If I had to pick one condition or deal breaker that my husband had prior to marrying me, it was that I had to know how to cut his hair. His mom did it for him growing up, and he really wanted to have a wife who would do the same. So, he got me some scissors and clippers and… I learned. Four little boys later, I am very grateful to my hubby for enabling me to learn this little trade!
And because I know lots of other moms with little boys who would also love to save those trips to the salon, here’s a quick tutorial on how to do a basic little boys’ haircut.
Please note that I am in no way a professional hair stylist. I did not go to beauty school; I taught myself completely by trial and error. I just do what works for us!
I wet the hair first.
Some people say to cut the hair dry. I’ve tried it, but my kids hate the little hairs floating up their nose and in their mouths!
Decide how much you want to take off the top.
If you are going for a buzz cut (think summer!), there’s no need to use the scissors; just use a larger guard on the clippers. The key is just going across the top from every angle so you don’t have any unevenness and a clumpy looking ‘do.
After you’re done with the top, it’s time to bust out the clippers.
Figure out what size guard to use; I usually go with 3/8″ or a long 1/4″
You can also do this step prior to the top of the head, if you want. It can be done either way.
Start in the back and go up to the natural point of the skull, then work your way around each side, going a little higher on the sides compared to the back of the head.
Even Up and Blend
After your done with the top and using the clippers on the back and sides, you will need to even up and blend those longer locks on top with the shorter, close cut off the back and sides.
You’re almost done. The hard parts are over!
Next you want to clean up around the neck and ears.
When going around the ears, be sure to use just the corner of the clippers and to not get too close to the skin. That skin around the ears is delicate and will get nicked really easily (sadly, I’ve done it way too many times!)
You can also get a smaller set of clippers, which are way easier to use around the ears; I just didn’t have a working set at the time I took these pictures.
And then you’re all done! Give yourself a pat on the back!
I use this same process for all of my boys, all of whom have different thicknesses and textures of hair, no matter how long or short I am leaving the top or sides.
