Going for a haircut every few weeks adds up, both in time and money. But you don’t always need a trip to the barber to keep your hair looking good. Modern hair clippers are designed to be easy to use, even for complete beginners.
So whether you’re maintaining a buzz cut or tidying up the back and sides, knowing how to cut your own hair with clippers is a really handy skill. This guide covers everything you need to give yourself a top-notch trim.
Before you cut your hair
Rushing the prep is one of the biggest ways home haircuts can go wrong. Take a few minutes and make sure you’ve got everything ready first.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Hair clippers with guard comb attachments
A handheld mirror and a larger wall mirror
A comb for checking hair length and direction
A towel or barber cape to protect clothing
Good lighting so you can spot any missed areas
A small brush for cleaning away loose hair
Before you get started, make sure your clippers are charged, and the blades are clean. Sharp, clean blades help the clippers glide through hair more evenly, and reduce the chance of snagging. The Braun Series 5 HC5510 Hair Clipper comes with lifetime sharp steel blades, so you won’t need to replace them.
It's best to cut your hair when it's dry, since wet hair can look longer than it really is. Plus it can clump around the blades and make your cut uneven.
For more hair-care tips, check out our guide on how to use a hair styler.
Understanding clipper guard sizes
Guard numbers tell you the length of the hair left behind after cutting. The higher the number, the longer your hair will be.
Common clipper guard sizes include:
| Guard number | Approximate length |
|---|---|
| #1 | 3mm |
| #2 | 6mm |
| #3 | 10mm |
| #4 | 13mm |
| #5 | 16mm |
| #6 | 19mm |
| #7 | 22mm |
| #8 | 25mm |
The right guard length depends on the look you're after. A number 1 guard gives a close-cropped finish, while a number 2 leaves a little more length. For a buzz cut, use the same guard all over. Styles like a short back and sides require a combination of guards to blend the hair – more on this later.
If you’re not sure which guard size to pick, start with a longer one than you think you'll need. That way you can go shorter later. The Wahl Colour Pro 9649-017 Hair Clipper makes it easier with colour code guards that make sure you’re getting the exact length you want.
For more grooming advice, check out our guide to the best electric shavers for men.
How to cut the back and sides with clippers
The back and sides are usually the easiest areas to tackle once you’ve got the basics right.
Step 1 – Start at the neckline
Attach your chosen guard comb and begin at the base of your neck. Place the clippers flat against your scalp and move upwards using smooth, steady strokes.
Step 2 – Work against hair growth
For most people, cutting against the natural direction of hair growth helps them get a more even cut. Let the clippers do the work instead of forcing them through thick sections.
Step 3 – Move around the head systematically
Go from one side to the other instead of jumping between sections. Working methodically keeps everything consistent and means you’re less likely to miss spots.
Step 4 – Use a flicking motion
As you get to the point where longer hair begins, gently flick the clippers away from the head. This creates a softer transition and makes blending easier later on.
Step 5 – Check your progress regularly
Use your hand mirror to look at the back of your head. It's much easier to correct small bits as you go than fix them once you’ve finished.
And remember, take your time! It's better to trim a little at a time and check your progress as you go than cut it all in one go.
How to blend and create a natural-looking finish
The goal of blending is to create a gradual transition between different hair lengths so there’s no obvious lines between sections.
A simple way to do this is to use two guard lengths:
Use the longer guard on the upper section of the sides.
Switch to a shorter guard for the lower sides and back.
Use the longer guard again around the transition area with a gentle flicking motion.
Make small adjustments rather than removing large amounts of hair at once.
If you notice a line where two lengths meet, don't panic. Go back over the area with the longer guard to soften the transition. If the line is still visible, move the clippers upwards with a gentle flicking motion to help blend the two lengths together.
Trimming around the neckline, ears and sideburns
Perfecting those final touches makes a DIY haircut look much more professional. Use a precision trimmer or the corner of your clipper blade to tidy around the ears, sideburns and neckline. Make sure to check your progress in the mirror as you go.
When shaping your sideburns and neckline, trim a little at a time and compare both sides regularly to keep everything looking even. The Wahl Pro Series Wet & Dry Beard Trimmer and Wahl Clip ‘N Rince Cordless Clipper and Trimmer Kit both include precision trimmer attachments that makes this step .
Wondering if you can tackle more with a trimmer? Our guide on can you trim body hair with a beard trimmer helps break it down.
Common mistakes to avoid when using hair clippers
Even experienced home hairdressers make mistakes from time to time, but most are easy to avoid:
Starting too short – Begin with a longer guard length and work down gradually if needed. It's much easier to take more hair off than fix a cut that's too short.
Rushing the haircut – Take your time and work methodically. Slowing down gives you more control and helps prevent uneven patches.
Poor lighting – Bright lighting makes it much easier to spot missed areas and check your progress as you go.
Skipping mirror checks – Regularly check the back and sides of your head with a second mirror to make sure everything stays even.
Using dirty blades – Clean, well-maintained blades cut more smoothly and are less likely to pull hair or leave patchy results. They’re also unhygienic.
Trying advanced fades too soon – If you're new to DIY haircuts, focus on simple blended styles before attempting more complex fades.
Made a few mistakes along the way? Don't worry. Most uneven areas can be improved with a second pass using the same guard length and technique.
For more grooming inspiration, take a look at our smart guide to male grooming tech.
FAQs
How do you cut your own hair with clippers for beginners?
Start with clean, dry hair and a longer clipper guard than you think you'll need. Work methodically from the neckline upwards, using smooth strokes and checking your progress regularly with mirrors.
What is the best clipper guard size for a home haircut?
For beginners, a number 4 guard or longer is often the safest starting point. It leaves enough length to make corrections and reduces the risk of cutting too much hair.
Can I cut the back of my own hair with clippers?
Yes. Using a handheld mirror alongside a larger mirror makes it much easier to see the back of your head and maintain an even finish.
Should hair be wet or dry when using clippers?
Hair is generally best cut dry when using clippers. Dry hair provides a more accurate indication of final length and can produce a more consistent result.
Can I use beard trimmers to cut hair?
Beard trimmers can be useful for detailing around sideburns, necklines and ears. However, dedicated hair clippers are usually the better choice for cutting larger areas of hair.
How do I avoid uneven lines when cutting my own hair?
Use consistent clipper motions, good lighting and frequent mirror checks. Taking your time and blending gradually between lengths will also help create a smoother, more professional-looking finish.
