Hair massacre. It happens and most of us have given into the temptation to just trim a little here and there. Maybe our bangs have become unruly, or our spikes are leaning to the left. We only meant to do a few touch-ups to tide us over until our next salon visit.

A few snips can quickly lead to choppy, uneven hair that’s difficult to correct or hide. If the damage is minimal, you can easily blend the short pieces in with your longer hair.

Bangs that were trimmed a little too much can be pushed back into the sides or top of your hair. Secure these shorter pieces with clips, gel or another styling product that has medium to strong hold. Apply the product to damp hair, and then blow dry while holding the pieces to be secured.

If the damage is severe and your hair has become a mass of indescribable treachery, more drastic measures are needed.

For short, uneven hair, go for a messy look until it grows out. You can easily achieve this by using a quarter sized amount of hair putty, pomade, gel or other styling product with medium to strong hold. Rub it into your hair vigorously, as if you were shampooing, then make final adjustments.

If you were trying to trim your long mane and ended up with an asymmetrical effect, you have no choice but to go short. Only cut the remaining hair as short as the shortest culprit and then decide on a suitable hairstyle from there.

If you have long hair and have mangled your bangs beyond repair, try trying a scarf around the front of your head or use headbands. You can try using clips and styling products to keep the short hair flat against the sides and top of your head, but they will probably pop out during the day. A neat trick is to use those minuscule jaw clips around the hairline. The finished effect looks like a headband and the clips hold the short hair in place. For added hold, wet the short pieces and gel them before clipping them back.

If your hair is medium to long in length with uneven hacks throughout it, a permanent can correct it, as long you don’t mind being curly for a while. If you want the length, curly beats short because you can always blow it straight or use a flat iron. Be sure to use a styling product with heated equipment to protect your hair from damage.

Hats, wigs and hairpieces are readily available and relatively easy to use to hide butchery while hair is growing out. Check your local salon and ask your stylist for advice.