top of page
Search

Problems and Benefits of DIY Haircuts for Men

Updated: Jan 10

The convenience and cost-saving nature have made Self-haircuts extremely popular among men these days. Despite their advantages, they do come with their own set of challenges. In this discussion, we will explore the benefits and issues associated with self-grooming, with a specific focus on shaving the neckline, blending the hair, and creating guidelines for fade cuts. By gaining a better understanding of how to address these challenges, individuals can achieve excellent results in self-grooming and attain their desired look at a fraction of the cost and time involved!


Problem 1: Mystery of shaving the neck hairline

Achieving a clean and well-defined neckline is undoubtedly the biggest challenge when attempting a self-haircut. One also needs proper tools, the correct technique, and clear visibility to maintain a straight neck hairline. The absence of any of these three elements unfortunately results in an outcome that is crooked and jagged. Multiple mirrors positioned at different angles are necessary to have a clear and complete view of the back of the head. Additionally, people often require extra assistance in positioning the clippers correctly. Although there are many types of stencils available in the market, none have yet been successful in consistently delivering great results. Consequently, the fear of making embarrassing mistakes while attempting self-haircuts discourages people from even making an initial attempt. Solution: When tackling the neck hairline, it is essential to use multiple mirrors to ensure a clear view from different angles. A template that works as a barrier for the hair clippers can play an important role in blocking the clipper from entering unwanted areas. A slow and cautious approach is crucial at this stage. Additionally, using a double-edged razor can help achieve a more precise line.


Problem 2: Mastery of blending the hair

Another significant challenge in achieving a good haircut is seamlessly blending different hair lengths. Many men often encounter difficulties in achieving smooth transitions, especially when creating faded and taper haircut. This, in turn, leads to a disjoined and unflattering appearance, clearly revealing amateur haircutting skills to everyone, and "I tried it" is not a good hairstyle.


Solution: It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the sizes of the clipper guards before cutting your hair. Guard sizes are indicated by numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, corresponding to lengths of 3, 6, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and 32 millimeters, respectively. Begin with a smaller guard size at the nape of the neck and keep increasing the guard numbers as you move upwards. A safe strategy involves using hair clippers with a closed lever for cutting and an open lever for blending between the hair lengths. It is advisable to be start with simpler hairstyles in the beginning. As you gain experience, you can try more intricate and stylish haircuts such as low, crew, mid, and high fades.


Pro tip: Move the clippers in a 'C' shape from the bottom to the top. The clippers should come close to the hair, cut them, and then move away in a 'C' shape.


Problem 3: Creating Fade Guidelines

People often use hats, head bands or other inappropriate aids to attempt fades, which rarely helps to achieve a smooth and well-defined gradient. Even experts can make mistakes without the right tools. Creating guidelines for a fade or taper haircut is a complex task that requires attention to detail and a keen eye. Uneven fades or abrupt transitions can make the haircut appear unprofessional and sloppy.



Solution: Once again, it is essential to be familiar with the available tools and their techniques. Maintain a steady hand, use multiple mirrors, make gradual adjustments, and continually assess as you create a guideline. It helps to start from the sides and move slowly towards the neck. Having a well-defined blueprint helps the cut stay organized and avoids over-cutting in certain areas of the hair.


DIY haircuts have the following benefits.

Ultimate skill in personal grooming: Research conducted by Davies et al. 2017 has proved that a well-maintained haircut enhances facial features, improves perceived attractiveness, and boosts self-confidence. However, maintaining a sharp look can be challenging due to the time, cost, and inconvenience of the salon frequent visits. An unkempt and disorderly look can significantly impact our self-image and social interactions negatively.


DIY haircut presents itself not only as a practical option but a convenient one for men striving to consistently maintain their sharp looks. Men have successfully mastered the art of trimming and shaving their facial hair, which in itself requires precision and attention to detail. Nonetheless, However, unnecessary fears or hesitation often arises when it comes to cutting their own hair.


Consistency in Appearance: Men tend to look their best and showcase a sharp appearance during the initial days following a haircut. However, after about ten days (research done in 2018 by Thompson et al), their hair begins to lose its intended shape and style, prompting the need for a fresh cut. As time progresses, the gradual hair growth becomes more noticeable, particularly at the back and the sides of the head. Given that most men typically get a haircut every 3-4 weeks, they go around with this unkempt look for 1-2 weeks in the interim period. This disparity and decline in appearance impact their overall presentation and confidence. DIY haircuts not only offers a cost-saving solution but also provide a convenient way to maintain the desired looks and ensuring that men can consistently look sharp and confident at all times.


Cost Effectiveness: One area that is often overlooked for saving money is the recurring expenditure on haircuts. The individual cost of each haircut accumulates to a significant amount over time. $30 haircut every 4 weeks amounts to $390 annually. A man of 70 years ends up spending a sizeable amount of $27300 on his haircuts. This calculation doesn’t even account for potential increases in the haircut costs, travelling, tips and other factors. For families with of 2 or 3 children, the expenses increase exponentially.

DIY haircuts provide an economical alternative. The initial investment in quality grooming tools is next to negligible, yet it yields significant savings in both time and money. Just the regular touch-ups between the salon visits helps maintain the looks and helps save the money. So why not embrace the art of DIY haircuts and trim your expenses?


Stylist in a bag: The ability to cut your hair anytime liberates you from the need to search for a salon or waiting for appointments. Having the right tools and the skill to cut your hair make you your own hair stylist. This is probably the only possible option for someone who wishes to keep polished looks all the time.


Numerous industries such as Airlines, Media, Sales, Real Estate, Finance and Banking demand consistently well-groomed appearance. Unfortunately, professionals in these field often grapple with demanding schedules that hinder regular salon visits. Conversely, occupations like Armed Forces, Offshore Word and Shipping Crew lack easy access to salons altogether. This tool equips individuals in these roles with the ability to skillfully manage their haircuts. By maintaining their desired looks, it fosters self-confidence and enhances their overall professional image.


In conclusion, the practice of DIY haircuts has its own advantages and challenges. Achieving a well-defined neckline, seamless blending and creating fade guidelines requires practice and meticulous attention to detail. Nevertheless, the convenience, cost-savings, and having control on one’s looks makes it rewarding pursuit. Research consistently indicates that a well-maintained haircut enhances the facial features, boosts perceived attractiveness, and exudes self-confidence. Moreover, the frequent and costly salon visits render self-haircuts a pragmatic alternative. By investing in quality tools, mastering proper techniques, and integrating grooming into their routine, men can maintain their sharp looks consistently while also saving money in the long run.

47 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page