How to Cut a Boy’s Hair

It’s easier, quicker, and cheaper to cut your child’s hair than to bring him to a stylist. So why not just do it yourself?

Warning
Haircutting scissors are sharp, so handle them carefully. And keep them out of your child’s reach!

Step 1: Use haircutting scissors
Use scissors specifically made for haircutting. You may want a few different types for different cutting needs.

Tip
Beveled blades are best for layered cuts because they have one serrated edge. Short blades make it easier to trim around the ears and the back of the neck, and long blades are good for thick hair.

Step 2: Sit him down
Sit your child somewhere that puts his head near your eye level, like on a countertop or a stool. Just make sure he’s in no danger of falling. You can also sit him on the floor on top of a sheet and kneel behind him.

Step 3: Occupy him
Keep him from getting squirmy by putting on a favorite TV show or DVD.

Step 4: Wet his hair
Put a towel around his neck. Then, dampen his hair with a spray bottle, and comb it through.

Step 5: Begin at the neck
Bend his neck forward so he’s bowing his head, and comb the hair above the neck straight down, stopping at the desired length. Flip the comb up toward you, place the hair between your index and middle fingers, and snip the ends in a straight line. Repeat until all the hair above the neck is the same length.

Tip
Keep in mind that curly hair dries up to two inches shorter, so trim accordingly.

Step 6: Chop the top
Next tackle the top. Start at the back and work your way forward, stopping at the bangs. Comb a one-inch-thick section of hair straight up, pulling it tight between your index and middle fingers. Slide your fingers up to the length you want, and snip.

Step 7: Trim the bangs
Move on to the bangs. Have him hold his head straight and close his eyes. Then, comb the hair down over his forehead and trim a one-quarter-inch wide section of hair in the middle of the forehead. Use this as your guide to cut the bangs on either side, holding the hair between your index and middle fingers.

Step 8: Do the sides
For the sides, go from top to bottom and back to front. Taking sections of hair no bigger than an inch wide, comb the hair and pull it tight between your index and middle fingers. Slide your fingers down the hair to the length you want, and snip the hair that’s below your fingers.

Tip
For a more natural look, hold the hair in your fingers vertically, and cut with the scissors held vertically, the tip pointing up.

Step 9: Show him how he looks
Take a step back and look at the big picture to make sure you haven’t missed any spots. Now show him how good his hair looks—and be sure to thank him for being such a good 'client.'

Did You Know?
Blondes have more hair follicles than brunettes, and redheads have the fewest.