Pixie Perfect: How to Trim Your Own Hair

Back in January, around my eighteenth birthday, I decided to finally give in to my desired hair cut despite my fears that my face was too round and chubby. I went to a nice salon and had about a foot of hair chopped off in exchange for a nice pixie cut. It was probably the best choice I've made this year, because I am very pleased with this style. There's only one problem: the upkeep.

No, I don't mean using products and styling it. I never do that. Mostly because I don't need to, partially because I am far too lazy. I am talking about getting it recut every two months. Even though I go to the cheap places for that (like Great Clips etc.), it is still more expensive than I would like it to be. So, I have taught myself to reshape my own pixie cut.

That may not be worded correctly. I went with my gut feelings and hacked at my hair until it resembled something half decent. Don't listen to what I am saying if you are hesitant and have never tried trimming your hair before. I used to cut my own bangs all the time, so I had at least some idea of what I was doing. You're probably better off going to a legitimate hair dresser if you want something polished and clean-looking. I wanted a choppier style, so this is okay for me. Without further ado...


Here's what I used:

• hair scissors
• fine-toothed comb
• spray bottle
• hand mirror
• hat (in case of awful aftermath)

I started with what bothered me most: the hair around my ears. I cut around the ear, then polished the area around it, snipping it at slight angles to it didn't look so straight-edge.

Then, I followed the line of hair to the back of my neck. This part was tricky. Like most people,  I only have two hands and one set of eyes. I cut off the longer pieces at the back before moving on higher, evening out the curve of the hair style with small cutting motions.

The fringe was the easy part, because I've done it plenty of times. I ended up keeping the top of the cut longer, because attempting that is beyond my courage. I finished it up, and I had a hat ready. Thankfully, I don't need it because it turned out just fine. There are some pictures below of some different angles. (Of course, my facial expressions are uncomfortable. I hate taking pictures of myself, so this took many tries.)

 I am going to work more on giving myself my own hair cuts. Honestly, I am a bit of a control freak, so I like to be able to determine what I want to do with my hair rather than leave it in a stranger's hands. I've already practiced on my brother (a Halloween disaster). I think I will stick to using my own hair for testing from now on. I like the result!