tools, patience, and a little know-how, it’s entirely achievable. Not only can it save you money and time spent at the salon, but it can also be a fun bonding experience (or at least a less stressful one than a professional cut for some kids!). This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from preparing your space to tackling different hairstyles.

Why Cut Hair at Home?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s consider why you might choose to cut your kids’ hair yourself:

• Cost Savings: Salon visits can be expensive, especially with multiple children. Home haircuts can save you a significant amount of money over time.
• Convenience: No need to book appointments or travel. You can cut hair whenever it fits into your schedule.
• Comfort and Control: Many children are nervous or uncomfortable in salon environments. At home, they are in a familiar setting, and you can take breaks as needed.
• Personalized Touch: You know your child’s hair best. You can tailor the cut to their preference and your skills.
• Flexibility: Quick trims to maintain existing styles become easy and frequent, meaning less major overhauls.

Essential Tools for Cutting Kids’ Hair

Having the right tools is crucial for a successful haircut. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sharp Hair Scissors: Invest in a good pair of hair-cutting shears. Kitchen or craft scissors are not suitable; they can damage hair and make the cut uneven. Look for shears that have a comfortable grip and a blunt or rounded tip for safety.
• Hair Clippers (Optional): If you plan to cut shorter styles or fades, clippers with various guard sizes are necessary. Cordless models are convenient.
• Hairdressing Comb: A fine-toothed comb is essential for sectioning and lifting hair.
• Spray Bottle: Filled with water for dampening hair and keeping it manageable.
• Hair Clips or Ties: To section off parts of the hair and keep it out of the way.
• Cutting Cape or Old Towel: Protect clothing from hair clippings. A dedicated cape is best, but a large old towel will work in a pinch.
• Chair or Stool: Ensure your child is comfortably positioned.
• Mirror: A mirror where your child can see themselves during the cut can help them stay engaged and comfortable.
• Vacuum Cleaner or Dustpan and Brush: For cleaning up hair clippings. A handheld vacuum works great.
• Distractions (Optional): Consider having a book, video, or small toy to help keep your child entertained during the cut, especially if they tend to be fidgety.

Preparation is Key

Before you even pick up the scissors, proper preparation is essential:

1. Choose the Right Time: Select a time when your child is relaxed, well-fed, and not overly tired. Avoid nap times or when they are generally cranky. Mornings are often a good time, before they have a long day.
2. Pick a Suitable Location: Choose a well-lit area with hard flooring that’s easy to clean. A bathroom or kitchen works well. Avoid carpeted areas unless you are prepared for hair to stick there for days.
3. Explain the Process: Talk to your child about what you’ll be doing. Let them know it won’t hurt and that you’ll be careful. For younger children, make it a game or a fun activity. For older ones, ask what kind of style they might want and include them in some of the planning.
4. Dress Appropriately: Have your child wear old clothing or a t-shirt that you don’t mind if it gets covered in hair. Secure the cutting cape or towel properly.
5. Dampen the Hair: Use the spray bottle to lightly dampen the hair. Damp hair is easier to cut than dry hair. Avoid soaking it completely, as it can become harder to manage.
6. Detangle: Use the comb to gently detangle the hair, removing any knots or snarls. This will prevent the scissors from getting caught.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Kids’ Hair

Now for the main event! Here’s a step-by-step guide for basic kids’ haircuts, with variations for different styles:

Basic Trim (Longer Styles)

1. Section the Hair: Use the comb to create a center part down the middle of the head. Section off the top half of the hair by making a horizontal part from ear to ear, clipping the top section out of the way.
2. Start at the Bottom: Take a small, thin section of hair from the bottom layer, about ½ to 1 inch wide, and comb it straight down.
3. Trim Straight Across: Using your scissors, trim the ends straight across. For a very slight trim, just take a fraction of an inch off. If the trim required is more significant, use the index and middle fingers of one hand to hold the section and use them as a guide for your scissors. This is especially useful for a long style.
4. Use the First Section as a Guide: Take the next thin section from beside the previous, comb it straight down and use the first section as a length guide. Trim to match the previous section.
5. Continue Around the Head: Continue working your way around the head, section by section, trimming each to the length of the previous section. Pay attention to symmetry and evenness.
6. Release the Top Section: Once you’ve finished the bottom layer, unclip the top section.
7. Blend Layers: Comb the top section down and gradually blend it with the bottom layer. If you want to maintain some length, trim more sparingly on the top layer. For blending, angle the scissors slightly when cutting the ends.
8. Check for Unevenness: Comb the hair down and check for any uneven spots. Gently trim them as needed.
9. Lightly Trim Around the Face: If you are trimming bangs or face-framing pieces, take the section and comb it straight forward. Gently trim to the desired length. Again, less is more, so be conservative and take a little bit at a time.

Basic Bob (Short Style)

1. Section the Hair: Use the comb to create a center part down the middle of the head. Section off the hair at the back of the head. Then section each side of the front part of the hair down towards the ears.
2. Start at the Back: Begin with the hair at the back of the head, taking a small section of hair about ½ to 1 inch wide, comb it straight down and trim it to the desired length.
3. Use the First Section as a Guide: As with the trim above, use the previous section as a guide for the next. Continue working section by section across the back, ensuring each section is cut to the same length.
4. Cut the Sides: Move to the side sections, bringing the hair forward and ensuring that the sides blend in with the back using the bottom most section as the guide. Cut each side to be symmetrical to the other side.
5. Shape the Front: For the front, trim the hair so it’s slightly longer than the back to create the bob shape. Angle your scissors to blend the edges for a rounded shape if required.
6. Check for Unevenness: Comb the hair down and check for any uneven spots. Gently trim them as needed.
7. Lightly Trim Around the Face: If you are trimming bangs or face-framing pieces, take the section and comb it straight forward. Gently trim to the desired length. Again, less is more, so be conservative and take a little bit at a time.

Using Clippers for Short Cuts (Typically Boys’ Hair)

If you’re tackling a shorter style or a boy’s haircut with clippers, follow these steps:

1. Choose the Correct Guard: Start with a longer guard than you think you’ll need. You can always go shorter later.
2. Start at the Bottom: Begin at the nape of the neck, moving the clippers upwards against the direction of the hair growth. Overlap each pass slightly. Don’t press too hard against the scalp.
3. Work Upwards: Continue working upwards, keeping the clippers flat against the head. Blend the sections evenly.
4. Change Guards for the Top: For the top of the head, use a longer guard to avoid a very severe cut. Use the clippers with the guard flat against the head, not angled out, to avoid cutting holes.
5. Blending Sides and Top: If you want a blended style, you may need to use a slightly different guard on the sides, blending upwards to the top.
6. Use the Scissors for Finishing: Use scissors to carefully trim around the ears, hairline, and neckline to create clean edges, if desired.

Trimming Bangs

Bangs are often the trickiest part of a haircut. Here are some tips for trimming bangs:

1. Dampen the Bangs: Ensure they are damp, not wet.
2. Section Off: Carefully section off the bangs, separating them from the rest of the hair.
3. Comb Straight: Comb the bangs straight down, taking note of the desired length.
4. Small Trims: Use your fingers to hold the bangs, and very carefully trim small amounts at a time. Always trim less than you think is needed, as you can always go back and trim a little more.
5. Check and Adjust: After the first cut, use the comb to check for evenness. Trim lightly where needed. You can also point cut (angling the scissors upwards into the hair) to avoid a straight line.

Tips for Success

• Go Slow: Don’t rush the process. Take your time and work carefully.
• Less is More: It’s better to cut too little than too much. You can always trim more, but you can’t reattach hair once it’s gone.
• Take Breaks: If your child becomes restless, stop and take a break. There’s no need to finish the haircut all at once.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t expect perfection on your first try. The more you do it, the better you’ll become.
• Clean as You Go: Keep the area tidy by regularly cleaning up hair clippings.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you have a friend or family member with hairdressing experience ask for some tips.
• Reward Your Child: After the haircut is finished, reward your child with something they enjoy. This will help them associate haircuts with a positive experience.

Troubleshooting

Even with the best preparation, things can go wrong. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Uneven Cut: Use your comb and scissors to trim the uneven areas gently. Focus on blending the hair for a uniform look.
• Choppy Bangs: If you’ve cut the bangs too bluntly, try point-cutting. Hold the scissors vertically and snip into the ends of the bangs to soften the edge.
• Too Short: If you’ve cut the hair too short, there’s not much to do except wait for it to grow back. If it’s significantly shorter than you’d hoped for, maybe take them for a salon visit for professional help to make the cut look more stylish.
• Fidgety Child: Have distractions at the ready, use a calming voice and maybe use a screen if needed. Take breaks as needed, but also consider stopping if the child is becoming too distressed. It is not worth making haircuts traumatic.

Post-Haircut Care

• Clean Up Thoroughly: Make sure to vacuum or sweep up all the hair clippings.
• Wash and Style: Give your child a bath or shower to remove any remaining hair and style their hair as usual.
• Admire Your Work: Appreciate your newly groomed child. You did it!

Conclusion

Cutting your kids’ hair at home can be a rewarding experience, offering both cost savings and convenience. With patience, the right tools, and a little practice, you’ll be able to confidently tackle haircuts for your children. Remember, it’s not about achieving perfection but about making the process as comfortable and positive as possible. Good luck!