How to Cut Your Own Hair with Clippers

Using clippers to cut your own hair is easier than you think. With basic technique and the right setup, you can save money and get clean results at home. 

This guide shows you how to choose guards, cut sides and back, and avoid common mistakes. Your first attempt takes practice, but the steps are simple to follow.

What You Need

Essential Tools:

• Hair clippers with guard attachments
• Large mirror
• Small handheld mirror (for back)
• Comb
• Towel
• Spray bottle with water

Optional:

• Clipper oil
• Hair scissors for top
• Cape to catch hair

Good quality clippers cut smoothly. Cheap ones pull hair and give uneven cuts.

Guard Numbers Explained

Guards control length. Lower number = shorter hair:

• #1: 3mm - Very short
• #2: 6mm - Short buzz
• #3: 9mm - Medium short
• #4: 12mm - Moderate length
• #5-8: 14-25mm - Longer styles

Start with #3 or #4 for safety. You can always go shorter, but you can't add hair back.

According to how clippers work, guards prevent cutting too short by accident.

Before You Start

Always cut dry hair. Wet hair stretches and looks different when dry. You'll end up way shorter than expected.

Wash and completely dry your hair first. Comb it in the direction it naturally grows.

Set up near good lighting. Natural light shows problems better than bathroom bulbs.

Video: How to Cut Your Own Hair
Watch this tutorial to see proper hand positioning and technique.

Step 1: Cut the Sides

Attach your chosen guard (#3 or #4).

1. Start at bottom near ear
2. Move clippers upward against hair growth
3. Use smooth, steady strokes
4. Tilt blade slightly out as you go up
5. Repeat until side is even

Do one side completely, then the other. Use first side as your guide for symmetry.

Step 2: Cut the Back

Hold handheld mirror behind your head. Look at bathroom mirror to see reflection.

Use same guard as sides. Move bottom to top in smooth strokes.

Stop often to check both sides match. The back is hardest because you can't see it directly.

Step 3: Blend with Shorter Guard (Optional)

For a fade, switch one guard shorter (#2 if you used #3).

Cut only lower half of sides and back. Use light flicking motions outward to blend.

This softens the line between lengths for a cleaner look.

Step 4: Trim the Top

For best control, use scissors on top.

1. Lightly spray top with water
2. Comb hair straight up
3. Hold small section between fingers
4. Cut just above fingers
5. Work across top in small sections

Or use longer guard (#6-8) on clippers if you want uniform length.

A complete home grooming set includes clippers and scissors for versatile cuts.

Step 5: Clean Up Edges

Remove all guards. Define sideburns and neckline.

Hold clippers at 90-degree angle to skin. Move against hair growth with controlled strokes.

Be careful—no guard means it cuts everything it touches.

Check both sideburns match. Use cheekbone as guide for even height.

Step 6: Check Your Work

Use both mirrors to see every angle.

Look for uneven spots or lines. Go over problem areas with appropriate guard.

Comb hair different ways. Sometimes issues only show from certain angles.

Common Mistakes

Starting Too Short: Always begin longer. You can cut more but can't fix too short.

Cutting Wet: Hair shrinks when dry, looking much shorter than expected.

Rushing: First cuts take 45-60 minutes. Speed comes with practice.

Not Checking Symmetry: Stop often to compare both sides.

Pressing Too Hard: Light pressure works better. Hard pressure causes uneven results.

Learn proper grooming safety practices to avoid skin irritation.

Maintaining Your Cut

Weekly: Touch up neckline and sideburns (5 minutes)

Every 2-4 weeks: Full cut depending on growth speed

Clipper Care:

• Brush hair off blades after use
• Oil blades weekly
• Store in dry place

Tools from Bestbomg last years with proper care.

Buzz Cut vs Crew Cut

Buzz Cut: Same guard all over. Easiest for beginners. Takes 10-15 minutes.

Crew Cut: Short sides, longer top. Needs scissors and fading skills. Takes 30-45 minutes.

Start with buzz cuts to learn clipper control.

When to See a Barber

Get professional help for:

• Your first short haircut
• Fixing major mistakes
• Important events needing perfect results
• Complex designs or patterns

According to hair care guidelines, regular cuts every 4-6 weeks keep hair healthy.

Tips for Success

Practice first. Ask friends or family if you can practice on them.

Go slow. Multiple light passes beat one aggressive pass.

Use natural light. Shows details artificial light hides.

Watch tutorials. YouTube has hundreds of technique videos.

Invest in quality. Good clippers cut smoother and last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use clippers to cut my own hair?

Yes. Start with longer guards and work slowly. First cuts need practice but basics are simple.

How to hold clippers when cutting your own hair?

Grip like a handshake. Keep wrist straight, move whole arm. Point blade perpendicular to scalp, move against hair growth.

How to use hair clippers for beginners?

Use dry hair and #3-4 guard. Cut sides bottom-to-top against growth. Use mirror for back. Start longer—you can always cut more.

How do I cut my hair at home by myself for men?

Dry hair completely. Use #3-4 guard on sides and back moving upward. Optional: use shorter guard on lower half for fade. Scissors or longer guard for top. Clean edges with no guard.

Should I cut hair wet or dry?

Always dry. Wet hair stretches and shrinks when dry, looking much shorter.

What are the common self haircut mistakes?

Starting too short, cutting wet, rushing, not checking both sides match, pressing too hard, skipping blade oil.

Start Cutting with Confidence

Cutting your own hair takes practice but basics are straightforward. Start with longer guards, work slowly, check often.

Browse complete grooming tool kits with everything you need to start today.