Posted: 13 Jul 2019 05:00 PM PDT

Going from long to short can be a big step for a lot of people. If you've been growing your hair out, but want to make a big change, make sure you pick the right style and go about it in the most stress-free way possible. It doesn't have to be scary.

EditSteps

EditChoosing a Style

Match a hairstyle to the shape of your face. Are you going for an ultra-short punk rock look, or just taking a few inches off to give yourself a nice summer style? Whatever kind of new look you're going for, it's very important to match your style to the shape of your face.^[1]
- If you have a very round face, you could try a bob or a layered cut that frames your face better.
- If you have a narrower face or more highly defined structure, a pixie style may look better with your features.
- If your face is oval shaped, then you will look good in just about any haircut.
Consider a layered cut. If you want a dynamic and layered cut, that will involve sectioning off your hair and cutting it at slightly different lengths to get the hair to fall gently and evenly with the back of your head. This will take a little more work to pull off, and might require some help and mirrors.
- To cut your hair in layers, decide where you want the shortest layer to fall and then cut the top layer of hair to that length. Then, use the layer as a guide to cut the rest of your hair longer going towards your shoulders. Hold your hair out at an angle to create a smooth transition from 1 layer to the next. Then work back over the layers to make sure they'll be uniform.
Consider going super-short. Maybe one of the easiest ways to cut long hair short is to use hair clippers and start buzzing. If you're tired of long hair and want to go ultra-short, you don't need to give it much time or thought with a good pair of clippers.
- Another way to go the quick and dirty route is to put your hair back into a ponytail and just cut it off. Using a mirror, go back over the ends and clean them up, snipping the ends at angles so it'll look more layered.
Look at hair inspirations. As with any haircut, it can help to find some pictures of hairstyles that you really admire to help you get geared up for the cut. If you think you might like having short hair, it'll definitely help assuage any fears you have if you pick out some flattering short styles to emulate with your own.
- Try to find someone with a similarly featured face. If you've got a rounder face, it probably wouldn't make any sense to pick someone with a very long face to model your hair after.
Consider going to a hairdresser. If you want to get a lot of hair cut off, it's usually best to go and talk to a hairdresser who cuts hair professionally. This is especially true if you have long hair and want to go for a short, pixie cut. You're perfectly capable of cutting your own hair, but if it's going to be a big job, it's usually best to go to a pro. You can talk about what will look best for your own style, and make sure the cut gets done evenly and professionally. It'll look great.

EditPreparing Your Hair

Use hair treatments before and after. If it's been a long time since you've had your hair cut, make sure that the sudden loss of body doesn't make your hair look limp and thin. Using treatments along with regular shampoo and conditioner will help to keep your hair strong and healthy.
- Try to use treatments that contain keratin which helps to strengthen and nourish your hair. If your hair is severely damaged, use double or triple concentrated keratin treatments.
Wash your hair thoroughly if you want to cut it yourself. Comb your hair thoroughly and cut your hair damp. Straighten out curls or waves with a straightener tool or a brush and some hairspray or water. If the curls or waves are very loose, they will become straight when you get them wet. However, if you have tight curls, they will probably remain curled when wet so you may need to straighten your hair with a flat iron before you cut it.
- The straighter, the easier. You can use curlers, rollers, or hair tools to restore the curls or waves once the hair is cut, unless you like the straight look.
- You may find it easier to cut your own hair dry. Do what works best for you.^[2]
Use a pair of small, sharp scissors. Hair shouldn't be cut with a ratty old pair of kitchen shears. Make sure that you're using sharp, clean scissors appropriate for cutting hair, so the job goes smoothly and your hair ends up looking great. A small pair of scissors will work best for cutting your own hair.^[3]
- Some people like to use razor combs to cut hair, but if your hair is very long, you need to do some cutting with regular scissors first. If you want to finish it with a razor comb, after you've layered, that's fine.
Cut your hair on a hard floor in a clean space. If you haven't gotten your hair cut for a while, there's going to be a lot of it to collect. If you start with a ponytail, you'll be able to keep it all in one place relatively easily, but otherwise you're going to make a big mess. Take some steps to make sure that it'll be easy to clean up, if you're going to cut indoors.
- Make sure you're somewhere with hard, laminated floors, like the kitchen or the bathroom. Clear out all bathmats, rugs, and other things that'll get in the way of your sweeping. Sweep up the hair immediately when you're finished, into a trash can.
- Alternatively, going outside can make clean up a whole lot easier. Set up a chair on a warm night in the backyard to cut your hair and don't worry about cleaning it up.
Get some hand mirrors. Regardless of whether or not you or someone else will be doing the actual cutting, it's a good idea to have a couple of hand mirrors ready so that you can periodically check on the work and make sure you're not taking too much off the back. Mirrors allow you to see your head from all angles, making sure that you're not missing anything.
- Mirrors are great for checking your results. However, if you cannot see the area that you want to cut without using a mirror, then don't try to cut it.^[4]

EditGetting it Cut

Start with the ends. Depending on how damaged your hair is, you will generally want to cut just above where a majority of your split ends are, or so. This will cause your hair to be much healthier and will help you to maintain your locks. Worry about getting the hair styled and shaped after you've done the damage-control of getting your split ends taken off.
- For curly hair, you may be able to wait up to 8 weeks to get it trimmed, but most other hair types will require trims every 6 weeks to keep their hair healthy.^[5]
Go a little at a time. If you are uncertain on what style you want and are not happy with what has been advised or do not think that it will suit you, start by cutting your hair inch by inch. This way you can tell how short is too short. Don't try to get it over with and chop the hair off in a few seconds. Take your time.
- Measure off the hair accordingly and hold the hair straight in between your fingers. Cut in a straight, even line with no angling if you want a blunt cut. Hold your hair at a 45 degree angle your hair if you're going for a bob. For layers, clip off the hair being used for the next layer or so in sections.
- Remember that you can always cut more hair off, but you can't put it back on!
Use short, diagonal cuts. You don't want to cut straight across your hair, but make short diagonal snips when you've got your hair about as long as you want it. This helps to keep hair looking healthy and flowing, rather than lank and flat.
- You want to avoid making long, straight cuts on your hair, or it'll look flat and dull. Remember, your hair will dry and won't be as straight (even if you have very straight hair), so there's little point in worrying about getting all the ends the exact same length. Hair looks dynamic when the ends are "evenly irregular."
Give it a few days. Often changing from long hair to short hair can be such a change that you may not like your end result at all. Often the change only seems bad to you and it can usually take up to a week for the hair to grow to a nice length or for you to get used to it.
- Try to style it in a few different ways and give yourself a chance to experiment. It'll always go back, so even if you're not thrilled with it at first, treat this as a fun little project. Try new styles you've never tried before. Be a new you.

EditThings You'll Need

Ponytail holder
Sharp Scissors
Mirror
Clip
Comb

EditRelated wikiHows

Style Your Hair Into an Upside Down Bun

EditReferences

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How to Wear Swim Goggles

Posted: 13 Jul 2019 09:00 AM PDT

Swim goggles protect your eyes and allow you to see underwater, so knowing how to put them on correctly is important. Start by pressing the eye cups to your face until you feel light suction. Once you've got the eye cups in place, pull the stretchy backstrap up over your head and adjust it to the appropriate length so it secures the goggles but doesn't squeeze too tight. The goggles should form a comfortable seal, keeping water out without pinching your skin.

EditSteps

EditPutting on and Taking off Swim Goggles

Grip the goggles by the edges of the eye cups. Hold the goggles so that the inside of the lenses are facing towards you. Place your thumbs at the bottom of the eye cups, then wrap your pointer fingers around the tops of the frames. Your right thumb should be resting on the right cup, with your left thumb on the left cup.^[1]
- Flip the backstrap over to the frontside of the goggles to keep it out of the way while you put them on.
- Alternatively, you can start with the backstrap around your neck and the goggles dangling in front of you.
Press the goggles against your eyes. Bring the goggles up to your face, guiding the eye cups over your eyes. Press your fingers gently into the edges of the frames. You should feel a light suction as they form a seal on the skin around your eyes.^[2]
- Only the soft rubber around the inside of the eye cups should come into contact with your face.
- Make sure the eye cups don't pinch or tug at your skin. If they do, you may need to remove and reposition them until they feel comfortable.
- Avoid touching the lenses themselves. Doing so could leave behind smudges and obstruct your vision underwater.
Guide the backstrap up and over your head. Keeping the goggles pressed to your eyes with one hand, use your other hand to position the strap until it rests against the back of your head at around eye level. When viewed from the side, the strap and the eyepieces should form a straight horizontal line.^[3]
- If the strap doesn't feel comfortable where it is, slide it up rather than down. The lower it is, the more likely your goggles will be to slip while you're swimming.
Adjust the backstrap to get a comfortable and secure fit. Pull the loose end of the rubber strap through the buckle slot on the side of the frame to tighten your goggles. If you want to loosen them instead, lift up on the buckle lever and pull the strap out to put a little slack in it. Your goggles should be snug, but not tight.^[4]
- Before you dive in, double-check that the goggles fit securely all the way around your eye sockets and that you can see clearly out of both lenses.
Pull the backstrap over your head from the back to remove the goggles. When you're ready to take off your goggles, simply reverse the motion you used to put them on. Reach behind your ears and slide your thumbs underneath the sides of the backstrap, then lift it over your crown until the goggles come free.
- Don't try to remove your goggles by pulling on the eye cups. If you're not careful, they could snap back and hit you in the face!

EditTesting Goggles for Fit

Select a pair of goggles that fits comfortably around your eyes. When shopping for a new pair of goggles, try on a few different pairs to compare the shapes of the lenses and the feel of the eye cups. The right pair of goggles should conform to your face to the point where they're hardly noticeable. If the eyepieces pinch, pull, or restrict your field of vision, it's best to go with another pair.^[5]
- If you have rounded eye sockets, for example, you'll probably be most comfortable in goggles with smooth, rounded eyepieces. If your eyes are more almond shaped, look for a pair with contoured rubber around the eye cups.
- Taking the time to pick out goggles that fit properly can mean the difference between swimming freely and being in constant discomfort.
Press the eye cups to your face to test out the suction. Put the eyepieces into position around your eyes, then apply gentle pressure to the edges. If the goggles are a good fit, they should stick to your skin for a few seconds before popping off.^[6]
- You don't need to actually slip the backstrap over your head at this point—you're just testing how well the eye cups fit on their own.
- Goggles that fall off immediately are most likely the wrong shape for your face.^[7]
- If only one of the eye cups stays put, it doesn't necessarily mean that the goggles are a poor fit. Try on a couple of other pairs and note the differences between them before making a decision.
Pull on the backstrap to get a feel for how the goggles wear. Once you're satisfied with how the eyepieces fit, finish putting the goggles on the way you normally would. Guide the backstrap over your head so that it's level with the eye cups. With minimal adjusting, it should fit snugly without squeezing.^[8]
- If you start to get a headache or experience cloudy vision after wearing the goggles for a couple of minutes, pass them up and look for a more suitable pair.
- The rubber backstrap may pull on your hair during your test fitting. This can be uncomfortable, but it doesn't necessarily mean a bad pair of goggles. You shouldn't have the same problem once you're in the pool or wearing a swim cap.
Adjust the nose strap by changing the distance between the eyepieces. Some more expensive types of swim goggles feature adjustable nose straps. These can be tightened by unclipping the strap where it meets the eyepiece and reattaching it for a better fit around the bridge of the nose. To loosen the nose strap instead, move the eyepieces further apart.^[9]
- Like the eyepieces, it's important that the nose strap fit comfortably if you're going to be wearing your goggles for an extended period of time.
- Not all goggles have adjustable nose straps. As long as the pair you're trying on fit properly around the eyes, adjustable straps aren't a necessity.
Look for goggles with deep eyepieces if your eyelashes brush the lenses. Brushing eyelashes can be a major distraction when you're trying to concentrate on swimming. To make sure you don't have this problem, try blinking a few times once you've got the goggles on your face. If you feel your lashes scraping the backside of the lenses, consider buying a pair that offers more space.^[10]
- Goggles with roomier eyepieces sit further away from the eyes, giving long eyelashes more freedom to move while blinking.

EditFinding the Right Pair of Goggles for You

Pick up some Swedish goggles for affordable comfort. Swedish goggles are an older style of water eyewear that are still popular with many swimmers. They feature eye cups molded out of hard plastic, with lenses that offer UV protection for outdoor swimming. Most pairs also have an adjustable nose strap that joins the eye cups together.^[11]
- A 2-pack of Swedish goggles only costs about $15 USD on average, making them a more economical option if you're not set on using top-of-the-line equipment.
- Swedish goggles have to be assembled prior to their first use. For this reason, they may be a little too complicated for small children.^[12]
- One downside of Swedish goggles is that the hard plastic used in their construction makes them slightly less comfortable for prolonged wear.
Shell out for racing goggles for optimum comfort and performance. Racing goggles are made from lightweight, hydrodynamic materials and offer a perfect watertight seal every time. This emphasis on comfort will allow you to focus solely on swimming. As an added bonus, they come in an array shapes and sizes, so you'll always be able to find a pair to fit your face.^[13]
- A good pair of racing goggles can run you up to $50 USD, but keep in mind that when it comes to specialty sports equipment, you get what you pay for.
- Since they're smaller than ordinary goggles, racing goggles may put more pressure on the eye sockets when used for long swimming sessions.^[14]
Use tinted lenses to cut down on glare. Goggles with darkened lenses are the swimmer's equivalent of sunglasses. Since they typically offer UV protection and an anti-fog coating, they're useful for blocking out sunlight on bright days. If you tend to most of your swimming outdoors in the morning or afternoon, tinted lenses may be a smart choice.^[15]
- You should be able to buy goggles with tinted lenses anywhere that swimming equipment and accessories are sold.
- Like sunglasses, darkened goggles aren't meant for indoor use. Wearing them inside may make it harder to see your mark, the lane dividers, or other swimmers.
Try out a pair with colored lenses to improve visibility indoors. Colored lenses let in varying amounts of light, which makes them well-suited for a wide range of conditions. Amber and yellow lenses, for example, are effective for making pools appear brighter underwater. Similarly, blue lenses provide optimum clarity for open water swimming.^[16]
- Swim goggle lenses come in a variety of different colors. The color that works best for you will depend largely on the depth, color, and water chemistry of the pool you do most of your swimming in.
- When swimming in a poorly-lit environment, it's best to stick with ordinary clear lenses to avoid any additional distortion that could interfere with your vision.
Order prescription goggles if you have special vision requirements. Visit your eyecare specialist to have a pair made to your exact specifications. Prescription goggles use the same corrective lenses as glasses or contacts, which means you can enjoy crystal clear vision underwater and save room in your gear bag.^[17]
- You may also be able to find premade versions in common prescriptions at some swim shops.
- As a general rule, you shouldn't wear contact lenses in the water do to the risk of bacterial contamination. If you're unable to track down prescription goggles, however, you can put in some disposable contacts and throw them away at the end of your session.^[18]

EditTips

Shopping for swim goggles is a highly personalized process, so don't be afraid to be picky. Give many different fits and styles a shot until you find the pair that looks and feels best for your face.
Be sure to review the store's return policy before making a purchase. You'll want to know whether they accept returns if you discover that your new goggles don't fit properly after a couple of swims.

EditWarnings

Ensuring a proper fit is especially important if the goggles are being worn by small children. A poor fit may result in leaking and eye irritation.

EditReferences

EditQuick Summary

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How to Fake a Tan

Posted: 13 Jul 2019 01:00 AM PDT

It is tough to maintain a tan during the colder months of the year, but there are a couple of ways to bronze your skin and get a fake tan. You can create a fake tan on your own by using a bronzer or self-tanner. You can also visit a professional and get a spray tan or bronze your skin in a tanning booth. By using one of these methods, you can keep that golden look even during fall and winter!

EditSteps

EditUsing a Self-Tanner

Exfoliate your skin with a brush or washcloth. You need to remove dead skin cells before using a self-tanner to ensure the color will be as even as possible. Lightly dampen a washcloth and use it to gently rub the exfoliator into your skin in a circular motion. Continue to do this until you've applied exfoliant to your entire body. Rinse off the exfoliant with lukewarm, not hot, water.^[1]
- If you have oily skin, exfoliate by wetting a brush, sponge, or scrub and rubbing your skin in gentle, circular motions for 30 seconds at a time.
- If you have dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, use a washcloth and a mild exfoliator.
- Spend 2-3 extra minutes exfoliating the parts of your body where your skin is thickest. This includes the elbows, knees, and ankles.
Moisturize your skin right after exfoliating to keep it healthy. Exfoliating your skin can dry it out. To prevent this from happening, dry off after rinsing the exfoliator off. Then, apply moisturizer immediately to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.^[2]
- During exfoliation, we get rid of the protective natural oils produced by our skin. Replenishing the skin with moisture will allow it to function properly.
Let your skin dry before applying self-tanner to help it go on evenly. Make sure your body is completely dry before you put the self-tanner on your skin. Otherwise, you risk streaking your tanner. Allow any excess water or moisturizer to absorb before putting on the self-tanner.^[3]
Apply your self-tanner in sections. Take some self-tanner from the bottle and rub it into your arms. Gently massage the tanner into your skin in a uniform, circular motion. Once you've covered your arms, wash your hands with soap and water and wipe them with a towel. Then, get some more self-tanner and rub it into your legs. Wash your hands after you've finished up with your legs and move on to your torso and back.^[4]
- You'll avoid orange-colored palms if you wash your hands after finishing up a section of your body.
Blend the tanner at your wrists and ankles for a natural look. You don't want the tanner to immediately stop at your wrists and ankles, so lightly extend the tanner onto your hands and feet. Rub the tanner in a circular motion in between your wrists and hands. Then, wash your hands and do the same thing in between your ankles and feet.^[5]
- Don't apply tanner to the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet.
Wait 10 minutes to get dressed so your skin can dry. You don't want the tanner to streak or get messed up, so wait for at least 10 minutes before putting your clothes back on. For the ensuing 3 hours, wear loose clothes and stay in a cool area of your home to avoid sweating.^[6]
- Don't shower until the next day.

EditGetting a Spray Tan

Shave at least 1-2 days before your spray tan so your pores can close. Wax or shave 24-48 hours before your appointment to give your pores time to close. If you wait until the day of, the tanning spray could clog your pores.^[7]
- Don't wear deodorant or perfume the day before your tan.
Exfoliate the night before getting a spray tan. If you have dry, sensitive skin, use a washcloth and exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. Put dabs of exfoliant all over your body and rub it into your skin with a lightly dampened washcloth. Rub in a gentle, circular motion to work the exfoliant into your skin without hurting it. If you have oily skin, take a brush, scrub, or sponge and physically remove the dead skin cells by rubbing your body in a circular motion.^[8]
- Do not exfoliate the day of the spray tan.
Apply lotion to ensure the tanner goes on smoothly. Put on moisturizer just before your appointment. Pay special attention to the dry areas of your body, like your elbows, knees, and feet.^[9]
Wear loose clothing to your appointment. Don't wear skinny jeans, leggings, or sports bras. Wear a jumpsuit or sweats to make sure the tanner doesn't stain your clothes. Put on black clothes because the tanner won't show up as much on them.^[10]
- When you're at home, wear loose-fitting pajamas or a floaty dress and stay in a cool area to avoid sweating.
Get a professional spray tan to avoid streaks and spots. Spray tans can correct any tan lines you might not want and give your body an even tan. You'll have to remove all your clothes in front of the spray tan professional, so make sure you're comfortable with this. Once you disrobe, the professional will spray your body from the neck down to evenly cover you in the tanner. This process should take about 25-30 minutes.^[11]
- Many spas and tanning salons offer this service and it can cost up to $100 per session.
- Spray tans last for about 1 week.
Hop in a spray tan booth for a cheaper alternative. Booth tans are about $25 per session, so they're not nearly as expensive as airbrush tans. You also get some more privacy, as you'll be naked but covered by the booth itself. You'll have to wear goggles and a shower cap to protect your eyes and hair. Expect to stand in the booth for a few minutes while a machine sprays tanner onto your skin.^[12]
Wait to shower until the next morning so the tan stays put. The tan takes 8 hours to fully develop. Avoid showering or taking a bath until the day after your spray tan.^[13]
- You should avoid swimming pools for 3-4 days after your tan. If you do want to swim, rinse the chlorine off your skin as soon as you get out. Otherwise, the chlorine will fade your tan quickly.