How to Cut Your Own Hair Without Ruining It

culled from:womenshealthmag.com

As a hair pro, I'm cautious to condone extensive DIY cutting or coloring, but I have been trimming my own layers for years with this easy technique—and you can, too. This easy trick is perfect for helping to keep your layers looking lovely as they grow out. Hey, we all know trimming your split ends is an absolute must.

Illustrated by Anna Sudit; Courtesy of Refinery29

Trimming is essential to growing out your strands in a healthy way because removing the ends will keep them from splitting up the hair shaft. A good trim every six weeks works wonders for longer hair, and a dusting every three to four weeks is great for shorter cuts. A dusting, also called a micro-trim, means removing the barest minimum off the dry ends.
I consider a trim to mean removing just a tad above the split ends—generally, a half inch to an inch, tops. How do you know when it's trim time? When you keep having bad hair days, and you can't explain them. When your straight hair feels dry, dull, and straw-like; when your curls are frizzy and rough; when your 'fro is fuzzy—and nothing seems to make it right.
My DIY-trim tip is great for layered haircuts that are shoulder-length and longer, and it works well on most hair textures. You can also use this technique to add layers if you're feeling brave about taking off a bit more. If your hair is curly, coily, or kinky, this trick may not be for you, but here are some great ideas for your own at-home-trimming tool kit. For the rest of you, read on.
Start with Damp Hair
You can either spray it down with water or towel dry it after showering. Detangle with a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush, and then brush it into a ponytail on the very top of your head and secure with an elastic. The ponytail should be very smooth and centered, with the hair tie as tight as possible.

Illustrated by Anna Sudit; Courtesy of Refinery29

Stand in Front of a Mirror
With your non-dominant hand, squeeze the hair elastic at the base of your ponytail and begin pulling it straight up, toward your ends. Stop about 3 inches from the ends and hold tightly.

Illustrated by Anna Sudit; Courtesy of Refinery29

Beging Trimming
Next, using a pair of sharp hair-cutting shears, begin cutting into the ends of the ponytail. Take it slow, and cut just a bit at a time, working your way through all of the ends.