If your hair dries out while you comb it, spritz it with water until it’s damp again. Use a detangling product or a natural remedy to tackle particularly stubborn snarls.

If you cut your hair while it’s still wet, it may not lay the same way it does while it’s dry.

The best place to cut hair is the bathroom, where you’ll have access to running water and a mirror.

If possible, set up a second mirror so you can see the back of your head, either hanging from the wall opposite or as a hand mirror held by someone else.

If your hair is long enough, you can use clips to hold the top section away from your sides.

The shortest setting for a clipper guard is 0, which is essentially shaving down to the skin.

To blend short hair on the sides with longer hair on the top of your head, pull your clippers further away from your head as you get towards the top of your head. [8] X Research source Going against your hair’s grain will result in a cleaner cut. Some clippers come with ear tapers, which help you cut above and around your ears. Use these, if available, to make cleaner cuts around the ears.

Then, as you approach the top of your head, stopping about 1 inch (2. 5 cm) from the crown of your head, use scooping motions to pull the clippers away from your head. Scooping the clippers away from your head helps to blend your cuts evenly.

Work slowly while using clippers to ensure as even of a fade as possible.

Do not use household scissors to cut your hair, as they aren’t sharp enough to properly cut hair so you’re more likely to make mistakes.

Cuts to the hair on top of your head are more noticeable than cuts to the hair on the sides of your head. Always start with conservative cuts. Remember, you can always cut more, but you can’t add back lost length. When you’ve finished with this area, you can check your guideline by holding up a section of hair that is perpendicular to your hairline. Your hair should be the same length across the entirety of this section. Be gentle on your head while cutting the crown, which is usually more tender than the rest of the head.

Place your fingers underneath each sideburn to check that they’re even after trimming.

Use a handheld mirror to examine your neckline after tapering it to make sure it looks neat and even.

If you notice any mistakes or uneven areas while styling, trim these areas again as needed.