The Sad Haircut Story:
You wake up. Look in the mirror every 4 weeks or so. And say to yourself, “You know, I’m starting to look a little scraggly. I should probably get in for a haircut today”.
So, you get in your car, drive 15 minutes or so to the friendly national franchised hair cutting chain conglomerate. The parking lot is busy. It’s Saturday, and everyone is simultaneously running their errands after the week-long work grind. So you wait 5 minutes for someone to leave and then whip in to the parking lot before the aggressive a-hole in a massive pickup truck tries to cut you off. You squeeze in just ahead of him, but narrowly miss a dented bumper.
You walk in. The haircut salon is packed. So you put your name in as “Harry McCutterston” to amuse yourself, but the receptionist is not equally amused. There’s no free Wi-Fi, so you settle in and pick up a 5 year old copy of Sports Illustrated and wait in the lobby for an hour, before they gloriously call “Harry McCutterston”. You expect the place to break out in laughter, but crickets and some annoyed looks is all you get.
Sadly, it’s not your favorite hairdresser. She’s busy. She always is. But the new guy is open! You’re sick of waiting, and you don’t want to hurt the new dresser’s feelings, so you decide to roll the dice.
You go to sit down and notice that the chair has a clump of wet hair on it. You hope the hairdresser notices and wipes it off. He doesn’t. You’d rather the hair touch your pants than your hands, so you make the plunge.
Awkward hair and sports small talk ensues and then you meticulously explain every little detail of what you were hoping to get accomplished on the top of your noggin. All the while, you’re secretly worried he is going to screw up. And he does. Not much, but just enough for you to personally be annoyed and for your friends to take notice and say, “Hey, did you cut your hair differently?”. Jerks.
Now the fun part. You’ve not only got to pay them (really, you’re paying the franchise owner, and the hairdresser gets a fraction of the cut) in the upwards of $20-30, but then you also need to tip the hairdresser… what, 20%? Is that enough? I don’t know… awkward. You walk out, realizing that to trim the follicles that grow out of the skin that covers your skull, you just paid enough to feed a starving west African family for 2 months or save the life of a few kittens. Sarah McLachlan and lonely old dogs start going through your head. You feel guilty and sad.
THEN, in the car ride home, you almost hit a kid chasing after a soccer ball into the street. You fill up the gas tank for the weekly commute – there goes another $50. And by the time you actually pull in to the driveway, your damn hair is already a tad bit longer than when you left the shop! And it never stops growing! And it won’t, for the next 50-80 years.
If any of this story sounds painfully familiar, it is time to learn how to cut your own hair. NOW.
How to Cut your Own Hair
For more than half of my life now, I’ve been cutting my own hair.
After I started paying for my own haircuts, I woke up one day, while I was still in high school, and said to myself, “You know what? I can do it better than they can!”.
Step 1: Get the Right Clipper Set
So I went out and bought myself a clipper set. At the time, I think it was $40-50. Here, we are, closing in on two decades later, and some of the best-selling sets on Amazon are going for $39, $45, $50, $70 and $85 (I ended up recently upgrading to a Wahl Lithium Pro Personal Clipper for $59 and absolutely love it).In other words, you can cut your hair, for the next decade+ for the cost of one or two paid haircuts! You really don’t need to spend any more than this. I’m on my second set of clippers after almost two decades, and neither cost more than this.
Step 2: Start Cutting (Then Refine your Technique)
Clippers in hand, about every two weeks, I cut my own hair.
Want to learn how to cut your own hair? The process is simple (for guys). Here’s how I do it:
- Charge clipper while I wash my hair (I don’t even charge myself extra for that privilege). I lightly dry my hair, leaving it a bit damp, as I’ve found that damp/wet hair cuts more easily than dry. If you have a corded clipper, keep the cord plugged in while cutting. It tends to run with more power, which results in a better cut.
- Put on the blade attachment. I tend to go with #1 on the sides and back, a #5 on the top and a #2 to blend the two areas together. To keep things simple, you could go with just 1 set length all over. Or, play around as I have to find the right mix for you.
- I cut my hair. I just go over my entire head a few times with the various attachments until it looks nicely trimmed.
- I trim the spot above my ears with scissors to clean that up a little.
- Then, using a safety razor (another must have), and a handheld mirror to get a reflection from a wall mirror, I shave the back of my neck and cut a straight hair line. Sounds complicated, but after 1-2 attempts, you’ll be a pro.
- As for maintenance, I make sure all of the hair is out of the clipper and every few months I’ll oil the blades with some clipper blade oil – which is cheap, but 100% necessary to keep your clippers running well.
15 minutes, and I’m done.
The Cost Savings of Cutting your Own Hair
Of primary benefit to cutting your own hair, is the cost savings. I know guys who pay a lot more than $25 to get their hair cut by others, but lets assume $25 as a starting point. Let’s assume you get a hair cut every month, and lets also assume $5 per trip for parking/gas.
The cost of getting haircuts would be about $360 per year. Over a decade, it would be $3,600+.
What if, instead, you cut your own hair and then invested the cost savings?
If we assume 3% inflation, and post tax dollars which could have been put in a Roth IRA, the lifetime investment opportunity cost of haircuts over the next 70 years at the following rates of return would be (using the AARP investment return calculator):
- 4%: $268,558
- 6%: $650,731
- 8%: $1,638,314
- 10%: $4,422,919
And the great irony is that your hair won’t be any shorter after those 70 years (though there may be less of it).
Sure, you may have to buy your own clipper set for $40-80 every decade or so, but that will only cost you about 1% of the cost of the haircuts. Your real savings are about 99% if you learn how to cut your own hair.
Other Benefits of Learning How to Cut your Own Hair
Outside of the obvious cost benefits that come from cutting your own hair, there are other HUGE benefits:
- About one day per year in time saved from driving, parking, waiting, and driving home.
- You can cut your hair more often and whenever you’d like.
- You can cut your own hair to whatever length and specification you’d like, without someone messing it up.
- Less wear and tear on your vehicle, environmental impact of driving, and opportunity to get in to an accident.
- The comfort and satisfaction that comes with knowing you have taken one step closer to financial independence and self sustainability.
Learning how to cut your own hair is intensely rewarding. If you’ve been afraid to do so, it’s time to take that leap.
How to Cut your Own Hair Discussion:
- Do you cut your own hair? How long have you been doing it? What tips do you have?
- This post was primarily geared towards the male audience and those who prefer shorter hair styles. I’d really love to see how those with longer hair styles have learned to cut their own hair or have others help them do it.
I’ve been cutting my husband’s hair for a couple years now and it’s actually a fun way for us to spend time together and joke around. He actually looks a lot better now because we’ll cut it at home way more often than he used to go get it cut professionally (once every 9 months?).
I’ve been cutting my own hair in an almost identical manner as that which you described for about 10 years. Saves money and time. It fact, it’s getting long. I’m going to go cut it.
I’ve been cutting my family’s hair for about three years now. It started when I had a baby and started cutting his hair. After a few of these cuts I got confident enough to cut my husband’s hair. Around this same time I started growing my own hair out so that I could cut it myself as well. For my husband and son I just do the standard male short cut with scissors. I cut it all the same length (I use three fingers as a guide) except for a little longer at the front. Then I trim around the ears and sideburns. Finally I taper the nape and then clean up with clippers. It looks as good as many cheap haircuts we’ve paid for and no-one has ever noticed that it is a home hair cut. The hardest part was getting the bravery to do it the first time. However, we reasoned that if I made a serious error, we would just have to go to the barber to get it fixed without any real loss. I’ve never messed up that bad. Minor uneven-ness is sometimes found a day or two later and I do a quick touch up straighten it out. My scissors cost $22. I forget the cost of the clippers, but they were probably $30ish. The Tightwad Gazette (book form) has instructions for cutting hair that are essentially identical to what I do. Also, it’s important to cut front to back across the top of the head and vertically around the back and sides or the hair will look chopped.
For my own hair I had to grow it out long in order to cut it. I use a very simple technique to layer it. I still haven’t found the perfect method and I’m still experimenting, but basically you carefully comb all your hair to a point along the center line of your hair and secure it with a hair band. You then cut and texture. There are variations where you pull out to the sides as well so that you don’t get a V shape in the back. Check out you tube for instructional videos on DIY layered cut.
I started laughing when I saw the title because I came to the same realization this year. I am a 26 yr old black woman with mid-length curly hair. I wanted a new look and after waiting for a Groupon deal from one of the local salons, I got impatient and purchased $15 scissors and gave myself a new bob.
It’s been great and I love getting compliments about my hair even more now. I typically have to fix a few mishaps that I notice a day after but it’s all part of the learning experience.
Odd things about this article (based on my experience):
1. $25+ is a lot for a haircut. I pay around $15 or so. Less if I have coupons.
2. In your example, the hair dresser was male. It just stood out to me because I have had exactly one hair cut by a dude in my life. I suppose it depends on where you are. California? In Toronto, male hair dressers are not a thing. At least not in the major chains.
Great idea though. I’m losing my hair quickly so soon it will be very easy to cut my own (a very good and very bad thing).
I don’t cut my own hair but I will starting this month! Mine is easy anyway and I spend $30/month on getting a quick haircut. Thanks for the advice, you’ve saved me tons of money.
I can’t believe I am not the only one cutting my own hair! I have long hair and I’ve been mostly cutting it myself. My mom cuts her own hair too. If your hair is wavy, then it’s super easy. Nobody can even tell if it isn’t perfectly even.
Not to brag, but Im damn good at cutting my own hair. Probably stems from the fact that as the oldest of three boys we’ve been cutting each others hair since Jr High and saved a ton. I’m now in my thirties and after several attempts at going to the “Pros” and getting really upset at having to pay for terrible haircuts (I’ve the straightest hair in the world which is not forgiving to errors) I’ve decided never to go back. Currently my haircuts are fairly elaborate (longer on top, parted on the side and faded on the sides and back).
G.E., for a long time I was doing the buzz cut as well, and theres a couple of things I’d like to comment on that may make things even easier for you. One, you dont have to wash your hair before hand, in your case its so short it doesnt matter. Second I also found that with buzz cuts, if you cut it slightly longer it actually lasts longer before it starts looking scraggly. I start off with a #5 or #6 on top. then fade the sides progressively from #2 to #4, last the very edges on the bottom with #1. Ive found this way one can go up to 6 weeks and still look acceptable. Hope this helps
Great post! I am very proud to say that I cut my own hair while being nearsighted (challenging but doable.) Of course, these was after watching lots of Youtube videos.
I read that you cut your damp hair with clippers. I am a bit confuse. I have read and heard from various sources that clippers are only to be use on dry hair in order to prolong the clipper’s age. Of course I could be wrong.
I oil the blades every time, which results in no rusting (visible, at least). I suppose you could cut dry to extend the life, but it doesn’t cut as easily.
Good point. If it works, then it works.
I agree doing it at home is much easier. At first people thought I was crazy to let my then boyfriend give me a haircut, but years later as my husband, he still does a great job. I prefer to just tell him I want a trim this weekend and he does it for me, rather the time, hassle and expense of the salon. He uses the proper tools, he has the pro grade shears, hair clips, rat tail comb for sectioning and he sets me on the stool and capes me, to do my haircuts. I like knowing I don’t have worry about having him cut it too short or giving me a bad haircut. Saves me hundreds a year and I would not anyone else touching my hair, he has me spoiled.
We started giving my boys their haircuts at home after each received absolutely horrible haircuts at a chain from a “professional” barber. He left steps cut into the sides and he went higher on one side that the other on both haircuts and then hid his sloppiness with gel. Once I got them home to wash to itchy hairs off that got down their necks, I could see what bad haircuts they were. I researched online and bought a mid line quality set of Wahl clippers as the reviews said the cheapest sets are noisy and heat up quickly because of lower quality motors as well as not cutting as well and it was worth the price for a better unit that will last a decade or more. I watched YouTube videos with my then fiancée and waited until school was out to give the boys their haircuts. My guy coached me on technique as he used clippers to trim his own beard. I got nervous and had him take over when it came to the scissors over comb part on the top. He nicely blended the longer hair with the shorter hair on the sides without leaving steps. We did the same with my older son and both were happy with the results. My mom fawned over how handsome they looked and said it was about time I took them to get a decent haircut. She was surprised we did them at home and she said they looked neatly groomed and that it will save us a lot of money. Next time my boys said no, they did not want me to cut their hair, that they wanted my guy to do them. I was fired, but I figure that I save several hundred dollars by having him do them, he does mine as well which save me hundreds as well. My best friend was visiting when Inwas getting a trim, watched, complimented my hubby’s handiwork and asked him to cut hers. My mom got a bad haircut at her salon and grumbled that my hubby could have done a better job and it wouldn’t have cot her $60. Mind you you she thought him barbering the boys was great, but cutting mine was a horrible idea as she felt it was controlling. I agreed, I was in control of how my hair was being cut, not the stylist who did what she wanted. She was visiting when hubby was giving the boys their haircuts and mentioned she needed a trim. I joked for her to take a seat, she was next. And she did! She told him scissors only, no clippers. He assured her he would only use scissors and got out the cape he uses when he cuts mine. He asked her how much she wanted off, she was confused with numbers and he held up his hand and asked how many fingers worth. She said the pinkie and ring finger and he said ok. He combed out her hair, sectioned it and trimmed it so it was just grazing her shoulders as she asked. When he finished she asked for a mirror and then checked it out in the bathroom mirror. She smiled said thank you and she loved the price..FREE, with no wonky salon screw up or the expense. My hubby is very good with power and hand tools, so I guess he just gets it. Not everyone is and I admit I have seen some absolutely horrible attempts at home haircuts and the woman was bragging about doing them (she was one of those people who should not be allowed near shears or clippers ) and I have seen too many friends, coworkers and acquaintances that have gotten terrible chop jobs at the salon. I wonder how they got a license, but hey I see terrible drivers and wonder how they got their license as well.
I’m embarrassed for all of you who cut your own hair. It’s very easy to notice who does and who doesn’t. Yes, there are a large number of bad hair stylists out there and you don’t always get what you pay for. However, if you’re hirig someone to do something for you, like paint your house, pick out clothes for you to buy, and yes, cut your hair, you interview them. You check them out before putting yourself in their hands.
The best cutters in the world spend years honing their skills, learn to apply the rules of architecture to building a structure out of the organic fabric that grows from your scalp, and are worth every penny.
We paint our own house, I pick out my own clothes, we raise fruits and vegetables, chickens, cut firewood, change our own oil in our cars, do our own yard work, fix plumbing and my husband cuts my hair and my children’s hair. He does an excellent job, I get compliments on my hair and on my children’s haircuts, and I get asked where we had them done. It seems there is such a high turnover of stylists in the hair business and finding one that will listen and do as you ask is rarer than hens teeth. He has fixed bad salon haircuts for friends of mine and my best friend will only let him cut her hair now. It’s just not worth the time, expense or hassle to go to the barbershop or salon when I get better results at home. There are people who take charge of their lives, do things for themselves, and take pride in not having to rely on someone else to do something for them as they are incapable of doing it for themselves. I admire these strong people and respect their work ethic. And then there are so who cannot, they whine and complain about those who can. It is very unbecoming of them, they need to grow up and take responsibility for their own life.
I have been cutting my husbands hair ever since he and I moved to Louisiana… more than 40 years ago. His hair is now balding and gray, but once or twice, when I was on a trip, he paid to have it cut by a pro. When someone begins losing their hair, a bad haircut is more obvious.
I also now either cut my own hair, and sometimes , when I am in either Seattle or Virginia, I will pay someone to cut my hair.
Also, I use professional scissors etc.- I’m sure that I have saved us thousands of dollars over many years. Also, we all have had bad experiences with pros.
When my Mom was with us, I also used to cut her hair. I’m thankful to know that there are many others who are sick of ridiculous prices for a woman’s cut… and many salons do charge 20 for a mans cut, but double or triple to cut a woman’s hair.
My mother always took me to the salon from when I was a very young child and because my mother had no skills doing hair, she had hers cut in a butch style, now called a pixie and she went through phases where we were given boy short haircuts and she also allowed us to grow our hair until she got frustrated trying to brush our hair, then it all was cut off short. I always thought of a visit to the salon with dread. My cousin had long hair and my aunt who also had long hair, would comb and braid it for her. I wanted long hair but was not allowed to until I was 16. Even then salon visits that were not to my mother’s salon still left me dissatisfied. I got the opportunity to grow my hair when I met my husband. He took over doing my hair and it grew out. I have not paid for a haircut since. I know some cringe and others cheer, but having your hair cut at home by a family member or a friend is a significant savings. Some people have a talent for giving good haircuts, others should not be allowed to touch a pair of shears or clippers. Sadly I have met too many “licensed professionals” that fit in the second group. So if you have a family member or friend who gives a good haircut, all the better for you. I think people who criticize home haircuts are just upset because they spent too much money to get a license and make the same as fast food workers.
My mom’s been cutting my hair forever – it looks really nice. She buzzed it when we were young (didn’t like that too much but didn’t care that much either). Only partially buzzed with the rest cut now but its one of the few things she can still do for me, which she likes – like a present, which it is. Now she’s getting old – near 90, so I guess I’ll have to cut my own hair. Just fyi, I moved out when I was about 21 but in the same city. Thanks for writing about it to encourage all of us.
Your mother has saved you thousands over the years giving you free haircuts. It is great that she has been able to do it for you and that she has done such a great job. There are people that just seem to have a natural talent for it and others who should not touch a pair of shears or clippers. I was in Wal-Mart the other day and a woman complimented my hair which was in a dutch braid. I informed her that my husband had done it for me. She was impressed with his work and thought it was great that he could do it for me. I mentioned that I have him trim my hair for me as well. Her hair was longer than mine and she mentioned her mother was a hairdresser and she learned to cut her brother’s hair and her two sister’s as well. She trims her own as neither of her sisters are very good with the shears and she doesn’t trust either of them, and she doesn’t trust going to the salon as they would chop her hair off too short. She went once, got a bad haircut that left her hair poofing out like a Christmas tree and then refused to ever go again. She said she rarely wears her hair down, she usually wears her hair up in a bun for work and when she is doing chores around the house, she can put it in a three strand braid, but that is it. So I would say it is great having a family member that can do your hair for you and save you a lot of money.
I bought this same clipper set. I have too say its the best thing ive bought in along time. Really worth the money. Ive been cutting my own hair now for a year and I’ll never go back to the barber. Saved me a ton of cash. Great article.
Buying a good set of clippers is definitely a great investment. Wahl is a good brand that makes quality clippers that can last for years with proper maintenance. So I would agree that it is worth the money not to buy the cheapest on the shelf. A few months ago, a coworker of mine who has three boys was asking about how we do haircuts at home as she was looking to save money. She stopped by to visit as hubby was giving my boys their monthly haircuts to see how he does them. She watched intently and asked a number of questions as she watched. She felt it was something that she could do and we made a trip to Sally’s with her to get her the tools and supplies she needed. She bought a set of Wahl Designer clippers and peanut clippers combo that were on sale. It was a great price. She bought a good set of shears, combs, a couple capes, a can of clippercide and neck strips. She spent about $150 in total. With three boys ages 7, 9 and 12, at $15 a haircut plus transportation costs, it will be over $600 she will save the first year. Her husband is onboard with the idea, and when she gets comfortable doing haircuts with a little practice on the boys, he said he would let her cut his, so that is hundreds more a year. Hubby coached her on giving her boys their haircuts, helped her some, but overall she did really well. She used larger # clipper attachments to allow wiggle room to be fixed if needed, next time she will go shorter, once she feels comfortable getting the technique down, but with three boys, she will get plenty of practice. I asked her if she was going to have her husband cut her hair for her, but she said that was something she wasn’t ready to try yet. She was sure that her husband would be very reluctant to, and she was definitely not ready to let him do it.
Given the current situation of the barbershops and salons being closed, she can still do haircuts for her boys and we ladies can go longer between haircuts.