How to Do a Razor Hair Cut

Hair Types That Benefit from Razor Cuts

If your hair is fine, a razor cut may not be your best bet, doubly so if it's wavy or curly. Razor cuts tend to make hair look droopy and flyaway — even frizzy in the case of wavy and curly strands. Long layers work better in those cases.

Thicker hair handles the technique well and performs better. Straight hair tends to look polished and interesting rather than boring as it can with a traditional blunt cut. As long as you're not someone's hair experiment, your hair will, in most cases, look fine post-razor cut by a skilled professional. If you'd been wishing for curls, take the razor cut as an opportunity to be thankful for your naturally straight hair.

If you have long hair, you won't want to do a razor cut all over -- just here and there for texture. Otherwise, even the thickest, straightest hair will look scraggly and unkempt. Think of the razor cut as a belt or a pair of earrings — part of the look but not the actual ensemble.

The Basics of Razor Cuts

• Instead of blunt ends, when you learn how to do a razor hair cut, you get angled ends on your hair. It sounds like it wouldn't make a lot of difference, doesn't it? It actually adds more swing and movement to your strands if your hair type is right for the cut (i.e. not too thin to start with).
• When you receive a razor cut, you'll notice an odd sensation. You can "feel" the haircut. It's not painful, of course. The razor just slides across the hair shafts and you may feel a slight tugging accompanied by a slicing noise. (It sounds scarier than it is.)
• The best hair for razor cuts: short, thick, and straight. You'll get a flirty, flippy look rather than a limp-locked style that no amount of volumizing mousse can cure. This is also ideal for bangs to keep them from looking weighed down.

How to Do a Razor Hair Cut Yourself

This cute style can be achieved with a razor cut.

Want to know how to do a razor cut yourself? One word: cautiously! You should probably start with your bangs rather than your whole head while you're learning. Your bangs are easy to see and more manageable when you're embarking on a DIY path. Razor combs are recommended over straight razors for ease of use and safety.

Since pictures and videos speak louder than words, here are a few YouTube videos to give you an idea of what they are, how they're done, and what the finished product is like:

• Razor Cut Bob: It doesn't include commentary but it's a very good visual!
• Razor Cut: This one has four parts and is very thorough. You'll need a friend to help you if you plan to try this one or something like it at home. You won't be able to see all the sections of hair if you try to go it alone.

The basic instructions for how to do a razor cut are:

• Divide hair into even sections—part hair vertically down the middle and again horizontally about halfway down the back of the head. Pin up the top two halves and leave the bottom one free. This is where you'll start the razoring.

• Hold the razor lightly. Less is more to begin with. You can always go back and cut more. Use a fine-toothed comb to pull up the hair at about a 45-degree angle and slide the razor in short, choppy motions (also held at a 45-degree angle) down the ends of the hair. Be careful to move your comb and fingers as you work your way down to the tips.

• Work your way up through the back of your head, then begin work on the sides. If you have short hair, you can layer pieces at the top of the head as long as they're covered by more, unrazored hair. Do it very lightly and you can increase volume at the crown.

• You can repeat the same procedure on the sides and the bangs. Just remember to go lightly and don't texturize all the hair — only pieces — until it looks like what you had in mind.

If You're Intimidated

If you're intimidated by the thought of how to do a razor hair cut by yourself, don't be ashamed. You can put your trust into the hands of those who are trained and certified to give you just the style you desire instead. It'll be a fun, relaxing experience rather than a nerve-wracking one.

Check out some of the trendier salons like Toni & Guy for up-to-the-minute styles like razor cuts (and even unexpected color accents if you wish to play up the texture). Looking for specific salons in your area? Try Kudzu.com for reviews on salons and more.