Between the recent pandemic and the increasing popularity of social media sites like YouTube and Tik Tok, DIY haircuts are more popular than ever. And the unicorn cut is one of the most unique DIY haircuts to go viral.
If you’re wondering what the unicorn cut is and how to get it, you’ve clicked on the right article! Today we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about unicorn cuts. So, sit back, relax, and let’s jump right in.
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What Is a Unicorn Haircut?
The unicorn cut, also known as a ponytail haircut, is a method of cutting your own hair. It’s named for the way you pull your hair into a ponytail smack dab in the center of your forehead.
The idea behind the unicorn cut is that it brings all of your hair forward.
So, when you make a cut, you’ll create gorgeous, cascading layers. Because the front of your hair is closest to the cut, the top layers will be drastically shorter than the ones in the back.
Does the Unicorn Haircut Really Work?
Believe it or not, a unicorn cut can create an absolutely fantastic-looking haircut. Unicorn cuts create layers, which can help improve your hair’s movement and give you a serious boost in volume.
They’re also excellent for curls and can enhance your curl pattern and definition.
Just keep in mind that this method doesn’t give you a precise, perfectly tailored cut. You’ll probably have to touch up some areas once you take your hair down.
Should You Try the Unicorn Haircut?
The unicorn cut is a fun experiment, but it’s not suited for all hair types. Haircuts are rarely one size fits all, and the unicorn cut is no different. The results will vary wildly, depending on your hair’s length and texture.
Unicorn cuts are best used on long, wavy, and curly locks.
The longer your hair is, the more room you’ll have for touchups. Additionally, natural waves and curls help soften the potentially choppy layers.
If you have straight, fine, or extremely kinky hair, consider reaching out to a stylist instead. They’ll be able to create layers that perfectly flatter your hair.
How to Do the Unicorn Haircut Method
So now you’re familiar with what the unicorn cut is and what it looks like. If you’re thinking about giving it a try, take a minute to read through the next section.
We’ll go over step-by-step instructions on how to create a flawless unicorn cut.
Prepare Your Hair
To start your unicorn cut, shampoo, and condition your hair how you normally would. Then, towel dry your hair until it's no longer dripping wet.
Use a brush or wide-tooth comb to work through any knots or tangles. A unicorn cut is best done on damp hair, so if your strands start to dry out, rewet them with a spray bottle.
Gather Your Hair Into a Ponytail
After your hair has been thoroughly detangled, it’s time to create your unicorn horn. Remember, the front of your hair will end up much shorter than the middle or back.
If you want to leave your front longer or already have bangs, separate them from the rest of your hair. You can touch those up once your cut is finished.
After you decide how much hair–if any–you want to leave out, brush the rest of your hair forward and gather it in a tight ponytail.
The ponytail should be squarely in the center of your forehead, similar to where a unicorn horn would sit. Run your fingers over the back and sides of your ponytail to ensure that there aren’t any lumps and bumps.
If there are, take your ponytail down and brush it forward again. Once you’re satisfied with your ponytail, run a comb, brush, or your fingers through the length of your ponytail.
Cut Your Hair
Grab the length of your ponytail and use your fingers to measure out the amount of hair you want to take off. If you aren’t sure, we recommend starting with just one or two inches. That way, you can just go back and take off more if needed.
Keep in mind that the more hair you take off, the more drastic your layers will be.
Additionally, the front portion of your hair will be significantly shorter than the back. So be careful about the amount of hair you take off, or you’ll probably end up with a mullet.
Once you’ve decided on an amount, wrap a second hair tie around the base of your ponytail. Next, just slide it down to mark where you’ll make your cut.
Make small, even snips, so you don’t take off too much hair at once.
After you’ve finished your cut, rotate your hand, so the scissors are pointed upwards at your ends. Make a few small snips into the very ends of your hair to help soften the cut, and ensure your layers don’t look too choppy.
Do Your Final Touchups
After you’ve finished your unicorn cut, remove the ponytail holder. Brush or comb your hair so it falls straight down, and check out your new cut. Use a handheld mirror to check out the back and sides and ensure that everything is even.
If you’d like, you can go back and repeat the process a second time.
If you’re satisfied with the overall length and shape of the cut, you can move on to the finishing touches. Take your scissors and shape up your new cut as much as necessary.
A unicorn cut creates a distinct “V” shape when all of your hair is brushed back.
So you may want to soften the sharp angle, depending on your preferences. Once you finish making the final touches to your cut, all that’s left is to enjoy your brand new ‘do!
Dos and Don’ts of Getting a Unicorn Cut
Thinking about giving the unicorn cut a try? Before you do, check out the list of dos and don’ts we’ve included below. We’ll review a few things you should keep in mind to help ensure your cut comes out perfectly.
Do’s
- Do shampoo and condition your hair before you cut it.
- Do plan out your haircut ahead of time.
- Do touch up your ends after you take your hair down.
- Do apply a hydrating cream or serum to your freshly cut ends.
- Do cut your hair slowly, so you don’t make mistakes.
- Do get your hair cut by a professional if possible.
- Do make sure your ponytail is smooth and bump-free.
Don’ts
- Don’t forget to thoroughly detangle your hair before you pull it into a ponytail.
- Don’t cut your hair in a blunt, straight line.
- Don’t cut curly or wavy hair in a straightened state.
- Don’t cut your hair while it's dirty.
- Don’t use craft or kitchen scissors as a replacement for hair shears.
- Don’t chop off too much hair at once.
- Don’t attempt a unicorn cut unless you’re okay with going shorter than you intentionally wanted.
Unicorn haircuts can give you stunning results, but there’s no doubt it's one of the riskier haircuts. You don’t have as much control as you do when you cut loose hair, so you’re leaving a lot of things up to chance.
If you do decide to take the plunge and try out a unicorn cut, make sure you follow our instructions closely. That said, we hope that the information we’ve gone over in this article is exactly what you were looking for!
