Though there exists an overload of uncertainties during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to maintain a healthy mindset — and make sure you don’t accidentally cut off an ear.

Because, as many are forced to stay well at home, the symptoms of cabin fever can start to become overwhelming. In an effort to grasp control, many inexperienced hands may reach for a pair of rusty scissors, an electric razor or a copious amount of hair dye. 

As the uncertainty seems to wash away with every snip and brush of color, it is important to take a step back and really evaluate the safety and correct ways to complete that perfect hair transformation. A hairstylist YouTuber Brad Mondo has created two useful videos on dyeing and cutting hair at home.

“Everyone wants to do something drastic to their hair right now in order to just feel something  and I get it,” Mondo said in one of his videos. “For the average person, you’ve come to the right place.”

In addition to possibly binge-watching a few tutorial videos such as Mondo’s, the Talon would also like to give you some tips and tricks for messing with your hair at home. 

Grabbing the scissors: 

Cosmopolitan says that cutting hair when wet creates a smoother edge and aids in more precise cutting of the hair. Note, however, that you will not be able to see into your hair’s future as you snip away, so be conservative.

Please don’t use the pair of scissors hibernating deep in your closet reeking of kindergarten crayons and showered in purple glitter glue — consider investing in a new pair of barber shears and maybe even an electric razor, which you can get from Amazon or any other online store. 

From here on out, please follow a tutorial for what you desire in your cut: from ridding of split ends and quick trims to shaving your head completely — we don’t judge so long as you are careful not to knick yourself.

Dyeing your strands:

If your plan is to change up the color of your luscious locks, make sure your hair is in healthy condition — consider using a treatment you can easily order online. 

Senior colorist at Oscar Blandi Salon Christopher Cilione told Real Simple it is crucial to match the hair dye color to your skin tone — if you don’t know, look at the shirts in your closet; which colors look best?

Before slapping the dye on, set down a protective cloth, use some old rags, making sure your workspace doesn’t get stained. 

From there, follow a tutorial of your choice for what you desire in your location and intensity of dyeing.

Although it may be fun to try new styles and fun colors, it is important to remember that any major changes you make might not be immediately reversible. Maybe take the safer route of a new do that plays with fun braids and twists or curling and straightening wands, or check out some temporary dyes instead of the harsher permanent ones. Some good semi permanent hair dye brands include, L’oreal, Unicorn Hair (lots of bold colors), Overtone (good for brown hair), and Punky Color (vegan and cruelty free).

“Stylists were trained on how to specifically do this the right way and you can make major mistakes that can’t be taken back [if you aren’t careful],” Cleo Salon hairstylist Taylor Chandler said.

There are many resources online that can be found to learn new hairstyles including those by Mondo. Social media sights, such as Instagram and Pinterest, can also have good hair resources to help spice up your locks.

Expressing yourself freely is an essential aspect of self-care: finding creative ways to show off who you are is a great way to decompress and keep your head up.