Gather sharp hair-cutting scissors, a comb, hair clips, a spray bottle, and a mirror
Wash and dry your hair, or lightly dampen it if you prefer cutting damp hair
Detangle your hair thoroughly
Decide how much hair you want to remove
Section your hair into manageable parts
Start with small cuts to avoid taking off too much
Cut straight across for a blunt trim
Use point-cutting for softer ends
Check both sides for evenness
Cut the back carefully using mirrors or by feeling for balance
Trim slowly and reassess often
Cut less than you think you need
Style and inspect your hair after cutting
Make small touch-ups if needed