How to Cut Your Own Hair

Trim Your Split Ends

Jun 14, 2007

Learn how to trim your split ends to save money on haircuts and grow your hair long faster. A good pair of haircutting scissors and a little snipping is all it takes

Growing long hair takes time. Nothing is more frustrating than going to a stylist who cuts off the two inches you've been painstakingly nurturing. So if you're trying to grow your hair long, skip the salon trims and cut your own split ends. It's easier than you think, and you'll save money to boot. Here's how.

Use sharp scissors. Don't even think about using the same ones you use to wrap gifts or tear into boxes. Go to a beauty supply store and buy real hair cutting scissors. They are small and sharp, just what you want for the job.

Be diligent. Don't think of this as an every two-month trim. By then, it's too late. You want to stay on top of the small split ends before they spread up into the lower two inches you're trying to keep. Make split-end scanning your new hobby. Time it with a regular habit, like removing nighttime makeup or your morning shower

Make the cut. Examine your ends by pulling hair forward or looking in a mirror. Use the small scissors you bought and snip off just the tiny ends you see that are split in two. Once you get used to looking at your ends, the split ones will stand out. Snip all of them relentlessly. The first time will take longer than the rest, but you don’t have to get them all at once.

Get regular shaping. Remember, you're cutting your ends for healthy growth, but eventually, you're going to need a professional to keep things shapely. That doesn't mean she needs to cut off a lot of length, but you can keep the growth going and periodically, maybe twice a year, go in to have things shaped up. Just be sure to tell your stylist you're growing your hair and don't want more than an inch cut off.

If you like a simple blunt cut, you may not even need the salon service visits. As long as your hair is growing and the split ends are kept at bay, your style is completely your choice.

Don't let anyone tell you what style you should have. It's your hair, your life and your beauty. Lots of stylists will be glad to help you grow your hair long, but there are plenty whose skills and knowledge are limited enough to make them shorten your hair simply because it's the best cut they know. Stand up for yourself and enjoy your long locks!

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