20 unusual ways to save money: Learn how to cut your kids' hair
Filed under: Extracurriculars, Kids and Money, Saving Money, Simplification
We all remember the bad haircut. It's burned into our memories, like the braces and the polyester pants our moms made us wear to junior high that one time. Our parents were probably only trying to save money when they gave us that bowl cut. But what did a kid cut cost in the '70s or '80s? Under $10? Humiliated for pennies? It hardly seems fair.
OK I guess I'm on the other side of the fence now. I know for myself that kids' bangs will grow to their noses in the blink of an eye, and keeping them mullet-free is a study in ongoing vigilance. But seeing how bad a standard SuperCuts job usually is, I can hardly see spending even $12 on a trim when I could very well do it myself. With. Just. A. Little. Coaching.
In theory, everyone should be able to cut their child's hair. In practice, it doesn't always turn out well. But if your kid is under the age of 10, you'll probably be able to get away with uneven layers and asymetrical bangs. That's what I'm telling myself, anyway.
Fortunately, we now have Youtube. Lots of how-to-videos on how to cut your kids' hair. Watch and learn. And save.
Here's a great basic video on how to cut a child's hair. I found it extremely useful. And as soon as I bribe my kids to sit still for me, I plan on trying these techniques out on them and saving myself $40. Note: You can't do this once the kid hits junior high. Plan on having to spend for real cuts at that point.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-17-2008 @ 8:55AM
Angel said...
I am a stylist and this woman has NO idea what she is talking about. Nothing is blended so you will see ridges in the hair, the "layering" scissors she is talking about are thinning shears. Take a look at the finished product...hence "home haircut". Poor child.
Reply
12-18-2008 @ 1:31PM
Crissy said...
I agree with Angel. One thing that made me cringe is she is violating an important rule we learned in cosmetology school. Neve cut past your second knuckle. This is a safety rule to prevent you from cutting yourself. Also, you are just asking for crooked or too short bangs when you cut them wet. Always cut the bangs dry.
12-18-2008 @ 1:03PM
monica said...
I am an Educator in the cosmetology field. I agree with Angel. Following this ladies advice could prove to be a costly mistake. The so called layering shears are in fact Thinning shears and taking these to close to the head could result in bald spots. Grabbing random pieces of hair in the way she did could result in long and short pieces. Notice that they show the finished product wet. When that haircut dries it will be choppy and uneven. If you would like to cut your childs hair at home ask your stylist for tips we did go to school to learn how and please don't take this woman's advice.
Reply
12-18-2008 @ 5:36PM
Momm2 said...
This is great for all us moms! It was not intended for those who took haircutting clases, Must be difficult for you to watch but after all, this is for us moms who don't want to go to school to become stylists. This is good for the younger children since they don't have fashion tastes yet. However, since young children are fidgity, I would caution about home haircuts unless you have a child that could sit still for those long ten min. and does a mom want to deal with this process when you can get a professional haircut for as little as $6.00 w/ coupon at all the local shops now available.
Reply
1-02-2009 @ 5:02PM
Tammy said...
Oh my! I would NEVER attempt to cut either of my sons hair!! My Mom was a beautician and cutting hair is an acquired skill. You can't just pick up scissors or razor and start whacking!
Shop around and find the cheapest cut you can afford,even if it is to just cut your bangs!
Do without a movie rental or cigarettes for a couple of days and use that money for a haircut!
I am all for saving money but cutting my kids hair is something I would happily pay for. I can guarantee they appreciate me feeling that way too!
Reply