Mastering the Back Bob: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Your Own Hair
Cutting your own hair can seem daunting, especially when it comes to a stylish and precise cut like a bob. However, with the right tools, a clear understanding of the technique, and a healthy dose of patience, you can achieve a beautiful bob haircut at home. This comprehensive guide focuses specifically on how to cut the back of a bob, often the trickiest part of the process. We’ll break down each step with detailed instructions and helpful tips, ensuring you feel confident and in control throughout the entire haircutting journey.
**Disclaimer:** *Cutting your own hair is a personal decision. While this guide provides detailed instructions, results may vary depending on hair type, texture, and skill level. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with any step, it’s always best to consult a professional hairstylist.*
## What You’ll Need:
Before you even think about picking up the scissors, make sure you have everything you need. The right tools are crucial for achieving a professional-looking result.
* **Sharp Hair Cutting Scissors:** Invest in a good quality pair of hair cutting shears. Dull scissors will only lead to split ends and an uneven cut. Look for scissors specifically designed for hair, not general-purpose craft scissors.
* **Hair Cutting Comb:** A fine-toothed comb is essential for creating clean sections and achieving a precise cut. A comb with both fine and wide teeth is ideal for detangling and sectioning.
* **Two Mirrors:** You’ll need a large mirror to see the back of your head and a smaller handheld mirror to check your progress from different angles. A three-way mirror is even better if you have one.
* **Hair Clips:** These are essential for keeping sections of hair out of the way while you’re working on other areas.
* **Spray Bottle with Water:** Keeping your hair slightly damp will make it easier to manage and cut evenly. Avoid soaking it, as wet hair shrinks when it dries, potentially leading to a shorter cut than intended.
* **Hair Ties (Optional):** If you have particularly thick or long hair, hair ties can help keep sections secure.
* **Towel:** Drape a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothing from hair clippings.
* **Cape (Optional):** A professional hair cutting cape provides more complete protection than a towel.
* **Level (Optional but Recommended):** A small bubble level (like the kind used for hanging pictures) can be surprisingly helpful for ensuring your bob is even, especially in the back. You can place it against your hair as you cut to check for levelness.
## Preparation is Key:
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful DIY haircut. Rushing into it without a plan can lead to mistakes and frustration.
1. **Wash and Condition Your Hair:** Start with clean, damp hair. This will make it easier to manage and cut evenly. Avoid using heavy products like oils or serums, as they can make your hair slippery.
2. **Detangle Your Hair:** Thoroughly comb through your hair to remove any knots or tangles. This will ensure a smooth and even cut.
3. **Decide on Your Desired Bob Length and Style:** Before you start cutting, have a clear idea of the length and style you want. Consider factors like your face shape, hair texture, and personal preferences. Do you want a blunt bob, an angled bob, or a layered bob? Look at pictures online for inspiration and visualize how the style will look on you.
4. **Choose Your Cutting Method:** There are several ways to cut the back of a bob. This guide will focus on the **vertical sectioning method**, which is relatively easy to follow and allows for more control. Another common method is the **ponytail method**, where you gather your hair into a ponytail at the desired length and cut it off. However, the ponytail method can be less precise and may result in unevenness.
5. **Set Up Your Workstation:** Choose a well-lit area with a large mirror. Make sure you have enough space to move around comfortably and that all your tools are within easy reach. Place a towel or cape around your shoulders to protect your clothing.
## Step-by-Step Guide: Cutting the Back of Your Bob
This guide assumes you’re starting with hair that’s already been cut into a longer length. If you’re starting with very long hair, you may want to cut off a significant amount of length *before* beginning the sectioning and precision cutting process.
**Step 1: Sectioning Your Hair**
Accurate sectioning is paramount for achieving an even bob. Take your time and ensure each section is clean and well-defined.
1. **Create a Center Part:** Use your comb to create a clean, straight center part from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Make sure the part is as even as possible.
2. **Section the Front:** Separate the front sections of your hair from the back. Use your comb to draw a line from the top of your ear up to your center part on both sides. Clip these front sections out of the way. These sections will be addressed later, after the back is complete.
3. **Divide the Back into Vertical Sections:** Now, divide the back section of your hair into vertical sections, about 1-2 inches wide. Start in the center and work your way outwards towards each ear. Clip each section out of the way as you create it, leaving only the first center section down.
**Step 2: Establishing the Baseline Cut**
This first cut will determine the overall length of your bob. Accuracy is key here.
1. **Dampen the First Section:** Lightly spray the first center section of hair with water to dampen it. Make sure it’s not soaking wet, just slightly damp.
2. **Comb Through and Determine the Length:** Comb through the section to remove any tangles and decide on the desired length. Remember, you can always cut more off, but you can’t put it back! It’s always better to start longer and gradually shorten the length.
3. **Make the First Cut:** Using your sharp hair cutting scissors, make a clean, straight cut across the bottom of the section at your desired length. Hold the section taut between your fingers while you cut. This is your baseline cut. If you are aiming for an A-line bob (longer in the front), angle this first cut slightly upwards towards your face. If you want a blunt or inverted bob, make a straight horizontal cut.
4. **Use the Level (Optional but Recommended):** Before cutting, position the level against the section of hair you are about to cut. The bubble should be centered. This will help ensure the back is even. Adjust your cut accordingly if the bubble is off-center.
**Step 3: Cutting the Remaining Sections**
Now you’ll use the baseline cut as a guide to cut the remaining sections.
1. **Release the Next Section:** Unclip the next vertical section of hair and let it fall next to the first section you cut.
2. **Comb Through and Compare Lengths:** Comb through the new section and carefully compare its length to the baseline cut. You should be able to see the edge of the baseline cut through the new section.
3. **Cut to Match the Baseline:** Cut the new section of hair so that it matches the length of the baseline cut. Ensure your cut is straight and even.
4. **Repeat for All Sections:** Repeat steps 1-3 for all the remaining vertical sections of hair in the back. Each time, use the previously cut section as a guide to ensure consistency in length. Pay close attention to the angle of your cut if you’re aiming for an A-line bob. Make sure the angle is consistent across all sections.
5. **Double Check for Evenness:** Once you’ve cut all the sections, take a step back and look at the back of your head in the mirror. Use the handheld mirror to check for any unevenness. If you see any areas that are longer or shorter than others, carefully trim them to match.
6. **The Level is Your Friend (Again):** Once all sections are cut, use the level again to double check the evenness of the back. This is especially important if you are new to cutting hair.
**Step 4: Addressing the Front Sections**
Now that the back of the bob is complete, it’s time to blend the front sections into the overall style.
1. **Release the Front Sections:** Unclip the front sections of your hair that you previously separated.
2. **Determine the Desired Front Length:** Decide on the desired length for the front sections of your bob. This will depend on the overall style you’re aiming for. For a classic bob, the front sections will typically be slightly longer than the back. For an A-line bob, the front sections will be significantly longer than the back.
3. **Blend the Front and Back:** Using your comb, gently blend the front sections into the back sections. This may involve cutting the front sections at a slight angle to create a seamless transition. Hold a section of front hair and a section of adjacent back hair together. Carefully trim the front section so that it flows smoothly into the back section. Repeat this process on both sides of your head.
4. **Consider Face Framing:** If desired, create face-framing layers by angling the front sections slightly towards your face. This can soften your features and add dimension to your bob.
**Step 5: Refining the Cut (Point Cutting)**
Point cutting is a technique used to soften the edges of a haircut and create a more textured look. It involves cutting into the ends of the hair at an angle, rather than cutting straight across.
1. **Hold Hair Vertically:** Take small sections of hair and hold them vertically between your fingers.
2. **Angle Your Scissors:** Hold your scissors at a slight angle (about 45 degrees) and make small, choppy cuts into the ends of the hair. Avoid cutting too deeply, as this can create holes in your haircut.
3. **Repeat Around the Perimeter:** Repeat this process around the entire perimeter of your bob, focusing on the ends of the hair. This will help to soften the edges and create a more natural-looking finish.
**Step 6: Drying and Styling**
Once you’ve finished cutting your hair, it’s time to dry and style it. This will give you a better idea of the final result and allow you to make any necessary adjustments.
1. **Dry Your Hair:** Use a hairdryer and a round brush to dry your hair, styling it as desired. You can also let your hair air dry for a more natural look.
2. **Check for Unevenness:** Once your hair is dry, carefully check for any unevenness or stray hairs. Use your scissors to trim any areas that need attention.
3. **Style as Desired:** Style your bob as you normally would. Experiment with different products and techniques to find the look that you love.
## Tips for Success:
* **Start Slow and Small:** Don’t try to cut off too much hair at once. It’s always better to start with a conservative cut and gradually shorten the length as needed.
* **Use Sharp Scissors:** Dull scissors will only lead to split ends and an uneven cut.
* **Keep Your Hair Damp:** Damp hair is easier to manage and cut evenly. However, avoid soaking it, as wet hair shrinks when it dries.
* **Take Your Time:** Don’t rush the process. Cutting your own hair requires patience and attention to detail.
* **Use a Mirror:** Use a mirror to see the back of your head and check your progress from different angles.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help:** If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member for help. Or, consult a professional!
* **Practice Makes Perfect:** The more you cut your own hair, the better you’ll become at it.
* **Watch Tutorials:** There are many helpful video tutorials available online that can guide you through the process. Search for videos specifically on cutting the back of a bob.
* **Consider Texturizing Shears:** If you want to add more texture and movement to your bob, consider using texturizing shears. These shears have teeth that remove some of the hair, creating a more layered and piecey look.
* **Maintain Your Bob:** To keep your bob looking its best, schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks. This will help to remove split ends and maintain the shape of your haircut.
## Common Mistakes to Avoid:
* **Cutting Too Much Hair at Once:** This is the most common mistake people make when cutting their own hair. Start with a conservative cut and gradually shorten the length as needed.
* **Using Dull Scissors:** Dull scissors will only lead to split ends and an uneven cut.
* **Cutting Dry Hair:** Dry hair is more difficult to manage and cut evenly. Always dampen your hair before cutting it.
* **Rushing the Process:** Cutting your own hair requires patience and attention to detail. Don’t rush the process.
* **Not Using a Mirror:** Use a mirror to see the back of your head and check your progress from different angles.
* **Not Following a Guide:** Don’t try to wing it. Follow a detailed guide to ensure you’re cutting your hair correctly.
## Different Bob Variations:
While this guide focuses on cutting the back, here are a few common bob variations to consider for your overall style:
* **Classic Bob:** A timeless and versatile style that falls just above the shoulders. It’s typically cut at one length, creating a blunt and polished look.
* **A-Line Bob:** This style is longer in the front and shorter in the back, creating a flattering and modern silhouette. The angle can be subtle or dramatic, depending on your preference.
* **Inverted Bob (Graduated Bob):** The opposite of the A-line bob, this style is shorter in the front and longer in the back, creating a stacked effect. It adds volume and dimension to the hair.
* **Layered Bob:** Layers can be added to any bob style to create movement, texture, and volume. This is a great option for those with fine or thin hair.
* **Asymmetrical Bob:** This style features one side that is longer than the other, creating a bold and edgy look.
* **Long Bob (Lob):** A longer version of the classic bob that falls just below the shoulders. It’s a great option for those who want the versatility of longer hair with the style and manageability of a bob.
## Conclusion:
Cutting the back of your own bob can be a rewarding and empowering experience. By following these detailed steps and tips, you can achieve a beautiful and stylish haircut at home. Remember to be patient, take your time, and don’t be afraid to experiment. With practice, you’ll become more confident in your ability to cut your own hair and create a bob that perfectly suits your personal style. However, if you ever feel unsure or uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to consult a professional hairstylist. Happy cutting!