well i've come to realize that cutting out my own picture is the hardest thing. i can't seem to ever do well when it comes to my hair. any advice on cutting out the spikey hair?

hmm... assuming u r good with your mouse... u can use a lasso tool (i prefer magnetic lasso) on photoshop but i cant think of anything besides that really...

i've tried that and i've also tried erasing everything that i don't want.

http://jura.wi.mit.edu/bio/graphics/photoshop/techniques.htm
That's another way by using the extract tool.
It's under "Erasing background without an eraser".

I use the pen tool...I guess that's pretty much like the magnetic lasso...

When you use the tutorial that Mona (gotnoheart) gave you, make sure to change the eraser size, because it could be too big.

I use the eraser tool for bigger images, but I find Mona's link to the tutorial helpful as well.

I always use the eraser tool, because it's easier for me. For the corners and spikey bits, I'll use the eraser size to either 1 or 2, but it really depends on the size of your picture.

Yup. =)

I would use the polygonal lasso tool or the pen tool.

You could also use the Polygonal Lasso Tool, but it might not be totally effective.

i use the poly.. lasso tool it seems easiest for me.

ok basically, if you have adwares or spywares on your computer, don't use the polygonal lasso tools or whatever. use the pen tool, all you do is trace around it holding your mouse down, and then to delete the anchor point, hold ALT and press on the anchor point. then when you're done tracing out the thing you want, then right click in the thing, and select MAKE SELECTION with 0 radius, and then you get your perfect pic out. :] simple.