Cutting your own hair saving money, guards and tecnique.

**JohnAFields** · 07-25-2012, 03:28 PM

First off this is a very nice forum much thanks and respect to those who run it. I'm in a rut financially, hair cuts in my town are very expensive around 15 to 20 dollars. I bought my own clippers for about 19 dollars but I'm a bit reluctant to use them I'm not an experienced barber my goal is to keep my hair down to a low length I seem to look more handsomer lol. Is there any tips anyone can share or things I should know about cutting my hair thanks.

**Argonaut** · 07-25-2012, 03:39 PM

Welcome to B&B! I occasionally cut my own, but its a full on buzz cut with no guard. I'm half bald and when it gets hot outside I cut it all off. I'd suggest finding a lady friend to help you out, there is no way you can develop the coordination to trim the back of your head using two mirrors and a trimmer at the same time!

**Haggises** · 07-25-2012, 03:40 PM

I keep mine shortish and simple. Number 3 or 4 all over. Keep running hand over to feel where I've missed. Mirrors to see back of head a plus.

**rob_NH** · 07-25-2012, 03:53 PM

I cut my own. Every 8 weeks I just take it all off with the #1 comb. I'd do it with no comb on the clippers, but the metal on skin is a little irritating, and the plastic slides more effortlessly.

**Eric83** · 07-25-2012, 04:06 PM

Been cutting my own hair for almost 15 years on the same $20.00 clippers. I use no blade, keep it nice and short. The key to no guard is, just use a little lotion on your head after your done and your head and hair will look good.

**smalltank** · 07-25-2012, 04:08 PM

I bought a wahl trimmer set for $25...clipper #2..go everywhere..unless my wife gives me a haircut..few extra clipper sizes work very well

**tinashubby** · 07-25-2012, 04:12 PM

I bought an inexpensive Wahl razor/ hair cut kit with combs and scissors about five years ago, still works fine. I have found that it is easier to do a descent job if I keep my hair a bit shorter than if I went to a stylist. I start with a number 4 (1/2") comb all over, but I pull it away in the front so that I have a bit of bangs to comb back and over (not a comb over), I part on the left. I taper the back and sides up with a number three and then a number two, then have the wife shave my neck with a disposable. Beware that combs can pop off unexpectedly if you don't pay attention, and a hat may be in order.

**Pat.G.Boisvert** · 07-25-2012, 04:41 PM

Buzz it all. I like the #1 in the summer! If you want to do anything fancy, use a double mirror system or a friend to help you out. It's the best way.

**Bluebriz** · 07-25-2012, 05:40 PM

If you can't do it or get someone else to help, then check if there's a beauty or hairdressing college in your area. They're often looking for volunteers to train on!

**JohnAFields** · 07-25-2012, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by JohnAFields

First off this is a very nice forum much thanks and respect to those who run it. I'm in a rut financially, hair cuts in my town are very expensive around 15 to 20 dollars. I bought my own clippers for about 19 dollars but I'm a bit reluctant to use them I'm not an experienced barber my goal is to keep my hair down to a low length I seem to look more handsomer lol. Is there any tips anyone can share or things I should know about cutting my hair thanks.

Thank you for the welcome I'm very glad I found this site, you brought up some very good points and advice thanks.

**Rorpen86** · 07-25-2012, 06:30 PM

I do a fade myself. Here's what I do: use the #2 all over. Then use the #1/2 (if you have it or no guard at all). The #1/2 cuts everything from about mid temple and lower all the way around your head. Use a mirror to make the back look decent. Then I use the #1 to blen it all together. I start the #1 from the line I created with the #1/2 and go straight up. I let it go with the contou if my head just a little to blend it better. Best part o the whole thing is if you mess up it will grow back.

**JohnAFields** · 07-25-2012, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Haggises

I keep mine shortish and simple. Number 3 or 4 all over. Keep running hand over to feel where I've missed. Mirrors to see back of head a plus.

Yes, Ive got those guards in the package I think I will give it a try , the hand check technique and mirrors will come in handy also thanks.

**JohnAFields** · 07-25-2012, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by rob_NH

I cut my own. Every 8 weeks I just take it all off with the #1 comb. I'd do it with no comb on the clippers, but the metal on skin is a little irritating, and the plastic slides more effortlessly.

And I bet you save a lot of money

**JohnAFields** · 07-25-2012, 06:34 PM

Originally Posted by Eric83

Been cutting my own hair for almost 15 years on the same $20.00 clippers. I use no blade, keep it nice and short. The key to no guard is, just use a little lotion on your head after your done and your head and hair will look good.

WOW now I'm inspired to try this thanks.

**JohnAFields** · 07-25-2012, 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by smalltank

I bought a wahl trimmer set for $25...clipper #2..go everywhere..unless my wife gives me a haircut..few extra clipper sizes work very well

That's the exact brand I bought at the corner store thanks for the recommendation.

**JohnAFields** · 07-25-2012, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by tinashubby

I bought an inexpensive Wahl razor/ hair cut kit with combs and scissors about five years ago, still works fine. I have found that it is easier to do a descent job if I keep my hair a bit shorter than if I went to a stylist. I start with a number 4 (1/2") comb all over, but I pull it away in the front so that I have a bit of bangs to comb back and over (not a comb over), I part on the left. I taper the back and sides up with a number three and then a number two, then have the wife shave my neck with a disposable. Beware that combs can pop off unexpectedly if you don't pay attention, and a hat may be in order.

True Ive heard of some clippers costing in access of 200 dollars, 4 (1/2") seems cool I have one just like that thanks for the advice.

**JohnAFields** · 07-25-2012, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by Bluebriz

If you can't do it or get someone else to help, then check if there's a beauty or hairdressing college in your area. They're often looking for volunteers to train on!

Thats a good career choice it will depend on tuition costs I'll check them out thanks.

**Argonaut** · 07-25-2012, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Bluebriz

If you can't do it or get someone else to help, then check if there's a beauty or hairdressing college in your area. They're often looking for volunteers to train on!

Not to mention the number of hotties that are enrolled! Think "Beauty School Dropout".

**ricardo9505** · 07-25-2012, 06:51 PM

I began cuttting my own hair when I got laid off. I get $5 shape-ups at local nyc barbers, not sure if available where u are. basically it's lining you up, sideburns and back & front. I trim my hair by the numbers. using a 1/4" at the bottom and fading it up (decreasing blade exposure) as I go up, level. Then do the top with a higher number than usual and decrease. go on youtube and watch some diy videos.