Self Trimmer's - HELP!

[ThickRoot]

I'm relaxed. Since I started my hair journey in February 2010 I've been trimming my own ends and have done so in the past as well. Actually, I ended up letting my hair grow out and cut all the old relaxed ends off from the new growth in February 2011 -- so this is all new hair. Well, I'm not experiencing any breakage, shedding nor am I seeing any splits but in some areas my ends feel "rough".

My Question: could this roughness be because I need to get a professional trim? When I went to the salon in March 2011 and got my virgin relaxer I did not let them trim my hair cause I felt I could do it myself. Do you self trimmer's ever get your hair professionally trimmed? erplexed

 

[pattyr5]

I have been trimming my own hair for about 2 years now. I refuse to go to the salon because my experience has been that they don't understand the word "trim". Personally I would only go if I need a major cut due to damage.

But to get back to your hair issue, I would just do a good moisturizing deep condition and a cool water rinse to make sure that the cuticles are laying flat. Also, when you trim, make sure you are using sharp hair shears/scissors because a dull blade can cause a jagged cut to your strands and make them split and feel a little off.

 

[ThickRoot]

pattyr5 thank you, thank you! I hear you, I understand that's one of the reasons I got started on this whole hair journey was to have more control and understand what was going on with my hair for myself.

I'm definitely going to try what you suggested when I wash this weekend. Thanks.

 

[lana]

I'm a self trimmer. Just last month I considered getting a professional trim. I ended up just trimming it myself, because the salons I went to years ago NEVER understood "trim doesn't mean CUT".

I stayed ear length getting professional trims. I'm just about BSL or hovering over it now. So I say "DO IT YOURSELF". Just make sure you use brand new scissors. I actually buy them very often. I know - but it's cheaper than getting it done at the shop and I deserve great sheers!

If you have someone you trust to help you great. My DH trimmed the back for me, but now it's long enough that I split it down the middle and pull the back over each shoulder and trim.

Make sure you are moisturizing your ends first and sealing them with oil. I started doing that and my ends look way better! I hope this helps.

The reason I considered getting a professional trim was because people tell me I need to "pamper myself" and let someone else do it. I almost gave in, even though my ends look great!

 

[ThickRoot]

Thanks lana!

I just started moisturizing AND sealing nightly. I'd fallen down on the sealing part, but I think that helps. I have real shears I use on my hair but I've had them for years!!! I may need a new pair.

Thanks for helping, I was over here melting down.

 

[divachyk]

Not meaning to hijack OP but what method are you all using to self-trim. I've studied many but curious to know which you are using.

Also, do you ever feel that you're trims are not sufficient? Like you're hair is missing that professional touch?

I look to self trim the next relaxer. Wish me luck. I will start out small (maybe 1/2 inch, if that) that way if I screw that up, it won't take much to correct it. I haven't trimmed in about a year so one part of me really wants a professional trim but then again, I don't want too much trimmed/cut off either.

 

[pattyr5]

Not meaning to hijack OPbut what method are you all using to self-trim. I've studied many but curious to know which you are using.

Also, do you ever feel that you're trims are not sufficient? Like you're hair is missing that professional touch?

I look to self trim the next relaxer. Wish me luck. I will start out small (maybe 1/2 inch, if that) that way if I screw that up, it won't take much to correct it. I haven't trimmed in about a year so one part of me really wants a professional trim but then again, I don't want too much trimmed/cut off either.

I basically use a couple of methods.... I do a couple of braids and snip off any of the split or damaged hairs that stick out. To even everything up...I actually use the Creaclip with a level and just cut across the bar and it comes out great.

 

[ThickRoot]

divachyk.

I wait until I have a relaxer, or close to after one. And I trim about 2x a year, I basically section it and cut the ends maybe 1/2 inch at a time. In between I may dust if need be. But the last time I cut in February I had a year's worth of new growth so I just cut off all relaxed ends and and a bit above that into the new growth. I have also twisted the hair and cut the ends off the twists.

 

[ThickRoot]

•bumping•

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Long Hair Care Forum App

 

[Truth]

So thick you're saying you went natural and now your ends are rough????

 

[Chaosbutterfly]

If your ends are rough, it's probably an issue with dryness or porosity. Or it's a styling thing...like some people get rough-feeling ends from air drying or wet bunning.
None of those issues can be corrected by a professional trim.
Just clarify, do a good deep condition, and give yourself a little ACV rinse to make sure that your cuticles are laying flat and smooth.

Although if you're using bad scissors to trim your ends, you may want to get some hair shears and only use them for your hair, to make sure that when you trim, you're getting neat and sharp ends.

 

[ThickRoot]

I was stretching at first but not successfully so I just went the year, cut off everything but the new growth. I was completely natural for like a month, then I got a relaxer if that makes sense.

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Long Hair Care Forum App

 

[blackberry815]

I basically use a couple of methods.... I do a couple of braids and snip off any of the split or damaged hairs that stick out. To even everything up...I actually use the Creaclip with a level and just cut across the bar and it comes out great.

pattyr5 when you use the creaclip are you able to do it yourself or do you need someone else to help you by standing behind you to ensure that the bar is level before cutting? all the videos on the website only show how to layer yourself and for cutting straight across they show someone else doing that on the person getting cut? any tips on how to do it on your own?

 

[pattyr5]

@pattyr5 when you use the creaclip are you able to do it yourself or do you need someone else to help you by standing behind you to ensure that the bar is level before cutting? all the videos on the website only show how to layer yourself and for cutting straight across they show someone else doing that on the person getting cut? any tips on how to do it on your own?

Well, my bf is usually around so I use him as my eyes sometimes, if not I just do the double mirror method to see if everything is straight..and one has a level built into it so that helps alot. Since I have layers in my hair anyway, I find it easyto use like in the demo...when I need the ends cut straight across, I usually have a *trusted* person do it so I don't have to deal with a cut when I wanted a dusting.

The only kind of cut that you can truly do on your own with the creaclip is a V-cut, by pulling your hair forward and clipping the bar in front under your chin...that gives you a sharp v shape.

 

[BlackHairDiva]

I'm relaxed. Since I started my hair journey in February 2010 I've been trimming my own ends and have done so in the past as well. Actually, I ended up letting my hair grow out and cut all the old relaxed ends off from the new growth in February 2011 -- so this is all new hair. Well, I'm not experiencing any breakage, shedding nor am I seeing any splits but in some areas my ends feel "rough".

My Question: could this roughness be because I need to get a professional trim? When I went to the salon in March 2011 and got my virgin relaxer I did not let them trim my hair cause I felt I could do it myself. Do you self trimmer's ever get your hair professionally trimmed? erplexed

My ends were rough as well... I suggest that you moisture and seal your ends. One more step that helped me get rid of those rough ends... Get Ojon Resotrative Hair treatment ( dark brown Pot). This one is specifically for dry hair. IT smells horrible( cigars/ coffee beans).This is applied on dry hair. Put it all over your hair and Saturate the ends of your hair. you can leave it on over night or what I do is sit under the dryer with a plastic cap. The next day rinse it with a conditioner that you love and then do a Moisture Deep conditioner. Your hair will so soft and smooth, the rough ends will be gone. I do this when I do a keratin treatment, right after I'm done doing my " no wash period"... I saturate my hair the night before and then leave for at least 12 hours then rinse and do deep conditioner(Protein free one) for like an hour. My hair turns out amazing every time!