Things we learned from cutting Eliza's hair

Well, I tried to cut Eliza's hair Sunday morning. I had cut it once before and it turned out okay, so I wanted to give it another go and when I mentioned it during her bath she wanted her hair cut right then (which turned out to be another 30 minutes later) anyhow, we had trouble in the staying still department and I was getting worried it would get too short, so I quit trying to even it out and put her hair in a ponytail for church. The evening we realized how crooked the cut was... so Monday morning I called the Hidden Clipper to get an appt. with my fav. stylist, one of the few I've actually known previous (she comes occationally to yoga). Kate is the one that thinned and textured my hair last fall and made it way more managable. Also- really cheap- 12 for a wash and cut (22 if you add the style). She gives lots of hair tips and has been cutting hair for about 7 years. Anyway, here's what she taught me as she cut Eliza's hair (and made her first appt. a positive experience) Part hair down the middle. Start at center back with chin tucked into chest. Cut straight across all the hair behind the ears. Next the tricky part- to make it match at the ears have her tilt head away from the side you're working on. Hold cut hair and hair to be cut together and then cut at a downward angle. She said if you try to cut straight you almost always cut up instead. Think A line. Keep head to opp. side as you cut that side. Do other side the same, and then bring hair forward. Make sure it matches but pulling down on both sides. To soften the front just cut the tips off the hair cutting upwards into the hair. Next for gentle layering. With little girls layer only the back (behind the ears) or else they're get lots and lots of extra wispys especially if like Eliza they have fine hair. Pick up a vertical section (again start in the middle) pull out from head then slightly turn it up- cut section in a C shape. Continue working on either side.
I know this stuff is really basic, but it is making me hopeful that I can cut her hair next time I try. Also, she said the hair needs to be really really wet to cut straight when hair is so fine. So, just in case you wanted these pointers, and so I wouldn't forget them, I'm sharing them with you. Next time you see Eliza check out her stylist do.