Let’s talk about DIY haircuts, shall we?
This is one of those posts I never thought I’d write (it’s definitely not very home related) but due to a surprising amount of requests, here it is. I guess anything that has to do with saving money and doing something yourself is fair game, right? I have no idea how I got into cutting people’s hair, but throughout high school and college I just played around, cutting off a guy’s mullet here and giving my BFF a super short pixie cut there (all at my “client’s” requests, of course). Why did they trust me? I have no idea. Maybe I just have a trustworthy face? I most certainly don’t have any formal training. I just sort of treat hair like I’d imagine I’d make a butter sculpture. You just remove the extra stuff so you’re left with the shape you want. Confidence inspiring, huh? But a bunch of people actually noticed my latest work of haircut art on John’s head in party pictures yesterday, so… score! Haha.
The funny thing is that we realized I’ve been cutting John’s hair for seven whole years! And I’ve probably dished out 50+ other haircuts to other friends and family members throughout the last ten years (why yes I have cut my brother in law’s hair in the backyard of John’s parents beach house). So take this post for what it is, one not-professional gal’s take on how she grooms her man. An above the neck manscaping lesson if you will.
But since it’s extremely impossible to tell you how I cut John’s hair and a lot more descriptive to just show you, we actually made a video, thanks to the help of our handy little tripod. Look at that shaggy hair John had going on in this “setting up for the video” shot:
It’s amazing what a little at-home clippage can do. How YOU doin’ hubby?
But on with the video! Let’s get up close and personal with those light brown locks, shall we? Oh yes, and I have primer/paint all over my hands from Clara’s birthday dollhouse (more on that tomorrow). You can watch it below or here on YouTube.
For anyone who can’t watch the video with the sound on (mehaps you’re at work?) it’s actually still pretty easy to understand on mute (since you just have to see what my hands are doing to get the gist). And I’ve included a few written tips in bullet form below, just to help anyone with a sucker on standby who’s ok with you experimenting on their head. I say that in the most kind and loving way, since all of my friends and family who have let me go to town on their hair are pretty darn awesome. I actually haven’t had an oopsie since college (I went a little shorter than I meant to on a gal in dorms, but she totally had the bone structure to work it). Although now that I’ve made that claim I feel like I should knock on wood. Or John should, since he’d be the most likely person to have to walk around with a potential hair snafu if it ever were to happen. Anyway, on with the tips:
- I cut hair when it’s dry or very lightly misted with water because my experience when cutting wet hair has been that it “shrinks up” and is always shorter than I mean for it to be – which can lead to profuse apologies. Also hair that’s wet might not “lay” the way it does when it’s dry (ex: a cowlick might make itself known when hair’s dry and result in an uneven effect).
- I cut John’s hair at night after Clara’s off to bed so we can get ‘er done without distractions (no toddler running through the hair pile on the floor- which Burger thankfully avoids like the plague).
- I don’t use a buzzer and just shave John’s neck for him after the haircut with a regular shaving razor. That always makes things look nice and polished, and this way we don’t have to store a big hair buzzer (or pay for one).
- I just use hair-cutting scissors that I got for like $5 from CVS. They don’t even have a brand name on them to pass along. Sorry!
- I use my fingers to keep things even. For example, when I cut John’s hair I cut it one-finger-length from his scalp, so it all stays that length. I go a little longer on top – maybe two finger lengths (see the video for more on this).
- I always try to cut hair vertically (ex: parallel to John’s spine) – except for trimming the line around his neck – since it can look dorky and block-ish if you cut things horizontally (parallel to the shoulders). It’s really hard to explain in words, but the video makes this much more clear.
- I’m not a pro, so this isn’t real hairdresser scoop. Haha. I’m just a crazy girl with a penchant for pickles and cutting hair – so this is just what works for me (and John, my sweet hair-model hubby).
Oh and here’s an after pic from the back, since that might help you guys visualize it from that angle.
Hope that helps any DIY-haircutting-hopefuls out there! Does anyone else host haircuts at their house? The craziest thing is that I just calculated that we have probably saved at least $700 in the past seven years just by me cutting John’s hair (not counting all the times that I cut my own hair or ask John to snip a straight line in the back when I need a little trim and can’t reach – which might be an additional $500 in savings over the years). That’s a lot of cheddar ceramic animals…
Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says
Kudos for you for being brave enough! There’s no way I’d ever be up to cutting Kev’s hair… I’d probably end up taking off an ear or something!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, believe it or not, I’ve never cut John (or anyone else I’ve cut hair for) but I usually cut myself. Just a little snip, like a paper cut. Haha. Seems to be part of the routine by now. Haha.
xo,
s
Lesley@ChaoticallyCreative says
Speaking of haircuts. My hubby would never let me attempt one on him again. We just won’t go there. But I would love to see a DIY on how to cut a 2 year old child’s hair while sleeping. Better yet while doing anything. Jude has had 3 hair cuts maybe 4 in his life. Some easy, some not so easy. But now at 2 he will sit and wait until it’s his turn and then that’s it he goes into full fledge possessed demon mode. The last person I went to sat on the floor with Jude and I. She got one snip and then said I’m to scared I’m gonna cut him. So basically he can literally see out of one eye and his hair is beyond bad now. (my boys have tons of hair and it grows fast) Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Lesley
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no, that’s rough! Is there an activity that he loves doing in his highchair? I would get him in there, all strapped in with the tray on, and give him whatever he loves (bubbles, play dough, you can even bring it outside and do it there). Then hopefully he’ll be so into what you’re giving him that he’ll let you do your thing. That’s my only idea!
xo,
s
Tonya says
My son is the same way – we do popsicles! My hairstylist friend has until the end of the popsicle to complete the haircut!
Kate says
When my baby brother was that age (I was a teenager), we always cut his hair while sleeping. We would usually get one side, and then put him down on the other cheek the next night to get the other side. Haha.
Of course, that was when you still used drop side cribs, so it was much easier to reach.
Hayley says
Lesley, if you ever figure it out, let me know! My 18m old has had 2 haircuts, one by me, and one by my husband. Both were terrible! The very first one, we were at my parents’ house and we fed him chocolate (my parents keep those hershey’s mineratures around all the time) and that did NOT work. When I tried it, I basically chased him around his sister’s room and got a snip in here and there. He sees the scissors and freaks. Then hubby said I cut the ears too short. And his hair is curly to boot. Not ringlets curly, but definitely does not lay down. :) Fun with boys, right!
by the by, my 3 year old daughter has yet to get a haircut, though that is impending, I’m sure. It is a nightmare to brush her hair.
Jenni says
My best friend’s mom, when I was a kid, used to run her fingers through her 2 year old’s hair asking him if she could cut it, and he would always say no. What he did not know is she was snipping those locks she was asking about as she touched his hair – it took about a week to cut his hair but he never noticed, and never had the meltdown a formal sit-down haircut would have caused.
alex says
I know its not the best idea, but maybe before the hair cut commences, let him pick out a toy, special candy, new book so he knows its there and he physically sees it and explain that when he sits like a big boy through a hair cut he can have it..and if he doesn’t, he doesn’t get it but he still knows you have it…and he can either be rewarded or not. Toddlers like a choice…and its funny because they can either choose the fun happy path. Or the disappointing, no reward for bad behavior path.
K (Barking Babymama) says
We always put on a movie for my 2-year-old (almost 3 now!) boy and strap him into a booster seat – and then I always have a 2nd person there to hold his head still in case he gets wiggly. I’ve also heard lollipops help? But I’m not sure why because my son will still move his head around even if he has a lollipop.
Lesley@ChaoticallyCreative says
Wow, thanks everyone for the tips. And thanks to you Sherri as well. Jude is a really big and strong two year old over 40lbs. He has long grown out of a high chair and giving him treats etc. forget it. He couldn’t care less. But the good news is I snuck up during nap time and took some snips at his bangs and at the very least he can see now. Beats getting charged for each individual time I keep attempting to go in and get his hair cut. We may have to try again soon when he gets older. Thanks again. Lesley
Natalie says
We have a chain called Cool Cuts for Kids here. They have movies and video games for the kids to play while they get their haircut (and cute cars for the babies/toddlers to sit in). It is a little pricey for a kids haircut ($17 I think) but they have coupons regularly. I took all my boys there when they were little. We only had a few incidents of kids crying through haircuts and ended up holding them in a chair while the stylist quickly did her thing. All three sit nicely for haircuts now.
Maureen says
My nephew was horrible with haircuts until a hairdresser suggested not using the word “cut”. Kids associate it with pain. He would sit quietly as long as he was getting his hair “trimmed” not “cut”
Devon @ Green House, Good Life says
I’ve been cutting my husband’s hair since just before we were married (almost 10 years!). It does not go both ways, however. But I feel so smart not spending all that money on haircuts!
YoungHouseLove says
I love hearing from the other hair-cutting ladies out there!
xo,
s
Devon @ Green House, Good Life says
Oh, forgot to mention — we always head outside for haircuts so there’s less clean-up. (When we lived in a condo with a shared courtyard, he wouldn’t let anyone see, so we were relegated to the bathtub, but now we get to enjoy the sights and sounds of the backyard.)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s fun! We have to try that – although it might be dark once the bean’s in bed. Haha.
xo,
s
Rebecca says
When do we get a tutorial on you cutting your own hair? That’s what I need to see! I always manage to have a little bit too long in the back and have to ask my husband to trim off for me.
YoungHouseLove says
That would be a comedy of errors. It’s me with wet hair from the shower brushing it all out and then begging John to cut it carefully straight across the back. Might have to see if I can catch that on film someday. Nothing fancy about it (no layers or anything). Haha.
xo,
s
Kim says
I’ve never been trained in doing hair or anything, but after my husband and I got married he asked for me to cut his hair. It took a few tries to get use to and get it just right, but now I’ve been doing them for 5 years. I can’t even imagine how much money we have saved over the years. Within the past few months my husband has wanted a different try of hair style that I’m still trying to perfect but now I’m thinking about starting to do my own hair. I’ve trimmed my own bangs for years and cut split ends when I’m bored in the office. So how hard can it be. I keep a pretty simple long hair style so maybe I won’t be so bad. I’ll let you know how it goes.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, I love that you cut your man’s hair and trim your own bangs! Keep me posted how your own self-cut goes! Mine is pretty basic, so I hope yours is easy too!
xo,
s
Maureen @ This (Kinda) Old House says
Geez, is there nothing that $herdog can’t do? :) His hair looks great! I think it’s nice to show all sorts of things on here; I think people really look to you guys on how to simplify things in their lives and save money. I know I do.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Maureen! There was definitely a learning curve! It used to take me soooo long to cut his hair (like an hour!) but over time I’ve gotten faster. Haha.
xo,
s
April says
Good for you guys! I totally cut my hubby’s hair too. A number one all around and then a clean up around the ears and neck with the guard off. I’ve only had an oops once…the day of my company’s Christmas party (of course). Poor guy looked like he was ready for basic training. For us it’s nice to save the moolah, but also the convenience factor rocks. We’ve got an 18 month old and this way my hubby is never over-due for a trim. Like you guys, we do our cuts after our little one is down for the night. I’ve cut his hair in the back yard at midnight in the winter since I’m such a clean freak and well, you gotta do what you gotta do when you’ve got a little person in your life. We splurged on a barber’s cape from Amazon since the hubby can’t stand getting hair down his neck. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, too funny about the backyard in the winter at midnight! I love that you have a fancy cape like a pro!
xo,
s
VickiP says
Well, that is awesome. I have a husband and two sons, and that’s a lot of haircuts I’ve been wanting to tackle myself. I’ve experimented on my three year old, but it takes multiple cookies and episodes of Fraggle Rock to get him to cooperate. Your video was much easier to follow that what I’ve found on YouTube, so Thanks a Ton!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, so glad!
xo,
s
Morgan says
http://livingyoungwildfree.wordpress.com/2012/04/18/what-i-gave-up-to-save-money-bang-cuts/
I cut my own bangs! The tutorial is above. Just curious…do you cut your own hair, too? And how do you do it? Just throw it over the front of your shoulders? lol. My hair is getting knotty. Thanks Sherry!
YoungHouseLove says
Love the bang cuts! I just brush it all out in the back (all over my shoulders on my back) and beg John to try snipping a straight line (no layers or anything fancy) and sometimes troll youtube for a tutorial that might involve light layers (like pushing it over your shoulders and cutting it in front or while gathered in pigtails, etc). I only get brave like that when it’s really long and I know I can de-layer it if it’s too crazy by just going shorter and more blunt.
xo,
s
heather says
I’ve been trying to let my husband let me cut his hair for years but haha that won’t be happening (he won’t even let me buzz his neck, he must know my penchant for clumsiness). That said, I used to cut my friends hair in highschool, and then in college I did a few cuts, some highlights, buzzed the guys hair a bunch, cut my own bangs, etc. I wish the boy would let me cut his hair. Then again, he only pays like $15 to a barber and goes a while in between haha.
Kate says
“Above the neck manscaping lesson” !!! Oh Sherry, you kill me. I love when you guys get a bit saucy.
Katie says
My husband has the same talent! He actually cuts his own hair and that of his male family members, friends and friends’ kids. We’ve been known to go over to people’s houses so he can provide haircuts and they usually provide us dinner in exchange, haha. Just like you, it’s a talent he happened to discover—no formal training. I wish he would cut my hair too but I think he’s a little terrified since he’s only worked with the dudes, but if John can handle the straight-line-across-the-back trim, it shouldn’t be that big of a deal!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s so funny! I love hearing about a hubby with haircutting skillz!
xo,
s
Alissa says
When my hair was short I used to cut it regularly to save all those trips to the hairdresser, but I no longer have a bathroom where I can set up mirrors to see the back of my head. Living the long-and-pony-tailed lifestyle now.
I have a friend who cuts his own hair, too, and without any mirrors to see the back! I was super impressed; he does such a great job!
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- that’s awesome!
xo,
s
Lisa says
Katie: You should definitely talk your husband into cutting your hair. It must be much easier to cut long hair, so if he’s good with short, I’m sure he’ll do well. I recently went from long hair to short, in stages. I made my husband cut it, and he was literally shaking, but it looked fine even the first time (I was a little scared when I felt his hands and the scissors tremble against my back- but hey, it’s only hair!).
Now I might make him watch this video, and then sort me out a nice pixie look (He just started a new job this week, so NOT the time for me to go trial-and-error on his hair…
Amanda says
I don’t know, guys, usually I am right there with you, but I like the before better. He needed a shape-up, but the before gives him a shaggy Brad Pitt kind of look.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, oh yeah, the long hair vs. short hair debate is one for the ages! Personally John likes it short and I think he’s a hottie when it’s freshly shorn. But to each his own!
xo,
s
Andrew says
It’s funny that Amanda says John’s before picture reminds her of a shaggy Brad Pitt. I actually thought he just resembled Shaggy from Scooby Doo – and that’s NOT a bad thing, although the inner dialog in my head is now saying…”Raggy? Rooby Roo needs Rooby snacks!”.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, too funny!
xo,
s
Melanie@MailboxJourney says
Nice job Sherry! I buzz my boyfriend’s head, but that’s about it.
P.S. John looks super different when he’s photographed from the side – weird!
Ashleigh says
WAY different. I keep looking at the picture to determine if it was a magazine photo because it just does not look like John. :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- that’s so funny. I wonder if it’s just that you guys are used to seeing him straight on in pics on the ol’ blog? Our relatives and friends see us in 3D so we must look different than face-on blog pics, haha. So much that side ones look funny I guess!
xo,
s
gia says
I think his hair looks great, but have to be honest, I was getting sweaty palms just watching this video! I don’t think I would trust myself cutting someone else’s hair. I can’t even manage to trim my almost 2 year olds bangs. I just take her to my hairdresser for a bang trim every 2 months! haha
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, you’re lucky you have a 2 year old with so much hair! Clara has yet to need anything other than the occasional mullet cut. Haha.
xo,
s
Karen F says
Sherry, is there anything you can’t do?? That is a great haircut! I tried to cut my husband’s hair once – it was comical! The irony is, now he wears it in a flattop, (which I don’t really like, but he does) so it would probably be pretty easy for me to cut it at this point!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh you can totally do it! I would look on youtube.com for a tutorial!
xo,
s
Heather @ Thrifty Stories says
I’m totally with ya here. Hubs and I have been married for nearly nine years and I’ve been cutting his hair since day one. We grabbed a pair of clippers at Aldi for $14.99 and they are still going strong. That’s some major moola saved.
And yes that first haircut many years ago took forevs. He was kind not to say anything at the time. We laugh about it now. =)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, in the beginning John just made me park him in front of the TV so he could watch an entire show while I concentrated so hard and worried about ruining his head- haha.
xo,
s
Krystle @ ColorTransformedFamily says
My husband has suggested that I cut his hair but I have never gotten up the nerve to do it. It sure is tempting to know I could be saving so much money.
Cheryl says
Well, my hubby decided to do the short to the scalp look for awhile, eh, maybe an inch or so in length. We did invest in an rechargeable trimmer and decided I could do it since otherwise he would be going someplace to get it cut every couple of weeks. Well, several days before Christmas a few years back he wanted a cut to look nice for the holiday. The trimmer needed to be re-charged just before cutting, when he brought it back it didn’t have the guide on it (not sure who took it off), and I didn’t notice until I swiped across the top of his head. ACK!! Boy was it shorter than he anticipated. He was such a good sport and laughed it off. Here’s the issue – he’s a pastor and had a Christmas Eve service and church service just days away. I simply took the trimmer to his everyday to even it out, hardly anyone noticed, except that it was overall shorter than usual. He wears it longer now, which I prefer.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, I would have freaked out! SO glad he was a good sport and laughed it off!
xo,
s
Cheryl says
I did say “Oh no!” and slapped by hand across my mouth, so he knew something was up pretty quick. I felt terrible, but he was great. We took pictures and enjoyed the laugh with our then 10 year old. It’s just hair, it will grow back was his response.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so cute!
xo,
s
Nichole says
My mom did almost the exact same thing to my dad once. He’s also a pastor and her “accident” took place on a Saturday with church services the next day!
ClareJR says
I definitely cut my husband’s hair – but then again, he doesn’t have that much left, so thankfully all I have to do is keep it super super short with buzzers (1/16th of an inch). Weirdly enough, he looks less bald when his hair is shorter. And since I cut his hair, I don’t feel as bad when my hair guy’s price goes up $5 every once in a while.
Lauren K. says
I totally cut my own husband’s hair too! I use clippers though, but that’s only because of his crazy hair. There is only one cut that looks good on him and that’s short! He’s tried to grow it out, but it’s so thick and coarse that it doesn’t lay flat. It just grows out like a straight afro (if you can imagine). So a 4 on the top, faded into a 2 on the bottom is a skill I’ve mastered over the years :) I’m sure we’ve paid for the clippers 5x over by now.
YoungHouseLove says
It’s so funny that you have your numbers (4 on top, faded to a 2 on the bottom)- that sounds so pro to a non-buzzer girl like me. I love it!
xo,
s
Katie says
I was just trying to picture the conversation the first time you convinced him to let you cut his hair, but now looking at the comments, apparently a lot of people cut their husband’s hair. Pretty sure my husband would rather die.
Heidi says
My hubby cuts his own hair, our 2 squirmy boys and sometimes mine. He cut mine on Mother’s Day and did a great job. He also does dry cutting, which I think is key to avoiding oopsies. The funny thing is when he trims his goatee, he can never seem to get it even without my help. :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so cute! You must be saving so much money!
xo,
s
Kimberly says
My husband and I cut each other’s hair too and we love it! We got hair clippers about 4 years ago and they were a great investment for us. The first time we cut each others hair mine was crooked in the back and his looked like a little kid — but we’ve gotten better at it and now we can laugh about it.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love it! Live and learn, baby!
xo,
s
cara says
My hubby would never trust me to cut his hair. It would save us over $500 a year too. Of course, he did see my dog one time after a not so great grooming I did myself. Looked kind of like when Jethro groomed the dog on the Beverly Hillbillies. oops.
John’s hair looks great!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, aw thanks Cara!
xo,
s
Christine says
Love this post! I have been cutting my husband’s hair since we were freshmen in college. I hate the thought of him spending $15 a month on something I can do for free. In return, he color’s my hair every once in a while. Full service salon! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, you guys just need a “Salon” sign on the door and you’re set! Haha.
xo,
s
Sarah says
Great tutorial. My Mom always cut me and my brothers hair, but their hair sometimes came out looking a little odd so I was scared to try. Might have to give it another shot though – my husband’s in the Army and needs a haircut every four weeks. How hard can a high & tight be?
My parents always pinned an old sheet around our neck with a safety pin to catch falling hair, and had a vacuum cleaner right at hand. When the cut was over, they’d fold the sheet in on itself to trap the clippings, and vacuum us off quickly with the nozzle attachment to catch any remaining strays so we wouldn’t walk around the house shedding hair on the way to the shower. Right after the haircut we were sent outside with our sheet to shake it off in the backyard. Birds/animals love the hair clippings for their nests. Minimized the hair cleanup/sweeping around the house.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so cute! Such a smart method!
xo,
s
Crystal @ 29 Rue House says
I’ve cut my hubby’s hair a few times (once a little short -oops). I’ve been wanting to start it again since I hate the way his hair person does the bang area on him (I want no bangs…why is that so hard to understand? ;). This time I’ll give it a go without the buzzer!
P.s. I haven’t cut my own hair in a long time but the first time I did was in highschool (layers and all) just from watching a hair stylist do it previously. And I had the honor of buzzing my Dad’s hair. Fun times.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s amazing that you could replicate what the stylist did to your hair on yourself!
xo,
s
Crystal @ 29 Rue House says
Haha – I was 17 so I doubt I replicated it but I did try to use her technique (pull section of hair at top of head straight up and take off an inch or so choppily)! I did want to be a cosmetologist when I was 14 so maybe that had something to do with it. :)
seansmom says
I’ve been cutting my husbands hair for over 20 years now, and I use my dog clippers and a comb to cut the back and sides. ha ha! (I used to do dog grooming)
I also used to give hubby perms back when afro type curly hair was popular on men.
It’s a good way to save money and, after all…if you do make a mistake the first time(or two)it WILL grow back.
YoungHouseLove says
Amen! Thank goodness hair grows back!
xo,
s
rhonda says
I’ve been cutting my husband’s hair for about 20 years now…using the shaver/clipper for a buzz cut, but now I’m going to use your method of just using the scissors letting my finger be the guide….hope it works out. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Good luck! If not there’s always the buzzer to clean it up!
xo,
s
CJ says
Totally NOT haircut-related, but I wanted to let you know that I found this on Ana White’s blog (I know you guys love her as much as I do!) and thought it might help with your chair-slipcovering/painting dilemmas. You guys rock!
http://ana-white.com/2012/05/plans/easiest-parson-chair-slipcovers
YoungHouseLove says
So charming!!! Love it! And love Ana!
xo,
s
Sarah says
Looking for some salon experts to weigh in on this because I would like to try this method, but would like to know if it will work for every head shape and hair type.
YoungHouseLove says
Any experts?! I’m sure I’m doing about 100 things wrong! Haha.
xo,
s
Renee says
Expert here….
Sherry has what I call a ‘basic boy’s haircut’ down pat. Although….I use a comb to pick up the hair, which I then transfer from my right hand to my left and hold between my thumb and index finger…whilst my scissor hand does the cutting.
Sherry….after you cut your vertical partings….it’s okay to go back and ‘check’ your work horizontally…it works really well if you have a comb. I also use my comb to make sure the hair around the ears is laying flat.
The only thing is I cringed when I heard those $5 CVS shears cutting through the hair! LOL There is a world of difference between a $5 pair and the $300 shears I use to cut hair. Sort of like Ginsu knives vs. a nice set of Wusthoff’s….lol Even a $50 pair will seem like a dream to cut with. :-) You can also pick up an inexpensive peanut trimmer for under $20 and they work really well.
YoungHouseLove says
Love the tips Renee! Thanks!
xo,
s
kari says
I have been looking everywhere for a good place to cut my hair in Richmond, but I’m too afraid of buyer’s remorse! If you’re ever willing to give a stranger’s hair a try, I’d gladly serve as guinnie pig! :)
Or just some good ol’ RVA suggestions would do, too!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh I love Red! It’s a small salon on Robinson St down near that Starbucks. They’re awesome there! It’s where I went when I chopped all my hair off a while back (of course its completely grown out now, haha).
xo,
s
Erin C. says
Is there anything you can’t do??? :). It looks great…even if I were brave enough to want to try my hub’s hair, he wouldn’t want any part of it.
Amanda C says
Speaking of hair – Sherry, has anyone ever told you that you look like Emilia Clarke, who plays Daenerys Targaryen on HBO’s Game of Thrones? Cause you totally do, but with her real-life hair, not her fake blonde hair from the show! (Which if you don’t watch, is totally awesome!)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I actually see it! John does too, and he never sees that stuff. I always got Rachel McAdams and Amanda Peet before (we didn’t see that at all, but it happened all the time) but when I looked up Emilia Clarke on IMDB (with the brown hair) it was uncannny. I want to meet her in real life so we can pretend to be long lost sisters. Haha.
xo,
s
Lauren@FilingJointly says
I totally see the Amanda Peet/Rachel McAdams thing with you! But I get not being able to see it yourself. People tell me I look like Natalie Portman pretty frequently and I don’t see it AT ALL. Neither does my husband. It’s a huge major compliment and everything, but I really just don’t get it.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, she’s a hottie. Total compliment.
xo,
s
Amy says
I absolutely agree about Emilia clarke! Every week when I watch the show I try to think who she reminds me of…I never realized it was Sherry, but that’s exactly it. I was thinking of famous people, and people I know in real life – I should have been thinking of someone kind of in-between the two.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s so funny. I promise I’m a person in real life and completely not famous.
xo,
s
Mary says
I watched the two Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies recently and throughout both I was thinking of how Alexis Bledel looks like Sherry (though you’re not so frail-looking, and I mean that as a compliment!) Has anyone ever told you you look like her?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh, that’s a huge compliment. I had a total girl crush on her in college.
xo,
s
schmei says
When you said you’d been cutting John’s hair for seven years, I thought, “that’s a long time.” Then I realized I’ve been cutting my husband’s hair for 6! Haha. I just use clippers, though… using scissors seems so pro!
YoungHouseLove says
Isn’t it funny how time flies? Before John my “really long relationships” of the past were 2 years long, which makes me laugh now.
xo,
s
Allyn says
I just remember my mom cutting my bangs. By putting a strip of scotch tape across them and following the line. Yeah, I put a stop to that at about age 6?
My sister cuts her husband and kiddo’s hair though. HUGE saver. Way to go!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- I love the tape tip. Your mom = genius!
xo,
s
Jennifer says
My daughters bangs need a trim – I might try the tape trick! I’m trying to work up the confidence to cut my sons hair tomorrow. I’m a little scared!
Sarah says
Great post, I have been cutting my husbands hair for the past 6 months (still earning), I use a buzzer though. Would love to use just scissors cause I think it looks nicer, but I’m so scared I’m gonna cut a chunk to close.
Might try to use scissors next time.
Alexis says
I just started cutting my husband’s hair a couple of months ago. I was so nervous at first because he likes it short in the back and then it fades up to a little longer on top. But he knew exactly how he wanted it done and just talks me through it and I have been quite impressed with myself! He used to spend about $20 every 2-3 weeks to get it cut so we know we are saving a bunch!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s awesome!
xo,
s
JessiBee says
I totally noticed his haircut in yesterday’s post! I didn’t want to comment on it because it seemed too weird or something…? You did such a nice job! I cut my own bangs (successfully!) all the time and I cut my husband’s hair for years but he doesn’t let me anymore. haha! I don’t have your talent I guess!
YoungHouseLove says
I think it’s awesome you cut your own bangs! I always worry about doing that so I just grow them out, finally break down and cut them, and then immediately pin them back and rock the ponytail! Haha.
xo,
s
Sarah says
I actually cut my son’s hair. I can’t see paying 15 dollars for a hair cut on such a little head. I just use scissors too. I learned by watching videos on youtube. I am proud to say after almost 4 years I am getting pretty good. If he would sit still I would probably be as good as you are!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s awesome Sarah!
xo,
s
KLL says
I started cutting and coloring my own hair about three years ago. It was about $65 every other month to have a professional do it. Now it’s $5 a month and I color it more often so I’m not running around with crazy grays or awful roots.
I actually figured out how to do VERY simple layers, but I’m not positive how i would describe it in words. I will tell you, though, that the first time I did the layers I was CONVINCED I’d given myself a mullet and was very close to a nervous breakdown. Thanfully it was a false alarm and I’m slowly getting braver.
YoungHouseLove says
Whew! That would make me freak out. Haha. So glad it was a false alarm.
xo,
s
Kalyn says
So funny, I have always cut my hubbys but this weekend I decided to try my hand at my 4 year old sons-it looks great! Knowing you are saving money is the icing on the awesome looking cake ;)
Deborah Nowland says
I have been married for 37 years and we had four boys. I cut their hair for all the years they were at home (and every time they came home after they left!) We figure we have saved well over $15,000!
I think I will go shopping and reward myself…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, amazing! Happy shopping! Haha.
xo,
s
Annie says
I’m getting a kick over people saying how much money they save by cutting their husbands hair…my husband gets his hair cut 3 maybe 4 times a year at a $5 hair cut place. At that price, it’s not worth my time to cut his hair. I can’t imagine why any man would pay more than $10 for a hair cut to begin with.
YoungHouseLove says
Maybe it’s regional? Here in Richmond it’s around 15-20 bucks for a cut at a place that won’t make you look like a schoolboy. Haha. John also is a hairy beast and needs haircuts around 6-7 times a year. But it’s definitely something that might not make sense if you only pay $5 a few times a year!
xo,
s
Lisa says
Good for you! Around here (Northern Virginia), the cut is $11 plus tip for my husband. He goes every 2 weeks. He is African-American and wears his hair short (high and tight). Because of the texture of his hair, he looks rough after two weeks. He is very picky and I have no desire to touch it, so he goes to the barber. Our son goes with him once a month for a cut, or if we are busy I will do it. For us, it is a son/father thing too…boys day at the barbershop!
Mary says
$5 is more a tip than a haircut price here.
Jessica says
Here in Boston, my bf goes to this little place run by 2 older Italian gentlemen. There are Playboys and other men’s magazines in the waiting area, free espresso and opera music blaring. He pays $15 and $5 for tip. So it’s $20 every 4-5 weeks. He doesn’t complain and they always do an amazing job. I shave his neck every few weeks, though, because he hates neck hair. After watching this very easy video, I’ll try to convince him to let me cut his hair.. we’ll see how it goes!
Robin @ our semi organic life says
Wife hair cutters unite! I’ve been doing my husband’s hair since we were dating as well. Although I use clippers with different guards on the sides/back and scissors on top. We actually got a kit as a wedding gift (random but fun!)!
Jenn says
My husband and I began cutting his hair with clippers about 6 years or so ago. He would get a haircut at the barber every other week prior to that, at about $15 a cut. Overall, we’ve saved over $2,000. Did I just read that right? That’s the first time I’ve calculated that. Wow. Yes, SAVED $2,000. That’s a big deal. Amazing what a purchasing some $20 clippers from Walgreens can do!
YoungHouseLove says
Amazing! Go Jenn!
xo,
s
Lauren@FilingJointly says
My husband is so particular about his haircuts. He’s gotten the same one since he was like 14 I think. He almost had a nervous breakdown when he had to find a new barber after the one he used got cast on the show Shear Genius.
He would NEVER let me cut his hair. Which is probably smart. Because I would almost definitely shave my initials into his hair if given the chance.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s hilarious that his hairdresser got cast on that Shear Genius show!
xo,
s
Leslie says
Lauren, I hear you. My fiance’s haircut is this big ordeal every month. I’m pretty sure if we ever moved, he would either drive hours to get to the same stylist or give up haircuts altogether. Hi, meet my husband, Grizzly Adams.
Bryanna says
I cut my husband’s hair! He’s got super easy buzz cut all the way around. Since we do it monthly at least, sometimes every 3 weeks (he likes to keep it short!), we save a minimum $120-$150 a year. The clippers paid for themselves in just two months! :)
cali says
good job!!! He looks mighty fine with the new do!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, let’s all wolf whistle at John via the internet.
xo,
s
Joy says
Whoot-woo! (wolf whistle) :)
My hubby won’t let me near his hair! His sister is a hair dresser so he already gets free cuts, but since now she lives in another city he sometimes goes a looong time between cuts. I’ve been practicing a lot since I cut our dog’s hair (now 3 years old) and he looks great, but that hasn’t instilled enough confidence yet…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I’m cracking up over the wolf whistle.
xo,
s