How to Use the Ponytail Method for a DIY Haircut

Wash Your Hair

The first step to cutting your hair at home is to wash and style your hair as you would normally. "This will ensure that you're cutting your hair in places where you need it and minimizes the risk that you'll cut too much hair off and be unhappy," says hairstylist Cassandra Olivia.

Olivia recommends using a product "that will minimize frizz so you see your true length," like Leaf + Flower CBD Instant Frizz Remedy ($33). "It's activated by heat and uses hydrophobic properties to combat frizz, leaving hair smooth and bouncy for up to five washes. The formula delivers deep repair from root to tip and mends damaged hair, resulting in a sleek, glass-like shine."

Brush Your Hair

To start, remove any knots from the hair with a detangling brush. You can use your favorite wide tooth comb if you have curly hair. Make sure that the hair is completely dry so it doesn't shrink after you cut it. I also recommend doing this on clean hair instead of second or third-day strands to avoid oils from your scalp weighing down your hair.  

Create a Bump-Free High Ponytail

Next, flip your tangle-free mane upside down and collect the hair into a high ponytail just above the center of your forehead (channel your inner unicorn). Flip your head right side up and check in your mirror that the placement of your ponytail is centered before securing it with a hair tie.

Determine Your Desired Length

Then, determine how much length you want to cut off. If you aren't sure, start small with 1/2" or 1" (depending on how long your hair is, to begin with). If you need to cut more off the first time around, you can always go back through this process again because you can always go shorter. Plus, this is only a five-minute process.

Use your second hair tie to mark that line where you'll cut. Wrap it close to the base of your ponytail and then slide it down to your cut point.

Make The Snip

Your only snip will be made just below that second hair tie, cutting straight across. Sharp shears are essential, especially for a cut that works through such a thick, concentrated area of hair. Olivia agrees, adding: "To cut hair, use a hairdresser's shears. You can get them at your local beauty supply shop."

If you use kitchen scissors or anything with a dull blade, you'll find that the scissors will struggle to glide through the bulk of your strands, leaving them more susceptible to fraying quickly. I recommend never cutting your length above the chin, and following this advice will ensure that your shortest layer falls no higher than your jawline. If you desire a longer fringe or side bang, leave those bits out and blend them into your layers after the bulk of your hair is cut.

You can use your shears for this cut if you prefer blunt ends or if your long hair has a finer density and you prefer that it feels fuller versus wispy. Consider using texturizing shears for thicker and curly hair if you have them available. Thinning shears have much less room for error because their cut isn't so harsh. These shears will give you a much softer, blended finish on your ends.

A Few Finishing Touches

You've done the majority of the work, and your hair is almost ready to go. As a professional stylist, I have a few last-minute tips for detailing your newly layered 'do. These are all optional, but they can transform your cut even further to look like a pro did it.

• Point Cutting: If you've let your ponytail down and feel the layers look too harsh or blunt for your hair type, I'd recommend point-cutting your ends. Toss your hair back into that unicorn ponytail—you can use your regular shears or thinning shears for this—and with a tight grip around those ends, use your shears to cut straight up into your ends. Point cutting will provide a softer, lighter finish to your ends and break up what may feel like "shelf" layers.
• Fine-tuning Your Shape: The ponytail haircut method will give you a distinct "V" shape when it's all laying down against your back. If you prefer your strands to fall with less notable shape, create a clean, center parting split down your head. Bring each side to the front of your shoulders and make a straight snip across the bottom layer of hair. Check that both sides are even by bringing them together beneath your chin. Losing that last layer will eliminate the long point that creates the "V" shape and will leave you with more of a soft "U" shape, like a square manicure with rounded edges.
• Start Slow: Olivia says to make small cuts first, then remove more as needed. "Start slow with shorter cuts. You can always cut again if needed. Brush your hair out regularly to ensure you like your results."
• Product: Styling aside, I recommend picking up a tiny travel bottle of Virtue Split End Serum ($42). I use this after every haircut to help seal freshly cut ends and prevent any fraying or future splitting. Continuing to apply a pea size amount of this product to your ends when you get out of the shower will help keep them looking healthy and extend the amount of time until your next haircut.