Hi! Below are instructions for the straight-across, the V-shaped and the U-shaped trim.

I've experimented with trimming my hair for a couple of years, and this is what I've come up with. These instructions have been online for a couple of years, but recently re-located here due to getting deleted from the old server without warning (probably due to inactivity). Anyway, I love this forum format, so no harm done.

A couple of years ago I started to trim on my own after going to a hair dresser who didn't succeed in trimming my hair the way I requested. I decided to take matters into my own hands. I read someone's instructions in a discussion forum about how to trim the hair in a V-shape, and I stuck with those instructions for a while. However, I wanted a different shape of my ends, and soon started to experiment with new trimming techniques. I came up with one for a slight U-shape, and one for a straight-across cut. Since I know there are many of us out there who want to be in charge of our own hair, I decided to put the instructions up on this page. Enjoy!

Please note that I myself have slightly wavy hair. Any un-evenness caused by the trim might show up easier on completely straight hair. Also, re-doing the steps several times to make sure no hairs have been forgotten ensures a trim that is as exact as possible. A friend or family member might also be good to have at hand to help with the trim. Especially the first times you trim on your own. Also, if you aim for a one inch trim, please start out with 1/4 inch instead. Especially if you're not used to trimming your own hair.

This is a trimming method for those who want hair that is blunt at the ends, whether it's straight-across, U-shaped or V-shaped. My hair is midback length, and I cut my hair dry. Please feel free to modify this method to suit your own hair and preferences. Just remember to have really sharp scissors when trimming your hair, preferably real hair trimming scissors, otherwise they will just damage your ends and cause split ends.

Well, now on to the pics and instructions :) I've made one post for each, just to make it easier to view.

Note that I am in the process of updating the instructions with larger pictures, and that I might alter the instructions slightly if I think of something new.

/Feye

This produces ends that are cut straight-across.

( Instructions for the straight-across trim... )

This was the method I learned when I first started to trim my hair. It seems to work especially good on wavy or curly hair.

( Instructions for the V-shaped trim... )

For a slight U-shape to the ends.

( Instructions for the U-shaped trim... )

I think it would be neat to gather all the hair trimming advice in one place. Feel welcome to comment if you have any thoughts or ideas about hair trimming. Perhaps you trim your own hair? I'd love to hear about it. If you don't go to a hairdresser, then how do you go about it? Make a comment and share your hair trimming tips and tricks. I know there's a lot of knowledge out there, and I'd personally be thrilled to learn new things. Every hair length requires a slightly different technique, so hair trimming ideas for both longer and shorter lengths are also welcome.

Love,
Feye