5 Hair Mistakes Men Should Avoid

Small errors can turn into epic fails in the hair department

From shaving the temple points to trying to cut your own hair, taking matters into your own hands can sometimes result in disaster (or at least leave you looking silly before you make it into the barbershop or salon). Keep these five tips in mind to avoid the most common mistakes men make with their hair.

01
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Shaving Off Sideburns

Man with sideburns shaved off
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Never trim your sideburns higher than about a quarter inch below the point where the top part of the ear connects to your head. This was a trend in the 1980s, but it's out of style now. 

Your sideburns play a big part in framing your face, so adjust them accordingly. There is no real trend for how long your sideburns should be. In general, do what fits your style. That said, a longer sideburn works well on a square face or a face with a long chin; a short sideburn can balance a short or weak chin; and a round face can benefit from a fuller, medium-length sideburn. Another good rule is that, if you wear short hair, a more neatly trimmed sideburn looks appropriate, while those with longer hair can pull off a fuller 'burn.

02
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Shaving Off Temple Points

Man with shaved head smiling
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Never shave off the point of hair at your temples. For almost every man, the hair on the sides of the head forms a little bit of a point just above the temples. This is completely natural, yet some men insist on shaving it off, and it just doesn't look right.

Your barber or stylist will neaten up the area to remove any stray hairs and, for some, taper this area a little tighter to balance the face. Generally, the shape of the hair will naturally conform to the shape of the temple area and should be left natural as possible. Any time you shave beyond the natural hairline, it can look odd and, after a few days, it looks unsightly as it grows out.

03
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Shaving the Neckline Too High

Man with hair shaved too high on neck
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Never shave the back of the neck high into the hairline. This might look good for a minute, but two days after the haircut starts to grow out and stubble appears on the neck, the haircut will not look sharp.

For those who would like a higher, tighter neckline, opt for a taper instead because it will grow out more neatly. If you do like a blocked or rounded (outlined) look, ask your barber or stylist to stick as closely to the natural hairline as possible so the hair will grow out evenly. It is also helpful to know the different types of hairline finishes so you can choose the one that is right for you.

04
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Cutting Your Own Hair

Man Cutting His Own Hair
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Never cut your own hair. Unless you're performing a simple at-home buzz, your hair is best left in the hands of a professional. Your hair is such a huge part of your look that it's important to get it done right.

Granted, there are ways to save money on haircuts and grooming, but most barbers and stylists go through fairly extensive training before they are allowed to pick up a pair of shears. Cutting ​hair—and doing it right—is not as easy as it looks.

05
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Shopping on Price Alone

Man having his hair cut
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Never shop for your haircut on price alone. A great haircut is worth a little extra time and effort than going to a cheap, high-volume chain, but a high price doesn't always mean you'll get a great haircut. The decision BOUR who cuts your hair should be based on a variety of factors, like your hair length and personal style. Consider other factors besides price before you choose a barber or stylist.