I hate cutting my hair. Why spend money on something that is immediately going to grow out? But my hair is so ridiculously long and tangly that it’s time. There are many options for cheap cuts that I wrote about a few months ago, refreshed for you below.
- Do it yourself. Consider trying snipping your own locks if you want a simple cut or are extremely adventurous. I figure if I mess it up I can always run to Supercuts, lesson learned. eHow.com has a cautious 7-step overview. Howtodothings.com shares a free 12-step guide to cutting your own hair. Or you can pay $20 for a detailed guide to home cuts. A variation on this is having a trusted friend cut your hair.
- Look for specials. Many salons offer first-time customer discounts that can really pay off. One near my home charged $20 for a cut that normally costs $60. Of course, these deals rarely include blow dry and styling, but that’s fine by me.
- Turn to the almost-professionals. Yes, folks, I’m talking about students. Hair cutting schools across the country offer low-cost cuts that are often less than $15. Students lack experience, but they are eager to please. After all, you are a potential client once they graduate and get a job. Why not consider a student for a trim or basic cut? You can test them out without great risk. When you want to make a dramatic change, go to someone with more experience.
- Host a hair cutting party. This is easiest if you already know a stylist who is looking for business. Invite over friends who also want to get their hair cut and negotiate a discounted rate ahead of time based on volume. You may be able to get 20% off or more per person, especially if you can pay in cash.
- Find high-end salons that offer classes for professionals who want to learn a new skill. You can sign up to be a “hair model” for them to work on at a fraction of the cost these folks would normally charge. Sometimes it is free. I used to get cuts through the hair model program at Bumble & Bumble in NYC. For $10 or $20 I got fabulous cuts overseen by a B&B instructor. Only bad thing was that the cuts took two hours (every snip had to be approved) and they were scheduled on weekday afternoons. Looks like the program is free these days and includes styling and coloring! Next time I’m in NYC…
Here are a few online resources to find beauty schools near you.
Beauty Tech
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
Another suggestion is to watch websites like Craigslist, where salons are hosting hair or fashion shows. You have to be willing to get a dramatic new hair style sometimes with new colors, but you get cut by top professionals, and normally get a complete make up in the process. All for the cost of offering your head and hair up ….
If you’re going the student route, ask about specials. The local community college where I live has half priced services on Wednesday. 🙂
Great Clips just sent out a coupon for $8.99 for a hair cut. It was with the Tuesday flyers
for easy trims, Supercuts can be a good way to save $. You can even call ahead and put your name on the waiting list so when you get there, you’re at the top of the list. I’ve gone in and watched some haircuts and then requested certain stylists.
My kids love Marianellos beauty School. The students are up on all the styles that are popular with kids. They also listen to what the kids want instead of going ahead and giving them the hairstyle they think they should have.
Don’t forget places like the West Valley Occupational Center. Work is performed by students and they offer senior discounts. 818-346-3540. (Hair care ext 251/252; skin care ext 285; nail care ext 332 voicemail). I haven’t used their services yet but they might not be listed in beauty school directories because the facility has programs in a variety of areas.
Great tip Myke! I bet a lot of towns across the country have occupational centers with similar deals.
Hmm nice ideas.. Surely it’s too difficult to cut hair yourself? I may give it a go.
I’ve been cutting my own hair for a number of years. It was a bit scarey the first time. I learned from watching a variety of professionals cut my hair through the years. I put $20 in an envelope each time I cut my hair. I use my haircut “savings” money for special things I want to purchase. I’ve worn the same basic haircut for over 25 years.
CeeCee, I like your system for motivation – saving the $20 for a special treat! Perhaps I will do this too!
I rather pay $50 for a good haircut than cut my own hair, it look like shit!