There comes a time when your fringe, or bangs, just feel a little too long. Maybe they’re starting to poke your eyes, or perhaps they’ve lost their shape. The thought of a salon visit might seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can give yourself a tidy trim at home. It’s all about patience, the proper tools, and a gentle hand.
Gathering Your Haircutting Toolkit
Before you make the first cut, it helps to have everything you need close by. You’ll want a pair of sharp hair-cutting shears. Using regular household scissors can lead to split ends and a jagged look. A fine-tooth comb, several hair clips to section off the rest of your hair, and a spray bottle with water are also essential. Damp hair is much easier to cut evenly than dry hair.
The Importance of Sectioning Your Fringe
Start by clipping the bulk of your hair back and away from your face. Isolate only the section you intend to cut. A good guideline is to use the outer corners of your eyebrows to form a triangle shape from your hairline. This gives you a clean, defined area to work with. Mist this section with water until it’s damp, not soaking wet, and comb it straight down.
Choosing Your Cutting Technique
How you hold your hair makes all the difference. For a soft, textured look, try point cutting. Instead of cutting straight across, hold the shears vertically and make small, upward snips into the ends of your hair. This technique removes length without creating a harsh, blunt line. If you prefer a very precise, straight-across fringe, you can carefully guide the shears horizontally, but point cutting is generally more forgiving for beginners.
Trimming a Little at a Time
This is the golden rule of cutting your own fringe: always cut less than you think you need to. It’s much easier to go back and trim another tiny bit than it is to fix a cut that’s too short. Start by trimming just a quarter of an inch. Then, blot your fringe dry with a towel to see how it falls. You can always reassess and trim a little more if needed. Remember, hair can spring up slightly once it’s fully dry.
With a calm approach and these simple steps, you can maintain your fringe between salon appointments. Taking your time and making small, careful adjustments will help you achieve a fresh look you’ll be happy with.