As a caregiver, giving a haircut may seem like a daunting task – whether you’re caring for a child or an adult, you want to make sure they’re leaving your “chair” looking and feeling their best. With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of practice, you can provide professional-looking haircuts at home with ease. In this blog post, we'll walk you step-by-step through the process to help you prepare for first time haircuts. You’ll be a hair-cutting pro in no time!
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you start, it's essential to have the right tools on hand. You'll need a good-quality pair of scissors, clippers, a comb, a spray bottle filled with water, and a towel to drape over the person's shoulders. If you're cutting someone's hair for the first time, it's best to invest in a quality haircutting kit, which includes all of the necessary tools. The Cut Buddy All-Inclusive Trimming and Clipper Kit has everything you could need for giving haircuts at home. This kit is the best value for your money, as it comes with many high-quality accessories at such a great price.
Step 2: Preparation is Key
Once you have all of your tools, it's time to prepare the person for their haircut. Make sure they're seated comfortably and their hair is dry. If their hair is wet, it can make the cutting process more difficult, and the hair can appear shorter than intended once it dries. Drape the towel over their shoulders, and make sure it’s secure and covering their clothing properly.
Step 3: Choose the Right Style
Before you start cutting, you’ll want to decide on what style you’re going for. If you're unsure, it's best to keep it simple and go for a basic style. Look up pictures of the style you're after online, and have them available for reference during the haircut. You should also always ask the person what kind of haircut they want – showing them pictures of different hairstyles can help, too. It’s important to be on the same page about the cut so you can deliver the desired result.
Step 4: Start Cutting
Now that you're ready to start cutting, use the clippers or scissors to start trimming the hair. If using scissors, start by cutting small sections of hair at a time, ensuring you're cutting straight across. Take your time and be patient, as rushing can lead to uneven cuts. It’s always better to take off less hair rather than too much – you can always cut it shorter if necessary, but if you cut too much off right away, you can’t go back. Patience is what elevates a decent home haircut to the next level, so the person you’re caring for will end up with a professional-looking cut.
If you're using clippers, begin by attaching the appropriate length guard to the clippers and run them over the hair in the direction of hair growth. You’ll want to begin with the longest guard and work your way down to the shortest guard. Start from the back of the head and work towards the front, using a comb to guide the clippers. Use a sweeping motion with the clippers and be sure to go over each section of hair multiple times to ensure an even cut.
Step 5: Fine-Tune the Cut
Once you've finished the initial cut, it's time to fine-tune the style. Use the scissors to trim any longer strands of hair and to shape the hairline around the ears and neck. Take your time and make sure you're achieving the desired style. If you need help with beard shaping or edge trimming, the Cut Buddy Beard Shaping Tool and Hair Trimmer Guide – Plus Version is a new-and-improved tool that can help you achieve a barber-quality line-up or beard trim.
Step 6: Finish with Styling
Once the hair is cut, it's time to style it. Use a comb and a small amount of styling product, such as hair gel or wax, to style the hair into the desired shape. If you have the Cut Buddy All-Inclusive Trimming and Clipper Kit, it comes with a hairbrush and folding comb that you can use for styling purposes. Take your time, as a well-styled haircut can make all the difference.
Step 7: Clean Up
Congratulations – you’ve finished your first at-home haircut as a caregiver! Now that you’re done giving your professional-grade cut, it's time to clean up your workspace. Use a broom or vacuum to clean up any hair that may have fallen on the floor. If necessary, you can use a damp cloth to clean the person's neck and ears so they can feel fresh and ready to take on the day.
Become A Haircut Pro as a Caregiver
Giving a home haircut can seem intimidating no matter what, but with the right tools and techniques, you can end up with some seriously stylish looks. Remember to take your time, be patient, and always have a reference picture of the desired style on hand. With a little practice, you'll soon become a skilled caregiver in the art of haircutting. The person you’re caring for will thank you for taking the time to learn how to help them look and feel their best from the comfort of their own home. Check out our available products here at The Cut Buddy for all your home haircutting needs, and feel free to reach out with any questions. We’re always happy to help!