Barber Shop

Living on a budget is a lot about watching your monthly expenses and often times reducing them. We're always learning new ways to rock the one-income lifestyle.  My newest venture is cutting Mateo's hair.

We've always gotten his hair cut at Great Clips.  However, to be brutally honest, they don't do a great job.  I don't know what kind of training the staff has or anything...but we've just never been that happy with the cuts and it only takes them a few minutes.  A child's haircut costs $11 plus a tip and that's the cheapest place for a hair cut besides the beauty college which we've thought of trying since they are only $4.99 there.  But, again, if I'm paying for a mediocre haircut I might as well do it myself, right?

 First, I set up a barber shop in our master bathroom.  I brought in the lap top and found a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on You Tube. I also brought a tiny star shaped bowl full of chocolate chips in for a special treat.  I wanted it to be fun for him.

 I got out Aaron's clippers and scissors, comb, spray bottle, little broom, etc.  We also have a cape thing that can be worn.

 Next up add the 3 1/2 year old to the picture, get him ready with his cape on, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse playing in the background.  Last time we were at Great Clips they buzzed his hair pretty short at #4.  So, I decided to be conservative and go with a #5.  I also used scissors around his ears, in the front, and in the back.  I used the clippers a tiny bit in the back as well.  I don't really know what I'm doing (yet) but I have watched him get many haircuts and decided to give it a whirl.  If he wants a more stylish haircut when he gets older I can maybe teach myself to give a scissor cut.  For now he's 3 and could care less about his hair. 

All done! He's looking sharp. 

So, I'm pretty excited to be able to cut Mateo's hair now. I may even be brave enough to try Alex's hair next.  I might strap him in the high chair, though, as he would not stay put in the bar stool like Mateo.  I think I would do a #6 on him so it isn't as short as Mateo's. 

I could potentially save $25 with each time I cut both my sons hair. Since I'm that kind of math geek, I did do the math.  If the average boy has his haircut every 6 weeks...that's 8.6 hair cuts a year., or $217 a year!! If Aaron ever lets me cut his hair again (see below), that's an additional $15-20 we'd save each time.

WARNING: Do make sure that you have the right number of clipper on before beginning.  Double check.  Triple check.  Quadruple check.  Especially if you're "practicing" on your husband who has a professional job and has to go to work the next day.  Because if you don't...you may think you have a #4 on but you might actually have nothing on and do this...

I feel bad for whoever that guy is.