Cutting your own hair can be thrilling or terrifying, depending on which style you attempt. Many of us learned this the hard way during lockdowns when we grabbed scissors in desperation.
Before you take the plunge, knowing which styles are beginner-friendly and which lead to salon emergency visits will save you tears and hats.
1. Regret: Pixie Cut
A pixie cut requires precision and technique that most beginners simply don’t have. What looks effortlessly chic on celebrities often ends up choppy and uneven in untrained hands. Professional stylists train for years to master the angles and textures needed for this deceptively complex cut.
2. Success: Simple Trim
Trimming just the ends of your hair is the perfect starter project. You only need to cut in a straight line while hair is wet and combed straight. Even if it’s slightly uneven, the mistake won’t be noticeable once hair dries and falls naturally into place.
3. Regret: Bangs From Scratch
Creating bangs where there were none before is a recipe for disaster. Most first-timers cut them too short, too thick, or completely crooked. Remember: wet hair shrinks when dry! Those perfect-length bangs will suddenly become micro-bangs that won’t grow out for months.
4. Success: Bang Trim
Unlike creating new bangs, trimming existing ones is much more forgiving. The key is cutting less than you think you need – seriously, just dust the ends! Cut bangs when they’re dry and styled as you normally wear them to avoid the shrinkage surprise.
5. Regret: Layers All Over
Creating multiple layers throughout your hair requires understanding how different sections connect. Without this knowledge, you’ll likely end up with disconnected chunks and odd shelves. Those YouTube tutorials make it look easy, but they’re usually done by people with years of experience.
6. Success: Face-Framing Pieces
Adding just two long layers around your face creates instant style without major commitment. These pieces blend easily with the rest of your hair even if they’re not perfect. Plus, they’re usually cut at an angle that’s forgiving of small mistakes.
7. Regret: Blunt Bob
That sleek, perfectly horizontal bob requires expert skill to achieve. The back section is particularly tricky since you can’t see it properly in mirrors. Most DIYers end up with an accidental mullet or a diagonal line instead of the crisp edge they wanted.
8. Success: Long Layers
The popular ponytail cutting method works surprisingly well for adding subtle, long layers. Because the layers start below shoulder length, any small mistakes blend into the overall style. This technique creates movement without dramatically changing your overall look.
9. Regret: Undercut
Buzzing part of your head requires both confidence and skill. Once you start, there’s no turning back until it grows out completely. Many first-timers misjudge the placement or size, ending up with an awkward patch that’s too high, too low, or oddly shaped.
10. Success: Buzzcut
Surprisingly, an all-over buzzcut is one of the easiest DIY styles. With the right guard length on your clippers, you simply run them over your entire head. Even if some spots are slightly uneven, the overall look appears intentional rather than mistaken.
11. Regret: Asymmetrical Cut
An intentionally uneven cut still requires precise execution. The irony? Creating controlled asymmetry actually demands more skill than symmetrical styles. Without proper technique, your edgy statement cut quickly becomes a “I had an accident with scissors” look.
12. Success: U-Shaped Trim
Creating a gentle U-shape at the back of your hair is surprisingly achievable. The natural curve prevents any small inconsistencies from being obvious. This shape actually works with your hair’s natural tendency to hang longer in the middle, making it forgiving for beginners.
13. Regret: Shag Haircut
The trendy shag requires multiple layers at various lengths that must connect seamlessly. Despite looking effortlessly cool, it’s actually one of the most technically challenging cuts. Most DIYers end up with disconnected chunks rather than the rockstar texture they wanted.
14. Success: Curtain Bangs
Longer, side-swept curtain bangs forgive many cutting sins. Their gradual blend into the rest of your hair hides minor mistakes, and their length means you won’t have that “too short” panic. The middle part creates a natural guide for keeping things symmetrical.
15. Regret: Dramatic Color Change
Going from dark to platinum or attempting vibrant colors often leads to orange disasters or damaged hair. The chemistry involved is complex and varies based on your starting color. Many DIYers underestimate the multiple sessions required for dramatic transformations.
16. Success: Temporary Color Spray
Color sprays and chalks give you bold looks without commitment. They wash out with your next shampoo, making them perfect for experimenting with wild colors. Even if application isn’t perfect, the temporary nature means any mistakes disappear quickly.