Tools for Cutting Your Own Hair

Cutting your hair to some degree is necessary, no matter how you choose to wear it. This reduces the amount of breakage that is caused by split ends and helps you to maintain a well groomed appearance. While having your hair done at a salon ensures a certain quality, you can learn to cut it yourself at home when using the right tools.

• Shears - A pair of shears, or scissors, is the most basic tool needed when cutting any type of hair. A good pair of scissors for home use can be purchased for less than $50, however professional shears can sell for well over $100. When buying shears, it is important to buy a pair that's sharp and comfortable to handle. They should be no longer than six inches and should not feel stiff or difficult to move. To keep your scissor sharp, never use them for anything other than cutting hair.


• Combs - A cutting comb is as important to hair cutting as the scissors. It is used for certain cutting techniques as well as to section, smooth and guide the hair to the necessary angle for cutting. A good cutting comb has evenly spaced teeth that are narrow on one end and wider on the opposite end.


• Hair Clips - Hair clips are used for the purpose of holding uncut hair out of the way. These can be plastic hair clips or metal duckbill clips.


• Thinning Shears - Thinning scissors are used to remove thickness from hair. They are primarily used on hair that is dry.


• Razors - Razors are used for tapering or thinning wet hair. 


• Clippers - Hair clippers are a type of electric cutting tool that is used on dry hair for very close cuts. In addition, clippers are used for cleaning up excess hair from the neckline, around ears and sideburns. Trimmers are also often called cllippers, but they are smaller in size and used primarily for removing hair around the neckline and sideburns.