View Full Version : Tips for self trimming APL hair?
Lady Stardust
January 20th, 2020, 04:37 AM
I’ve read all the threads I can find about self trimming, and watched videos, but I thought it would make sense to ask you wise people whether you have any specific tips for shorter hair.
I’m aiming for a straight across blunt hemline, so Feye’s method with the ponytail at the back seems to make sense. My husband has offered to help, so I’m not sure if it would be better to get him to make the cut behind my back, rather than doing it on my own and bringing the ends up, at this length?
My other option would be Crea Clip, but I don’t know if it would have enough grip as my hair is at the lower end of ii, I have face framing pieces which take away a lot of volume, and it compacts down a lot when it’s brushed.
I was open to trying a U hem and tried gathering my hair under my chin for Spidermom’s method, but because of my length I would end up with a deep U and hardly anything off the back, so I might revisit that in the future. I would be happier with a straight hemline for now anyway.
I’d love to hear any tips and tricks, warnings, and suggestions of alternative methods.
lapushka
January 20th, 2020, 06:42 AM
I would go with Feye's. You can never go wrong, whereas getting the Creaclip to "balance out" behind your back? You would need help. Feye's you can basically do by yourself. I think around APL...? Could it be done? I'm a little unsure.
Wait, hold on! Spidermom's method might be the best to go with in this case, no need to put your hair at the back, just snip in front and *done*!
SleepyTangles
January 20th, 2020, 07:18 AM
The babushka method is easy at APL, but the hemline Is curved/round instead of square across.
I have issues with trimming with the CreaClip in the back, but you could use the blue clip, that has a tighter grip.
The balance is useless IMHO. I need a double mirror to check the position.
I have no experience with classic Feye's, sorry. The trick with self trimming Is cutting much less than you want, comb carefully and double and triple check if everything is even.
Lady Stardust
January 20th, 2020, 08:05 AM
Thank you Sleepy Tangles, I think the Babushka method is similar to Spidermom’s isn’t it? I’ve tried making the ponytail under my chin and I would end up cutting 3-4 inches more from the front than the back, which would give too much of a U shape for me. It might work better when my hair is longer.
The blue crea clip sounds more useful than the white one (for me), I think some people use it in conjunction with Feye’s or Spidermom’s method. I remember seeing reviews saying that the balance doesn’t work so it’s interesting that you’ve had the same experience.
Thank you for your reply Lapushka. As I said in my post, though, Spidermom’s method won’t be right for me at the moment, and I do have my husband to help so I have more options :)
lapushka
January 20th, 2020, 09:09 AM
I have had my mom help at those lengths. Now I do it myself every month, 2 months with Feye's (classic length), it's basically just the very tippy tips as it is extremely layered. She does help when I do my compact cuts 2 times a year, though. That's just too much of a hassle.
Is there an option to just keep growing until you can do it yourself, or is that just... no?
Can you trust your husband to trim just a tiiiiny bit with the CreaClip? Often it is easier to snip a larger bit off, so I would be careful with that.
Lady Stardust
January 20th, 2020, 09:37 AM
My hair is better with regular trims, and it’s about 3 months since the last one so I don’t really want to leave it until my hair is longer. It’s just about long enough to do Feye’s method, but I think it’s slightly more risky at this length because it’s not so easy to bring the end around.
My husband is probably better than me at trimming off tiny amounts, he’s an engineer and is used to precision working :) I see what you mean about the crea clip though, that’s a good point, it is probably easier with more hair sticking out!
I think that if I do Feye’s, as long as I start small, it should be ok. My husband can help out if any little bits need tidying up. I’m actually quite relaxed about it, as I’m trimming out henna anyway, so if a bit more goes than expected, it brings me closer to one of my goals :)
I’ve got a feeling I should be more nervous about it! That’s why I thought I’d take a step back and ask for advice :)
lapushka
January 20th, 2020, 11:00 AM
My husband is probably better than me at trimming off tiny amounts, he’s an engineer and is used to precision working :) I see what you mean about the crea clip though, that’s a good point, it is probably easier with more hair sticking out!
Yes that's exactly it! Good to hear; he'll do a great job then!
The world is your oyster. Feye's or the Crea clip, with some help and you should be fine!
Good luck!!!
And let us know how it went!
It's always good to ask first and to prepare, that first "home"snip is never easy. But do it a few times and you'll find out, there really is nothing to it! And it is *so* easy!
cjk
January 20th, 2020, 11:14 AM
Ponytail under your chin?
I can tell I'm going to have to find my own method. That would never work for me.
Good thing I am in the no trim 2020 thread.
MusicalSpoons
January 20th, 2020, 11:59 AM
Ponytail under your chin?
I can tell I'm going to have to find my own method. That would never work for me.
Good thing I am in the no trim 2020 thread.
:rollin: oh my life, that would be the absolute WORST for you cjk!! :bigeyes:
Feye's method is very straightforward; I believe those of us who have problems with it mostly get unstuck at the 'bringing it around the front' part.
I intended to basically use this method when I asked my sister to trim (as my hair is, erm, evvvver so slightly beyond my reach ;)) but I think she found her own way and I'm not sure what she did but whatever it was worked exceptionally well! I think I'd have to insist on Feye's method if I were adamant about a slight U hemline though, with me looking down a bit.
Lady Stardust if you're not sure about doing it completely yourself yet, I'm sure using Feye's method and asking your husband to make the cut so you don't have to bring it around the front would be a safe bet :)
cjk
January 20th, 2020, 12:39 PM
:rollin: oh my life, that would be the absolute WORST for you cjk!! :bigeyes:
LOL! Ya think?
MusicalSpoons
January 20th, 2020, 01:56 PM
LOL! Ya think?
Sorry, it was just the way you dryly observed in your previous comment that made me LOL :lol:
Though it would be a very efficient way to trim if you wanted them to be visually the same length ;)
Groovy Granny
January 20th, 2020, 04:24 PM
The blue crea clip sounds more useful than the white one (for me), I think some people use it in conjunction with Feye’s or Spidermom’s method. I remember seeing reviews saying that the balance doesn’t work so it’s interesting that you’ve had the same experience.
I use the BLUE clip all the time....but my hair is also wispy and it slides right out of the white one :p
You say you read that the balance/level doesn't work?! :bigeyes:
I use it religiously and have had no problems....I don't think :hmm: :lol:
Ponytail under your chin?
I can tell I'm going to have to find my own method. That would never work for me.
Good thing I am in the no trim 2020 thread.
It took a minute for this to register :rollin:
lapushka
January 20th, 2020, 04:37 PM
GG, if you have to do the crea clip on yourself, the balance thing won't work because you can't both look at your back and keep it level. ;) I think maybe that's what you read? Kind of a little confusing, I realize now. :)
Lady Stardust
January 20th, 2020, 04:47 PM
cjk I’m picturing you making a hair/beard ponytail and trimming them all together!
MusicalSpoons I think you’re right that it would be sensible to keep the hair to the back and ask my husband to trim it. I would be nervous about not being able to see, but it should be ok if I can check how all the ends are lining up first.
Groovy Granny it’s years since I read the reviews about the balance/level so I can’t remember how commonplace it is for that to be a complaint. I think looking at the ends and visualising the amount to be cut off is more important.
Groovy Granny
January 20th, 2020, 05:19 PM
GG, if you have to do the crea clip on yourself, the balance thing won't work because you can't both look at your back and keep it level. ;) I think maybe that's what you read? Kind of a little confusing, I realize now. :)
I use it for the 'under the chin method' ....looking straight at a mirror ;)
There is no way I would ever use the crea clip on my back :tmi:
I have seen some flip their hair to the front after clipping it in back....nope not that either :p
Spidermom's method is a secure means for me....then I use Feye's to tweak it if I want to take a little off the front edges for a deeper U.
Groovy Granny it’s years since I read the reviews about the balance/level so I can’t remember how commonplace it is for that to be a complaint. I think looking at the ends and visualising the amount to be cut off is more important.
No worries...I was teasing actually ;)
Yeah, that's true....I eyeball it more.... and the level is secondary.
ETA: I have no help with pics ....ever mind trims, so it is on me....but I love doing it; it feels so nice :heart:
Lady Stardust
January 20th, 2020, 05:25 PM
Doh I missed that Groovy Granny :) I love your new avatar by the way! Peace and Love :heart:
Groovy Granny
January 20th, 2020, 08:46 PM
Doh I missed that Groovy Granny :) I love your new avatar by the way! Peace and Love :heart:
No worries...I miss things....or mix things up plenty these days :doh: :o
Thanks...I love that dog pic; it is so cute, and reminds me of our beloved English Springer Spaniel of 14 years :heart:
Lady Stardust
January 21st, 2020, 07:49 AM
No worries...I miss things....or mix things up plenty these days :doh: :o
Thanks...I love that dog pic; it is so cute, and reminds me of our beloved English Springer Spaniel of 14 years :heart:
Oh they seem like lovely dogs, I see a few in our local park (not dressed like the dog in your avatar, obviously!)
Well, I’m pleased to say that Feye’s method worked a treat! I only took off quarter of an inch, and it looks lovely and straight to me! I’m not planning to examine it too much, if it looks obviously wonky I’ll ask my husband to neaten it up, but I don’t want to go looking for trouble :)
I’m sure that getting my husband to make the cut for me would have been more sensible, but I wanted to give it a try on my own first (partly so that I only had myself to blame!)
I think it makes sense to stick to quarter inch trims for now. I want to trim up to 5 inches altogether this year. If I do quarter of an inch monthly that’ll be 3 inches by the end of the year, and gives 2 inches grace for mistakes or corrections :)
Thank you everyone for your advice!
lapushka
January 21st, 2020, 11:46 AM
Well, I’m pleased to say that Feye’s method worked a treat! I only took off quarter of an inch, and it looks lovely and straight to me! I’m not planning to examine it too much, if it looks obviously wonky I’ll ask my husband to neaten it up, but I don’t want to go looking for trouble :)
I’m sure that getting my husband to make the cut for me would have been more sensible, but I wanted to give it a try on my own first (partly so that I only had myself to blame!)
I think it makes sense to stick to quarter inch trims for now. I want to trim up to 5 inches altogether this year. If I do quarter of an inch monthly that’ll be 3 inches by the end of the year, and gives 2 inches grace for mistakes or corrections :)
Thank you everyone for your advice!
Awesome! I'm glad it worked out great. And you are right not to mess with it, hair can lay differently at different times. Take 100 pictures, it will be different 100 times. Just trust your gut and the cut! :lol:
MusicalSpoons
January 21st, 2020, 11:51 AM
Oh that's good news - and as it turned out okay with doing it yourself, that makes future trimming so much easier! :)
(I do wish I'd known about it and had time to become comfortable with the technique when my hair was shorter - I only got to trim once before I could no longer reach the ends, and the couple of tries after that turned out wonky and put me off.)
Groovy Granny
January 21st, 2020, 11:54 AM
Oh they seem like lovely dogs, I see a few in our local park (not dressed like the dog in your avatar, obviously!)
Well, I’m pleased to say that Feye’s method worked a treat! I only took off quarter of an inch, and it looks lovely and straight to me! I’m not planning to examine it too much, if it looks obviously wonky I’ll ask my husband to neaten it up, but I don’t want to go looking for trouble :)
I’m sure that getting my husband to make the cut for me would have been more sensible, but I wanted to give it a try on my own first (partly so that I only had myself to blame!)
I think it makes sense to stick to quarter inch trims for now. I want to trim up to 5 inches altogether this year. If I do quarter of an inch monthly that’ll be 3 inches by the end of the year, and gives 2 inches grace for mistakes or corrections :)
Thank you everyone for your advice!
LOL I could never get her to dress like that :p that is one patient and obedient dog to dress AND pose ;)
My shih tzu requires great skill to get one of my crocheted sweaters on her...only if we have had a big fluffy snowstorm to prevent tummy snowballs...no way she will do costumes :lol:
Back on topic....gosh I digress so much these days :hmm: :doh: just reel me back in :o
Good to hear it worked for you :thumbsup:
One trim of many to come .....and your confidence and skill will increase each time. :cheer:
Just snipping 1/4" makes such a big difference too; I prefer smaller trims and dustings, and love trimming.... so I do a wee bit monthly, and my hemline stays/feels so nice.
SleepyTangles
January 21st, 2020, 01:20 PM
I use the BLUE clip all the time....but my hair is also wispy and it slides right out of the white one :p
You say you read that the balance/level doesn't work?! :bigeyes:
I use it religiously and have had no problems....I don't think :hmm: :lol:
Mine arrived out of balance. Proof: If i put It on a table or other perfectly straight surface, the bubble Is always tilted slightly left.
Not a big deal, I trust my eyes more than the bubble anyway :).
Your avatar Is awesome GG!
Groovy Granny
January 21st, 2020, 02:52 PM
Thanks, glad you like it :o
Well...I just checked with my DH's level....and it is NOT level....mine is all the way to the left as well :bigeyes:
What a #$%^ fool I am...just trusting it like that :doh:
That could account for my right side always being a bit longer than my left....not matter how many times I double check it :hmm:
On the next trim I will EYEBALL it 100% ....and will be curious to see what my results are.
Thank you ladies....you are never too old to learn...or be proved wrong :rollin:
Lady Stardust
January 21st, 2020, 04:37 PM
Awesome! I'm glad it worked out great. And you are right not to mess with it, hair can lay differently at different times. Take 100 pictures, it will be different 100 times. Just trust your gut and the cut! :lol:
That’s really good advice, thank you! Even a good professional cut does that.
Oh that's good news - and as it turned out okay with doing it yourself, that makes future trimming so much easier! :)
(I do wish I'd known about it and had time to become comfortable with the technique when my hair was shorter - I only got to trim once before I could no longer reach the ends, and the couple of tries after that turned out wonky and put me off.)
Yes it’s really convenient, but I’m sure I’ll need to rely on my husband’s help sometime (not least because my daughter came bouncing in pretending to be a rabbit as I was finishing up!)
Maybe there are ways of adapting a cut to your length? Does it help if you put multiple hair ties along the length? I guess that’s still hard when you have to reel your hair in to access it! Practising when you’re feeling relaxed about the length is definitely worthwhile.
I enjoy your diversions Groovy Granny :) I see a lot of dogs in jumpers or fancy dress these days (a dog wearing spider legs at Hallowe’en, for example). I don’t know how people get them to wear that stuff.
It’s amazing how much better my ends feel. My hair feels loads better for being combed too! I usually finger comb, but I think I’ll start combing more regularly. I’ve still got that out-of-the-salon swishy feeling.
Thanks, glad you like it :o
Well...I just checked with my DH's level....and it is NOT level....mine is all the way to the left as well :bigeyes:
What a #$%^ fool I am...just trusting it like that :doh:
That could account for my right side always being a bit longer than my left....not matter how many times I double check it :hmm:
On the next trim I will EYEBALL it 100% ....and will be curious to see what my results are.
Thank you ladies....you are never too old to learn...or be proved wrong :rollin:
Well that’s interesting! I think eyeballing it is best anyway. For example, my fringe looks lopsided if it’s cut perfectly straight, because my face isn’t perfectly symmetrical.
Groovy Granny
January 21st, 2020, 04:57 PM
I enjoy your diversions Groovy Granny :) I see a lot of dogs in jumpers or fancy dress these days (a dog wearing spider legs at Hallowe’en, for example). I don’t know how people get them to wear that stuff.
It’s amazing how much better my ends feel. My hair feels loads better for being combed too! I usually finger comb, but I think I’ll start combing more regularly. I’ve still got that out-of-the-salon swishy feeling.
Well that’s interesting! I think eyeballing it is best anyway. For example, my fringe looks lopsided if it’s cut perfectly straight, because my face isn’t perfectly symmetrical.
Thank you; you are very kind :o
I love seeing dogs in costumes too; it makes me smile :)
Fresh hemlines feel awesome :thumbsup:
But suddenly I feel so insecure and uncertain re: my trim accuracy now though just 'eyeballing' it :hmm: really!! :lol:
Lady Stardust
January 21st, 2020, 05:08 PM
Thank you; you are very kind :o
I love seeing dogs in costumes too; it makes me smile :)
Fresh hemlines feel awesome :thumbsup:
But suddenly I feel so insecure and uncertain re: my trim accuracy now though just 'eyeballing' it :hmm: really!! :lol:
Oh goodness no, you mustn’t feel insecure about it! You’re obviously doing something very right because you and your hair are an inspiration to so many of us here. I doubt I would have had the nerve to trim my own hair if I hadn’t seen your lovely example first.
Hair grows at different rates for different people. Mine grows faster at the back, some people have one side that grows faster than the other.
Your hair always looks amazing. Don’t doubt yourself or your trims!
:heart:
My hairdresser always cut with great accuracy, but even so hair lies in funny ways sometimes, one bit bounces up more than another, and so it didn’t always look even. It doesn’t mean the line was wrong in the first place :)
Groovy Granny
January 21st, 2020, 05:13 PM
Oh goodness no, you mustn’t feel insecure about it! You’re obviously doing something very right because you and your hair are an inspiration to so many of us here. I doubt I would have had the nerve to trim my own hair if I hadn’t seen your lovely example first.
Hair grows at different rates for different people. Mine grows faster at the back, some people have one side that grows faster than the other.
Your hair always looks amazing. Don’t doubt yourself or your trims!
:heart:
My hairdresser always cut with great accuracy, but even so hair lies in funny ways sometimes, one bit bounces up more than another, and so it didn’t always look even. It doesn’t mean the line was wrong in the first place :)
Thank you (((hugs))) :o
That's true....and in the end I corrected the inaccuracy by 'eyeballing ' it!
I'll just flip it around to hide the level ...then I won't think about it ;)
And most likely I won't have anything to correct that way...it was the clip that messed me up in the first place :cheer:
Lady Stardust
January 21st, 2020, 05:15 PM
Thank you (((hugs))) :o
That's true....and in the end I corrected the inaccuracy by 'eyeballing ' it!
I'll just flip it around to hide the level ...then I won't think about it ;)
And most likely I won't have anything to correct that way...it was the clip that messed me up in the first place :cheer:
Good idea, I’m sure it’ll be fine! I’m also sure that no-one ever notices the occasional wonky bit :)
Groovy Granny
January 21st, 2020, 05:18 PM
Good idea, I’m sure it’ll be fine! I’m also sure that no-one ever notices the occasional wonky bit :)
It can't be any wonkier that going by an unlevel level :p
MusicalSpoons
January 21st, 2020, 06:22 PM
Yes it’s really convenient, but I’m sure I’ll need to rely on my husband’s help sometime (not least because my daughter came bouncing in pretending to be a rabbit as I was finishing up!)
Maybe there are ways of adapting a cut to your length? Does it help if you put multiple hair ties along the length? I guess that’s still hard when you have to reel your hair in to access it! Practising when you’re feeling relaxed about the length is definitely worthwhile.
:rollin: that's very cute, but certainly you could do without distractions with scissors in your hands!
I tried a few different ways to prepare (without making the cut) including multiple hairties in the front and then at the back but I was not convinced by any method. I liked the idea of spidermom's method with the book but still had to pull my hair straight up even using my longest book, and again I couldn't seem to do it in a straight line. Actually when my sister trimmed for me, I attempted to make a cut while she was holding the ends - literally just mm, thankfully - and it turns out I can't cut straight anyway :lol: So I'm quite happy just to ask her for an annual chop, and chalk self-trimming up to 'things I haven't worked out for my hair and that's fine', much like a French Twist :)
Groovy Granny
January 21st, 2020, 08:47 PM
:rollin: that's very cute, but certainly you could do without distractions with scissors in your hands!
I tried a few different ways to prepare (without making the cut) including multiple hairties in the front and then at the back but I was not convinced by any method. I liked the idea of spidermom's method with the book but still had to pull my hair straight up even using my longest book, and again I couldn't seem to do it in a straight line. Actually when my sister trimmed for me, I attempted to make a cut while she was holding the ends - literally just mm, thankfully - and it turns out I can't cut straight anyway :lol: So I'm quite happy just to ask her for an annual chop, and chalk self-trimming up to 'things I haven't worked out for my hair and that's fine', much like a French Twist :)
Have you seen/tried JJJ's Self Hair Trim Method (http://jjjlonghairphotopage.zoomshare.com/2.shtml/JJJ%27s%20Self%20Hair%20Trim%20Method)? No ties.
ETA: I just tried my crea clip LEVEL (mentally adjusted)...what a difference :doh:
I was automatically positioning it according to the level which was totally off.
What makes it easy is that when level the bubble actually sits at the very end.
I also checked it without and my eyeballing was fine :o
All is well...crea clip...or not; thanks for your assistance :thumbsup:
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