The Clavicut
Pinned and Twisted Hair Tutorial
I finally did it. It wasn’t anything major or drastic, but I took the bottom 3 inches off my hair. Actually, my husband did the majority of the work since he cuts the bottom back for me, and I finish up the sides and layers.
Why do I cut my own hair? Because I had a horrendous experience about 8 years ago where I was nearly left bald (okay, not really but she thinned my hair out too much) and I thought to myself,”You know what? I can do this from now on.”
I had been wanting to really chop my hair for awhile, but I needed a little length to work on a side project you’ll hear about this winter. But, as soon as I wrapped that up I knew it was time.
I also had tried a new shampoo and conditioner on this day that left my hair feeling dry and lifeless, so that was the last straw.
In general, this is how I felt about my hair:
It took too long to blow dry, was sparse at the bottom from damage, and overall pretty shapeless.
I pretty much resented my hair every morning. This may come as a shocker, but I try to be pretty low maintenance with my hair. I want it to style easily and be predictable. The long length was both unpredictable and took too long to style.
So I stood in the bathroom, holding a hand mirror, watching my husband comb the back into a straight section. He slid the comb through my hair until I told him to stop, and began cutting along that line. He’s pretty precise and did a great job! After he established the perimeter length in the back, I could finish up the sides and trim the layers. I wanted more “bulk” around the bottom of my hair, so I didn’t add any new layers to this cut. I trimmed what I had to help give them a little refresh, and just nicked my bangs.
*gah, the dryness kills me. I’ll share a review of this shampoo and conditioner soon–and guess what, I’m not a fan.
Not much needed to come off the front for this cut. It was mainly a weight shift from the back to the front. It’s angled towards my face softly. Sometimes I wish I went a little shorter around the back, but I wanted to hang on to just a bit of length so I can still do some creative stuff with it. I have a feeling in about a month I’ll ask justin to go ahead and take another 2 inches off back there.
I took some instapix the night I cut it. (find me on insta at K8_smallthings)
This is a good example of the weight shift. You can see there’s more fullness around the bottom, instead of wispy curls falling over my shoulders.
FAQ:
1. How would I explain this cut to my stylist?
Bring a picture. It’s a lightly layered, slightly angled bob. Hits the clavicle bone in the front. If you don’t want to deal with any flipping out along the back, ask for the back to be cut about an inch or so shorter.
2. Is “clavicut” a real thing?
No. I saw it somewhere, I can’t remember, and thought it was catchy. We can make it a thing though.
3. Do you always cut your own hair?
Yes. And my husband helps me with the back. I don’t color my own hair.
4. What size curling iron will you use now?
I’ll still alternate between 1.25 and 1.5 inch.
5. Where can I find other photos of a clavicle length haircut?
Check my pinterest board here!
It took a whole 2 minutes for me to fall in love with it. I’m a mid-length kind of gal. It’s easy and it works well with my texture!
Let me know if you have any other questions (the best way to ask it to tweet at me) !
comments
Love your hair!! really nice. Your very talented to do your own hair and have a great hubby who helps 🙂
I like your ponytail. Mine never get very pouffy.
me too! I would love to learn how to “fancy up” a ponytail!
I love your haircut. I have my husband do the same to mine, then I shape it up.
I am putting this clavicut in Evernote to show my stylist next time I get my hair cut. LOVE your hair!
Love this new cut!! You look even more prettier 🙂
Xo,
Sincerely Miss Ash
I love it! Your hair looks amazing. I love that style of cut, too.
I need my haircut cuz these prenatal vitamins are kicking growth up quite a few notches! I think I’m going to go for this this time! :o) Love it.
nice cut, he does a good job.
don’t just cut your hair because you having a baby though
I’m confused by this?
LOL… Whaaaat!? 😂
A lot of people cut their hair while pregnant. Then it gets a little shorter then a little shorter..till you wake up one day and say..what the heck did I do? I know I did that…TWICE! then had to grow it out again.:)
I don’t think her intent was to cut it just because she is having a baby! She states that she prefers mid – lengths for her hair type and personal preference. I think it is adorable and I think you should cut it whenever you’d like for whatever reason you’d like! YOLO, and hair grows back my friends!
There’s probably 100 different reasons women cut their hair when their pregnant! It grows faster, your sweating more, its easier to maintain, ect. Dont judge people or question their reason.
I love it! You’re new cut it what I keep shooting for with my own hair but its so dang thick and heavy! Eventually I’ll figure out how to get some volume into it 🙂
~Cheryl
Love the new cut! Is the ponytail pic before or after? My hair is your “before” length and I would like to go a little short, but want to be able to pull my hair up.
after!
I love it! It makes me want a haircut. I did take your pictures once to my hairdresser and she said: this is great! Where did you get so many angles of this cut!
You are so stinkin’ cute! Love your blog and praying for your growing little blessing.
Your new cut is adorable! A perfect transition for fall!
Tip from a random fellow hairdresser: I attended a Pureology styling class recently and had a great recommendation from our instructor. For shine, moisture, and overall repair: Shampoo twice with Purify, once with a regular shampoo of your choice, apply masque for two minutes, rinse and apply a daily conditioner for another two minutes. Of course in being a class sponsored by Pureology, all products were theirs, but I’ve tried this on clients and at home with varying brands and as long as you’re following the same guidelines, it works amazingly. It sounds intense to use a mask followed by a regular conditioner, but it just works. Totally rehydrates and leaves your hair blindingly shiny.
I’d love to hear how that treatment works on your hair!
~Ashley
This is so beautiful! When I was preggo I went from having my hair mid back to my chin! I loved it until I had my daughter, so I have been in the desperately growing out stage for almost 2 years!
I think I might go for this look after I get a bit more length I’m donating my hair to locks of love in honor of so many family members with cancer including my dad
It’s amazing how much a small cut can change your hair. Your hair is gorgeous to begin with, but I have always loved it shorter. I have been keeping my hair short for the last six months, and I feel like it makes my hair look so much healthier, and like I have so much more hair!
It looks really great! I’ve been toying around with the idea of going shorter, but I don’t want to lose the ability to style my hair in different ways. This might be a great length for me to try!
I love it! I want that cut, except more chin length. How would I describe that to my stylist?
Also, any tips for handling a stylist you love, but who sometimes is a little pushy about changing your hairstyle to the point that you end up with a wispy, fringe bang when you love the long, swept the the side look? I am sitting here pulling on my bangs to try and make them grow. . .
Just ask for a shorter version, pretty simple!
Love it, you have such beautiful hair!
Mamaplusmini.blogspot.com
So cute!
Love the cut, and Tara Andrews is right, you really are so stinkin’ cute. Question, I have thin, fine hair (I like to say I have thread that hangs in an uncontrollable way). Will this cut work for me?
If it’s cut right, yes!
Do you think this cut would work on curly hair? I have medium curls and very thick hair. Of course I probably wouldn’t go as short as you. I’m just looking for something new and different! I love it! 🙂
It’s worth a try! And keep the length a little longer, you’re right
I got my first pixie from my husband the same way – I held a mirror and he did the cutting. haha. Love the new cut!
It looks great, girl! I’m SO over my hair too. I think I ready for a big chop.
I love the new cut. It looks great on you.
Could you recommend a shampoo to help with an extremely dry scalp (especially in winter)? My scalp gets so dry that I scratch it to the point of bleeding. I desperately need help finding relief.
Love your new do! How do you keep your clavicut flipping inwards? Mine loves to fip every which way 10 minutes after I perfectly style it. Gah! Any Suggestions?
x
Its the way the layers are cut. You may need to go shorter in the back if you are having this issue!
Thanks for replying to this, Kate. Mine has grown out a lot, and I’m planning a trip to get basically the same cut you did, but was wondering how to explain about the flipping up issue. Seems like no matter how hard I try, the ends start flipping up sometime mid-morning, and it’s just all over at that point.
Have you ever tried Kevin Murphy products? It’s an Australian company – my salon sells them. I’ve been using his line for 5 years and I’m a huge fan. I live in Denver, Colorado where EVERYTHING is dry and the Kevin Murphy products are incredible at hydration.
Kate, you look adorable as always and I ‘m so happy for you and your husband on your little baby blessing to come :)) I’m a hairstylist in San Antonio and am loving my new product line “Living Proof”……have you tried that one yet? I would love to have your opinion! :))
yep, I’m a big fan!
I think it was a wise decision you made, your hair looks so much better and fresher. It really suits you, I also hate going to the hairdresser and have cut my hair all by myself for years but a few month ago I found a hair dresser and she listens to what I want and not do her own thing. I want to grow my hair but seeing so many people lately cutting their hair to a long bob makes me want to cut mine.
http://welldressed25.blogspot.co.uk/
The new cut looks great! I loved your hair before though…what can I say, I love long hair. It lengthened your face a lot. Both are flattering though 🙂
Looks great!! I just got a clavicut myself, for basically the same reasons as you! I’m wondering, are you using a bungee hair tie in the picture of you with the ponytail? I’ve heard they give you a nice perky ponytail! Either way, what do you think of them?
I’m using a twist band, I like them!
Can you do a “blow drying your bangs” (for idiots with two left feet for hands) tutorial some time?
What did you do to style your hair after you cut it?
I think this is your signature cut/style, it’s so flattering on you.
Can we get a picture from the back of it styled like above?
We need all angles to make sure our stylists get it right 😉
There are front, side and back photos of the cut in the post 🙂
So tired of my long dry hair! Getting the clavicut later this week.
It’s really nice that you can cut your own hair as I can’t say the same about myself. I’ve been meaning to get a shoulder-length cut as well, but it’s really hard to find a good place to go to. Too bad you’re not close by. I’ve also had issues with having my hair thinned out too much to the point it felt like I had no hair. 🙁
Good job on the cut though! I love your hair styles, but I can’t seem to pull off most of them. I guess I’m just not good with hair.
I’m always trying to grow my hair out, although it has the same “issues” as yours does. You sure make a good case for chopping it! Looks beautiful
xxx
Jaclyn
http://www.loveandbellinis.com
Cute cute cute!
Love it! Just wondering if you “thin” it out at all or just cut layers and leave them. My stylist likes to use thinning shears on my thick hair. Is is necessary? What would you suggest?
I don’t thin mine out because it doesn’t need it. Your stylist should know what is best for your hair texture
Looks great! Super excited for tutorials with this length! (its my length) Question though… When styling your hair straight are you still doing the same method as in your “flat ironed straight” video you did a couple years ago, or has it changed up a bit?
exact same!
Awesome. Thank you ma’am! Have a wonderful day.
I would love to see a video of this process! I sometimes try to trim my own hair, with varying results 🙂
Opph, sorry to disappoint but I’ll never do that! I would hate to be responsible for a potential mishap!
Ha, I do the SAME thing! I mean, I can do a simple cut on myself and if I mess it up? At least it was free and I can only blame myself:) Yours looks great:)
That looks so adorable!
It’s amazing the difference a few inches makes! I always thought your hair looked good but when you cut off those three inches it was like wow, suddenly it’s super bouncy. I’m growing my own hair out for a friend’s wedding right now but as soon as the wedding is over I’ll probably run straight to my stylist and beg to get my hair chopped off! LOL
I’ve been eyeing the beautiful purple-ish nail polish color you’ve be using recently! What brand/color is it?
I just got the “clavicut” about a month ago and love it! I cut about 3 inches off my hair and then wondered why it took me so long to take the plunge.
Looks fantastic! I wish I could cut my own hair. But, it would be a really bad idea. I’ll trust it to the professionals 🙂
this cut looks great on you! and love that you do it yourself (with a little husband help)
— jackie @ jade and oak
this is exactly what I wanted the last time I got my hair cut, but my stylist when WAY too short so now I’m trying to get it to grow back out…
Can we please get a video from the ponytail, it’s perfect!!
– Eea
I second this request! I can never get my ponytails to look that good on top (where the “bump” is).
Who knew a home made haircut could cause such a conversation? I love it! You are so pretty and beautiful you could wear your hair any way and look stunning. Nice pic’s too with instructions.
Love it! It looks adorable on you!
Love it! So pretty!!!!
I have been growing my own hair out, but I love length, so it’s not bothering me.
Love it, thanks for the back view pictures! I think I’m going to go alittle shorter in the back of mine like you mentioned, I think yours will look cute if you break down and end up going shorter there too. Love the slightly angled mid-length bob, I don’t think I’ll ever change my hair to anything else.
the FAQs at the bottom are SO useful, I wish every picture of every hairstyle everrr had them! Thanks! xx
Which hair styling technique did you use after you cut your hair? I love how it flips forward almost!
I love your hair! It looks great and you’re right, the length suits you! I try to replicate the style on myself but I have more layers than you and the curls are not the same (too tight in my opinion). Hoping once my hair grows out it will fall better! Can’t wait for some new hair tutorials. 😉
Love this cut. I cut my own hair as well after walking out one too many times with too short hair. My daughter helps me cut the back. She actually just took about an inch off – I’m letting my hair grow out into a bob and I don’t like when I have this weird little flip/curl going on. 🙂
Looks great! It would make me actually consider cutting my long hair!
Could your hair be any more perfect!? Oh my goodness and you DO IT YOURSELF!? I wish. You’re giving me serious inspiration to hack my own, if I didn’t know for a fact it would look like a grade 4 did it. Love it on you!!
Bri
brizziestyles.com
You are so elegant !
Let’s totally make the “clavicut” a thing! Your hair looks great, Kate. The flipping-out-at-the-bottom has been such a struggle for me when I wear my hair straight. Curls it is.
http://thatcharminglife.wordpress.com/
It looks great and I bet you do go shorter. And that’s another blog post! Can’t wait to hear about your product “fail.”
LOVE IT! Looks so professional 🙂
Your hair looks great!
Very pretty!
<3
http://downtownhautefashion.blogspot.com
Looks good! But then again, your hair always does 🙂
http://www.ahealthymrs.com
We pinned 90% of the same pins on our hair board. (Not an exact number, but a close estimate!) Either way, I took the plunge about 3 weeks ago now and overall, I’m very happy with my cut. I can’t wait to see what hairstyles tutorials you post with this cut. I, for one, am very accustom to long (my bra line) hair and have no idea what to do with it since it’s been cut. Other than a couple basic ‘dos!
If you’d like to see my new, clavicut and offer up any tips/hints/advice, feel free! 😉 I actually cut 8 inches off of mine! Yowzers, that’s still hard to fathom. http://aheapeoflove.com/2013/09/new-season-new-style/
Looks awesome! Thanks for posting your lowlight formula, and can you tell me what level your highlights are? I’d like to go as light but don’t know how to ask for that. Yours look like a cooler blonde and I seem to always end up with more gold/yellow ones that just aren’t as light as I want.
I’m about at a level 10. It totally depends on your starting point as to whether or not you are going to expose any yellow/orange undertones. Your stylist shoud be able to “tone” you with a gloss to cut out any unwanted undertones
Thanks!!
I really love this length/cut on you… it looks perfect, like it’s your ideal haircut! I really like this length on myself too and I might go back to it eventually… I love how you can have volume and length at the same time.
xo, Abby @ Always, Abby
So cute! One day I will cut my hair when I get up the nerve, I’m too scarred from cutting it short last time though. But I think shorter hair is so fresh!
Looks great and I love your hair straightened! I guess because I never see it straight so it’s different. I wish I could cut my own hair, I need it! And it’s great your husband is able to help you out with that. I’d never let my guy any where near me with scissors. haha
Love! I always like your hair this length because it looks great but also because my hair is the same length and I get styling inspiration from you. 🙂
The Grass Skirt Blog
It looks adorable!
So adorable! Right before I found your blog, I chopped about 8 inches off of my hair and have been having SO MUCH FUN playing with your tutorials.
That cut is great and suits you well. It inspired me to book an appointment to have my hair cut the same way. I have the same issue as you did, dry ends, shapelessness and difficulties to blow-dry etc. I love the color too btw, very natural looking blonde.
Love your new ‘do! I am planning the same thing for my hair appointment next week. I cannot wait to get rid of my scraggly ends.
ok lets face it…your clavicut (perhaps just a bit shorter) was what made you Pinterest Famous…I can remember for MONTHS seeing that side view shot of your amazingly stacked hair and EVERYONE loving it…so you know what…you rock that style (or a longer version if that) and that’s you…everyone loves it..you do, we do, that baby boy prolly does too…so I think you look awesome (even though I am long hair person and advise people to NEVER cut too much off length…) I think you pull it off great! and like I said, it’s your fame-hair!
Gorgeous haircut. My hubby has helped me cut my hair before. As a very curly-haired girl, it’s been difficult to find a stylist who truly understands how to cut curly hair. I have never left the salon happy with a cut, so I’ve just been doing it myself.
What a fabulous haircut!!! What type of hair is required to do this, because I want this for myself! 🙂
Kate, how do you get shoulder length hair to avoid flipping out when it hits the shoulder? I just cut my hair to almost the same style, but I am constantly battling the “mary tyler moore” look! 🙂 It just makes me look super young in a bad way and I want it to just remain angled or even curl in a bit and stay that way… Thanks!
If you are looking for hair care products that actually work, I definitely recommend Living Proof! (www.livingproof.com) It has made my life so much easier. Plus, Jennifer Aniston is the spokesperson, so it must work!
Kate, thanks so much for this post! I took your picture in to my hairdresser and he did exactly what I wanted, however a bit shorter than I wanted, so not exactly. When I showered this morning and tried styling as he did (I was watching him like a hawk!), for the life of me I could not get the front ‘bang’ layer to stay off to the side in a swoop like yours is. Can you tell me how to do this or direct me to one of your blog entries that covers this topic? Thanks so much! 🙂
Where can I get the Aquage (don’t know if I spelled that right) root lifting foam??? My hair has little texture. Very fine and I have a hard time keeping volume more than 15 minutes. Thanks!
~Nikki
Just got back from getting my own “clavicut” inspired by you! My stylist also loves you and always knows I’m coming in with a Kate pic. 🙂
I’ve been looking for a new haircut (since my stylist royally screwed mine up a couple of months ago- so I understand the stylist thing), and this seems like a perfect change! Thank you for all of your tutorials!
I just got this haircut (sort of…). Yesterday I donated my hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, so now my hair is this length. (It was down to my waist before.) I was going to have it cut slightly angled like yours, but the woman cutting my hair didn’t get what I was asking so I just kept it all one length with only a little bit of layering.
How long does it take you to curl your hair on a typical day?
I’m super excited to try out all of your hair tutorials… I’ve done several, but most of them are better for my new length. 🙂
Love your hair!! Could you post a tutorial on how you cut your own layers!?! I want layers like yours!!
Your hair cut is SO great!!! I was looking through your tutorials to find one on how you dry your hair? Is that included in one of the others? If not? Please help!!!! Thank you so much for all you share, my Gil’s an I have learned SO much from you! 😉
– Angie
Kate,
How would you explain the front of your hair to a hair dresser? I always want to have shorter side pieces so I can make it look cute when I wear my hair back, but they never cut them the way your are cut. Maybe I will just take in a picture of your hair pulled back and show them. 🙂
Jill 🙂
Love your hair so much! Mine is limp and lifeless too and I just had about 3 inches off of it! 🙁 Obsessed with your videos, been watching them all day 🙂
Claudia xx | Beauty and the Chic
You and your husband did a great job on your hair. I have sworn off going to the salon after bad haircuts, rude treatment, getting my scalp burned with a curling iron, waiting long after my appointment and paying too much. My guy cuts mine and like your hubby does a great job. A couple women have told me I was crazy, they would NEVER let their guy near their hair with scissors. In my experience I would be crazy to ever let them them touch my hair at the salon ever again.
I absolutely love your blog and admire you speaking openly of your faith.
You have a beautiful family and must be so proud!
On another note, I’m wanting to add dimension to my overly processed blonde/highlighted hair. I noted the lowlight you use and am looking forward to trying it with my next color. Do you mind me asking how often you have yours done or do you have a recommended time frame?
Kind Regards,
Lindsey
Hi!
You have very nice and awesome hair style.
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What styling tool did you use to style your clavicle cut? Thanks! Betty