Gather sharp hair scissors, a comb, clips, a mirror, and a spray bottle with water
Wash and dry your hair, or lightly dampen it if you want easier control
Start with clean, detangled hair
Decide how much length you want to remove before cutting
Cut less than you think you need to
Work in small sections
Use clips to separate the top, sides, and back
Comb each section straight before cutting
Trim the ends gradually
Keep your fingers parallel to the floor when cutting the top
Cut the sides evenly by comparing both sides in the mirror
Use the mirror to check the back and neckline
Cut the back in small, careful snips
Follow your natural hairline for the neckline
Blend uneven areas by trimming tiny amounts at a time
Check both sides often for symmetry
Use point cutting for a softer finish
Avoid cutting too high around the ears
Trim the bangs slowly if you have them
Stop and recheck before removing more hair
Clean up loose hairs after finishing