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How to Cut Your Own Hair at Home With a Clipper (Step-by-Step Guide)
Cutting your own hair at home saves time and money, and with the right clipper, it’s easier than you think. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to get a clean, even haircut at home.
What You Need
- A good hair clipper with guide combs. See our hair clippers.
- A trimmer for edges and neckline (optional but helpful)
- Two mirrors: one in front, one hand mirror for the back
- A comb and a towel or cape
Understanding Guard (Comb) Sizes
Guide combs control how much hair is left. Most clippers use a numbering system where each number adds about 3mm:
| Guard | Approx. hair length | Look |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | 3mm | Very short, skin visible |
| #2 | 6mm | Short, classic for sides |
| #3 | 10mm | Short-medium |
| #4 | 13mm | Medium, soft look on top |
Guard sizes can be slightly different between brands, so always check the markings on your own combs. Tip: always start with a longer guard. You can always cut more, but you can’t put hair back!
Step-by-Step: Cutting Your Own Hair
- Start with clean, dry hair. Clippers cut dry hair much more evenly. Comb out any knots.
- Charge your clipper fully. A clipper with a battery display helps you avoid running out mid-cut.
- Cut the sides first. Attach your chosen guard (e.g. #2) and move the clipper upward against the direction of hair growth, from the bottom of the sides toward the top of your head.
- Do the back carefully. Use the hand mirror and move slowly in short upward strokes. Keep the clipper flat against your head.
- Blend into the top. Switch to a longer guard (e.g. #3 or #4) for the area where the sides meet the top, to avoid a harsh line.
- Cut the top. Use a longer guard, or scissors if you want to keep length on top.
- Clean the edges. Use a trimmer without a guard to tidy around the ears, sideburns and neckline. A detail trimmer like the Kemei KM-PG802 makes this easy.
- Check and fix. Run your hand over your head to feel for uneven spots and go over them once more.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting with a guard that is too short
- Pressing too hard or moving too fast
- Cutting wet hair
- Forgetting to oil the blades, which causes pulling
Looking After Your Clipper
Brush out hair after every cut and add a drop of clipper oil to the blades regularly. A well-maintained clipper stays sharp longer and won’t pull your hair.
Which Clipper Is Best for Home Haircuts?
For beginners we recommend a complete set like the Kemei KM-1804 Hair Clipper Set. Compare more options in our guide to the best trimmers in Pakistan.
Shop original hair clippers at Groomers.pk, with Cash on Delivery and a 7-day checking warranty.