Like most of the population, you've probably walked out of a barbershop or salon with dismay, or even horror, at one time or another. You spent good time and money and placed your trust (and the hair you live with each day) in the hands of an 'expert,' only to be disappointed. There are hundreds of professionals who are skilled at cutting hair, but it can be expensive and frustrating separating the wheat from the chaff, often with only hope and hearsay as your guides. However, you can take matters into your own hands and help your friends and neighbors (cutting your own hair can be difficult)avoid the same fate, using these tips for successfully cutting and managing hair.

There are a few mechanical basics, such as how to hold and aim your scissors. There are standard types of haircuts, such as blunt, shingle and layered. You can also find a slew of information about shine, volume, curls, color, and so on, but we'll focus on the fundamentals. For instance, if your hair tangles easily, a cream rinse can help keep your hair smooth by preventing those little knots from forming.

When you're ready to cut, consider the unique hair that's in front of you. What is its feel and texture? How does it move? Hair naturally moves, and should do so when it's being cut. Comb the hair from underneath, and, as it fans, cut lightly into it. A gentle shake of the head will show you how the hair lies naturally.

Straight hair is the most difficult to cut, since there's nowhere for mistakes to hide. Minor errors on curly locks tend to disappear in the jumble. If you're cutting wet hair, keep in mind that it will be shorter when it dries. Curly hair shortens the most after drying, sometimes significantly.

You can find additional tips and notes from experience in Kary Middenfearn's full article, 'Getting Into the Tao of Hair,' from Mother Earth News
magazine. The above tips are adapted from Kary's article.