By ERIN TURNER
Haircuts are a necessary evil of our life. Especially having boys who like to have short hair, haircuts occur quite frequently around our house. Even if we just went to Cost Cutters or another low cost salon, we would be spending over $50 a month to keep our kids’ hair out of their eyes!
A number of years ago I was inspired to see if I could cut the boys’ hair, make it look decent and save some cash. It took a little learning and practice but now many years later we are saving a big chunk of change each month by doing it ourselves. In fact, my husband even joined the ranks with the boys and now he gets in line for a haircut as well, which saves us even more money!
Now, I’m definitely not a professional and sometimes my boys’ hair isn’t perfect but for the most part it turns out acceptable and my motto always is: “It’s just hair…it’ll grow out!”
I would recommend researching YouTube videos for some how-to videos. This video is exactly how I do it and gives very clear and concise instructions. It’s pretty easy to learn and summer is the best time to learn because if you make a mistake, you have 6 weeks until school starts. Seriously though, it really is easy. I have so many people tell me they don’t trust themselves but with the right tools you can be successful.
With my two younger boys, I use an Wahl electric razor with the different guard attachments. The guards dictate the length you are cutting…e.g. 1 inch, ½ inch, etc. I use different guards on different places on their head. Around their ears and the nape of their necks, I use a very short guard in order to trim it nice and tight. While on the very tops of their head and in the bang area, I use the largest guard which gives me some length. I also use a pair of good barber scissors to trim up their bangs. Both the electric razor and the scissors can be purchased at Walmart or any other drug store. You will make back that money within just a few haircuts.
Now, my oldest son is 14 yrs old and he likes a longer cut. So, I’ve had to play around with it to figure out how to accomplish a more trendy cut vs. the standard “boy” shave! Sometimes I get it right while other times, I have to have him sit down again and fix it! I don’t use the razor on him. I only use scissors. Again, I’ve had to learn how to use this tool to the best of my ability. You Tube videos will show you lots of different techniques and ideas. By learning to adjust and adapt to my growing boys’ styles, I’ve been able to continue to save that money which I would otherwise be spending at the hair salon.
Saving money doesn’t just mean couponing and buying discounted items. It means looking over your budget for things which you could easily do yourself. Haircuts were becoming one of those increasing items on our monthly budget and with a little bravery, learning and investing in the right tools I am now saving us over $50 a month plus I can schedule their haircuts whenever I have time and not around someone else’s availability. This is one Do-It-Yourself which I highly recommend.
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Erin’s got tons of tips for saving money, couponing, sticking to a budget, and living sustainably in her blog archive
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Erin Eisenman-Turner is proud to be a native Missoulian. Along with her husband and three sons, they raise chickens, pigs, rabbits, and vegetables at Turner Family Farms in the Orchard Homes area. When the farm chores are done, the coupons clipped, and the blog written, you can find Erin exploring Montana, collecting antiques, and trying to maintain a well-run, happy, and organized home for her family.
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