Home Haircutting Has A Whole New Look

Home haircutting has come a long way from the bowl-and-scissors routine you probably remember from your childhood. Today, it's a lot easier. With the right tools - like any Wahl Home Haircutting Kit - virtually anyone can give professional-looking haircuts or trims... right at home.
So relax. Have some fun. And get the style you really want with Wahl.

Choose a Style that's right for you

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a hairstyle. For example, the shape of your face, the size of your ears, and the thickness and color of your hair. You want a style that will accentuate your positive features, and draw attention away from any not-so-positive ones.
But the bottom line is, the style you choose should be a reflection of who you are, how you live, and the way you want others to see you. Just be yourself.

Before you start cutting
Read the instructions. Take a few minutes to go through this styling guide and the instruction book now... it could save you a few hassles later.
Make sure the blades are clean and oiled.
Know your guide combs. See the instruction book for all the details on how to use the guides.
Take extra care when starting a child's haircut. Let them know how important it is to sit still during the haircut. This will help prevent any nicks or mistakes.

The standard haircut

No matter what style you choose, it's a good idea to learn the basic steps of a standard haircut. Why? Because once you know how to give a standard cut, it's a lot easier to move up to more complicated styles.
Always start by lightly dampening the hair. Then comb it into its natural position.
Place the largest guide comb onto your clipper, and trim the sides from the bottom upward. Hold the clipper lightly against the hair - with the teeth of the guide comb pointing up, but flat against the head.
Slowly lift the clipper up and out through the hair with a rocking motion, cutting olny a small amount at a time.
Repeat this procedure around the sides and back. And if you want to cut the hair shorter, just change to a lower-number guide comb.
For the top of the head, use the clipper-over-barber comb technique. (Hair can also be cut over fingers instead of barber comb.) Lift hair with the comb anc cut over the top. Move from the front to the back of the head, gradually cutting hair shorter by reducing the space between the comb and the head.
Finish up the haircut by outlining around the ears and neckline (no guide combs are needed).

Buzz Cut

Whether you call them buzz cuts or crew cuts, Wahl makes them easy.
Starting with the largest guide comb, cut from the back of the neck to the crown. Hold the guide comb flat against head and slowly move the clipper through the hair. Do the same thing on both sides, from the bottom to the top.
Finally, cut the hair against the direction in which it grows - from the front to the crown - and even up the cut with the sides.
For a flattop look, cut hair on top of the head over a barber comb instead of using a guide comb. Then use closer-cutting guide combs to taper the hair down to the neckline.
Comb hair, checking for uneven spots. And finish by outlining the sideburns and neckline.

Mushroom cuts

The mushroom cut is one of today's most popular styles for kids... and it's one of the easiest to do.
Begin at the back of the head. Use a barber comb to hold longer hair up and out of the way. Then, using one of the smaller guide combs, "buzz" the underside as short as you want to go.
Continue this procedure on both sides of the head, while still using the barber comb to keep longer hair out of the way.
Return to the back of the head. Gradually cut hair shorter by using the clipper over a barber comb.
Make sure the sides and back match. And finish by trimming the bangs.

Blunt Cuts

A lot of different styles, including the "bob", can be created from this great-looking cut for women and children.
First, divide hair into four sections: from center of crown to back of neck, and across the crown from ear to ear. Using your clipper over a barber comb, start at the nape of the neck and cut 1" to 2" from each section.
Then tilt the head forward and comb hair down. Keep cutting 1" to 2" sections - using the previously cut section underneath as your guide - and follow the curve of the head.
Continue this procedure on both sides, using the hair you just cut in the back as your guide.
Finish by trimming the bangs. Take about a 1/3" section of the front hairline, lift lightly, and cut.

Lines, Designs and more

Looking for a style that's a little different? Wahl makes it easy for one-of-a-kind people to get a one-of-a-kind look.

Box Cuts

Use a barber comb to define the boxed hairline. Then hold the clipper upside down and define the hairline with downward strokes. Continue until you get the look and length you want.

Contrasts

Hold the clipper blades flat against the side of the head and move slowly back from the face. For a closer cut, hold the clipper upside down and go over the area already trimmed.

Fades

When doing fades or tapering, use the guide combs. For a close cut, start with one of the smaller guide combs. Hold the clipper upside down and trim. For a slightly longer cut, use a longer guide comb and run the clipper blades right along the cutting surface.