When it comes to maintaining your hair, the sides can be a tricky area to tackle, especially with clippers. But with the right tools and techniques, you can easily achieve a clean and professional-looking cut. In this article, we’ll show you how to cut the sides of your hair with clippers, step-by-step.
Table of Contents
- Tools You’ll Need
- Prepping Your Hair
- Choosing the Right Clippers
- Using Guard Guides
- The Cutting Technique
- Blending the Cut
- Tips for a Professional-Looking Cut
- FAQs
- Hair Care After the Cut
Tools You’ll Need
Before you start cutting, make sure you have the right tools:
- Clippers
- Guard guides (optional)
- Comb or brush
- Hair scissors (optional)
- Cape or towel
- Clipper oil
Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving a clean and precise cut.
Prepping Your Hair
Before you start cutting, wash and dry your hair. This will make it easier to see the natural flow and texture of your hair. Comb your hair in the direction it naturally falls, and if you have longer hair on top, clip it up and out of the way.
Choosing the Right Clippers
When it comes to clippers, you’ll want to choose a model that suits your needs. If you’re only cutting your own hair, a basic model with a few guard guides should be sufficient. If you’re a professional hairstylist, investing in a high-quality set of clippers with a range of guard guides can make your job easier.
Make sure your clippers are fully charged or plugged in before you start cutting. It’s also important to oil your clippers before and after each use to keep them in good condition.
Using Guard Guides
Guard guides are attachments that fit onto the clippers and determine the length of the cut. They come in different sizes, with the larger numbers indicating a longer cut. If you’re new to cutting your own hair, using guard guides can help you achieve a more even cut.
Start with a larger guard guide and work your way down to a smaller size if you want a shorter cut. It’s always better to start with a longer cut and work your way down, rather than starting too short and having to wait for your hair to grow back.
The Cutting Technique
When cutting the sides of your hair, it’s important to use the right technique to avoid uneven or choppy cuts. Start at the bottom of your hairline and work your way up, using the clippers in an upward motion. Keep the clippers parallel to your head to ensure an even cut.
Use your comb or brush to lift the hair away from your head, and use the clippers to trim any hair that extends beyond the comb. Work your way around the sides of your head, using the same technique.
Blending the Cut
Once you’ve finished cutting the sides, it’s time to blend the cut with the top of your hair. Use a larger guard guide to trim the hair around your temples, gradually working your way up to a smaller size. This will create a gradual fade between the sides and the top of your hair.
If you want a more defined look, you can use hair scissors to trim any stray hairs or create a more precise cut.
Tips for a Professional-Looking Cut
- Take your time and don’t rush the process
- Use a mirror to check your progress from different angles
- Start with a larger guard guide and work your way down to a smaller size
- Use a comb or brush to lift the hair away from your head while cutting
- Blend the cut for a more natural look
FAQs
Can I cut my own hair with clippers?
Yes, with the right tools and techniques, you can easily cut your own hair with clippers.
What size guard guide should I use?
Start with a larger guard guide and work your way down to a smaller size if you want a shorter cut.
Do I need to oil my clippers?
Yes, it’s important to oil your clippers before and after each use to keep them in good condition.
Hair Care After the Cut
After you’ve finished cutting your hair, it’s important to take care of it to maintain your new look. Use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and moisturized. You can also use a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to add extra moisture and shine to your hair.
With these tips and techniques, you can easily cut the sides of your hair with clippers and achieve a clean and professional-looking cut. Remember to take your time and use the right tools for the job, and you’ll have great-looking hair in no time!
