Snipping Away At Your Barbershop Budget

I looked into the mirror this morning, and a guy with a clown wig looked back!

Man, I need a haircut fast … but first I must make it through an 8-hour shift (I really can’t do that whole haircut-during-my-lunch-break thing that some people seem to be able to pull off. I’d be itching down the back of my neck for the rest of the day if I tried). My curse (and blessing, some will say) is that I have pretty curly hair (which I hate, by the way) that no one will ever see, because a) I hate it, and b) I get a #2-across-the-whole-head every 4-5 weeks (I’ve just passed my 5th week yesterday … AGGH!).

So, while I was waiting for the minutes to tick down until I can solve this massive issue, I did the necessary math and discovered that my yearly expenditures for this lifesaving service was well over $200 (when I was a big-dreams New Yorker, it was easily double that)! That’s a lot of money to shell out, seeing as how you’re actually giving your hair away while you’re doing it (For those who actually pay a trash-collecting bill [I don’t in my community]: is that more or less than what you pay for actual garbage?).

People, in difficult financial times we all like to save money where we can, but sometimes it’s not so black-and-white! Here are a few things to consider (or reconsider) when you find yourself in the same situation as I am in right now (looking like a werewolf, with three hours to go):

Don’t be first in or last out. Are you at your best the first thing in the morning? Yea? What are you some sort of freak? It usually takes me a while to get warmed up and focused before I can do anything, and my job doesn’t consist of sharp scissors and people’s head! Also, never attempt to “squeeze in” at the end of the day. Showing up five minutes before closing will almost guarantee a bad haircut and plenty of laughs (at you, not with).

Hit up a beauty school. I use to go to the Junior College to get my hair cut for fifty cents (I’m not kidding). For the real fancy-pants out there: a cut, wash, and style only came out to a buck. Going to a private beauty school will be a little bit more expensive, but still only a fraction of the cost a real barber is going to charge you. How’s the cut you ask? Well, here’s my answer (in the form of another question): Haven’t you ever paid $25 for a bad haircut? I rest my case.

Stay out of the chains. Chain-store stylists are underpaid and don’t stick around long! Why would they, when a great barber can earn a much higher living working for a better establishment or starting up their own business? The sad truth is that many chains are filled with stylists who are either poorly skilled or fresh out of school — better stick with your locally-owned shops.

Clip those coupons. Check your local newspapers and mailbox for barbershop coupons. Many shops (especially newer fancy salons) often run pretty decent specials to attract new clientele. If your neighborhood cutteries have mailing lists, then sign up for them, and then reserve those places as your only-when-I-have-one-of-their-coupons barbershops.

Cut your own hair? Not recommended, unless you’re cool with the hilarious learning curve! There are a lot of frugal women who claim to cut their own family’s hair, but can you imagine what that bunch of hillbillies must look like (sorry hillbillies, just trying to make a point here)? Plus, none of them ever mention that they cut their own hair, or even worse yet: let their husbands cut it for them. My advice: go get a cheap haircut, not a free one!

Well, I just heard the closing bell (no I didn’t because there isn’t one, but you catch my drift, right?) so I’m off to my favorite barber (with the old Jimmy Buffett [before he sold out] mural on the back wall and free coffee that’s not too horrible) for a much needed trim. Catch you tomorrow, when I’ll feel like a new man (not a clown or werewolf). Peace out!

God, it’s the little things in life that make me the happiest [thank you for creating barbers - I mean it]!