Three easy techniques for a self cut
By Felix Singgih (@fel_cuts on Instagram)
Why stand in line at a barbershop when you can cut your own hair at home? Felix Singgih, barber of 5 years, shares with us the art of the self-cut, with the help of the Philips Multigroom series 7000.
For those who are familiar with barbershop terminology, the numbers on the guards for the Philips Multigroom series 7000 work the same - the smaller the number, the shorter the resulting haircut.
Haircut | Philips Multigroom series 7000 guards |
Number 0 | ~1mm stubble combs |
Number 1 | ~2mm stubble combs |
Number 2 | ~3-7mm adjustable beard comb |
Number 3 | ~9mm hair comb |
Number 4 | ~12mm hair comb |
Number 5 | ~16mm hair comb |
As a rule of thumb, start with bigger numbers and gradually work your way to your desired length with shorter guards.
Tip #1: Shape with a repeated C-motion
To master the art of a self-cut, the first thing to note is a fundamental technique in barbering – the C-motion. Simply trim upwards to your desired height, before flicking the multigroomer outward and away from your head. Repeat this motion, until your desired shape is achieved. This technique helps to define the shape of your hair and is also the most foolproof method for a self-cut.
Tip #2: Trim from the sides and work your way to the back
Before you begin, damp your hair with a spray bottle, and section your head with a comb to separate the sides from the top. Pin the top section away from the sides with hair clips. Your hairlines on each side are guides on the highest you can trim. You can also use the temple as a point of reference to judge the shape of your desired haircut.
Start from the sides and work your way backwards. Make sure you follow the shape of your head, keeping the multigroomer’s comb parallel to your head as you trim upwards in a C-motion.
When you reach the back, use the occipital bone at the back of your skull as a point of reference. Depending on your desired hairstyle, you can go for a higher or lower trim above or below the bone. If you are unsure, just go for a medium cut which lands nicely around that dip.
Once you’ve achieved your desired hair shape, switch to a guard two sizes bigger than the one you have been currently using. Turn the multigroomer upside down and lightly shave in the opposite direction to blend.
Tip #3: Create definition on your neckline and behind your ears
To really get that clean look, you have the option to trim behind your ears and define the neckline too.
Hold down your ear and trim with precision. Keep in mind that you’re actually trimming and not shaving, so aim to shape and neaten rather than redefine.
Do the same for your neckline. Your hairline should end nicely between your neck and the back of your skull.
*Bonus tip: Confidence in your strokes, will give you the cleanest cut. So just go for it and have fun with your home haircut, powered by the Philips Multigroom series 7000.
The Philips Multigroom series 7000 (MG7720/15) comes with 14 tools for total hair, face, and body grooming and you can get yours here
Multigroom series 7000 MG7720/15 14-in-1, Face, Hair and Body
Choosing a facial hair style that fits your face
-
- 14 tools
- DualCut technology
- Up to 120 min run time
- Showerproof
MYR349.00*
