Gather sharp hair scissors, a comb, a spray bottle, a mirror, and a cape or towel
Wash and dry your hair, or dampen it slightly for easier control
Work with clean, detangled hair
Decide how much hair you want to remove
Start with small sections
Comb the hair straight down before cutting
Hold the section between your fingers at the length you want to keep
Cut a little at a time
Use small, careful snips instead of big cuts
Check both sides often in the mirror
Cut the back in small sections using two mirrors if needed
Trim the sides evenly
For a fade or short cut, use clippers with the correct guard
Move the clippers upward in smooth, even strokes
Blend different guard lengths gradually
Trim the neckline and around the ears carefully
Use the point-cutting method for a more natural finish
Recheck the overall shape before making final cuts
Clean up loose hairs after finishing
Stop if you are unsure and leave more length for a later trim