How to cut your own hair: a men’s guide

Reading time: 6 mins

Man with a beard and a short, fade haircut smiles at himself in the mirror after cutting his own hair at home

Welcome to the world of DIY haircuts! In this comprehensive hair cutting guide, we'll take you through the steps of cutting hair at home for men, and help you achieve a stylish look from the comfort of your own home. Whether you're looking to save money, time, or simply explore your creative side, learning to cut your own hair can be a rewarding and empowering experience. Plus, with Philips' commitment to sustainability, you can feel good about your grooming routine. Read on to find out more!

It might seem scary at first, but after reading our guide and with a little practice, cutting hair at home isn’t that difficult! So, bring that enthusiasm with you and let's dive into the art of self-grooming.

Why read the how to cut your own hair men’s guide?

Why bother cutting your own hair when there are plenty of barbershops out there? Well, here's why it can be a good idea to cut your own hair at home:

Cost savings. Say goodbye to pricey barbershop visits and hello to extra money in your pocket. By investing in durable hair clippers and learning to cut your own hair you could be saving a significant amount of cash in the long run.
Time efficiency. No more waiting in long queues or rushing to make appointments. Cut your own hair at home and you have complete control over your schedule, allowing you to get a fresh trim whenever and wherever you want. Ever cut your own hair in the bathtub? Or in the living room, with one eye on the football? It’s liberating!
Ultimate control over your look. Investing in a good set of hair clippers – like the Philips Hairclipper Series 9000 with three accessories - can bring professional-level results to your fingertips. With the right equipment, you'll have the power to craft your desired hairstyle with precision.

Looking for some pro tips on which beard to grow to go with your new trim? Check out our guide on the five most popular beard styles.

The beginner's guide to cutting your own hair: for men

Now that you're caught up on all of the advantages, you’re probably still wondering ‘how to cut my own hair?’ Wonder no more and let's dive into the actual process of cutting your own hair. Here's a step-by-step guide to a few popular men's haircuts:

1. The classic buzz cut

The buzz cut is a timeless and low-maintenance hairstyle that exudes confidence. Follow these steps to achieve a clean and stylish buzz cut and learn how to cut hair with clippers:

Gather your tools: a good pair of hair clippers, various guard sizes, a comb, and a handheld mirror.
Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is long, use scissors to trim it down before starting with the clippers.
Attach the desired guard size to your clippers. For a shorter buzz cut, start with a higher guard number (e.g., #4) and adjust accordingly. With the Philips Hairclipper Series 9000, you can quickly swipe through more than 400 length settings with the Digital Swipe interface.
Begin at the sides and back of your head, moving the clippers upward in even strokes. Use the comb to guide the clippers for a more uniform cut.
Move to the top of your head, working against the natural hair growth direction for an even finish.
Trim around the edges, such as the hairline and sideburns, for a polished look.
After each pass, comb through your hair to ensure even length and make any necessary adjustments.

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Recommended products

Philips Hairclipper Series 9000

Cordless hair clippers with 3 accessories

HC9450/13

5 click-on combs (2-3-5-7 mm)

Contour-following 2D shaver

61 min cordless use/1 h charge

Back-reach attachment

Up to 5 years warranty
3.9 (105 reviews)

Overall rating 3.9 / 5

£87.00*
View product

The undercut

The undercut is a trendy and versatile hairstyle that allows for a contrast between longer top hair and shorter sides. Follow these steps to achieve a sharp and modern undercut:

Gather your tools: hair clippers, various guard sizes, a comb, a handheld mirror, and hairdressing scissors.
Start with clean, dry hair. Use the scissors to trim the top section to your desired length, leaving it longer than the sides.
Attach a guard size to the clippers for the sides and back. Start with a longer guard (e.g., #3) and adjust as needed.
Begin with the clippers at the nape of your neck, moving upwards and around the sides. Use the comb to guide the clippers and maintain an even length.
Blend the longer top hair with the shorter sides by using scissors or a blending guard to create a seamless transition.
Style the top section as desired using a hairdryer, comb, and styling product. Experiment with different looks, such as a slicked-back style or textured messy look.

The side part

The side part is a classic and sophisticated hairstyle that adds a touch of elegance to any look. Follow these steps to achieve a polished side part:

Gather your tools: hair clippers, various guard sizes, a comb, a handheld mirror, hairdressing scissors, and a styling product.
Start with clean, dry hair. Comb your hair and determine the natural parting line.
Using the comb, create a clean parting line by combing the hair to one side. The part should align with your eyebrow arch.
Trim the sides and back using clippers and an appropriate guard size. Begin with a longer guard (e.g., #4) and adjust for a more gradual fade.
Blend the longer top section with the shorter sides by using scissors or a blending guard. Work in small sections, ensuring a seamless transition.
Style the top section by combing it to the desired side, applying a styling product for hold and definition.

Using the Philips Hairclipper Series 9000 can not only give you a sharper, more precise haircut, but it can also make your very own DIY haircut a little bit kinder to the environment, too. That’s because, at Philips, we prioritise creating long-lasting products – that means less waste over time.

Additionally, Philips is actively phasing out substances that limit recycling, such as BFR. By 2025, we are also moving towards paper-based packaging and working to reduce the use of virgin plastic in our shavers. With these sustainability-conscious initiatives, we hope you can feel good using Philips products, as well as looking good. Why not find out more about our sustainability initiatives?

Cutting your own hair: men, is it worth it?

Cutting your own hair for men is an adventure that offers both practical and creative benefits. By taking control of your grooming routine and embracing the DIY approach, you'll not only save time and money and might just discover you’re a natural!

So, gentlemen, now you’ve read our how to trim your own hair: male hair cutting guide, grab those clippers, channel your inner barber, and get ready to conquer your haircuts like a pro! With patience, practice, and a commitment to sustainability, you'll be well on your way to achieving professional-looking results right at home.