Cutting your own hair can save you a ton of money — here are 6 tips for doing it at home

• When cutting your own hair, be sure to figure out the technique that works best for your hair type.
• Investing in a good pair of scissors, flipping your head upside down, and trimming modestly are a few tips that will also help.
• Try to get feedback from someone who can evaluate your haircut from all angles, especially the first couple of times you cut your own hair.

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Deciding when and how to get your hair cut can be a complicated process.

You have to ask yourself a lot: how much do you want to cut? Just a trim, or something more dramatic? Is it worth making an appointment now, or should you wait until you're ready for a major change?

And then, once you figure out your goal length, you have to figure out how much you want to spend, and find the perfect hair stylist for your vibe and budget.

I simplify that process by cutting my hair myself.

I've been cutting my own hair for the last three years. Trust me — it's not always an easy process, and most people think I'm silly or cheap, but I've learned a few tips and ticks along the way to make it a little easier.

Whether you're just looking to save money by doing it yourself, want to make a minor addition (or a minor subtraction) to your look, or just want to acquire a new skill, here are a few tips for cutting your hair yourself.

SEE ALSO: Here's when you should cut your hair, based on length and texture — and it's more often than you think

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Figure out the technique that works best for your hair type.

One of the most important things to figure out if you're going to cut your own hair is your hair type and the cutting technique that makes the most sense.

For example, my hair is curly, so I never cut it dry. When my hair is dry, it has a mind of its own. My curl pattern is never identical day after day, so cutting it wet is smarter — I can comb right through it and ensure that it's as close to its full length as possible.

Depending on your natural hair type, you'll want to figure out the technique that makes the most sense for you. Be sure to do your research and maybe even consult with a professional to cut out the guesswork before picking up the scissors.

Spend the extra dollar or two on a good pair of scissors.

The first time I cut my own hair, I rashly decided to do it with a pair of Fiskars, and made a few quick snips. My hair ultimately looked fine, but there were some split ends here and there, and a few pieces were a little shorter than I had intended for them to be. I don't recommend doing this.

Since then, I've invested in a good pair of scissors (that are made solely for cutting hair) from Walmart for less than 10 bucks. They make cleaner, simpler cuts, and I've been more satisfied with the way my hair turns out when I use them.

Flip your head upside down.

It's quite difficult — actually nearly impossible — to cut the hair on the back of your head evenly when cutting your own hair if you don't put it in a ponytail, pull your hair over your shoulder, or flip your head upside down.

I recommend flipping your head upside down in order to get easier access to those hard-to-reach hairs, as well as a clearer view of any existing layers you may have, too.

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