Molly Ayala
Cutting hair with an electric shaver is a convenient way to save money on trips to the barber. It can be a simple process, but it's important to be careful and deliberate to avoid an uneven cut. Before starting, it's a good idea to wash your hair, as this makes it easier for the blades to glide through. If you're using a new electric shaver, spend some time familiarising yourself with it. Find a comfortable grip and identify the different cutting lengths available. When you're ready to begin cutting, start with the sides and cut against the direction of hair growth, using upward motions. Move along the back of your head in the same upward direction, checking with your hand for any longer areas. If you're cutting your own hair, use a hand mirror to check the back and work slowly for a clean, even cut.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hair preparation | Wash hair, towel dry, and comb out tangles |
| Cutting direction | Against the direction of hair growth |
| Cutting motion | Rocking motion, fluid motions |
| Cutting order | Sides, back, top |
| Guard length | Smaller numbers mean shorter length, e.g. "1" is shortest, "8" is 1 inch (2.5 cm) |
| Guard attachment | Attach the longest blade guard needed for the style, buzz head to a uniform length, then trim shorter |
| Cutting technique | Hold clippers upside down, scoop hair away from the scalp, use short scooping strokes |
| Mirror usage | Use a mirror to check the back, work slowly and steadily |
| Clean-up | Neaten hairline, trim edges with safety razor or scissors |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your hair and work area
To prepare your hair for cutting with an electric shaver, it is important to ensure your hair is clean. Wash your hair as you normally would, with either shampoo and conditioner or your preferred all-over body wash. When hair is clean, it is much easier to work with and for cutting blades to glide through at different lengths. It is also important to ensure your hair is dry before cutting it. Towel dry your hair and then comb it out to remove any tangles, especially if your hair is long or thick.
If you have long hair, it is recommended that you pre-trim your hair with something like a beard trimmer to ensure the electric shaver works effectively. Fine, soft or flat-lying hair can be difficult for an electric shaver to cut, so it is important to ensure your hair is short.
To prepare your work area, find an area that is easy to clean, such as a bathroom, kitchen or garden. Have a vacuum or sweeping brush to hand to gather hair after, so stray hairs aren't walked through your home. Prepare everything you will be using, such as hair cutters, a comb or brush, and a towel if you wish to cover your shoulders while your hair is being cut.
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Understand blade guard lengths
Before you start cutting your hair with an electric shaver, it is important to understand blade guard lengths. Blade guard lengths refer to the length of hair that will be left after cutting. The blade guard lengths are usually marked with numbers, with smaller numbers indicating shorter lengths. For example, ""1" is the shortest guard, and "8" is the longest, cutting hair to a length of 1 inch (2.5 cm). Each number represents an increase of 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) from the previous number.
If you are cutting your own hair, it is recommended to start with the longest blade guard you need for the desired hairstyle. This will allow you to buzz your head to a uniform length, and then go back and trim certain parts shorter. For example, if you want a tapered hairstyle, you can start with a longer guard length on the top of your head and then switch to a lower guard setting, such as a 2 or 3, for the sides and back of your head.
It is important to note that the specific guard numbers and lengths may vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your electric shaver. Additionally, some electric shavers may have a ""0" setting, which means using the clippers without any blade guard or attachment. This setting is useful for trimming sideburns or cleaning up the hairline.
When using an electric shaver with blade guards, it is recommended to start cutting hair from the sides or the back of the head, moving in the opposite direction of the hair's natural growth. Hold the clippers upside down so that the top of the guard is against the scalp, and work your way upwards towards the top of the head. This technique helps to create a softer cut and ensures that you do not miss any spots.
By understanding the blade guard lengths and their corresponding settings, you can achieve the desired hairstyle and length when cutting your hair with an electric shaver. It is always a good idea to start with a longer guard length and then gradually adjust to shorter lengths as needed, especially if you are new to using electric shavers or cutting your own hair.
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Use a mirror for the back of your head
Using a mirror is essential when cutting the hair at the back of your head with an electric shaver. It is recommended to use at least two mirrors to see the back of your head as you cut. This can be done by setting up a second large mirror on your countertop, angled toward your main bathroom mirror. This will allow you to see the back of your head in the main mirror.
Alternatively, you can use a handheld mirror in front of your bathroom mirror. This will allow you to view the reflection in the bathroom mirror. You can also use angled mirrors or a 360-degree self-cut mirror to see all around your head as you work.
Using mirrors will help you check your progress and guide your electric shaver to ensure a more precise and even cut. It is important to note that you may need to get used to using mirrors in this way, and it may take some practice to achieve the best results.
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Cut against the direction of hair growth
When cutting hair with an electric shaver, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to familiarise yourself with the electric shaver, especially if it is your first time using one. Spend some time getting a feel for the weight and grip of the shaver, and make sure it is charged if it is a cordless model. If your electric shaver comes with clip-on combs of various cutting lengths, select the appropriate one for your desired hairstyle and attach it to the shaver.
Before you begin cutting, it is recommended to wash your hair. Clean hair is easier to work with and allows the cutting blades to glide through more smoothly. Avoid cutting wet hair, and instead, towel-dry your hair and comb it out to remove any tangles.
Now, you can start cutting your hair with the electric shaver. To achieve a clean and even cut, it is important to cut against the direction of hair growth. This means moving the shaver in an upward motion, starting from the bottom. Start with the sides of your head, and then move along the back of your head in the same upward direction, going over the same area if necessary to ensure all hairs are cut to the desired length.
If you are trimming the top of your head, use a comb to brush your hair up in small sections and cut along the line of the comb's teeth. As you move along, keep a length of already cut hair within the comb to maintain an even trim.
Finally, neaten up the hairline where your hair meets your facial hair, if necessary.
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Clean up sideburns and around the ears
When cleaning up sideburns and around the ears, it is important to be careful and precise. Make sure you have no glasses on, if you need them, as this will make it harder. Start by pulling down on the tops of your ears to ensure you don't leave any patches of longer hair. Then, use your trimmer without any guard attachments, or on the 0 setting, to carefully trim the hair around your ears and sideburns. If you are using an electric shaver, be mindful that the hair around your temples and ears is finer and the trimmer may struggle to cut it. You may need to use a safety razor or scissors to trim these areas.
If you are cleaning up your sideburns, it is important to use a comb to ensure you are cutting in a straight line. Hold the comb flat against your head and use the trimmer to cut along the line of the comb's teeth. This will help you achieve a neat and tidy finish.
When trimming the hair around your ears, it is helpful to use a hand mirror to check for any longer areas that need to be trimmed. Work slowly and steadily to achieve a clean, even cut. Remember to check that the sides are evenly matched.
If you have a cowlick, be sure to cut in the opposite direction of the hair's growth. This will help you achieve a neat and uniform finish. You can also use a rocking motion, arching the clippers away from your head as you cut in an upward direction. This will help to create a softer, more blended look.
Finally, remember to clean up any hair inside or around your ears with a nose hair trimmer or small pair of scissors.
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Frequently asked questions
First, wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner or your preferred all-over body wash. Then, towel dry your hair and comb it out to remove any tangles. You should also spend some time familiarising yourself with your electric shaver, especially if it's your first time using it.
Start with the sides and cut your hair against the direction of hair growth, moving in an upward motion. Then, move along the back of your head in the same upward direction, going over the same area where necessary. Check with your hand to see if there are any longer areas that still remain. If you haven't gone for an all-over cut at one length, you may need to trim the top of your head. To do this, use a comb to brush the hair up in small manageable sections, and then cut along the line of the comb's teeth.
Trim the sides and back of your head with a lower guard setting to create a tapered hairstyle. Blend the line between longer and shorter hair with a medium-length guard. Clean up the sideburns and around the ears using your trimmer without any guard attachments, or the 0 setting.
