haircuts at home

This is one of those frugal topics that women, in particular, often draw the line on. But, in most cases, there no real reason to fear the home haircut. You only need one specialized tool - hair scissors ($10 or less) - a little knowledge & a good dose of chutzpah to be ready to go. If you learn to be successful at this task - or perhaps I should say, art - you could save your family $100 or more each year plus eliminate the hassle of more appointments with your new self-sufficiency.

First, you need to determine what type of hair you're going to be working on. Hair that is perfectly straight is much harder to work with than wavy or curly hair. Thinner hair can also be a challenge. Personally, I wouldn't attempt a short haircut, but my husband does his own with a pair of clippers. If you or your "client" were OK with an all-over clipper cut, this is an easy way to accomplish a shorter haircut.

By far, the most forgiving hair is thick, wavy or curly hair that is shoulder-length or longer. If you or your children have this type of hair, you really have nothing to lose by trying. I would suggest that if anyone in the family has this type of hair, that you try cutting their hair once or twice before attempting the more difficult types.

Now, there are many different haircuts for the shoulder-length or below. Do you want any layers? Do you want it shorter in the front? Longer in the front? Anything with the bangs? Determine what you want the final look to be and start cutting. I like to pin the hair up in layers, just as they do at the salon. If you are too nervous to add in layers at first, you can always do a straight cut all around (easiest and more flattering on straight hair).

For beginners, it is easier to get a good cut with dry hair. Cutting wet hair always sets you up for a surprise when the hair dries. Even professional hair stylists hold their breath a bit during the drying phase.

This is really the only knowledge you need. For most people, the hardest part is psychological. This is why a courageous attitude is the key. You need to trust that you can do it and if you don't succeed at first, it's really not the end of the world. Most of us on a budget end up using the stripmall haircut places anyway when the budget gets tight. While there are many talented hair stylists in these places, your chances of walking out with a great haircut are always 50/50 with someone you don't know.

If you do shoulder-length or below cuts, what's the worst that can happen anyway? You would have to keep the hair worn up until you can take that trip to the nearest haircut joint with your head down & sheepishly ask them to fix it, knowing that they will probably laugh at you after you walk out the door. Don't let your fear of being teased by people you'll never see again stop you from taking a risk. All skills are learned by practice, and cutting hair is no different. But you have to do the first cut.

On a final note, you can cut your own hair. You might want to start with your children and get familiar with hair-cutting before you do it. Or, you might want to just throw caution to the wind and see what happens. Whether it's hair or sewing bobbin adjustment or auto oil changes or landscaping, don't fall prey to those who want to convince you it's only the business of "experts." Unless the financial or other risk is extreme, what do you have to lose by giving it a try?

Get Moving: Next time you are in the salon for a haircut for yourself or another member of your family, pay special attention to exactly how the hair stylist does his or her job. Next time, you can try to duplicate the procedures on your own at home.

Annoying but necessary disclaimer: All information contained herein express my opinions only and are based on my health status & location. Each person's situation, health, and local laws & ordinances are different. By all means, use your own common sense & don't do anything you see here if someone more important than me (like your doctor, your local police, your own conscience) would disagree. If you're easily persuaded by everything you read, and you think I might cause you to hurt yourself or break the law, quit reading my site, please.