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How To Get A Haircut At Home (And Not Look Like A Fool On Zoom)

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[Note by “Mantic59”–I don’t know about your area, but the world-wide health crisis closed barbershops in my area for a long time.  Now some are open, with varying degrees of mandated safeguards. Some more successful than others.  But what if you feel uncomfortable going to a barbershop just yet, even if they are open? Can you get an acceptable hair cut at home?  I asked a few Sharpologist contributors who also happen to be barbers for their advice.]

There have been lots of routines affected by all of the upheavals during 2020. Some of the places that we used to depend on for regular service have had hours, opening times, and availability trimmed. And in addition, some people have realized they aren’t comfortable, yet, doing things like dining out in a restaurant or getting their hair cut.

That has led a lot of people to depend on takeout for the former, and learn to trim their hair for the latter service. However, just because you have a pair of scissors doesn’t mean you should start chopping away on your head quite yet. There are a few tools that are handy to have, and a few techniques that you can make use of in order to do a better job at a man’s haircut. What should you invest in and what you can you learn to be reasonably good at this at home? This graphic offers some ideas.

Iain Kane – Village Barber

“It is always best to allow a qualified and experienced barber to cut your hair and sometimes, such as with the current pandemic situation, that means simply keeping it as smart as possible as it continues to grow out of your regular style – this may even involve adjusting to a different style until such times as you can reunite with your barber.

However, if you really must have your hair cut by anyone other than a professional, it is always best to buy a quality set of electric barbering clippers that come with a pack of attachments which can be attached to the clippers. These will allow you (or better still, someone else!) to run the clippers over your head for a uniform length all over. Whilst this is a more generic “haircut”, it offers less chance of a “disaster” by you or your partner believing they are the new “best thing in barbering”! Too many times, I’ve had to deal with someone who’s allowed their partner to cut their hair into a “short back and sides” only for it to look more like “the 39 steps”!! You have been warned!”

Craig The Barber – The Men’s Room

“Even though barbershops across the nation have taken on very strict guidelines towards safety, it is completely understandable that 100% confidence will still take time. So, here is a tip that will insure that you’re always the sharpest looking one on your zoom calls.

Necklines, Sideburns and Around the Ears –

These are the three key areas that if trimmed and maintained on a weekly basis, will always create the impression that you’ve never ever skipped your barbershop appointment.
Here’s how you go about this.

Purchase a pair of trimmers and adjustable clippers strong enough to be used potentially multiple times weekly. Clippers must be purchased with comb guards in order to create and maintain your desired hair lengths. And, remember that you can never put the hair back on. So start with the longest length (for example #5 to #4 to #3…) and work your way down. Trimmers can also be purchased with come comb guards however its strength could come into question depending on your hair length. And, also not having the ability to adjust the blades (like clippers) can make it more difficult to achieve balanced hair lengths.

As for recommendations, my bias will always be towards barber grade versions like: Andis, Oster and Wahl. However, Amazon’s customer ratings have become incredibly helpful in choosing the right ones for you.”

From Health Perch:

“…just because you have a pair of scissors doesn’t mean you should start chopping away on your head quite yet. There are a few tools that are handy to have, and a few techniques that you can make use of in order to do a better job at a man’s haircut. What should you invest in and what you can you learn to be reasonably good at this at home?…”

Click/tap here for an infographic they created to help you along.

Have you been cutting your hair at home?  Leave your tips below!

Sharpologist Staff

Sharpologist Staff

4 thoughts on “How To Get A Haircut At Home (And Not Look Like A Fool On Zoom)”

  1. If you can afford it go to a barber. If you really can afford it go to a haircutter. No barber or haircutter. If you have a partner get a hair clipper. If you don’t have a partner get a razor comb. If you or your partner do anything go youTube.com and learn how to do it the right way..

  2. Hey Mark, I’ve been cutting my own hair for years. An Oster Fast-Feed and a Wahl Peanut for trimming around the ears. I use the 1/2” guard on the Fast-Feed for my entire gourd and trim ears (in & around) with the Peanut. No cordless crap here!! My wife trims the neck. Done in 10 minutes. When haircuts went to $15, I went shopping. Over the years, I’ve more than paid for my cutters many times over. No waiting on the “barber line” and I’ll be damned if I’m gonna make a “appointment “ to have my hair slayed. Like the man said, “it’s only hair”!!!!! Semper-fi & This We’ll Defend, Mike

  3. Brian Fiori (AKA The Dean)

    https://www.flowbee.com/

    Ha! I haven’t shaved, or cut my hair, since the pandemic shut things down. I’ll wait to get a good, professional haircut when I feel safe enough to do so.

    It’s just hair. Having a bit too much isn’t going to hurt you.

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