We’ve been in quarantine for a few weeks now, and we’ve probably all done a few things we never thought we would do, like homeschooling our kids, building a picnic table for a squirrel, or any number of activities to keep us sane and prevent us from being bored.

In many locations around the country, all non-essential stores are closed and we’re sheltering in place. Some of the businesses on the non-essential list might feel essential, but we understand why they’re closed. Among these businesses, we’re quick to include our favorite salon.

We never thought we would reach the point where we would ever consider cutting our own hair at home, but folks, that’s where we are, and we’re not the only ones. Some of our friends have already been brave enough to cut their own hair and their family members’ hair. 

If you’re itching for a haircut and can’t imagine waiting indefinitely until the salons reopen, you’re in the right place. We want to make sure you are as prepared as possible before you make that first cut.

First of all, you need to have the right tools. Your kitchen scissors are not going to cut it. (See what we did there?) While you probably don’t want to invest in super expensive professional grade scissors for just one (or a few) at-home haircuts, you should upgrade to a pair designed for cutting hair. 

You also need to pick the right location. You’re going to want a mirror, so a bathroom is a good spot. You also want to keep in mind that you’re going to end up with hair on your clothes and the floor. It’s fairly easy to sweep up a tile floor, so once again, the bathroom is a good spot.

You might want to consider changing clothes after your haircut so you don’t have any loose hairs on your clothes for the rest of the day.

Don’t try cutting your own hair in the same way a pro would do it. When you go to a salon, you’re probably used to having your hair washed, combed and cut while it’s still wet. As amateurs, it’s easier to make sure you don’t cut too much hair if you cut your hair while it’s dry. Remember, you can always cut more hair, but you can’t put it back!

If you have your clippers, and you’re ready to get started, then it’s time to watch the video below which will show you three ways to give your long hair a trim. Say goodbye to those pesky split ends!

One last thing to keep in mind if you are going to cut your children’s hair: give them something to do while you’re cutting their hair. You definitely don’t want them moving around while you’re cutting! Watching a video on a cell phone or playing a game on a portable device are great ways to keep them still and busy for as long as it takes. 

Are you going to try cutting your own hair? Do you have a family member who you would trust to cut your hair?