Rhonda emailed in the following tip:
Our children are grown now, but when our son was little, my husband cut his hair. As they got older, we all went to a cosmetology school where students cut hair at a greatly reduced price. It took longer, but the work was always inspected by the supervisor so you wouldn’t have uneven lengths, etc.
When my hair began getting gray in my 30’s, a friend showed me how to color it myself. I have been doing that every month since then, and have saved thousands of dollars I’m sure, compared to having a stylist color it. I buy a brand I can get at Dollar General, and once a month a newspaper coupon insert will have a $1 or $2 off coupon for it. So I average $3-$4 a month for hair color!
Another idea for haircuts is to check ad circulars that come in the mail. We usually have one for our local franchise hair salon for $6-$9 a haircut. Even with a tip, that’s less than $10 for a quick haircut which I get every 8 weeks or so. My husband has an electric hair trimmer that I use to shave the back of his neck, and he has bought a Flowbee hair system that he uses to cut his own hair. After 10 haircuts, it’s paid for itself.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing your own hair care, then perhaps you have a friend who cuts hair and will barter another service from you for that. Look around — there are many alternatives to high-priced hair care out there! -Rhonda
jenn says
We bought a nice clipper set on Amazon. My husband buzzes his own hair and I do the clean-up. We buzz our 6 year old son…he’s a swimmer and it makes his goggles fit better. He’s never been to a barber shop.
For me-I go to the salon school (less than 1 mile from my house) for trims, color and brow waxes. With my husband cutting his hair q 2 weeks, the money we saved from that pays for my visit every other month. And I also get text deals from the salon school that I try to take advantage of as well.
Jani says
I have gotten wonderful FREE haircuts and color every month for the past 13 years! My secret? SUPERCUTS Training Studio. If you have the Supercuts chain in your area, call a location or the Supercuts 1-800 location and ask if there is a Training Studio in your area. Basically, anyone newly-hired by Supercuts needs to be trained in their methods. They offer free haircuts and color to “models” willing to come in. Keep in mind, many of the new hires are very experienced stylists and have worked at fancy salons, but now want the security and benefits Supercuts provides. These cuts/color are fully supervised by the Training staff and I have almost always been very happy with my cut. I seriously have not paid a cent for color (for me) and cuts for myself and my 4 children in years! Try it out!
shelly says
Flowbee for hubby.
MrMoneyMustache universal man grooming tool (clippers) for son.
CreaClip for us girls. I have a complicated short, angled bob that hair dressers murder. The crea clip cuts in in a few minutes!
But now we don’t do chemicals like hair color now. Gray hair is Gods free highlights I say 😀
PS we love our old flowbee but do not recommend the small vacuum they sell with it.
Amy says
I recommend looking on Craigslist- in my area salons are always looking for hair models. I have had my hair done at numerous high-end salons without having to pay out of pocket for the cut, style, or color (I do tip the stylist). This is slightly different than going to a beauty school- in my experience, it is a way for licensed stylists to perfect the latest styles and use new lines of products being offered by vendors.
pam says
I just wanteed to say that our mothers did their best. My own mother paid for pixis that i hated. Now that i look back it was a good thing, she was not all that good with hair. I could have looked a lot worse.
Beth says
We are on our second flowbee, wore out the first one. We have cut my husbands hair and 2 boys for almost 20 years. We taught both boys how to do it as well, now my youngest son is at college and all the guys want him to cut their hair.
Danielle says
Another great resource for getting free haircuts that you may not be aware of is LOCKS OF LOVE! (Granted the purpose of this program is a charitable one: making wigs for those with hair loss from cancer, alopecia, etc.) however, an added perk to the donor (the one getting the hair cut) is a free haircut. Check out locks of love’s website to find a list of participating salons in your area which offer free haircuts for hair donation (10-12 inches of hair).
I have done locks of love 4 times in the last 8 years. I usually just let my hair grow out for a year or two then get a free haircut. Sometimes I will get one discount haircut in the year between on a coupon special. I never have any damage from going this long w/o a haircut – in fact I often get complimented by the stylists for what healthy hair I have (I think it helps that I do not do any coloring or chemical treatments, no blow drying, curling irons, etc, and do limited shampooing).
Amie says
Growing up, we never went to a hairdresser. It was a family tradition. My mom went to her mother for hideous perms and she butchered our hair with choppy, uneven bangs. So when I became an adult, I went to the other extreme. I started going to a salon every 4 weeks for a trim, purchasing salon products, tanning, and having my eyebrows waxed. It was around that time that I bought a pair of clippers to trim my younger brother’s hair to save him from another mom-cut. One day my (now) husband asked my to buzz his hair because he was too busy to make it to the hair dresser. I did and he loved it. I have been cutting his hair ever since. After we bought a home, money got tight and I quickly gave up my salon trips. I even had my husband trim my hair. I now wax my own eyebrows and cut my husband’s and sons’ hair. I color my own hair inexpensively (coupons and sales) and get quarterly hair cuts at a local hair dresser. If one day my sons want their hair cut professionally, I’ll pay for that, but for now, everyone is happy.
Rebecca Foley says
I grew up with 4 brothers who would never let me try cutting their hair (apparently my dad butchered the job once and that was the end of home hair cuts!) But, before we got married, my sister in law showed me how to cut my husband’s hair with a simple set of clippers. I’ve cut his ever since. I don’t get mine cut hardly even but when I do, I do a cheap place (like Holiday Hair around here)or trim it myself.
Stephanie says
I invested in a good pair of scissors at Sally Beauty, and watched a YouTube video on how to cut a girl’s hair. Now I cut my daughter’s hair at home and it’s professional looking.
My husband gets his hair cut at Great Clips, and he does use a coupon when one is available. I get my hair cut about once every 2 months at a salon, but I do not color even though I am in my 40s. I do not have that much grey yet, but will probably just let nature take its course!
Jenny in UT says
Another option is beauty school! I have had several cuts, perms, waxings and up-dos at local beauty college. You pay a fraction of the price and still get a great job. I take my child there occassionally and she loves all the attention from the students!
Lori in NC says
I did that one time and one time only. I was there for 2-1/2 hours — just for a haircut. The student stylist had to stop and get the supervisor/teacher several times to help and direct her. Then I couldn’t leave until the supervisor looked over my entire head of hair to check (and grade?) the cut. Ug.
Lisa says
We have used a Flowbee on my husband and boys for over 20 years. We have three grown sons that still want hair cuts at home. I have cut my daughters hairs as well. My grown daughter still comes home from college and asks for me to cut her hair. I can’t imagine how much we have saved over the years doing it ourselves. We went and did the JCPenney’s free hair cuts for our younger ones and even though the staff was nice my youngest 2 want there hair cut at home. My 12 year old daughter did enjoy getting her hair cut there but we were told it is no longer available.
The flowbee has been a true blessing.
Anna says
I am still in the learning process–I cut my husband’s hair, part with the electric clippers and part with scissors, but the scissors part scares me. So the hair on top is probably too long . . . I cut timidly and if it does not work out right I send him away to have it done right. 😉 But nobody does it like he wants it so I hope I get the hang of it soon!
Kate SDDS says
We use credits from referrals for ‘daily deal’ sites to get ‘free’ hair cuts for my husband and kids – i have tried coloring my own hair to no avail – it is mostly grey (at 34!) and it just does not take the color right – thankfully my blog is a local blog and an AWESOME San Diego salon barters with us – I get to go in every 6 weeks for color touch up and they get advertising to lots of local ladies – win win!
Kate SDDS says
oh! i also use apple cider vinegar to wash my hair – seriously! it is the BEST – it locks in color (if you color) and cleans gently – doesnt over dry – it is CHEAP too! I buy the big jug of it at Target for hardly anything!
Milk Allergy Mom says
We have hair clippers but it killed me not to buy an Emerson clipper kit for $5 on 75% off CVS after Christmas clearance. I asked everyone I knew, “Do you need hair clippers?” 😉
Carmita says
I cut my husband and son’s hair with clippers, but not my hair! I found a creaclip to cut my own. You can watch how to videos on Youtube, and it can be purchased at Amazon for 17.00. I use it to cut long layers, but I know their are other possibilities.
Virginia says
I haven’t paid for a haircut in 8+ years! (And I don’t do it myself.) 😉 I let it grow out (it takes abt 1yr on avg) then donate my hair to Locks of Love. Great Clips cuts it for free if you donate it! 🙂
The Prudent Homemaker says
I bought hair clippers years ago and cut my husband’s hair at his request. They paid for themselves after 3 haircuts (from the $5 place!)
Eventually I bought another pair of hair cutting scissors (the ones in the kit are usually not good). You can get these both at Walmart or Target. After several years I ended up paying $10 each for an adult sized hair cutting cape and for a child sized one at a beauty supply place.
We cut the children’s hair at home, too.
Eventually, I ended up asking my husband to cut my hair, too. We hadn’t had the money to pay for a haircut for me (at any amount) and my hair had been growing longer and longer for almost a year.
He did a fantastic job, and I was so happy to have my hair cut again.
He now cuts my hair whenever I want it cut.
The other great thing is that it only takes a short while to cut hair at home. There’s no gas money spent, no time driving somewhere or waiting at a salon, and the children are okay because they aren’t scared to have mom and dad cut their hair.
Amy says
I cut my son’s hair using the instructions that came with the clippers, and I think it looks fine, but not as good as if in a barber shop. I cut our four daughters’ hair with varying results. Our second daughter has straight, thin hair and I think it always looks terrible (my cut.) Our third daughter has very thick hair, and I tried a layered cut, and I think it looks quite nice. I need to learn to do a better job–any advice on how to learn? I bought a book on it but all of the ideas are pretty out-dated.
The Prudent Homemaker says
Amy,
My husband always says that the difference between a good haircut and a bad haircut is 2 weeks 🙂 Like anything, you get better with practice! Keep trying!
Stephanie @ Mrs. Debtfighter says
Amy,
I’m not ready to attempt my own hair yet (I have naturally curly hair) but I’ve seen through Pinterest, friends pinning youtube videos on how to cut certain types of hair. I’m a visual learner so I would definitely check out youtube to get help. 🙂
Shannon says
If you know someone who cuts hair, have them give you some tips. After some bad haircuts from mom (how could she think those bangs possibly looked straight?!) I was motivated to learn to cut hair myself. I never went to beauty school but figured some things out on my own and then watch a professional friend cut hair as she shared some tips. I got pretty good at it with practice! My sister later went to beauty school and she taught me how to do a clipper cut on my boys. Good tools make a big difference too. So if you want to learn how, you certainly can. I’ve fixed a lot of bad haircuts over the years. And saved A LOT of money!!!
Llama Momma says
I was so traumatized as a child having my mother cut my hair — I remember being so embarrassed to leave the house, I started wearing baseball hats everywhere! Looking over pictures, once someone said, “you were such a tomboy back then,” and I’m like…no, I just hated my hair!
So…moms cutting your kids’ hair…PLEASE make sure you’re doing a good job!! Personally, I use coupons and the cost isn’t too high.
For myself, I go to a friend’s salon in her basement…she does a great job, and the cost is significantly less!!
Having a good haircut is really important to looking “put together” — for adults and kids!!
Amie says
I can relate. I have school pictures with choppy, uneven bangs. I think it is much easier now to give a good cut with clippers and all the instructional videos available. I’m sure it depends on the cut though. I am happy to do clipper cuts and basic scissor cuts on my boys, but if they want anything trendy, they are going to a hair dresser. I’ve actually learned a lot by watching stylists cut others’ hair while getting my own hair cut, but there are just some things I wouldn’t attempt.
Anna says
I can so relate to your comment. I was so traumatized by family members cutting my hair and having bad haircuts. Kids made fun of me and I never told my family. We were very poor so could not go to salons. I just sucked it up but to this day I still cringe when anyone even a professional cuts my hair. I remember crying so many tears over bad hair dos as a kid and the taunting by other children. I don’t hold ill will towards my family because we were just to poor to buy anything but I still have bad memories. If a show comes on TV where they are involuntarily cutting someone’s hair I have to get up and leave or turn the channel. I do understand the traumatized part and it does not go away.
Good luck to you! I finally can tolerate a trusted beautician cutting my hair every few months now.
bethany says
JC Penny’s has free kids hair cuts on Sundays, with an appoimtment. I have had my two boys get their hair cut there three times. I do tip the hairstylist, but I have saved so much money by using this service.
Milk Allergy Mom says
That’s great!
Jen says
I have two sons and I cut their hair myself. With the savings, I pamper myself and go to an awesome stylist. My stylist frequently runs promotions where I can buy discounted gift certificates that I use on my haircuts. I don’t color my hair, and I don’t use salon products.
Rachael says
My hubby has a set of clippers that he uses on his hair and I use to cut little boy’s hair. I let my hair grow until I’ve got 8 to 10 inches, then I cut it off myself and mail it to a wig making ministry. (both my mom and step-mom have needed wigs due to chemo). I bought a $10 pair of hair scissors at Walmart (most expensive pair of scissors I’ve ever bought), and each time I do this, my cut gets better! I have wavy hair so if its a little uneven, its impossible to see. My hair does grow fast so it only takes me 2 to 3 years to grow the length I need, and I do very little with my hair (pony-tail, bun, barrettes), so I only need a simple-simple cut.
Katy @ Purposely Frugal says
Great ideas!
I cut my husband’s hair and recently learned how to trim my own:
http://purposelyfrugal.com/2013/01/16/i-have-a-new-way-to-save-money-and-time/#.UR5BvsXEv9Q
Katie says
Thanks for the tip – I will try this!
Barb says
My husband cuts his and our 2 year old son’s hair (both have thick hair) with a $20 clipper set. We’ve been cutting our son’s hair this way from an early age and at this point he’s “ok” with it. We’ve gotten it down pretty well. As a result we’ve spent practically nothing on haircuts in the last several years. I admit to being one of those women that barely ever gets hair cuts. I have thick hair that I chop once a year or so and that’s that. While I wouldn’t claim to have the best looking hair at all times, no matter how much I were to spend on my hair (and I used to spend a lot!) I know myself well enough to admit it would just go up in a pony anyway! 😉
Kim says
I purchase my hair coloring at Sally’s Beauty Supply. The hair coloring is $4.79 (for 2 applications) & 20 oz developer is $1.69 (for 10 applications) with a Sally’s card. That comes out to $2.57 + tax every 4-6 weeks. There is the one time cost of a reusable applicator bottle or applicator brush & plastic bowl (ie. yogurt container, margerine container, etc) rather than purchasing the bowl. You will need to occasionally purchase gloves, which can be used multiple times. I occasionally receive free developer with purchase.
The Sally’s membership is $5 annually, however you receive a $5 coupon off your next month’s purchase when you sign up, so you break even. Sometimes they give a 2nd $5 off purchase coupon.
Margaret says
When my boys were little (they are now 13, 11 and 7), I used to practice cutting their hair myself. I figured since they were little it really didn’t matter. I got pretty good doing it and still cut it to this day. They get a professional cut maybe when school starts and that’s it..once a year. I even cut my hubby’s hair now and he says that my haircuts are better than any he’s ever gotten at a salon. I also cut my hair and haven’t gone to get it done in over 2 years – it helps that I have curly hair so any slight imperfection doesn’t show! 😉
Saves money on haircuts and gas.
Margaret @ Live Like No One Else
Heather @My Mothermode says
A friend told me that some hair salon chains charge less for shaping up hair. So she chops length off her toddlers’ hair before taking them to the hairdresser.
Amy says
A homeschool hair cutting coop! Sometimes, stylists are willing to come to your home once a month and give no-frills kids (or adults) cuts at a discounted rate if they know that they will have all day business. Advertise to your homeschool group or close friends that it’s a great time to have all of your children done at one time in a non-stressful environment. The person coordinating for the group makes the appts and their can be walk-ins if they are willing to wait. It’s a fun way to see your friends and get your hair done at the same time.
erica says
Be nice to your hair! I don’t color or perm or highlight or any other salon chemical treatment, rarely use a curling iron. I have fewer split ends and healthy hair, which means I really only need to get it cut every 6 months or so. Consider the ‘no ‘poo’ shampoo-by washing your hair with baking soda and water, –my hair even air dries faster so I don’t have to damage it with a hair dryer.
Lori in NC says
A friend cuts my pre-teen daughter’s hair — and in turn my daughter is a “mother’s helper” for two hours one day (to play with her kids)
Julie says
My husband uses a flowbee and hair clippers for his hair. He can do his hair the same as when he went to the barber. My husband cuts my hair most of the time. One time he even fixed it after I had it done at a salon. My husband also cuts our sons hair with the hair clippers. I’m sure one of us will cut our daughters hair when she needs hers done too.
Starla says
We do the same. With 4 boys, the savings add up! My brother-in-law also comes here for his haircuts and brings his 3 boys. =) My husband has become the family barber, giving an average of 9 haircuts a month!
Julie says
Wow, that’s great!!!