men · haircut advice
How to Cut Your Own Hair atHome (Men)
How men can cut their own hair at home, from a one-guard buzz to a simple taper, with the tools needed, step-by-step instructions, and what to leave to a barber.
Hairover Team
A one-length buzz is by far the easiest cut to do yourself. You will need a clipper, a mirror, and about ten minutes. A simple taper is possible with practice, but true fades are hard, particularly on the back of your own head. Start long, because you can always cut more.
What you need
- A set of clippers with guards
- A trimmer for edges, if you have one
- A hand mirror, or a phone to film the back
- A cape or an old towel
- A cleaning brush and blade oil
Cheap clippers can pull hair and cut unevenly, so buy the best you can reasonably afford. Check the size of your guards with our haircut numbers chart, because they can vary.
How to do a buzz cut
- Start with clean, dry hair. Wet hair clumps and clogs the blades.
- Fit a longer guard than you think you want. A #4 is a sensible first try.
- Cut against the growth. Hair grows in different directions, so go over each area from several angles.
- Do the top, then the sides, then the back.
- Check with a mirror. Feel for longer patches with your fingers.
- Go shorter if you want, one guard at a time.
- Tidy the sideburns and neckline with the trimmer.
For more on styles and length, see our buzz cut guide.
How to do a simple taper
This one takes more practice.
- Cut your sides and back with your longest chosen guard, such as a #4.
- Switch to a shorter guard (#3), and cut up to a line a little above the ears.
- Use a #2 and cut up to a lower line, about an inch above your neckline and at your sideburns.
- Flick the clipper outward at each line, in a scooping motion, to soften the transition.
- Use the clipper lever to make the steps smoother.
- Tidy the edges.
Leave the top to scissors or a longer guard. If it doesn’t look quite right, you can usually get a barber to tidy it up. Our comparison of fade vs. taper explains the differences.
The back of your head
This is where most DIY cuts go wrong.
- Use video. Prop up your phone and film yourself, or take photos as you go.
- Go slowly. Short strokes, with the guard flat against your head.
- Keep it simple. A natural neckline is easier than a straight, blocked one.
- Ask for help. A friend can tidy your neck in a minute, even without experience.
What to leave to a barber
- Skin fades and high-contrast blends
- Line-ups and sharp hairlines
- Scissor work on the top, beyond a basic trim
- Curly or coily hair with a complex shape
- Fixing a mistake you can’t see
A good compromise is to see a barber for the full cut, then do small clean-ups at home to stretch the gap.
Clean your tools
Brush out the hair and oil the blades after each cut. Don’t share clippers without cleaning them, and replace guards or blades if they begin to pull. It’s also a good idea to keep them away from any irritated skin.
Is DIY worth it?
If you wear a buzz, clippers often pay for themselves quickly. See how much a haircut costs to compare. For anything more complex, a skilled barber is usually worth paying for, as a repair costs more.
Related guides
Decide before you plug in
Even a simple clipper cut is hard to undo. Upload a clear photo to Hairover, get a hair analysis, and try hairstyles on your own face in Style Studio to see if a short cut suits you.
FAQ
What is the easiest haircut to do yourself?
A one-length buzz cut. It uses one guard all over, so there is no blending to worry about. Just be sure to start with a longer guard than you think you want.
Can I give myself a fade at home?
You can learn, but it is difficult, especially at the back. A basic taper is a more realistic goal. Practice with longer guards first, or ask a friend to help with the back.
How do I cut the back of my own head?
Use a second mirror, or a phone on video. Move slowly, and use a longer guard than you would at the sides. Some people ask someone else to check or finish the neckline.
