How to Cut Your Own Long Hair

If you are on a budget, cutting your hair at home rather than going to a salon can help you save money. With the right tools and a lot of patience, you should be able to give yourself a decent cut. This article contains a number of methods for cutting your own long hair; which method you choose will depend on whether you want your hair to be blunt or layered. In general, most at-home methods recommend a layered look, as polished, blunt looks are more difficult to achieve at home.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Preparing for the Cut

1. Buy a pair of high-quality hair scissors. You should be able to find these in your local drugstore or beauty supply store. They will range in price from $10 to $15 (USD). Try to stick to smaller shears with blades around long. The shorter the blades, the easier it will be for you to control what you cut.
   
2. Decide on the style of your haircut. Knowing what sort of haircut you want before you get started will keep you focused and less likely to make mistakes.
   
   • To decide on a style, browse celebrity pictures online; flip through hairstyle magazines (available in magazine racks at most drugstores and bookshops); play with your hair in the mirror to see what it looks like at different lengths; print out photos of yourself and sketch different hairstyles on to your face.
   • There are some phone apps and websites that will let you try on different hairstyles over a photograph of yourself.
   • It's important not to be rash with your decision. If you decide that you want to go from very long to very short hair, give yourself at least a few days to think about it before you decide to do it. You may find that you're just feeling unhappy, and once that passes, you might miss your long hair.
   • If you're planning on making a significant change to your hairstyle, you might want to consult a professional to make sure that it goes exactly right. You can always trim your hair at home.
3. Decide whether you want to dry or wet cut your hair. Many professionals recommend cutting your hair wet, as it is easier to manage and control.^[1] Some professionals also recommend cutting hair dry, as it allows you to see the effects of the cut right away and adjust for any quirks such as cowlicks or curls.^[2]
   
   • If you cut your hair while it's wet, cut it at least a few inches longer than you want it, as it will shrink up and look shorter once it is dry. (Some people have reported that their hair shrinks up to 4 inches from wet to dry.)
   • Dry cuts are more likely to produce uneven hair.^[3] Cutting hair dry requires very sharp sheers. Cutting dry hair will dull the blade edge very quickly, which pushes ends instead of cutting them, leading to uneven lines.
   • Most professionals cut the hair while it is wet and refine it once the hair is dry. Doing this will let you produce better looking results while giving you a chance to fix minor errors.
4. Prepare your hair for cutting. If you're cutting your hair wet, shampoo and condition it, remove excess water by wrapping your hair in a towel and squeezing it, then comb your damp hair straight. If you want to dry cut your hair, wash and dry it, part it where you would normally part it, then get it as close as possible to how you would normally wear it.
   
   • If you normally straighten your hair, straighten it before cutting.
   • Avoid putting any products into your dry hair before cutting it, as these could make it more difficult to properly evaluate your cut.

[Edit]Cutting a Low Ponytail

1. Start with clean, damp hair. If you've recently washed your hair, there's no need to wash it again. You can wet it by spritzing it with some fresh water.
   
   • This look will give you a straight hairstyle that may appear to be slightly rounded from the back.
2. Part your hair in the middle. Part your hair in the middle back to the top of your crown. Behind this point, comb back your hair straight. Be as exact as possible as you part your hair. Use a fine-toothed comb to comb your hair on either side of the part.
   
3. Pull your hair back into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Using the fine-toothed comb, ensure that your hair is smooth and firm against your head as you pull it back into a tight ponytail.
   
   • Comb your hair all over to ensure that there are no bumps before you pull it into the ponytail.
   • Ensure that the ponytail is directly in the middle of the back of your head, and that it sits very low at the nape of your neck.
4. Place another ponytail holder in your hair. This ponytail should be just above where you want to cut your hair. It may be a few inches below the other one.
   
5. Pull the ponytail gently up towards the ceiling. Do this without loosening it from the nape of your neck.
   
6. Clip off the excess hair from below your second ponytail holder. Do this in small, incremental snips. Don't try to cut the entire chunk of hair in one go. Make sure that the end of the ponytail is as even as possible.^[4]
   
7. Remove the ponytail holders and shake out your hair.
   
8. Evaluate and polish. Comb sections straight up or forward to check for evenness. Adjust the cut as you would like. If the cut is not as even as you'd like it to be, you can try putting it in a ponytail and trimming it again. Do not cut it any shorter; just put it back in the ponytail, hold it firmly in one hand, and clip any stray hairs that aren't even with the others.
   

[Edit]Using the Twist Method

1. Comb all of your hair to the very top of your head and twist it tightly. This cut will give you a more angled haircut, and it is ideal if you want an inverted bob.
   
   • Keep in mind that this method will not remove much length from your hair, but cutting a lot of hair can result in heavy layering as well as significant weight removal from your hair, which may not make it ideal for fine or thin hair.
2. Cut off however much hair you want. Holding your hair firmly up above your head, cut into it with scissors.
   
   • You can determine where the shortest layer will fall by pinching a piece of hair from the front hairline where you want the shortest layer to fall. Pull it back to where you will twist. This can act as a guide for where to cut.
3. Let go. Let your hair fall back down and run a comb through it.
   
4. Twist your hair in the opposite direction. Pulling your hair up once more, twist it in the opposite direction.
   
5. Cut off any straggly hairs. Holding your twisted hair up over your head again, move across the ends of it, snipping away any hairs that stick out.
   
6. Let go and comb out. Let go of your hair and comb it out, styling it as you wish.
   

[Edit]Using the Twist Method for a Pixie Cut

1. Section off fringe at front of hair. If you want a longer fringe or bangs, comb out a section from the top of your hair before starting on the larger haircut. If you don't want bangs, move to the next step.
   
   • How you cut your bangs will depend on the style of your pixie cut. For wispy bangs that blend with your pixie cut, cut into your fringe at a 75-degree angle while moving diagonally across your face.
   • For more blunt bangs, cut straight across from ear to ear, moving across your hair in small sections as you go.
2. Comb all of your hair to the very top of you head and twist it tightly.
   
3. Cut your hair. Put your fingers near the bottom of how long you want your crop to be, and cut there.
   
4. Comb down your new short hair.
   
5. Take a thin vertical row of hair, and cut vertically up, or down it. You want to cut a straight, even line as you do so. Take as much off as you want to achieve the desired length.
   
6. Continue to cut the rest of your hair. Using the previously cut section as a guide, pull a small amount of hair into parallel to the first cut section, and cut accordingly. Continue taking parallel sections, using a small piece of the last cut section as a guide. Refine the edges when you are done so that it is even and balanced.
   

[Edit]Cutting a High Ponytail

1. Start with clean, damp hair. This cut will give you heavier layers on the top of your hair. If you've recently washed your hair, you needn't wash it again. You can simply wet it using a spray bottle and some fresh water.
   
2. Bend over at the waist, with your head pointing downward. If you don't want to turn upside down to cut your hair, you can also do the high ponytail method while standing upright. Just hold the high ponytail up over your head in one hand as you follow the rest of these steps.
   
3. Comb or brush your hair into a ponytail near the top of your head. Do this while you are still bending over at the waist, with your head pointing downward.
   
   • To ensure that your hair is as even as possible, aim for a ponytail that is right at the centre and top of your head. Use a mirror to help you determine the position of the ponytail.
4. Secure your ponytail tightly with an elastic band. Put this first band close to your scalp so that your hair cannot slip out of it.^[5]
   
5. Place another elastic band further down the ponytail. This second elastic band will sit just below where you want to make the cut.
   
6. Cut your hair just above the second elastic band. Holding the bottom of your hair firmly in one hand, hold scissors in the other hand and use them to cut through your hair.^[6]
   
   • Do not try to cut through the entire ponytail of hair all at once. Make small snips until you are all the way through the ponytail.
7. Release your hair from the ponytail. Remove the elastic band and shake out your hair. Brush it and run your fingers through it.
   
8. Make some finishing touches. If it looks too blunt or uneven, flip your hair over once more, again securing it into a ponytail at the top centre of your head, then, holding the ponytail in one hand, trim any stray hairs that hang out of the end of the ponytail.
   
   • There shouldn't be many stray hairs. If you see a lot of them, move the ponytail around on your head until the hair is mostly even when you grasp it in your hand.
   • For a more natural look, you can make some small, upward cuts into the ponytail. This will soften the ends of your hair so that the cut looks less blunt. It will also give it more of a shaggy look, incorporating any unevenness into the style.

[Edit]Cutting a Front Ponytail

1. Ensure that your hair is clean, smooth and dry. This is particularly important to do before you start cutting, especially if you have frizzy hair. This is a dry cut so there is no need to wash your hair, unless it is dirty/oily.
   
   • This cut is good if you want more layers framing your face.
2. Tip your head upside down.
   
3. Brush your hair into a ponytail at the centre of your forehead. With your head still upside down, brush your hair forward and gather it into a nice tight, secure ponytail that starts right on your hairline in the centre of your forehead.
   
   • Think unicorn horn.
4. Work out how long you want your first layer of hair to be. Are you going for a fringe that ends at your eyebrows or layers that start at your chin? Measure the distance of where your ponytail starts on your forehead to where you want your first layer of hair to fall.
   
   • You can measure this distance with a comb.
5. Hold your ponytail firmly with one hand and cut it with the other. Get your scissors and then shear your ponytail off at the length you measured with the comb.
   
6. Snip into the blunt end of the ponytail. Change your grip on the scissors now and, pointing them directly into the hair, snip into the blunt end of the ponytail until it looks like a shaving brush: all graduated and fluffy, with no hard lines.^[7]
   
   • Take care to lean forward as you do this so you don't jab the scissors towards your eyes or get bits of chopped hair falling into your eyes.
7. Pull off the hair elastic and shake your head so your hair falls into place.
   
8. Style as desired.
   

[Edit]Cutting Pigtails

1. Start with clean, dry, brushed hair. If it's not already straight, you may want to straighten it as well.
   
   • This haircut may not be suitable for people with fine or thin hair as it will remove quite a bit of weight from the bottom of your hair.
2. Part your hair in the middle. Using a fine-toothed comb, divide your hair into two equal parts, using a mirror to ensure that the line down the center of your head is straight, and that the two halves are even.
   
3. Put your hair in low pigtails. Tie the two halves of your hair into two separate ponytails (also known as pigtails). Ensure that they sit low on your head, behind and below your ears — close to where your hair meets your neck at the sides of your head.
   
4. Tighten the pigtails. To tighten each pigtail, grab your hair a couple of inches below the ponytail holder/elastic band, and split it in half so that each hand holds one half. Then, gently pull the two halves away from one another so that the elastic band moves upwards, closer to the base of your head.
   
5. Pull the elastic bands around your pigtails down evenly and slowly. When you've reached the desired length STOP!
   
6. Cut your hair just beneath the elastic band. Do this for both sides. If you cut your hair straight across, it will look choppy; for a more natural look, hold the scissors at a 45-degree angle and cut upward into your hair.
   
7. Remove the ponytail holders. Once you've cut each pigtail, you'll notice that your hair comes to a point at the back.
   
   • If you like the V-shape at the back of your hair, move on to the next step. If you don't like it, you can remove the point by tying your hair into a single ponytail at the nape of your neck, and then clipping off the point.^[8]
8. Polish your cut. Trim your ends and snip any bits of hair that seem longer than the rest. When point-cutting into the ends, hold the scissors at a 45 degree angle to the hair.^[9]
   

[Edit]Cutting While Upside Down

1. Wash and towel dry your hair. There is no need to blowdry your hair as you'll want it to still be slightly damp for this cut.
   
2. Place a towel on the floor in front of you. This will catch the pieces of hair as you cut them.
   
3. Flip your head over and brush all of your hair in the direction of the floor.
   
4. Cut in small sections, moving left to right. Cut parallel to the floor, being careful not to move your head. After each small section, run a comb through your hair to ensure that you're cutting it as evenly as possible.
   
   • Always take off less than you'd like, as your hair will be slightly shorter when it's dry. Remember, you can always take off more hair; go slow and be conservative in your cuts.
5. Stand upright and evaluate. Once you're done, you should have evenly trimmed hair with some long layers in it.
   

[Edit]Cutting Back to Front

1. Ensure that hair is clean and damp. If you have recently washed your hair and do not wish to do so again, you can spray your hair down with a spray bottle full of fresh water, instead.
   
2. Stand in front of a mirror. If possible, stand in front of a large bathroom mirror, with another mirror placed behind you so that you can see what you are doing from both sides.
   
3. Comb hair along desired part lines. Do this while holding your head in a neutral position — not tilted to one side or the other, or too far back or forward.
   
   
4. Split hair into eight sections. Divide your hair into the following sections: bangs, top-front (left and right), top-back (left and right), sides (left and right), and one section at the nape of your neck. Twirl each section around your finger before clipping it up and out of the way. Leave the section at the nape of your neck out; this is the one you will start with, as cutting your hair from back to front is easier than front to back.
   
   
   • If you have thick hair, you may need to further divide these sections, particularly at the top-front and top-back of your head, and the nape of your neck.
5. Hold the scissors appropriately. You'll need to hold the scissors differently depending on what type of haircut you want.
   
   • If you want a blunt (straight across) cut, you'll need to hold your scissors horizontally as you cut straight across your hair.
   • If you want a softer, more natural and layered look, you'll need to turn your scissors at a 45-degree angle and cut upward into your hair, making small diagonal cuts.
   • For a more wispy edge (like for bangs), first cut your hair to the desired length, then, making an almost vertical angle with your scissors, cut upward in one quick motion into your hair. Only do a few of these per section of hair, otherwise it will look too wispy and sparse.
6. Begin cutting the section of hair at the nape of your neck. Bring the hair in front of your shoulders. Comb the section out. Take firm hold of it between your pointer and middle fingers (as if those two fingers are a pair of scissors cutting your strand of hair), and comb through the section again. Pulling the hair taut, slide your fingers down the section until they are just above where you want to cut, then use your scissors to cut just beneath your fingers.
   
7. Continue cutting the rest of your hair. Once you are happy with the section at the nape of your neck, let down the top-back right section of your hair and cut that. Then let down the top-back left section of your hair and cut it so that it's even with the top-back right and nape sections.
   
   
   • Work from back to front, section to section, until all of your hair is even.
   • Don't forget to comb out each section before you cut it.
   • If your sections begin to dry out before you get to them, give them a quick spritz of water before combing them out and cutting.
8. Add layers. Once you've finished cutting all of your hair evenly to one length, you can add layers. For a more natural look, you might choose to cut small sections of hair at random.
   
   
   • When creating layers on longer hair, it is important to create varying mid-length layers for a professional, graduated look.
9. Wash and dry hair. Shampoo, condition, and rinse your hair. Then dry it with a towel or a blow-dryer — whichever you prefer.
   
10. Clean up any uneven bits. Once your hair is clean and dry, have another look at it to make sure everything is even and that any layers you've introduced are well-blended.
    
    
    • You might find more uneven bits as time goes on. Don't get upset — just fix them as you find them.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Always cut off less than you want; you can always go back later and cut off more.
• Make sure that you are in a well-lit room. Poor lighting will increase your chances of making mistakes. If your room does not have enough light, consider switching rooms or bringing in a floor lamp.
• Don't be stubborn. If you cut your hair and it looks terrible, it's probably best not to try to fix it yourself. Go to a hairdresser!
• Remember: start cutting slowly and with small increments of change. Maybe do a couple of trims before trying an entirely new hairstyle. This way you will get a feel for the type of hair you have and a feel for cutting hair. You will gain experience and be more confident in your abilities as they grow.
• If cutting wet hair, keep strands evenly damp, re-wetting frequently with a spray bottle and using a towel to absorb excess moisture. If strands are dripping wet the cut will not be even.
• If you are cutting bangs, you might consider holding them tight to your head and then drawing a line across them with a colorful eyeliner to mark where you want to cut.
• Place a mirror in front and behind as well for better visibility of the cut you are making.
• Consider your hair type before choosing a cutting method. If your hair is wavy, the twist or pigtails methods should work well for you. If your hair is straight, you'll likely do better with the ponytail or back-to-front methods.
• Use tiny shears; don't bother with professional shear-type scissors.
• Consider keeping the same style you had before. It is often easier to maintain the same hair style than dramatically alter the style, especially when you are new to cutting your own hair.

[Edit]Warnings

• Unless you've already had a lot of practice, avoid cutting your own hair before important events (weddings, birthdays) or meetings (job interviews, presentations). That way, if you do make a mistake, there's still time to go to a salon to have a professional fix it for you.
• If you are under the age of 18 and living with your parents, talk to them about cutting your own hair. Make sure it's okay with them that you cut your hair; they might even be willing to help.
• Be careful when using scissors, especially if you're cutting toward the back of your hair and cannot fully see your hands.
• If you have many cowlicks or if your hair is very curly or thick, it may be extremely difficult for you to cut your own hair at home. You should visit a salon or barber shop instead.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Sharp salon-quality scissors
• Hair clips
• Ponytail holders/hair elastics (at least 2)
• Hairbrush
• Fine-tooth comb
• Hand mirror
• Larger mirror (at least 3 feet high)
• Spray bottle filled with water (to keep hair wet during wet cut)
• Shampoo
• Conditioner

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Buzz Cut Hair
• Choose a Haircut That Flatters Your Facial Shape

[Edit]References

• Videos provided by PatryJordan

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.miladypro.com/home/hair/b/cutting/archive/2016/11/17/dry-cutting-vs-wet-cutting-what-39-s-best
2. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/20/dry-cut-hair_n_4462316.html
3. ↑ https://www.miladypro.com/home/hair/b/cutting/archive/2016/11/17/dry-cutting-vs-wet-cutting-what-39-s-best
4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkLUsJPdtk
5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkLUsJPdtk
6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkLUsJPdtk
7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykkLUsJPdtk
8. ↑ https://bellatory.com/hair/How-to-Cut-Your-Own-Hairfast
9. ↑ https://www.samvilla.com/blogs/hair-tutorials/how-to-point-cut-hair

How to Get to Know Yourself

The question “Who am I?” can bring on a series of thoughts, emotions, and feelings, but what if you don’t know how to answer? Getting to know yourself is a life-long journey.^[1] Feeling lost or confused about who you are is more common than you may think, and we’re here to help you find all the answers you’re looking for. In this article, we’ll take you through different ways of getting to know yourself. By practicing self-awareness, exploring your personality, and fulfilling your needs, you can discover who you truly are and build a lasting relationship with yourself. So, what are you waiting for? We have an identity to find!

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Question your thoughts, goals, and self-image to uncover how you view yourself.
• Determine your personality type through questionnaires to find your sense of self.
• Set boundaries for yourself to fulfill your wants, needs, relationships, and goals.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Practicing Self-Awareness

1. Be honest with yourself to learn about all aspects of your personality. Knowing yourself means recognizing different parts of your identity, personality, and being. The goal is not to criticize yourself but to acknowledge all sides of your personality. Open up to the possibility of learning new things about yourself.^[2]
   
   • Pay attention to the things that make you feel uncomfortable. These emotional signals can tell you if you’re trying to avoid something. Are you insecure about that characteristic? If so, how can you overcome it?
   • For example, if you don't like to look in the mirror, ask yourself why. Are you insecure about your looks? Are you worried about your age? This could be a fear you can conquer.
2. Ask thoughtful questions about yourself and answer honestly. Pondering difficult personal questions and analyzing your answer can help you learn more about your interests, fears, and aspirations. Use what you learn from this activity to spend more time doing what you love and overcoming your fears. See how you respond to these questions:^[3]
   
   • What do I love doing?
   • What are my dreams?
   • What do I want my legacy to be?
   • What is my biggest criticism of myself?
   • What are some mistakes I’ve made?
   • How do others perceive me? How would I like them to perceive me?
   • Who is my role model?
3. Pay attention to your inner voice to understand your perceptions. Your inner voice expresses your feelings and beliefs, defining how you see yourself. When something frustrates or delights you, it responds. Try to tune into that voice. What’s it saying? How does it perceive the world around you?^[4]
   
   • Go to the mirror and describe yourself out loud or in your head. Are the descriptions positive or negative? Are they focused on your looks or your actions?
   • When you start thinking negatively, stop yourself and question why you’re reacting that way.
4. Write in a journal every day to process your thoughts and experiences. Journaling helps you recognize your motivations, emotions, and beliefs so that you can make thoughtful adjustments in your life. For a few minutes every day, write down what you did, felt, and thought throughout the day. If you had a negative experience, write down why it affected you. If you made a mistake, identify what you could do better.^[5]
   
   • Look for patterns in your writing. Over time, you may find yourself repeating specific needs and wants.
   • Write whatever is on your mind. Freewriting can help you unlock subconscious thoughts to help identify what’s bothering you.
   • Alternatively, you can use prompts to guide your writing. Choose prompts that ask you to describe certain parts of your personality or habits.
5. Incorporate mindfulness into your day to live in the present moment. Mindfulness is the act of experiencing the present moment to help you understand your thoughts, actions, and motives. Most importantly, it's a state of attention to yourself and the world you’re experiencing. Practicing mindfulness can help you push aside distractions and check in with yourself even in the most hectic of times. Meditating and practicing yoga are both mindful activities, but being mindful can be incorporated into other parts of your daily routine. Check out these ways you can be more mindful:^[6]
   
   • Pause and observe the world around you. What can you touch, taste, hear, see, and smell?
   • Avoid eating meals at your computer or TV and focus on how the food tastes and feels in your mouth.
   • Take a walk and notice how the ground feels beneath your feet, where the sun is in the sky, and if birds are chirping.
6. Question your body image to discover how you view yourself. Write a list of adjectives about the way you look. Are these negative or positive attributes? Can you rewrite the negative remarks in a more positive way? Confidence in your body can transfer to confidence in other parts of your life, so try to reframe hateful words into something loving.^[7]
   
   • If you have the thought, “My thighs are too big,” reframe it with, “My legs are strong and carry me where I want to go.”^[8]
   • If you think, “I weigh too much,” change the thought to, “Weight is just a number, and I am more than a number.”

[Edit]Exploring Your Personality

1. Think about the roles you play in your life to better understand your priorities. Everybody plays multiple roles in their life based on their relationships, work responsibilities, and social interactions. Sit down and make a list of your roles, then circle which ones mean the most to you. This can help you set priorities and help you recognize who you are. Some examples of roles include:^[9]
   
   • Parent
   • Friend
   • Team leader
   • Emotional support
   • Mentor/Mentee
   • Confidante
   • Creator
   • Problem solver
2. Analyze the 6 elements of your personality to discover a sense of self. The 6 key elements to self-knowledge are values, interests, temperament, activities, life goals, and strengths—also known as the acronym VITALS. Answer the questions below that correspond with each element. Then, take a close look at your answers. What do they say about you?^[10]
   
   • Values: What is important to you? What characteristics do you prize in yourself and others?
   • Interests: What are you curious about? What do you like to do in your free time?
   • Temperament: What 10 words describe you best? How do you handle difficult situations or confrontations?
   • Activities: What are the most and least enjoyable parts of your day? Do you have any daily rituals?
   • Life goals: What have been the most important events of your life? Where do you see yourself in five years?
   • Strengths: What are your abilities, skills, and talents? What are you really good at?
3. Take an online personality test to categorize your personality. While personality tests are not necessarily scientific, they do ask questions that make you consider other aspects of your character.^[11] There are many reputable tests that you can take online, including:
   
   • NERIS Type Explorer
   • Meyers-Brigg Type Indicator
   • Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
   • Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment
   • Big 5 Personality Assessment
4. Invite commentary from others to better understand yourself. While you shouldn’t define yourself by what other people think or say, asking others for their opinion can help you understand things about yourself you may not have realized before. Start by asking loved ones how they would define your personality or characteristics. This can open up meaningful discussion and help you see yourself from someone else’s perspective.^[12]
   
   • If you’re comfortable, ask your boss, mentor, or acquaintances about how they see you as an employee.
   • If you disagree with anyone’s observations, that’s okay! Take every comment with a grain of salt, and acknowledge that you’re ever-evolving.

[Edit]Fulfilling Your Needs

1. Practice self-care to manage stress. It can be hard to find time to reflect on yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is essential to being the best version of you, so don’t forget to schedule time to do something for yourself. This can help you feel more at peace with life and yourself..^[13]
   
   • Try to exercise for at least 20 minutes every day. Go for a walk after lunch or do a quick yoga flow before breakfast.
   • Aim to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night to wake up refreshed.
   • Eat a healthy diet made up of unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
   • Find time to relax and unwind. Try meditating, knitting, working on a puzzle, or reading a book.
2. Create a good work-life balance to avoid burnout. Rather than taking work with you on the way home, leave it at the office door. Your worth doesn’t have to be defined by your job, and neither does your life. Take some time each day to focus on other goals, hobbies, and interests outside of work.^[14]
   
   • Set boundaries with family, friends, and coworkers to ensure you maintain a healthy space at home and in the office.
3. Establish boundaries in your relationships to understand your limits. Ask yourself what types of situations make you feel uncomfortable. For example, do you dislike crowds? Are there certain jokes that unsettle you? Identifying painful triggers can help you cultivate an environment you’re happy and safe in.^[15]
   
   • Consider if there’s anyone in your life who asks too much of you or makes you do things you don't want to. How far are you willing to go to please them?
   • Be firm when setting boundaries, and don’t ever apologize for saying “no” to interactions or situations that may make you feel off—you know what’s best for you!
4. Set goals to give yourself something to achieve. Think about where you want to see yourself in 5 days, months, or years. What goals can you make to turn that vision into your reality? These goals don’t have to be big; they can be as simple as making the bed every morning. Write down your goals and refer to them whenever you feel lost, remembering to take each day one step at a time.^[16]
   
   • For instance, maybe you want to write a book. Start a goal to write 500 words a day.
   • Perhaps you want to make the largest cake for your nephew’s birthday. Set a goal to practice a new decorating skill every weekend.
   • Your goals may change over time, and that’s perfectly okay! People change and grow with time, so don’t be afraid to alter your visions and follow new dreams.

[Edit]Tips

• Make sure you’re open to testing out different methods, and throwing out the ones that don’t serve you. Get experimental on your self-discovery journey and know that there’s no failures, only different paths of discovery.^[17]

[Edit]Video

[Edit]References

__

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ [v161270_b01]. 12 February 2020.
2. ↑ https://medium.com/radical-culture/the-impact-of-self-honesty-on-your-success-eb24d057ce43
3. ↑ https://www.usa.edu/blog/self-discovery-questions/
4. ↑ https://au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-become-self-aware
5. ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1
6. ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/mindfulness/definition
7. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/body-image.html#
8. ↑ https://www.waldenu.edu/online-bachelors-programs/bs-in-psychology/resource/how-positive-self-talk-can-make-you-feel-better-and-be-more-productive
9. ↑ https://www.open.edu/openlearn/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=20017&printable=1
10. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/changepower/201603/looking-your-true-self-10-strategies-self-knowledge
11. ↑ https://hbr.org/2015/02/5-ways-to-become-more-self-aware
12. ↑ https://hbr.org/2015/02/5-ways-to-become-more-self-aware
13. ↑ https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Family-Members-and-Caregivers/Taking-Care-of-Yourself
14. ↑ https://hbr.org/2015/04/stop-trying-to-find-your-true-self-at-work
15. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-flux/201511/7-tips-create-healthy-boundaries-others
16. ↑ https://www.depressioncenter.org/toolkit/i-want-stay-mentally-healthy/goal-setting
17. ↑ [v161270_b01]. 12 February 2020.

How to Check if a 100 Dollar Bill Is Real

Considering there's an estimated $70—$200 million in counterfeit bills circulating in the U.S., learning how to spot a fake 100 dollar bill is a great idea. Fortunately, it's easy to tell if a 100 dollar bill is real if you know what to look for. To help you out, we've made a list of all the ways you can spot a fake 100 dollar bill, whether you're looking at a new bill or an old one. Keep reading to learn how to check a bill's serial number, color-changing ink, watermark, and more.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Checking Newer Bills (Series 2009 and Later)

1. Look at the serial numbers. The serial number should correspond to the series. The serial number appears in the upper left and lower right corners. If the serial number doesn’t correspond to the series, then you are dealing with a counterfeit.^[1]
   
   • If the bill is series 2009, then the serial number should begin with J.
   • If the bill is series 2009A, then the serial number should begin with L.
2. Feel Franklin’s shoulder. The new $100 uses raised printing on Ben Franklin’s shoulder. Run your fingers over the spot. You should be able to feel texture.^[2]
   
3. Check for color-change ink. There is a large copper-colored inkwell to the left of the bill’s serial number. Inside the inkwell is a bell, which should change color from copper to green as you look at the bill from different angles.^[3]
   
   • The numeral 100 beside the inkwell should also change color, just as it does on some older $100 bills.
4. Hold the bill up to the light. An embedded thread runs just to the left of Franklin’s portrait. The letters “USA” and the number 100 alternate along the strip, which is visible from both sides of the note.
   
   • If you hold the bill up to UV light, then the strip should glow pink.^[4]
   • You can also purchase a counterfeit detector which shines UV light, which might be helpful if your business handles a lot of bills. A popular option is the AccuBanker D63 Compact. It costs about $50.
5. Check the blue security ribbon. Just to the right of Franklin’s portrait is a blue security ribbon. This ribbon is 3-D. Move the bill back and forth and check that you see the number 100 and tiny bells move from side-to-side as you move the bill.^[5]
   
   • This ribbon is woven into the paper, not pasted on. Accordingly, if the blue ribbon is peeling off the bill, then you have a fake.
6. Look for the watermark portrait. Hold the bill to the light and look for a faint image of Benjamin Franklin in the white oval on the right-hand side. You can see the watermark portrait on either side of the bill.^[6]
   
7. Use a magnifying glass to find the microprint. Check around Franklin’s jacket collar. You should see the words “The United States of America” in small type.^[7]
   
   • You should also see “USA 100” around the white space that contains the portrait.^[8]
   • The words “100 USA” should also appear around the quill pen to the right of Franklin.

[Edit]Checking Older Bills (Pre-Series 2009)

1. Check the date. The newest $100 bills are “Series 2009” bills, and they have many different security features. Older bills are being phased out of circulation to prevent counterfeiters from fooling people. Nevertheless, older bills are still legal tender, so if you get one you shouldn’t automatically assume it is fake. Check the date on the bill.^[9]
   
   • The average $100 bill stay in circulation for seven years. Accordingly, most of the older bills should be out of circulation by now. Nevertheless, you might have one or more stored at home that you want to check.
2. Feel the bill. U.S. currency has a distinctive feel. The bills are printed on cotton and linen, not paper. Also, bills should have slightly raised ink, which is a feature of the printing process. If you handle currency as part of your job, you should quickly develop familiarity with the feel of authentic money.^[10]
   
   • Using touch is not foolproof, however. The most successful counterfeiters will bleach real money and then print over it.
   • Nevertheless, counterfeiters struggle to reproduce the raised printing, so feeling the bill is a good first step.
3. Look for the security thread. A $100 bill printed after 1990 should have a security thread on the left-hand side that is only visible when you hold the bill up to the light. The words “USA” and “100” should alternate on the thread. If you hold the bill up to UV light, then the thread glows pink.^[11]
   
4. Check microprinting. Older bills used microprinting as a security feature. Use a magnifying glass to check for microprinting, which will appear in different spots depending on the year the bill was issued.^[12]
   
   • For example, in $100 bills issued between 1990-1996, the words “The United States of America” should appear on the outer edge of the portrait oval.^[13]
   • For bills issued between 1996-2013, “USA100” should appear in the numeral 100 on the lower left-hand corner. You should also see “The United States of America” in the left lapel of Franklin’s coat.^[14]
5. Look for color-shifting ink. $100 bills issued between 1996-2013 employ color-shifting ink. Tilt the note in the light and look in the lower right-hand corner. The numeral 100 should change from green to black.^[15]
   
6. Find the watermark portrait. Bills printed after 1996 have a watermark portrait of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space at the right-hand side. The image should be very faint but visible from either side.^[16]
   
7. Pay attention to blurry borders. Real bills should have clear, sharp lines, which are very hard for counterfeiters to reproduce. If you see blurry printing or text, then you are probably dealing with a counterfeit.^[17]
   
8. Use a counterfeit money detection pen. This pen is sold at Amazon and costs $5. It checks for common chemicals used in counterfeits. However, fraudsters have gotten wise and no longer use the chemicals, so the pen isn’t foolproof.^[18]
   
   • Nevertheless, you can now buy a counterfeit detection pen that has a UV light built into the cap and costs under $10.
9. Compare it with another bill. No special security features were used on $100 bills printed before 1990. Accordingly, the best way to check its authenticity is to compare it to another $100. You might have to go to a bank to check if the bill is authentic.^[19]
   
   • You can also visit the U.S. Currency website and find images of older $100 bills.

[Edit]Reporting Counterfeit Bills

1. Hold onto a counterfeit bill. If you believe the bill is fake, you should not return it to the person who passed it to you.^[20] Instead, try to delay the person. Call a manager to the front and tell the passer the manager needs to look at the bill.
   
2. Write down details. As you wait, note important details about the passer. Write down their age, height, hair color, eye color, weight, and other unique features.^[21]
   
   • If the person drove to your business, try to get their license plate number.
   • Remember that the person giving you the bill might not be the counterfeiter, so don’t think you have to perform a citizen’s arrest or anything. They could be completely innocent.
3. Initialize the bill. You should write your initials and the date in the white border surrounding the $100 bill.^[22]
   
4. Handle the bill sparingly. You’ll need to hand it over to the police, who might be able to pull fingerprints off the bill. For this reason, touch the fake $100 as little as possible. Store it in an envelope in your register.
   
   • Remember not to put it in with the other bills. Instead, mark your envelope “counterfeit” so that you can find it quickly.
5. Call the police. You can find the number in your telephone book. Tell them you have a counterfeit $100 bill and give them your location. They will tell you what to do next. Generally, the police will contact the Secret Service to investigate.^[23]
   
   • You can also call the Secret Service directly, if you want. You can find your local office at this website: https://www.secretservice.gov/contact/field-offices/. Enter your zip code.
6. Hand over the counterfeit bill. Only turn the bill over to an identified police officer or Secret Service agent. If you give the bill to the Secret Service, you may need to complete a Counterfeit Note Report for each bill.^[24]
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
2. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/100-2013-present-features-en.pdf
3. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/security/100-security-features-2013-present
4. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/security/100-security-features-2013-present
5. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/security/100-security-features-2013-present
6. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/security/100-security-features-2013-present
7. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/100-2013-present-features-en.pdf
8. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/security/100-security-features-2013-present
9. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/100-1996-2013-features-en.pdf
10. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/100-1996-2013-features-en.pdf
11. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/security/100-security-features-1990-1996
12. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/100-1996-2013-features-en.pdf
13. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/security/100-security-features-1990-1996
14. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/security/100-security-features-1996-2013
15. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/security/100-security-features-1996-2013
16. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/security/100-security-features-1996-2013
17. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
18. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
19. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
20. ↑ https://mycreditunion.gov/financial-resources/counterfeit-money
21. ↑ https://mycreditunion.gov/financial-resources/counterfeit-money
22. ↑ https://mycreditunion.gov/financial-resources/counterfeit-money
23. ↑ https://mycreditunion.gov/financial-resources/counterfeit-money
24. ↑ https://www.secretservice.gov/forms/ssf1604.pdf

How to Get Rid of Skunks

If you or your pet has ever been sprayed by a skunk, you’re probably not eager to repeat the process anytime soon. Getting rid of a skunk that has settled into your property can be done with a few prevention and repelling methods. In this article, we’ll give you a list of all the ways you can get rid of skunks and prevent them from coming back.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• Deter skunks by setting up motion-activated lights and sprinklers.
• Remove food sources by securing your trash and pet food, and keeping your yard free of bird seed and grubs.
• Seal off small areas with chicken wire, and use skunk repellent or ammonia-soaked rags to deter skunks.
• If all else fails, contact a professional to trap and release the skunk away from your property.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Install lights in your yard.

1. Skunks shy away from bright lights at night. Put up large motion-sensor lights and point them at your yard to deter skunks and make them go away. Keep in mind that the lights will probably deter other critters and wildlife from your yard as well.^[1]
   
   • Skunks are nocturnal, which is why they tend to stay away from bright lights.

[Edit]Use motion-activated sprinklers.

1. Sprinklers will frighten skunks and keep them out of your yard. Consider adding motion-activated sprinklers to turn on whenever a skunk comes near. Place them strategically close to areas where you suspect skunks might want to shelter, like under your deck or inside a window well.^[2]
   

[Edit]Turn a loud radio on at night.

1. Skunks don’t like loud noises, and a radio may scare them away. If you know that skunks like to head inside an outdoor shed or under your deck, place a radio nearby and turn it onto a talk radio station. Leave it on at night to scare skunks away and keep them off your property.^[3]
   
   • If you have neighbors close by, they might not appreciate this tactic. Instead, try an ultrasonic skunk repellent that emits a high-pitched noise. Skunks can hear it, but humans can’t.

[Edit]Secure your garbage and compost containers.

1. Keep trash cans secured tightly to remove a skunk’s food source. Skunks are scavengers, and an open trash can or compost pile is like a 3-course meal for them. Keep your garbage in a thick plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, and put it inside, if possible.^[4]
   
   • If you have a compost pile outside, don’t put kitchen scraps in it until the skunks are gone. Leaving kitchen scraps outside is a great way to attract skunks to your yard.

[Edit]Feed pets indoors.

1. Keep pet food inside to avoid giving skunks a free meal. If you have outdoor animals, take them inside to feed them as often as possible. If that’s not an option, stick around after your animals eat and clean up any leftover food as best as you can.^[5]
   
   • If you store any pet food outside, keep it secure in a plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid.

[Edit]Keep bird feed off the ground.

1. Skunks love bird seed, so clean it up when you see it on the ground. Feeding the birds around your home is great, but it can sometimes get a little messy. If you notice any bird seed on the ground, clean it up before nightfall to avoid attracting skunks.^[6]
   
   • If you can’t stay on top of cleaning up bird seed around your home, consider taking down your bird feeders until the skunks aren’t a problem anymore.

[Edit]Treat your yard for grubs.

1. Get rid of grubs to remove a natural food source for skunks. Your tall, watered lawn may be hiding a plethora of delicious grubs that attract skunks. To quickly get rid of grubs, stop watering your lawn for 3 to 4 weeks. As your lawn dries out, the grubs will die, and the skunks will look for food elsewhere.^[7]
   
   • You can also release nematodes in your lawn, or sprinkle milky spore over your lawn to kill grubs. However, these methods can take years to kill off grubs, so they’re not ideal.

[Edit]Seal small areas with chicken wire.

1. Deter skunks from entering small areas with chicken wire. There may be spots on your property that skunks are attracted to, like the area under your deck. Put up chicken wire to keep skunks out and prevent them from making a home.^[8]
   
   • Make sure you aren’t blocking off an area that has skunks in it currently, since trapping them in a small space could kill them. If you’re not sure, put loose dirt or wood shavings into an area and leave it for 2 to 3 days. If the dirt and wood chips aren’t disturbed after 3 days, you can safely assume that no skunks are living there.

[Edit]Place ammonia-soaked rags around your yard.

1. The smell of ammonia is a known skunk deterrent. Ironically, skunks aren’t a huge fan of strong smells, like ammonia. Dip a few rags into ammonia and leave them around your property to hopefully send the skunks elsewhere.^[9]
   
   • Ammonia tends to evaporate quickly. Be sure to replace the rags every day for this technique to be effective.
   • Some people also have success with other strong scents, like soaps and citrus sprays. These aren’t proven by experts to deter skunks, but they can’t hurt, either.

[Edit]Try a commercial skunk repellent.

1. Commercial repellents are formulated to deter skunks from your home. Buy a bottle of skunk repellent, then spray it around the perimeter of your yard. The smell of the repellent will deter the skunks and make them go elsewhere.^[10]
   
   • Most skunk repellents are safe to use around animals and children. However, always read the label carefully on your skunk repellent, and follow the safety instructions on the bottle.

[Edit]Contact a professional for live trapping.

1. Trap and release skunks on your property to move them elsewhere. If you’ve tried multiple methods and you still see skunks coming in and out of your property, contact a professional to trap and release them. A professional trapper will set up a cage to catch the skunk, then drive them out to a better habitat that’s suited for their needs.^[11]
   
   • To hire a professional trapper, talk to someone from the wildlife department in your state or county. They may advise you to contact a private trapper.^[12]
   • Look into your local laws before attempting to trap and release a skunk. In some states, this is illegal.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Skunks are very beneficial to the environment, and they eat a lot of pesky critters and insects.^[13] Because of this, you should avoid killing skunks whenever possible.
• Skunks are most active during the mild weather in spring and fall.

[Edit]Warnings

• Never use lethal traps or poison to kill skunks.
• Never try to pursue a skunk. They raise their tail as a sign of warning and, if you insist, they'll spray with their stinking fluid that it's highly difficult to remove it if it stains your clothes.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• How to Get a Skunk to Leave

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://ontariospca.ca/blog/living-with-wildlife-skunks/
2. ↑ https://www.cityofdavis.org/city-hall/public-works-utilities-and-operations/environmental-resources/ask-greener-davis/ask-greener-davis-living-with-urban-wildlife
3. ↑ https://ontariospca.ca/blog/living-with-wildlife-skunks/
4. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-skunks
5. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-skunks
6. ↑ https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-skunks
7. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pest-control/reviews/how-to-get-rid-of-lawn-grubs
8. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-skunks
9. ↑ http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74118.html
10. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-skunks
11. ↑ http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74118.html
12. ↑ [v161011_b01]. 15 January 2021.
13. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-skunks