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Saving Hundreds a Year and Avoiding Appointments By Cutting My Own Hair

January 9, 2014 by Amy

cutting_hair

About two years ago I decided I’d had enough of paying nearly $100 every time I went to the stylist every 6-8 weeks.  Let me do the math for you—anywhere from $6-800 a year.  So, I started growing my hair out.  With a longer, simpler hair cut, I figured I could afford the chance at getting a cheaper cut.  If someone really messed it up, I could have it fixed. And really, Scott prefers it longer. 

Plus, I’m terrible at making hair cut appointments –or any appointments for that matter.  What is it about calling someone and having to commit to a time??

For several months while I was growing it out, I used some Groupons to help with the money issue, but the scheduling issue still lingered.

In August 2012, I had my last professional hair cut.  I started trimming my hair, following the stylist’s last lines.  But soon, my hair was a few inches past my shoulders and started looking scraggly.

It was ‘do or die time.

Would I just be a grown-up and make the appointment and fork out the cash or attempt it on my own?

Oh, you guessed it, I decided I would try it.  My hair is super thin and I had a few extra inches of hair so if I screwed it up, I’d go in and let someone fix it.

I am very happy to say that not only was the process doable, it was actually fun.  Maybe I missed my calling.  Nah, probably not. However, there was something extremely freeing about letting myself adjust my hair cut as I wanted.  No money, no appointment.  It’s totally working for me.

I followed this YouTube tutorial to cut a long, layered hair cut.

 

Is it perfect? Probably not.  Definitely not.  But it works for me.

If you have short hair or super thick hair or curly hair, I can’t say I’d recommend this.  Thin, straight hair is a benefit for once.

Have you ever cut your own hair?

Filed Under: random

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stephanie says

    January 9, 2014 at 8:58 am

    I enjoy cutting my own hair as well. I remember as far back as 8 years old when I cut my bangs so horribly (the day before pictures, too) that they couldn’t be fixed, that I was just going to have to try again. I didn’t really start cutting my hair until I was around 14 though. I saw a hairstyle, decided I would try it and went with it. I’ve been doing it ever since and haven’t paid someone to cut my hair since. Sometimes I miss the feeling of someone washing my hair and doing all the pampering stuff but not so much that I’ll go spend tons of money to do it.

    • Amy says

      January 9, 2014 at 9:07 am

      Yes, I do love having my hair washed/head massaged. I’m sure I’ll go back at some point.

  2. pop champagne says

    January 9, 2014 at 9:44 am

    I like the idea of cutting your own hair! no appointments no money no tips! haha cute post!

  3. Sarah @ Beauty School Dropout says

    January 9, 2014 at 11:17 am

    My hair is a very similar style to yours… oh my, am I really brave enough to try this?
    Sarah @ Beauty School Dropout recently posted…2014: WelcomeMy Profile

    • Amy says

      January 9, 2014 at 12:29 pm

      YES! Wait until you’re due for an appointment and try it out. Worse case, you just get it fixed! It’s just hair 🙂 Let me know how it goes!

  4. Deb says

    January 9, 2014 at 11:23 am

    I am the same way. I hate paying that much for a hair cut. I have quite long, thick wavy hair, so it is kind of forgiving. I usually cut my own bangs and fiddle with the layers and then every 4 or 5 months I go see a friend of mine that cuts hair in her basement salon to get it cleaned up for about $20. I find it too hard to get the back/bottom and the layers even, and because I color my hair, it does need the ends cleaned up properly or they look nasty.
    I never would have guessed you do your own, so I guess you are doing a great job. 😉
    Hugs

    • Amy says

      January 9, 2014 at 12:30 pm

      That IS true about thicker hair being more forgiving. I probably will have to get it cleaned up by someone at some point. Thanks, Deb!

  5. Heather W. says

    January 9, 2014 at 11:25 am

    Um after watching about 1/2 of this video I literally said in my head “Can I pay someone to do this?!” lol I think I’m going to stick to a hair trim every 6 months.

    • Amy says

      January 9, 2014 at 12:31 pm

      That totally works too. I just never thought it was an even an option.

  6. Jenn (Student Mom) says

    January 9, 2014 at 12:43 pm

    Wow. I watched the other woman with the longer hair too. Wow. I have thick curly hair, so we need to find someone who can show me how to do mine… or I suppose I could always use the hair iron before cutting! Awesome post. I used to cut my own hair buy putting it in front in two halves and cutting straight across. I think I horrified a good number of hairdressers.
    Jenn (Student Mom) recently posted…WLW Link upMy Profile

    • Amy says

      January 9, 2014 at 12:58 pm

      Your hair is the exact opposite of mine so I have zero tips. Ha!

      I cut my daughters’ straight across too. I think I’m going to try these layers a little at least in the front next time though.

  7. Heather D says

    January 9, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    I cut my own hair, too! My hair is thick and really curly, so if I cut it crooked, no one can tell. 😉 I go in and have it trimmed up and “fixed” about twice a year. My stylist/friend always has a cow at how crooked I cut it. But seriously, with this mop, you can’t tell!

    • Amy says

      January 9, 2014 at 1:51 pm

      You could just say it grows crooked 🙂

  8. Stacey says

    January 9, 2014 at 9:27 pm

    I usually do my own bangs but that’s as brave as I’ve gotten! I don’t think I could do it with the short style I have now. Your hair looks great!!
    Stacey recently posted…Visiting the WorkshopMy Profile

    • Amy says

      January 9, 2014 at 9:29 pm

      I wouldn’t ever attempt it on short hair either!

      Thanks!

  9. Nancy says

    January 9, 2014 at 10:03 pm

    I feel the same way about making appointments…what am I afraid of? I usually text my hair stylist (friend) the day my hair needs to be cut and ask if she has anything available. I go quite a while between appointments and trim up my bangs myself and sometimes the sides. The back is a little trickier, but I have done it. I color it myself about every other time or two times in a row then go have it done professionally. There are usually a few spots I don’t cover as well myself. If I were you I’d keep doing what you’re doing…looks great!

    • Amy says

      January 10, 2014 at 7:01 am

      Yes, one of the last stylist I had allowed me text her and it was my favorite. And it was always same-day usually too! I’m sure that’s “a thing.” Introversion?

      Thanks, Nancy!

  10. Lisa J says

    January 18, 2014 at 3:54 pm

    Well, I did it! I used this video to cut my hair today, and it looks quite good. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this, and I’m glad I ran into your blog the other day.
    Lisa J recently posted…Tips for a Better Homeschool DayMy Profile

    • Amy says

      January 18, 2014 at 8:38 pm

      Woo hoo!! That’s awesome! You should post a pic over to the Facebook page!

  11. Cheryl says

    March 6, 2014 at 4:47 pm

    I hate making an appointment and going to the salon too. Too much hassle, time and money. I am growing mine out and have sworn off the salon. While cutting your own hair is deemed odd by many women, I have gone one step further in this taboo area. I have my boyfriend cut my hair. He does an excellent job, price and convenience cannot be beat. I have gotten him to braid it for me as a lady has to have long hair for braids right? I have yet to meet a guy that does not love long hair on a lady. So I told him if he will cut it for me and braid it, it will not be cut short. He liked the deal, no complaints from him.

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Hey! I'm so glad you're here. I'm Amy, working mom of 3 in the Southern suburbs. I love Jesus, my family, books, chocolate and coffee. I write about faith, parenting, adoption, marriage, fashion, and design. Read more here

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