Questions for wavies/curlies who self trim

[Lostsoule77]

How do you do it? I need specifics, and if you've tried different methods what worked best? Do you use Feye's self trim method? Do you do it wet or dry?

A little back story for why I'm asking. Growing up my mother always cut my hair, then my sister. Once my sister moved away I've trimmed just the front by myself, had 3 salon cuts, and did it once myself (dry hair using Feye's method for a u trim.) My last trim was January of this year at the George Michael salon where they cut off 3 inches. Before that it was when I joined here and used Feye's method. Before that 2 regular salons. Both of which took off way more than I wanted while commenting on how healthy my hair was. So why did they cut off so much? I can't afford the GM salon again. So I'm left with doing it myself. The first time I did Feye's method I wasn't so happy with my result and cutting just the front is not a real option. ;)

My ends are tangly and clearly need to be trimmed. Yes, I s&d, oil, and have clarified multiple times (over months.) I've never used permanent dye, but my ends (from about apl down actually) have multiple demi permanent dye jobs as well as one set of highlights in them. Plus pre lhc treatment. Mine wasn't as bad as some, but worse than others. It's obvious in my braid taper.

Anyway, I would greatly appreciate any and all tips you can provide. I think I'm just going to microtrim for a bit to see if it helps before doing a big trim. TIA!

[TiaKitty]

I used the "compact cut" method, which gives layers. Have you seen that thread?

[TiaKitty]

Here's a link to a recent thread... http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=117777

[Lostsoule77]

Thank you!

I forgot to mention that I did try using the search function, but didn't get very far. ;) I'll check that out, but I'm not really looking to cut layers. In fact, I'm trying to get less of the U I have now and move towards a blunter hemline. :) Another thing I should've mentioned. (This is why I rarely start threads.)

I did ask my husband to ask his barber when he went in a couple weeks ago if they'd cut a woman's hair. He forgot though.

[melusine963]

I've used Feye's self-trim method, or rather, I've had my sister use it on me. I've done it wet and dry, and it hasn't made any noticeable difference either way. I look down at the floor to get a straight hemline.

[TiaKitty]

Oh, then definitely don't use the compact cut! It gave me layers and a deep V. That's what I wanted, though! :D

[Wildcat Diva]

Thank you!

I forgot to mention that I did try using the search function, but didn't get very far. ;) I'll check that out, but I'm not really looking to cut layers. In fact, I'm trying to get less of the U I have now and move towards a blunter hemline. :) Another thing I should've mentioned. (This is why I rarely start threads.)

I did ask my husband to ask his barber when he went in a couple weeks ago if they'd cut a woman's hair. He forgot though.

I was very happy with my last cut from my husband's barber (a woman). She owns a barber shop in town. I plan on getting it trimmed again next fall (1 1/2 years between trims if I can wait that long). She cut it dry, and I'd tangle teezed my hair that was three days post wash (so a little sebumy, which was good!) She pulled the hair to the sides straight down to the side, which results in a slight U when all the hair is in the back. She cut just about exactly what I wanted, about an inch.

I was very happy with this trim. Here's an example of how it looked back in April right about the time past when I'd trimmed. It's longer now thank goodness.
http://imageshack.us/a/img10/6047/photomar30144703.jpg

[nobeltonya]

Somewhat wavy here, and I do it wet after I've washed, applied leave-in and combed. I just stand straight and hold it as far down in the back as I can and pinch it b/w my fingers, then [holding tight so it doesn't move] bring it around to the front and trim. I just dust the ends every 2 weeks or so.. no major cuts. :disco:

[lapushka]

You might want to check out the compact cut methods, one of them is mentioned here:
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=117777 (ponytail on forehead method, for short layers)

The other method is where you put the ponytail on top of your head (for somewhat longer layers)

[Lostsoule77]

Thank you all! I appreciate all the feedback. :D

Wildcat Diva my husband's barber shop actually has two older gentlemen and one woman. The men usually do a better job on him. I wonder if the woman would do better on me.

[Wildcat Diva]

I don't know. You might try talking with her, you might go along with DH and see if you can get a feel. I ended up getting my trim on a whim when I was there with DH, and I was talking about my plans to grow long hair. I was direct with her about what my goals were, and she was understanding. I felt I was able to trust her, which was why I hopped in the chair. I wouldn't have done so if I didn't feel confident in her. You could always feel it out once or twice before you decide.

[Firefox7275]

I wet cut using ponytail or knock off Crea Clip, it's a bit of a hatchet job since my under layers are looser wave than the front/ canopy. In between I go to a ladies barber type place or occasionally a hairdressing school where they are WELL supervised (UK most hairdressing schools are in state run colleges not private or commercial). My hair is always wet cut, I'd have a dry cut if I could get to a curly hair specialist.

[TrapperCreekD]

I used Feye's blunt cut instructions to even up my hemline that was slightly longer one side - I think I did it dry, I can't remember. When my mom trims my ends, she wet cuts. For face framing stuff or anything in the front, I always do dry because shrinkage, that way I can always make it shorter if I want.

[CurlyCap]

I cut the ends of each curl: 0.5-1" cut perpedicular to the curl. I work my way through each curl every 6 months and call it quits.

I always have nice ends, it looks blunt, and since I never straighten no one will ever know the difference.

[Lostsoule77]

Thank you all for your help! Seems like there are a lot of options. I'll figure something out. :D

[Wildcat Diva]

I cut the ends of each curl: 0.5-1" cut perpedicular to the curl. I work my way through each curl every 6 months and call it quits.

I always have nice ends, it looks blunt, and since I never straighten no one will ever know the difference.

I'm thinking now of dusting, using a combination of Feye's for a U shape, and maybe cleaning up my curls/waves with this method afterwards as needed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWuQ7lJrPb4

[sumidha]

I use Feye's self trim method on wet, very conditioned, detangled hair. My waves are loose enough that if I soak my hair in conditioner and comb thoroughly, I can get it straight enough for long enough to trim. I think that is probably the deciding factor in whether to try it or not- can you get your hair to act straight-ish for a minute or two, or are the curls too tight to be stretched out.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

I trim on damp hair using a Crea clip, it gives a tidy finish and very gentle U shape.

[Wisé]

The first time I did Feye's method I wasn't so happy with my result and cutting just the front is not a real option. ;)

I think it might help if you could specify what you are looking for in a trim, e.g. by pointing out what you didn't like with the Feye trim result.
This way our answers can be tailored more to your needs.

[bunzfan]

I find cutting my hair dry is the best way far more accurate for us wavies.

[lapushka]

I find cutting my hair dry is the best way far more accurate for us wavies.

Same way we trim here! On dry hair that has lost almost all its wave pattern (and is ready for a wash - the oiliness and flatness even helps).