How to Shave the Sides of Your Head (Male)?

Shaving the sides of your head requires careful technique to achieve an even and clean look. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Preparation is Key

Gather your supplies: You'll need hair clippers with guards, a comb, a mirror (or two for better visibility), and potentially shaving cream if you plan to shave down to the skin.
Choose your guard length: Select the appropriate guard length for the desired side length. Start with a longer guard if you're unsure, as you can always go shorter. Different guards provide different lengths of hair. Experiment to find the length you like best.
Clean and dry your hair: Ensure your hair is clean and dry before starting. This allows the clippers to glide smoothly.

Start with a longer guard: It's safer to begin with an open lever on the clippers and a longer guard. This gives you more room for error and allows you to gradually shorten the hair.
Locate your sideburn starting point: A good starting point for most men is around the mid-ear area.
Stretch the skin taut: Stretching the skin on your head helps create a smooth, even surface for the clippers to glide across. This minimizes the risk of nicks and uneven cuts.
Clipper direction: Move the clippers against the grain of your hair growth. This is almost always straight up on the sides of the head.
Consistent strokes: Use smooth, consistent strokes with the clippers. Avoid jerking or stopping mid-stroke, as this can create uneven patches.
Overlap each pass: Slightly overlap each pass with the clippers to ensure you don't miss any spots.
Use a mirror: Use a mirror (or two mirrors) to see the back and sides of your head. This is crucial for ensuring an even shave all around.
Blend the sides with the top: If you're not shaving the top of your head, blend the shaved sides with the longer hair on top using a comb and clipper-over-comb technique or a shorter guard setting. This creates a smooth transition.
Tapering (optional): For a more stylish look, you can taper the sides by using progressively shorter guard lengths as you move down towards your neckline.

Check for missed spots: Carefully inspect your head in the mirror to ensure you haven't missed any spots.
Clean up the neckline: If desired, use a trimmer or razor to clean up the neckline for a sharper look. Use shaving cream if shaving down to the skin.
Wash your hair: Wash your hair to remove any loose hairs.
Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer to your scalp to keep it hydrated.

By following these steps, you can effectively shave the sides of your head and achieve a stylish and well-groomed look.