Gather sharp hair-cutting scissors, a fine-tooth comb, clips, a spray bottle, and a mirror
Wash and detangle the hair
Dampen the hair slightly if cutting straight styles
Section the hair into manageable parts
Start with small cuts
Cut less than you think you need
Keep the hair evenly combed before each cut
Trim the ends first for a simple maintenance cut
Use the comb to guide the length
Cut vertically into the ends for a softer finish
Check both sides for evenness
Cut curly hair dry or only slightly damp
Use clips to isolate sections while cutting
Trim bangs in very small increments
Stand in good lighting
Use a second mirror to check the back
Clean up stray hairs after finishing
Avoid using kitchen scissors
Stop and recheck often to prevent cutting too much