@Chicoro are you saying your self trimming back in 2012 set you back? How so? Did you over trim? I’m debating wether to self trim this year or go to a salon. My last salon over trimmed so I’m nervous. What do you think? I don’t wear my hair out so an even cut is unnecessary for me.
Yes, I cut off about 10 to 12 inches. First, one side was shorter than the other. Then, the hair was shaped like an inverted u-shape. I was trying to 'fix' what I had messed up. By the time I looked up, I had lost all that length. Like 6 to 12 inches gone in minutes.
Yes, I over trimmed. I was so focused on 'fixing' it, I kept trimming and before I realized it, my hair was gone. Unless it's for some tangled ends, for myself, I will go to the salon. I learned that I can't trim my own hair. It's just not a skill that I possess.
I suggest that you go to the salon and be polite, but 'Extra'. Explain about your fear and disappointment from the last time. Bring a measuring tape and show them the amount of hair, what you want trimmed, on the measure tape. Never let them blow-dry and trim at the same time. Blow it dry. Then, trim it.
Look at your hair JUST before she trims it. Ask the person to SHOW you and TOUCH on your hair, how much of your hair she is planning to trim off. Ask her to hand you a mirror or be able to see while she trims. Pay attention as she trims.
I'd rather be vigilant and exhausted during the trim, for about 5 minutes, than not watch what she's doing and then have to spend YEARS trying to gain that length back.
BEWARE: Sometimes, the stylist may ask you to NOT come back. That's okay, because you will still have your length intact.