A barber’s guide to shaving your own hair

The last year has likely changed your relationship with your own hair. Whether you’ve never cared about maintaining your mane or were a barber-once-a-month kind of guy, everyone's had to rethink what they do to their hair. And with the close-open-close-open-close pattern that barbers up and down the country are having to contend with, you wouldn't be blamed for considering picking up the scissors yourself.

No matter how familiar you've got with cutting your hair, shaving your own head is a whole new kettle of fish, which is why we've enlisted the help of celebrity hairstylist, Joe Mills. Joe is the owner of Joe and Co. Soho and Mills Barbers, so you're in safe hands. So if you’re afraid to go anywhere near the clippers, Joe has some stellar advice on how to style your hair. 

Remember: barbers will reopen. A lot of men are going to be in the same camp as you, sporting shoulder-length locks that a 90s-era Beckham would be proud of. But if you can’t handle the wait, Joe recommends a softly, softly approach. ‘Cutting your own hair is not to be taken lightly, and it’s something most of us would never even consider if it wasn’t for the times we find ourselves in,’ he explains.

‘If you really can’t handle growing out your hair, preparation is key,' advises Joe. ‘You need to get all of your equipment ready before you start. You’ll need a decent set of clippers, a comb and a large towel around your shoulders,’ he says. ‘Make sure your clippers are fully charged and that you’ve got two mirrors, one in front of you and one behind, as well as plenty of light. Ideally, hair should be clean and slightly damp.’

Now for the juicy stuff which, as Joe explains, takes patience and a slow and steady approach. ‘Decide how short you want to go (I recommend starting longer and getting shorter, just in case you change your mind halfway through) and select the right clipper guard, making sure it's fitted securely,’ he cautions. ‘Start at the sides to gauge how short it really is and take your time. Once you’re done with the sides, go to the top and run the clippers in different directions to make sure you catch all of the little hairs.

‘The back, of course, is the hardest part,’ says Joe, ‘so use the mirrors to find a way of getting the clippers all over the back or, if you’re brave enough and isolated with someone else, get them to help. Don’t use the clippers to create any hard lines at the back of your head as they won’t grow out well. When you’re done, rinse your hair and repeat the whole thing.’

If that all sounds a little daunting, you’re going to need to learn how to style slightly longer hair than you’re used to. ‘A hat should be your first port of call,’ says Joe, ‘But if you want to get a bit more creative, make product your new best friend. Use a slightly heavier one than usual as more hair needs extra hold. Gels and pomades work well on wet hair while, for super long hair, a spray is the way to go.’ And if your new daily routine means you've got a little more time on your hands, use the extra hours to experiment with your look. ‘Invest in a good hairdryer,’ recommends Joe. ‘With a decent brush, you can change up your styling game while you have the time to do so.’ Good luck out there, chaps.