No more paid haircuts!

[golfer44]

I was able to talk my roommate into cutting my hair with a pair of $30 clippers from Walgreens, and it turned out fantastic! He's on board as well and I'll be returning the favor.

No more $20 a pop haircuts for me, anybody else on board?

(Awesome having a Mustachian roommate!)

[seattlecyclone]

Yeah, I finally gave up on the barber a few months ago. I got a $20 clipper from Amazon and my wife cuts my hair now. After just two uses the thing paid for itself. It's all savings from here!

[NinetyFour]

The last time I paid for a haircut was May 8, 2012.  Bought clippers in July 2012 and have been butchering cutting my hair myself ever since.  Loving the savings!!  It doesn't always look perfect, but a friend of mine who is a hair stylist complimented it the other day!  She might have just been being nice, but I'll take it!

[Nudelkopf]

Me too! I have long-ish hair (bra-strap length), which I've started cutting myself :D I was just using shitty scissors, but then my mum gave me a pair of proper hair scissors (they're sharper).

I use some ideas from here: http://www.howtohairgirl.com/2013/01/5-diy-haircuts-to-try-today/

[Emilyngh]

I used to cut my own hair when it was longer.    But, then b/c I was showering, washing and styling it in the morning, long become too much of a PITA (and the everyday drying/styling really fried it).  The PITA/fried combo plus the fact that I thought I needed to look "professional" led me to start paying to have it cut short.

 Almost a year ago I went no-poo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_poo).   This has changed my hair such that it does not get oily for a couple of days (so I now shower about every 2 days in the evening letting it air-dry instead of every morning and drying it), and it has more body/texture, so I don't have to style it.  Also, since MMM, I've decided fuck going to great lengths to look in a way that is someone else's idea of "professional."   I'll look generally put-together, but like me; I'm out of the rat race.

Bottom line is that I'm growing it long again.   And I just used the ponytail method to trim it myself.

[theSchmett]

Yeah, the last paid haircut I can remember was six or seven years ago, and that was a family and friends freebie (for which I tipped 5 or 10 bucks).

Buzzers FTW.

[YK-Phil]

Last time I paid for a haircut was....hmmmm

[aj_yooper]

My wife has been cutting my hair for about 10 years now.  Wahl clippers do the job.

[cmk]

I just finished cutting my husband's hair,  I've been doing it for about a year.  The first time took forever, but now I'm confident that it's going to look just fine if I use the clipper with guides!   He used to go to the expensive place ($25 instead of Best Cuts $15).  Turns out he just liked the hair stylists there because they didn't stink like cigarette smoke.  I bought a good set of clippers from Amazon for about $23.

[kpd905]

Good stuff.  I have paid for one haircut so far in my life (26 years old).  My mom cut mine for 18 years and my girlfriend took over after that.  I can't say they have all been perfect, but in a week or so it looks the same anyway.

[Ian]

For most of my life I've had relatives or friends who knew what they were doing, so I've rarely paid for a haircut. Now I'm on my own and I think I'm going to try to cut it myself. No one here has a clue what non-Asian hair is supposed to look like, so I guess this is as good a time as any to make mistakes.

[nottoolatetostart]

As a female, I need to learn how to cut my own hair. Having a baby really cuts down on this expense as it has been too complicated to arrange for an appointment with my normal stylist and opted to swing into Supercuts instead. Since my toddler loves pulling on my hair, I also find that I wear it up most days to prevent that.

I will commit to this challenge for 2014 by checking out Youtube, reading tutorials online and hope that it sticks with me. Thanks!

[Greg]

I go back and forth between long hair (no cuts) and pretty short hair (#8 comb on a clipper).  I bought the clippers online a few years ago and they're super handy.  when I'm in short hair mode, I can do the whole thing with the #8 (1") and trim the sides and back, and it'll last about a month with occasional side/back trims.  I also have a neighbor who can do really good haircuts, so when I feel like I need a tune-up, I do a trade or something with them.

[oldtoyota]

Me too! I have long-ish hair (bra-strap length), which I've started cutting myself :D I was just using shitty scissors, but then my mum gave me a pair of proper hair scissors (they're sharper).

I use some ideas from here: http://www.howtohairgirl.com/2013/01/5-diy-haircuts-to-try-today/

Congrats to the OP!

Love this link. Thanks!

[Mlkmn]

You inspired me to order some wahl hair clippers. I will attempt the first cut on Wednesday.

[shamelessHedon]

Did self and spouse this past month.

[lifejoy]

Way to go, OP!

My SO is getting his hair cut by me, and I'm trying to go down to two cheap haircuts a year, instead of four expensive haircuts a year :)

[Grindin' Away]

It seems so little, but adds up so fast.

Wahl clippers from Costco have been great for the past six months.  My wife just uses the guards, and does exactly what the barbers did at great clips/sports clips.  Can't believe I paid $20 every other month for 10 years just because that seemed like what everyone else was doing.  That's $1,200 straight cash not including potential returns!

[Russ]

Started getting too many "homeless" comments so I cut my hair yesterday. After 20 years of clipper haircuts (thanks mom) I like it a little longer so I tried cutting with scissors.

Got rid of probably 3 inches or so. It was a little tricky because it's not quite long enough to do the ponytail thing linked above, but I think it turned out pretty well nonetheless! (Correct me if I'm wrong so I can get it cut before work tomorrow haha)

[Frugal Ninja]

Alright.....challenge accepted.  I however may put off my next haircut for a few weeks until I know the clippers will be an improvement no matter what.  Win win for me lol

[Thegoblinchief]

I buzz my hair at 1/8". I do most of it myself, but the DW always has to fix something in the back since I don't have a mirror to see there.

I have paid for one haircut in my life.

Skip Walgreens unless they sell Wahl. I have two Wahls, a full size one I got as a present and a Peanut for beard trimming. Both kits run around $30 on Amazon and they are really good quality.

@Russ - impressive! My Dad used to cut his hair like that, but my brain just can't handle scissors in the mirror without exploding.

[dcheesi]

I cut my own hair all the time... With a razor ;-)

[TomTX]

Yeah, just got another free haircut today. The $20 Wahl kit from Amazon is great. Get the one with the professional motor and full set of guards (#1-#8, plus ear taper x2)

[Runge]

I've been cutting my own hair for a year now, and I love it. My friends used to make fun of me the first couple of times because it wasn't quite the best haircut. It eventually grew out some and then you couldn't tell at all. But the last time I cut my hair, I got many good comments! I use the 1" guard on the top, and then taper it down towards my neck. Nice and simple and only takes about 30 min.

I also use a detailer for my face. Perma-stubble ftw.

All in all I spent ~$60 on the two clippers and I estimate that I've easily made that back by now between the haircuts and continunal "shaving." Razors are stupid expensive.

[oldtoyota]

Me too! You know what is especially great about this? I wanted a haircut before an important meeting. Scheduling and going to a hair appointment before the meeting would have just been an unnecessary time suck. Instead, I cut it myself. Presto change-o.

[littleone]

Started cutting my own hair late last year. Who knew it was so easy after you get the mirror illusion and distance down which I was Ok with by the second hair cut. Only need the girlfriend's help for a clean sharp line on the back. Wish I would have done this sooner! So much money wasted.
Need to upgrade to a whal. The beard trimmer gets clogged with every pass.

[CarDude]

Yeah, I'm an old geezer who's been cutting his own hair for about a decade now. Picked up a pair of trimmers and never looked back.

[aetherie]

I've been cutting my boyfriend's hair for about a year. He raves about how nice it is not to have to go to a hairdresser. Now I need to do some research to see if it's possible to do my own (past shoulder-length, layered, very thick) hair... it would save so much money.

[seanc0x0]

I haven't had a commercial haircut since 2007, when I invested in hair clippers.  I tend to go short then let it grow out until it looks shaggy and repeat the process.  Probably cut once every 3-4 months.

I like to go short for both the extra time before it needs to be cut, and because it's nice to step out of the shower, grab a towel, and with a quick wipe be done the hair-care ritual.  Plus it saves on shampoo.

[hokiegb]

I would like to credit this site with inspiring me to try doing it myself.

Which immediately prompted my wife to take over and do it for me. I think she was afraid I was going to injure myself with the scissors... Anyway, she's been cutting my hair for the last 8 months or so, and it comes out looking great!

[Nudelkopf]

use some ideas from here: http://www.howtohairgirl.com/2013/01/5-diy-haircuts-to-try-today/

Love this link. Thanks!

Home hair cut today.. In the time it took to listen to one song :P

[Russ]

^ I like it!

found this website today. more useful if you're cutting someone else's hair or having someone else cut yours, but quite extensive nonetheless: http://www.freesaloneducation.com/

[jordanread]

I got motivated after reading this thread. I'm not going to throw down just yet, but I did want to test if I could cut my own hair without missing any spots. What do you guys think?

[arebelspy]

I think I last paid for a haircut in 2005.

Definitely the way to go for most guys.

I don't use scissors, just buzz it to about a 3 level every 4 months or so.

The wife just got her first paid haircut in 2+ years (she had gown it out to maximum length) this past weekend, $35 including 40% tip. 

Was just talking about haircuts when full time traveling though.  May be better to pay $20 every few months than carry clippers (which only cost $20 one time, so are much better money-wise, but space-wise in luggage it may be worth paying the $20 every few months to not have to pack them).

[Nudelkopf]

Woo, Jordanread! I love running my hands over guys' super short spikey hair. It feels so awesome!

[ichangedmyname]

The last time I paid someone to do something to my hair was April 2013. I get drastic haircuts every 2 years or so just to make it worth it. I'm growing my hair out now.

[jordanread]

Woo, Jordanread! I love running my hands over guys' super short spikey hair. It feels so awesome!

I agree. I can't stop touching my head. It's all tingly and I can feel the wind. :-)

[aetherie]

The Supercuts near me is having a training seminar Tues-Fri this week, which means free haircuts for all! They advertise it on Craigslist and you just have to call and make an appointment. I went last year and was actually really pleased with the result. Hopefully this one will be good too.

(Williston, VT if anyone's in the area)

[Rural]

Cut mine this weekend and then did a little touch up this morning before work! No clippers here, straight, short bob just a little shorter than chin length. The big challenge was getting it straight in the back, hence the trim this morning. It worked, though! I don't think I'll ever go and pay for it again.

[clarkai]

I got gave up on professional hair cuts years ago. Didn't matter if I paid them $12 or $50, they all managed to make my hair took decidedly frumpy and really ugly. My hair is apparently super thick so they never expect it to do what it does. Now I cut it myself, pixie cut with scissors, and have been told it looks nice and professional.

[MountainMan]

I started cutting my own hair about a month or so ago.  I'm still getting the hang of it, buzzing the sides and back with the clippers.  When the top of my hair grows longer again, I will try to cut with scissors.  I think it'll look better with some length rather than just a buzz cut.

[mayradonaji]

For almost a year now I cut my husband´s hair every month (curly hair that will turn into an afro really fast and need to be keep short) and he cut mine every four months when I feel is too long. Beside saving money, we use this time to have a nice chat.

[Zikoris]

I just started clippering my boyfriend's hair last month, and it seemed to go okay - not as good as his old hairdresser (who does a really great job on men's hair), but looks fine. Not a chance in hell with my hair though - I like pretty curly short styles.

Now I just need to sew him some sort of cape so he doesn't get covered in hair when I cut, and we'll be all set.

[warfreak2]

I haven't ever paid for a haircut. (Last visit to the barbers would have been when my parents still made me.) I also don't cut it myself. It's quite long by now! Photo is from a few years ago, I don't have many photos from the back:

[Nancy]

I'm in! Another post from HonestAbe motivated me to cut my own hair with my husband's help. I used the schlob (shaggy layered bob) technique, and it's the best haircut I've ever had. Saves me $70 a pop.

[martynthewolf]

I did my hair Sunday just past, independently of this thread, it went really well, some bits that I'll be more careful of next cut.

I'm in :)

[Nudelkopf]

I haven't ever paid for a haircut. (Last visit to the barbers would have been when my parents still made me.) I also don't cut it myself. It's quite long by now! Photo is from a few years ago, I don't have many photos from the back:

I was thinking, "Woah, you look like every maths/physics guy I've ever studied with"... And then I read your tag :P

I am a mathematician who teaches computer science, makes music and plays Go.

[rusty]

Last time I paid for one was 1999.  I have used 2 sets of clippers, so I guess it cost me something.

[El Limon]

Couldn't do this myself. I live just outside Little Saigon, which is a Mecca of inexpensive, quality barbers. My barber has been managing my receding hairline (the real Great Recession) for a few years for $6.50 plus a well deserved tip. Going to high end salons is nuts, but supporting my local barber is worth it.

 However, if I could just buzz with some clippers, I'd probably cheap out and do it myself.

   

[seanc0x0]

Couldn't do this myself. I live just outside Little Saigon, which is a Mecca of inexpensive, quality barbers. My barber has been managing my receding hairline (the real Great Recession) for a few years for $6.50 plus a well deserved tip. Going to high end salons is nuts, but supporting my local barber is worth it.

 However, if I could just buzz with some clippers, I'd probably cheap out and do it myself.

   

Wow, at $6.50 I'd consider going back to a stylist. Even as a man, it costs about $15.00 here.  I've been using clippers since 2009 with my wife doing the honours. It takes about 4-6 months, depending on how I trim up the shaggy bits like sideburns,  before I need a redo.  Last time was about 9 months, due to moving and losing the clippers in one of the huge numbers of boxes, but it worked out OK as I had hair to headbang with when we went to see one of our favourite metal bands back in Feb.  I've since found the clippers, and am back to the military look. :)