Wouldn't you love to be able to make your own flat top at home?It's not as hard as you think.It might take a few tries to get your technique down, but overall it's a good cut with some margin for error.Follow these steps if you grab your clippers.
Step 1: Determine how much hair to take off.
The person whose hair you're cutting should know how long the top and sides should be.This information can help you make a decision.Do they want the skin to show around the head or the sides?How much hair do they want to leave on top?
Step 2: A hair clipper can be purchased from a local beauty supply store.
The three major brands are Oster, Wahl and Andis.
Step 3: Purchase hair clippers from your local beauty supply store.
There are specific length settings for the blades.The "000" blade cuts hair to 1/2 inch.It's a good idea to use a 1/6-inch attachment for standard flat tops.For flat tops with very close sides, choose the smallest-length blade.Even though clippers come with plastic length guards, they are not as effective as the steel blades.
Step 4: Start on the right side of the head at the temple and move the clippers upwards in a vertical line.
Make your way to the back of the head by working in small sections.Use a blade-on-skin technique to cut sections.To do this, comb a small section of hair downwards, rest the clipper attachment against the skin starting at the bottom of your section, and move up in a vertical line.Don't follow the curve of the head when cutting the sides, follow an imaginary vertical line up to the sky.Continue moving your clippers upwards when the head starts to curve.
Step 5: At the back of the head, clippers should be run up to the crown.
The back needs to be slightly blended into the top for a balanced effect."Round off" means instead of working in a straight line all the way to the top, move your clippers to follow the curve of the head just a bit at the beginning.
Step 6: The temple is on the left side.
On the left side, use the same technique as you did on the right, moving upwards in a vertical line.
Step 7: The top should be cut with a comb and clippers.
Lift a small section of hair upwards from the back of the crown by holding your comb parallel to the floor.There is excess hair sticking out of the comb.The clippers should be parallel to the comb.To the forehead, section by section.To avoid clipper lines, use small sections.Make sure the section is the same length as the previous one.If you want a clean, even finish, comb the hair back from the forehead.
Step 8: Take the time to inspect your work.
It's a good idea to cut off long hairs with scissors.
Step 9: To trim the sideburns and neck area, use a t-trimmer.
Pull the clipper away at the same angle if you want to hold the t-trimmer with the blade against the skin.It's a good idea to start at the bottom and work upwards gradually.
Step 10: Pomade or styling wax can be used to help the top stand up straight.
To comb the top, apply a little product and use a brush or comb.Adding volume and shape can be accomplished by blowdrying the hair upwards.Make sure there's no product left on the skin by applying a towel to the forehead.
Step 11: The flat top needs to be trimmed every few weeks.
Regular maintenance is needed to keep the long hair on top looking fresh.