Help with unevenness in my layers, self trim or trip to the hairdresser?

[miss_donya]

So I noticed that the front parts of my hair have gotten very wispy and uneven. I love that my hair never has this problem but I think all of the splits and damage in the front part of my hair in addition to S&Ds on it have taken a toll on the bluntness.
i was planning on trimming my hair for the first time by myself this month on the 8 (Morocco method) however I'm worried about making it worse. I prefer not going to the hair dresser because I don't really trust his cutting measurements and I finally have waist length hair now I really don't wanna go back to square one :( ( like last time ) here are some pictures:
As you can see, it's only on the front part of my hair, and I'm pretty sure my hair dresser won't agree to simply fix that part only :twocents::twocents::twocents:


http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh529/Freeflowinghair/image_zps532ej0dq.jpeg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/Freeflowinghair/media/image_zps532ej0dq.jpeg.html)http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh529/Freeflowinghair/image_zpspllwmzfq.jpeg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/Freeflowinghair/media/image_zpspllwmzfq.jpeg.html)


http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh529/Freeflowinghair/image_zps4kk2cltp.jpeg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/Freeflowinghair/media/image_zps4kk2cltp.jpeg.html)













http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh529/Freeflowinghair/image_zpsdhepniqr.jpeg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/Freeflowinghair/media/image_zpsdhepniqr.jpeg.html)
http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh529/Freeflowinghair/image_zps5ntcxvja.jpeg (http://s1250.photobucket.com/user/Freeflowinghair/media/image_zps5ntcxvja.jpeg.html)

[lapushka]

I would study Feye's self-trimming method. Print the pages out if you need to. And have someone help you for your first time. You can't possibly mess this up more than a hairdresser would take off.

Good luck!

[spidermom]

I can recommend the ponytail under the chin method, which will help you get an absolutely even result.
You part all your length down the middle, or part it where you usually part it in the front, then down the middle in the back. Bring half to the front of each shoulder and join in a ponytail right in front of your neck. Be sure the hair flows forward evenly. It starts like this lllOlll (with the O being the head), then is combed forward like this, covering the ears as it comes forward. \\\O///. I like to close a book over the ponytail and slide it down the length toward the bottom, then cut straight across.

[Dwemeri]

I did my second self trim taking about an inch off in order to even up my also rather uneven hair (my first time I attempted a trim I botched it...but I realize now I just didn't know what I was doing), and it turned out really great! I couldn't be happier.

I second studying Faye's method, but what also really helped me was my research into possibly getting layers. I watched several hairdressers on YT cutting layers and through that realized that I honestly before had just no idea how to cut hair.

What I did was do it on hair fresh out of the shower and combed straight. As it dries while you're cutting just go ahead and re-wet it to make sure everything stays even. The main thing I learned was to start by cutting only a small section of hair, like an inch-inch and a half wide. Then take part of that section and a small amount of uncut hair and use it as a guide to make sure you're cutting the hair to the same length, and repeat. Just keep double checking everything and making sure you're holding your head in the same position when you take a section, and it should turn out fine. I found that the very front of my hair came out too long on both sides, so I just took that section and cut another half inch to even it up.

Now disclaimer though, my ends always curl up and so if I didn't get it quite right I honestly can't tell. It LOOKS even though. Your ends look pretty straight so mistakes will be easier to see, if you really don't want to try self-trimming do you have a trustworthy friend you could get to help? You could even do the first bit of cutting yourself and have them use that as a guide so you know for sure how much they're taking off.

[Groovy Granny]

I can recommend the ponytail under the chin method, which will help you get an absolutely even result.
You part all your length down the middle, or part it where you usually part it in the front, then down the middle in the back. Bring half to the front of each shoulder and join in a ponytail right in front of your neck. Be sure the hair flows forward evenly. It starts like this lllOlll (with the O being the head), then is combed forward like this, covering the ears as it comes forward. \\\O///. I like to close a book over the ponytail and slide it down the length toward the bottom, then cut straight across.

I second and LOVE Spidermom's Method :thumbsup:

It is my preferred method to trim.

Looking straight ahead gives me a soft *U* hemline....which should blend your front hair in nicely.

I use the small creaclip rather than the book, only because I had it, there is a level on it, and it grips my fine slippery silver securely.

Trim small amounts....1/4" at a time..... until you feel at ease and get the result you like.

In the end I am sure you will love it; good luck :cheer:

Please post pics :popcorn:

[Crystawni]

I'd hold my scissors partially open, blades-down, and, starting from the top of the line I've indicated as an example, shear the ends off (kinda like when dressmakers shear through fabric in one hit). If you cut it too precisely you'll get levels where you stop/start, but running the blade down to meet your length gives a softer line.

https://i.imgur.com/E0jJo2t.jpg

[Sarahlabyrinth]

I second and LOVE Spidermom's Method :thumbsup:

It is my preferred method to trim.

Looking straight ahead gives me a soft *U* hemline....which should blend your front hair in nicely.

I use the small creaclip rather than the book, only because I had it, there is a level on it, and it grips my fine slippery silver securely.

Trim small amounts....1/4" at a time..... until you feel at ease and get the result you like.

In the end I am sure you will love it; good luck :cheer:

Please post pics :popcorn:

I also love and use this method.

[mizukitty]

A tip for blending - angle the scissors UP into the ends of the hair, I'll attach a video of this being done. This creates feather ends, sort of fairytale but less soft, and they allow much more room for error. I love this, as it really doesn't look blunt, which is the look I really prefer. Here it is! (https://youtu.be/prtYa2FQ1fM?t=181)

[LongCurlyTress]

I second and LOVE Spidermom's Method :thumbsup:

It is my preferred method to trim.

Looking straight ahead gives me a soft *U* hemline....which should blend your front hair in nicely.

I use the small creaclip rather than the book, only because I had it, there is a level on it, and it grips my fine slippery silver securely.

Trim small amounts....1/4" at a time..... until you feel at ease and get the result you like.

In the end I am sure you will love it; good luck :cheer:

Please post pics :popcorn:

Yep! I used this method just a few weeks ago and trimmed off an inch of hair to even off and thicken up my hemline. I used the white Creaclip smiley face up-- pullled down my length in front of me...and my U shape came out a bit deeper than I thought it would, but I will correct that with looking a bit backwards next time I trim. I liked this technique so much since I can do it myself. Trouble is it is waaaay too easy!! Go hide your scissors so you don't cut off too much too often! :magic:

If I were going to cut in face framing layers, which I am not, but if I was...lol.. this is how I would do it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxo52YtWQvw

[poli]

I felt pretty confident with what I was doing and still messed up my face framing bits. So if spidermom's method does not even it up for you I would just go to hairdresser and make them cut it.

[MaiaMoon]

Can someone post a link of spidermom's method because I can't find it anymore while I'm on my phone.

[MaiaMoon]

Ohh I feel so stupid now, I thought that I found spider mom's method with pictures a few days back but now I found the link I wanted and see that it was faye's method with pictures only... I'm really sorry :/

[spidermom]

Yep! I used this method just a few weeks ago and trimmed off an inch of hair to even off and thicken up my hemline. I used the white Creaclip smiley face up-- pullled down my length in front of me...and my U shape came out a bit deeper than I thought it would, but I will correct that with looking a bit backwards next time I trim. I liked this technique so much since I can do it myself. Trouble is it is waaaay too easy!! Go hide your scissors so you don't cut off too much too often! :magic:

If I were going to cut in face framing layers, which I am not, but if I was...lol.. this is how I would do it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxo52YtWQvw

I like this! I've been thinking about cutting my face-framing layers back in and will do today.

[spidermom]

Face faming layers done but I ended up taking a 1-inch section from middle top of head to the point where ear meets temple, then brought the sections forward to meet in the middle at the center of my face, held vertical between index and middle finger, then cut. Done! I like methods that greatly increase the chances of the sides being even. I'm not good at doing one side, then the other.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c79/spidermom/a159b7a8-905c-443e-9471-406b2b64845e_zpspiuskxgz.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/spidermom/media/a159b7a8-905c-443e-9471-406b2b64845e_zpspiuskxgz.jpg.html)

[spidermom]

P.S: I wanted the length to hit collarbone at the longest, but it's a little longer than that. It didn't shrink up while drying as much as I thought it would.

[littlestarface]

Face faming layers done but I ended up taking a 1-inch section from middle top of head to the point where ear meets temple, then brought the sections forward to meet in the middle at the center of my face, held vertical between index and middle finger, then cut. Done! I like methods that greatly increase the chances of the sides being even. I'm not good at doing one side, then the other.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c79/spidermom/a159b7a8-905c-443e-9471-406b2b64845e_zpspiuskxgz.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/spidermom/media/a159b7a8-905c-443e-9471-406b2b64845e_zpspiuskxgz.jpg.html)

That looks so pretty Spidermom, now I wanna be a copycat.

[spidermom]

Thank you so much littlestarface. I was really disliking how my face looked with my hair all skinned back. Now I can leave the cut part out to soften my overall appearance and bun the rest as securely as I want.

[Saldana]

SpiderMom -

So pretty.....love your color and soft curl, and the face-framing layers look great. :)

[wispe]

Thanks for posting, spidermom. I'm filing this away for when I get around to my trim as I am thinking I want to add back in my bangs/face frame. They look really good, especially with the curling they have going on!

[lapushka]

Face faming layers done but I ended up taking a 1-inch section from middle top of head to the point where ear meets temple, then brought the sections forward to meet in the middle at the center of my face, held vertical between index and middle finger, then cut. Done! I like methods that greatly increase the chances of the sides being even. I'm not good at doing one side, then the other.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c79/spidermom/a159b7a8-905c-443e-9471-406b2b64845e_zpspiuskxgz.jpg (http://s25.photobucket.com/user/spidermom/media/a159b7a8-905c-443e-9471-406b2b64845e_zpspiuskxgz.jpg.html)

I think this length is "just right". Personally I wouldn't go shorter than this, because then it will probably look like a short-short cut from the front, and very long in the back (won't blend in as nice, I fear).

[Rowdy]

Your layers turned out beautifully spidermom!

Thank you for posting that link LongCurlyTress ! I watched it about 10 times and followed it exactly to cut a face frame in :o This is exactly what I've been looking for. I feel like 'me' again! Now I'm watching her long layer tutorial.... ;)

[spidermom]

I think this length is "just right". Personally I wouldn't go shorter than this, because then it will probably look like a short-short cut from the front, and very long in the back (won't blend in as nice, I fear).

Thanks for the "just right" compliment, lapushka. One of the reasons I decided to do face-framing layers is that I have thousands of short curly hairs growing in because of a massive shed last autumn. It looked to me like I had one long wavy-to-straight style with a short curly style sitting on top of it. This definitely helps to blend the two into a single style. I could go a bit shorter and add more layers to help it even more, I believe, but I'm going to stick with this for at least 2 weeks. I'm happy with it; no need to risk overdoing it.

[lapushka]

Thanks for the "just right" compliment, lapushka. One of the reasons I decided to do face-framing layers is that I have thousands of short curly hairs growing in because of a massive shed last autumn. It looked to me like I had one long wavy-to-straight style with a short curly style sitting on top of it. This definitely helps to blend the two into a single style. I could go a bit shorter and add more layers to help it even more, I believe, but I'm going to stick with this for at least 2 weeks. I'm happy with it; no need to risk overdoing it.

Maybe a little at a time. You can keep this length up for a n° of months while all the shorter bits catch up. I like your layers a lot!

[school of fish]

Spidermom, that faceframe layer looks great! Very flattering!

LongCurlyTress, I'm really liking that link you posted - I may consider incorporating a variation of that method into my own faceframe trims...

[spidermom]

So Miss_Donya, did you get any helpful tips here?

[miss_donya]

Aaah my reply hasn't been posted. I found a video on YouTube which uses the pony tail under the chin method and posted it here to make sure of the steps. Also, do I keep my hair inside the book? Do you use this method on wet or dry hair?

ps your layers look very pretty

[LongCurlyTress]

Yep! I used this method just a few weeks ago and trimmed off an inch of hair to even off and thicken up my hemline. I used the white Creaclip smiley face up-- pullled down my length in front of me...and my U shape came out a bit deeper than I thought it would, but I will correct that with looking a bit backwards next time I trim. I liked this technique so much since I can do it myself. Trouble is it is waaaay too easy!! Go hide your scissors so you don't cut off too much too often! :magic:

If I were going to cut in face framing layers, which I am not, but if I was...lol.. this is how I would do it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxo52YtWQvw

Wow! I am so happy that everyone liked this tutorial!! I have yet to cut in the face framing layers, but like spidermom, I am tired of always pulling all my hair slicked back into a bun... and this gives some style to our length. Hmmmm... :hmm: Spidermom... your face framing layers look so pretty!! Great job!! :happydance:

[miss_donya]

So Miss_Donya, did you get any helpful tips here?

Do I put my hair inside the book and close it then pull it down?

[Groovy Granny]

Do I put my hair inside the book and close it then pull it down?

Yes you do.....some just use their fingers like Feye's method; I use a small creaclip.
Whatever works to hold it securely and give you a straight/even cut.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Yes you do.....some just use their fingers like Feye's method; I use a small creaclip.
Whatever works to hold it securely and give you a straight/even cut.

Do you hold the creaclip so that it makes a U shape, or an upside down U when you do this, GG, because you do get a lovely u shape to your hemline.

[LongCurlyTress]

Do you hold the creaclip so that it makes a U shape, or an upside down U when you do this, GG, because you do get a lovely u shape to your hemline.


Hi Sarahlabyrinth! :happydance: I think GG uses the flat blue Creaclip so it is even on both sides. Hope this helps! I used the white one in front with smiley face up like a U and it gave me too deep of a U shape I think. :taz:Next time I will try GG's blue Creaclip method. I like her hemline shape too. ;) I think I also tilted my head too far forward with my chin resting on my chest when I brushed and then pulled the white creaclip down. Next time I plan on having my head looking straight forward with my chin parallel to the ground. Hope this helps~~:waving: LCT

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Hi Sarahlabyrinth! :happydance: I think GG uses the flat blue Creaclip so it is even on both sides. Hope this helps! I used the white one in front with smiley face up like a U and it gave me too deep of a U shape I think. :taz:Next time I will try GG's blue Creaclip method. I like her hemline shape too. ;) I think I also tilted my head too far forward with my chin resting on my chest when I brushed and then pulled the white creaclip down. Next time I plan on having my head looking straight forward with my chin parallel to the ground. Hope this helps~~:waving: LCT

Thanks, LCT, I'm sure it will help :)

[Groovy Granny]

Thanks LCT :)

Yes SL.....I use the straight small blue clip on my 'under the chin ponytail', and I look straight ahead when securing the pony.

LCT do you use the white clip on the pony tail.....or do you secure both sides of your hair loosely in the clip after brushing to the front?

[LongCurlyTress]

Thanks LCT :)

Yes SL.....I use the straight small blue clip on my 'under the chin ponytail', and I look straight ahead when securing the pony.

LCT do you use the white clip on the pony tail.....or do you secure both sides of your hair loosely in the clip after brushing to the front?

I have used it both ways... but DH has to pull the white one down in back and make sure it is level and too many hairs break when he does that. Plus, I was needing a triim badly and he wasn't home so I pulled the white clip down in front... :) When I clipped the white clip on myself in front, I did it the second way you mention above. ;)

[Sarahlabyrinth]

GG, and do you cut the hair below the clip or above it?

[Groovy Granny]

I have used it both ways... but DH has to pull the white one down in back and make sure it is level and too many hairs break when he does that. Plus, I was needing a triim badly and he wasn't home so I pulled the white clip down in front... :) When I clipped the white clip on myself in front, I did it the second way you mention above. ;):thumbsup:

The idea makes me nervous I'd mess it up (white clip in front with loose hair) lol


GG, and do you cut the hair below the clip or above it?

I cut below the clip.