"Cutting" Back on Haircuts can Save a Bundle

Haircuts aren't cheap unless you are open to frequenting chain establishments like Main Event, SuperCuts, Great Clips, MasterCuts and Hair Cuttery.

Most people are OK taking their kids to these places for a $10-15 crop, but how much could it save you in the long run to do your own clipping at home?

I sat down and did the math.

Lucky for me, I have three boys to consider and only myself when it comes to the "fancy 'do." Even at that, I don't color, perm, highlight or style my hair on a regular basis. I'm too frugal for that.

Plus, I've been blessed with genes that have saved me from grey hair into my mid-30s. We'll see how long that lasts!

For our family, haircuts are just routine maintenance, nothing fancy.

The boys occasionally go to "Miss Amanda" at one of the local salons, but only when I feel like splurging. It costs about $10 for a typical buzz cut. My husband USED to go to a local barber for a comparable cost.

But when I realized that I was fully capable of buzzing him myself, I thought I'd invest in a pair of clippers and give it a shot. After all, $10 here and $10 there can add up over a year's time.

In our family, three boys cost a minimum of $10 per haircut. Add in the tip and we’re up to $13. Usually we cut their hair every 3-4 weeks. Let’s just say they have 12 haircuts in a year. Minimally, it would cost our family $468 per year for their simple buzz cuts.

Naturally if you prefer a longer style, you might want to take a class in styling or even check out YouTube for instructional videos.

The clipper I use is a Wahl, which we purchased at BJ’s. However, a quick search on Amazon.com provides the same item for just under $22 with free shipping. That’s the cost of two haircuts, but will save you much more over time.

With respect to a woman’s cut, I’m sure there are many who would rather leave it to a professional, and that’s OK!

My trick is to space out my haircuts as long as possible. Where some people get a trim every 6-8 weeks depending on their style, I can often go 10-12 weeks without looking too shaggy.

Again, every little bit helps, and if I can save myself one or two haircuts a year, it’s saving almost $100. Add that to the $468 we've saved on the boys' cuts and we’ve got a nice chunk of change to use on other lifestyle expenses.

Now 'buzz off' and see how much YOU can save with this week's Frugal Family tip!