Home haircuts back in fashion for families in self-isolation
PARENTS locked up in their home waiting for the day the coronavirus pandemic is officially over can bet they will find themselves in a position where they will need to cut their little one’s fast-growing locks. Cue panic attack over the thought of a military-style buzz cut or uneven fringe.
With a little help from hair folks in the know, we have you covered for a DIY (almost professional) haircut at home.
Before you start, make sure you have the following on hand to save running around searching for items while your child gets distracted and fidgety: sharp hair cutting scissors; hair comb; hair clippers (if needed); a towel; a spray water bottle; hair clips. According to Duncan Richards, technical director at JOICO, the key to a good home haircut (if you can’t hold out for when you can get an appointment at your usual hairdresser) is to make sure the child is just as prepared as you.
“Make sure the child is relaxed and not over excited,” Duncan says.
“It will be difficult for you to hold them down and you won’t be able to cut straight. Plus it can be extremely dangerous.”
Your child’s hair doesn’t need to be wet, but if it helps with a more accurate cut. Use the spray bottle to lightly wet the locks. Using the hair scissors, slowly taper the fringe using one small section at a time. Then move to the top section using a comb as a guide to trim the top of the head.
Once you’re happy with the amount you’ve trimmed off, gently fold the ear down and carefully trim around it.
You should hopefully have a nice curve around the ear.
Then move to the neck – and this is where your child needs to hold very still. Have the child look down and carefully snip in a straight line along the neckline.
Finish off by tapering through the back. Run your comb through to make sure the hair is even.
If you’re not confident trimming, Duncan suggests caving in to the military look.
“For boys, it could be a good opportunity to have a buzz cut,” he says.
All you need for this is hair clippers and a towel. Start with a longer blade guide and run through the whole head before moving to a shorter guide each time until you have the desired look.
Cutting a fringe is probably the cut that will most likely go horribly wrong, so be prepared before snipping away.
First, dampen the fringe with the water spray to help control where you’re cutting. Hold the fringe together, taking a small amount off at a time. Taking little bits off at a time will ensure you don’t get to the end and realise you’ve cut too short.
kidspot.com.au