Using detangler is okay, but your hair needs to be clean and otherwise product-free. This technique works for chin-length or longer hairstyles. If you’re cutting wavy hair into a short or pixie style for the first time, you may want to have a stylist do the initial cut. Then, you can try keeping up with maintenance trims at home!
It’s best to part your hair down the center when you’re doing a simple, one-length trim, even if you normally style your hair in a side part. This helps prevent uneven sides. [3] X Research source
A good trim usually takes off 1⁄4–1⁄2 inch (0. 64–1. 27 cm) of lengths. The smaller and tighter you make the braids or twists, the more precise your trim will be.
Be consistent and do all braid or all twists.
Don’t use regular scissors or kitchen shears for this! It’s best to use stylist shears, which you can pick up at most drug and big-box stores. [8] X Research source Also, avoid using thinning shears or razors on your hair—these tends to make wavy hair frizzy. [9] X Expert Source April FerriProfessional Hair Stylist Expert Interview. 8 December 2020.
Try applying a detangling spray if your wavy hair is thick or tends to tangle a lot. This technique works best for medium and long hair. The process is similar if you want to cut a layered bob, but there are a few key differences.
Be sure to smooth the hair down on both sides so your layers will be even. Parting your hair in the center before cutting layers offers the most styling flexibility. However, if you always style your hair the same way, you can comb your hair into your usual side part before cutting layers. [13] X Research source
At this point, you should have 3 sections: a top left section, top right section, and back section. The back section starts at the crown and includes all of the hair beyond the crown.
You don’t have to do this if your hair is thin, but it’s generally a good idea so you aren’t working with too much hair at a time.
The exact amount of length you cut off is up to you, but a good trim usually takes about 1 inch (2. 5 cm) off. Err on the side of caution if you aren’t sure! You can always cut more hair off later.
If the hair if very thick, you may need to grab small sections at a time and work your way from 1 side to the other.
Use the same process to remove length from the left and right sections. [19] X Research source Be sure to make blunt cuts straight across the hair.
Remember to pull the hair taut.
Make any minor tweaks, as necessary, until the both layers are even.
