How to Cut Hair at Home LIke a Pro

"Anyone can cut hair," says hairstylist Steve Woodham. "All it takes are 3 things. 1). A desire to do so, 2). Practise and 3). Basic hair cutting instructions."

     (Murrieta, California)/ Steven Woodham believes hes on the cutting edge of a trend: home haircuts. Woodham doesnt make house calls. Instead, hes written and self-published a do-it-yourself book called Cut Hair at Home Like a Pro. It's available exclusively at his web site, http://haircutkit.com
     What prompted Woodham to write a practical guide that could trim his hairstyling biz?
     I was noticing more and more people coming in to my shop to fix bad home haircuts," says Woodham.
     Featuring simple diagrams and illustrations, the book includes the necessary tools, tips for trims, layered hair, kids cuts, clipper cuts, and pros and cons of a career in hairstyling. A glossary defines the likes of cowlick, nape and crown. Theres even help for southpaws.
     Cutting hair runs in Woodhams bloodline. The book is dedicated to his late grandfather, Ross Russo, the barber who gave Woodham his first haircut.
     Woodham took up the craft in 1980. While teaching home haircutting classes at Escondido Adult School in California, he noticed students were eager for written information. Theyd buy clippers but there were no real written instructions," he said. Woodham decided to jump in and fill the breach.
     Now in its third edition, Woodham says that sales of his instant download e version of the book are as good as sales for the bound version. He wrote the first edition in 1992 and advertised in national magazines. Surprised by the response, he revised his guide and launched it on his web site (http://haircutkit.com) late last year. He has plans for a video and a Spanish translation.
     Does he worry that too many do-it-yourselfers might tell hairstylists to buzz off?
     Nope. Not everyone wants a mess on the kitchen floor," he said. There will always be a market for professionals."
     The paperback copy is available through mail-order or instant download. Information is at Woodhams web site: http://haircutkit.com(original article written by Laurie Lucas)