How To Avoid A Weird Haircut Like David Beckham’s Latest

Ever since the tech gods gifted us the humble trimmer, life has been undeniably easier for the modern man. What once meant booking an appointment, waiting in line, and explaining what you wanted (only to get something completely different) can now be done at home, sometimes in your bathroom at midnight after one too many “DIY fade” videos on your feed.

The same freedom that lets us experiment can also makes us overconfident. Something, that even legendary footballer David Beckham can't get rid off. The ex‑Manchester United star and man whose hairstyles have inspired millions decided to go the DIY route recently.

Beckham posted a video on Instagram revealing the aftermath: a rogue patch on the back of his scalp that looked more accidental than avant‑garde. Victoria Beckham, ever the amused critic, found it hilarious. Beckham himself? Less so. He captioned it simply: “Not funny.”

Truth is, we’ve all been there in spirit, if not in Beckham’s exact spotlight. A moment of enthusiasm, a guard set too low, the battery dying halfway through, or worse, that blind spot at the back of your head. Suddenly, what started as a quick touch‑up turns into a haircut that suggests a monkish vow of silence or worse, the early stages of alopecia.

But what if there was a way to avoid this comedy of errors for the internet to laugh over. With the right prep and a bit of humility, you can avoid becoming a cautionary tale. Here’s what to remember before you pick up that trimmer:

Double up on mirrors

One mirror in front isn’t enough. Keep a second—ideally handheld or wall‑mounted—so you can see the back and sides properly. Cutting blind is brave, but rarely ends well. 

Respect the guard

Start long. Always. You can go shorter later, but you can’t glue hair back once it’s gone. And watch your angle: trimming against the direction of hair growth evens things out, but an overly aggressive pass can leave bald tracks. 

Charge your trimmer fully

Few things kill confidence faster than running out of battery halfway through. One side neat and sharp, the other wild and waiting until you can recharge? Avoidable. 

Wet vs. dry?

Most trimmers work best on dry hair, giving you a clearer idea of length and shape. If your trimmer says it can handle wet trimming, towel‑dry your hair first—never trim dripping‑wet hair.

Keep scissors handy

A slim, sharp pair of scissors helps tidy those spots the trimmer can’t catch: around the ears, your neckline, and stray tufts that stick out. It’s a small step, but it makes the whole cut look intentional. 

Don’t rush it

Bad day? Running late? That’s when mistakes happen. Give yourself time, good lighting and a steady hand. 

Know when to stop

DIY works fine for touch‑ups or a simple buzz. But if you’re thinking of a full fade, a design, or messing around with the crown? Maybe call a professional. Even Beckham couldn’t pull it off.

At its best, the trimmer is a tool that gives you freedom. At its worst, it can be a public humiliation machine—one that leaves you apologising to your reflection and to whoever’s filming the evidence.

So prep properly, stay patient, and remember: the best haircut is the one you don’t regret (or have to caption “not funny”). And if you do mess it up? At least you’re in good company. Even David Beckham has bathroom‑mirror regrets. 

Because as every man eventually learns, the secret to a great DIY haircut isn’t just steady hands—it’s knowing that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is not pick up the trimmer at all.