Cutting your own hair can be a daunting task, especially if you’re aiming for a specific style like the Viking look. The Vikings, known for their bravery, strength, and unique sense of style, sported hairstyles that were both practical and intimidating. Their haircuts often featured braids, ponytails, and undercuts, which not only reflected their social status but also their warrior spirit. If you’re interested in embracing this ancient style, this guide will walk you through the process of cutting your own hair like a Viking.
Understanding Viking Hairstyles
Before you start cutting, it’s essential to understand the different types of Viking hairstyles. Viking men often wore their hair long, with styles ranging from simple to complex. Some common features of Viking hairstyles include:
- Long hair on top, often braided or ponytailed
- Undercuts or shaved sides, which were sometimes braided as well
- Beards, which were often braided with small bones, feathers, or other ornaments
The style you choose will depend on your face shape, hair type, and personal preference. It’s crucial to consider these factors before cutting your hair to ensure you achieve a look that suits you.
Preparation is Key
Cutting your own hair requires patience, the right tools, and a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you start:
- Invest in good quality hair cutting tools, such as sharp scissors or clippers. Dull tools can lead to uneven cuts and split ends.
- Wash and towel-dry your hair before cutting. This will make it easier to see what you’re doing and help you achieve a more precise cut.
- Use a comb or rat-tail comb to section your hair and guide your scissors or clippers.
Choosing the Right Viking Style for You
With so many Viking styles to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
- Face shape: If you have a round face, look for styles that create length, such as a long braid or ponytail. If you have a square face, soften your features with a beard or mustache.
- Hair type: If you have thick, curly hair, consider a style that showcases your texture, such as a braided undercut. If you have fine, straight hair, look for styles that add volume, such as a ponytail with a fringe.
- Lifestyle: If you lead an active lifestyle, consider a style that’s easy to maintain, such as a simple braid or ponytail.
Cutting Your Own Hair
Now that you’ve chosen a style and prepared your tools, it’s time to start cutting. Remember to work slowly and carefully, as it’s easier to cut more hair off than it is to glue it back on.
Sectioning Your Hair
To achieve a Viking-style haircut, you’ll need to section your hair. Use a comb or rat-tail comb to divide your hair into sections, depending on the style you’re aiming for. For a simple undercut, you’ll need to section your hair into two parts: the top and the sides. For a more complex style, such as a braided undercut, you may need to section your hair into three or four parts.
Cutting the Sides
To cut the sides of your hair, use clippers without a guard to achieve a close shave. Alternatively, you can use scissors to cut the sides, but this can be more difficult and may result in an uneven cut. Work slowly and carefully, using a mirror to see what you’re doing. It’s essential to keep the clippers or scissors straight to achieve a clean line.
Cutting the Top
To cut the top of your hair, use scissors or hair shears. Work slowly and carefully, using a comb or rat-tail comb to guide your scissors. Cut in small increments, checking your progress in a mirror as you go. It’s essential to keep your scissors straight to achieve a clean cut.
Maintaining Your Viking Hairstyle
Once you’ve cut your hair, it’s essential to maintain it to keep it looking its best. Here are a few tips for maintaining your Viking hairstyle:
- Wash your hair regularly to keep it clean and healthy.
- Use a comb or brush to detangle your hair, especially if you have a braid or ponytail.
- Trim your hair regularly to keep it looking its best. This will help prevent split ends and keep your style looking fresh.
Styling Your Viking Hair
To style your Viking hair, use a comb or brush to detangle your hair. Apply a small amount of styling product, such as hair wax or pomade, to add texture and hold. Style your hair as desired, using your fingers or a comb to achieve the look you want.
Adding Braids and Ponytails
To add braids or ponytails to your Viking hairstyle, use a comb or rat-tail comb to section your hair. Braid or ponytail your hair as desired, using a small elastic band to secure your braid or ponytail. Tuck any stray hairs under your braid or ponytail to keep your style looking neat and tidy.
In conclusion, cutting your own hair like a Viking requires patience, the right tools, and a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. By following these steps and tips, you can achieve a Viking-style haircut that’s both unique and stylish. Remember to work slowly and carefully, and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. With practice and patience, you can master the art of cutting your own hair like a Viking.
What are the benefits of cutting your own hair like a Viking?
Cutting your own hair like a Viking can be a liberating experience, allowing you to take control of your appearance and express your individuality. The Viking style, characterized by its bold and rugged look, can be a great way to add some edge to your everyday look. By cutting your own hair, you can also save money on salon visits and experiment with different styles without committing to a specific look. Additionally, the Viking style is often associated with a sense of masculinity and strength, making it a popular choice among men looking to add some swagger to their appearance.
The Viking style is also relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal styling products and effort to achieve. This makes it a great choice for busy individuals who want to look great without spending too much time in front of the mirror. Furthermore, cutting your own hair like a Viking can be a fun and creative outlet, allowing you to express your personality and showcase your unique sense of style. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you can achieve a Viking-inspired look that is both bold and stylish, making you stand out from the crowd and turning heads wherever you go.
What tools do I need to cut my own hair like a Viking?
To cut your own hair like a Viking, you will need a few basic tools, including a pair of sharp hair scissors or hair shears, a comb, and a mirror. It’s also a good idea to have a trimmer or clippers on hand to help you achieve a more defined edge and to tidy up any stray hairs. You may also want to consider investing in a pair of thinning scissors or hair texture scissors to help you achieve a more layered, piecey look. Additionally, a cape or towel can come in handy to protect your clothing from hair clippings and make cleanup easier.
When choosing your tools, it’s essential to select high-quality products that are designed specifically for cutting hair. Dull or low-quality scissors can lead to uneven cuts and split ends, while a good pair of scissors can make all the difference in achieving a professional-looking finish. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of scissors and their uses, as well as to practice using them before attempting to cut your own hair. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you can achieve a Viking-inspired look that is both bold and stylish, and that makes you feel confident and empowered.
How do I prepare my hair for a Viking-style cut?
Before cutting your hair like a Viking, it’s essential to prepare your hair properly to ensure the best results. Start by washing and conditioning your hair as you normally would, then towel-dry it until it’s damp but not soaking wet. This will help prevent split ends and make it easier to cut your hair. Next, use a comb or brush to detangle your hair, working from the ends up to the roots. This will help you achieve a more even cut and prevent any tangles or knots from getting in the way.
Once your hair is detangled, use a comb or rat-tail comb to section it off into smaller sections, depending on how many layers you want to achieve. For a traditional Viking look, you may want to section off the top layer of hair from the rest, using a comb or clip to keep it out of the way. You can then use your scissors or clippers to cut the bottom layer, working your way up to the top layer. By preparing your hair properly and sectioning it off into smaller areas, you can achieve a more precise cut and a more polished finish.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when cutting your own hair like a Viking?
When cutting your own hair like a Viking, there are several common mistakes to avoid to ensure the best results. One of the most significant mistakes is cutting your hair too short, especially around the edges. This can be difficult to fix and may require a visit to a professional stylist to correct. Another mistake is not using a comb or guide to help you achieve a straight edge, which can result in an uneven or choppy finish. Additionally, cutting your hair when it’s too wet or too dry can also lead to uneven results, as well as using dull or low-quality scissors.
To avoid these mistakes, it’s essential to take your time and work slowly, using a comb or guide to help you achieve a straight edge. It’s also a good idea to start with small, gradual cuts, working your way up to the desired length. This will help you avoid cutting your hair too short and give you more control over the finished result. Furthermore, using a mirror that allows you to see the back of your head, such as a three-way mirror, can also help you achieve a more even cut and prevent any mistakes. By taking your time and being careful, you can achieve a Viking-inspired look that is both bold and stylish.
How do I achieve a traditional Viking hairstyle?
To achieve a traditional Viking hairstyle, you will want to focus on creating a bold, rugged look with a lot of texture and layering. Start by cutting the bottom layer of hair close to the head, using clippers or scissors to achieve a defined edge. Next, use thinning scissors or hair texture scissors to add layers and texture to the top layer of hair, working from the crown of the head down to the edges. You can also use a trimmer or clippers to tidy up any stray hairs and define the edge around the jawline and neckline.
To add some extra texture and volume to your hair, you can use a bit of styling product, such as pomade or hair wax, to add some grit and texture to the top layer. You can also use a bit of hair dry shampoo to add some volume and texture to the roots. For a more authentic look, you can also consider braiding or ponytailing the top layer of hair, using a bit of hair tie or leather thong to secure it in place. By combining these techniques, you can achieve a traditional Viking hairstyle that is both bold and stylish, and that makes you feel like a true warrior.
Can I cut my own hair like a Viking if I have curly or wavy hair?
While the Viking style is often associated with straight hair, it is possible to cut your own hair like a Viking even if you have curly or wavy hair. The key is to work with your natural texture, rather than trying to fight it. Start by using a bit of styling product, such as curl cream or sea salt spray, to enhance your natural texture and add some definition to your curls. Next, use a pair of sharp hair scissors or hair shears to cut your hair, working slowly and carefully to avoid cutting your hair too short.
When cutting curly or wavy hair, it’s essential to use a bit of caution and to work slowly, as it can be easy to cut your hair too short. It’s also a good idea to use a comb or rat-tail comb to help you achieve a more defined edge, and to use a bit of hair serum or oil to help tame any frizz or flyaways. By working with your natural texture and using the right products, you can achieve a Viking-inspired look that is both bold and stylish, even with curly or wavy hair. Additionally, you can also consider using a bit of hair wax or pomade to add some texture and definition to your curls, and to help keep them in place.