Cutting back by cutting children's hair at home

by Bethany Sanders (Subscribe to Bethany Sanders's posts) Oct 13th 2008 1:00PM

My girls need a haircut, both of them. But we're cutting back, and paying $14 a piece for a trim just doesn't make much sense. And so tomorrow I'll pull out my scissors and try my hand at it. Keep in mind that the last time I did this, the hairstylist who corrected my attempt had to show at least two of her co-workers, because she just couldn't get over what a terrible job I did.

So. Yeah.

Today, I decided to do a little research. WikiHow advised me to gather my materials ahead of time, including a fine-tooth comb, spray bottle with water, sharp scissors, and possibly a DVD to keep wiggly kids busy while I try to avoid ruining their hair forever. But after reading their detailed directions, I'm daunted by the idea of "sectioning." I tried a couple other websites and watched a few videos, and ... well ... I'm feeling a little less confident. How do I get my kindergartner's bob to curl under in that cute way that it does?

So, plan B. I've decided that if I just trim their bangs, they can get by another month without haircuts. In fact, HGTV has some good advice for making bangs look more natural, rather than a straight (or in my case, somewhat uneven) line across the forehead. As for the rest, I'll leave the styling to the stylist.

Are you braver than me when it comes to cutting your own kids' hair? Share your tips with us!

Comments (9)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

JoAnn 10-13-2008 @ 1:12PM

I am really interested to hear these tips!

My son is 8 months old, and his hair is starting to look like a crazy mane! He still has a handful of long strands of hair that he was born with on top- and the rest of his hair has grown straight out like a halo!

People keep telling me to cut it, and I'm torn between being sad to cut the hair he arrived with (and say goodbye to that newborn stage entirely!), and frightened to botch it or worse!

ginger 10-13-2008 @ 6:42PM

Start out slow, maybe take off only 1/2 inch to begin with - until you are more confident. With girls, cut the back first, then move to one side and then the other - I always do the bangs last. To get a nice line in the back, and to help it curl under, have your daughter put her chin to her chest - that allows you to cut the very underside of the hair a smidge shorter.

Emily 10-13-2008 @ 11:00PM

Don't cut it. It seems that parents are cutting their kids hair way too short and way too often these days. Longer is better. That goes for girls and boys.

mamaloo 10-13-2008 @ 2:18PM

This summer I started buzzing my husband's and older son's (5yo) hair. Daddy gets a number 4 all over and son gets number 4 with a kind of modified faux hawk on top so it just looks a little longer up there.

The baby, 15mo, I'm going to let a professional do. I think the clipper would just freak him out and I'm not good with scissors. But, when he's older, I'll definitely to it.

To date, we've saved about $35 (the clipper set was about $30, tho it was bought 7 years ago and never used), which is two cuts for my husband and one for my son. That is not insignificant.

momma bear 10-13-2008 @ 6:32PM

We cut all of our own hair. Use a WAHl trimmer kit purchased for $30.00. My husband decided to go short and the stylist charged him $35.00. Nope. My husband cuts my son's, mine, my daughter's and his own! Yes, I would rather have a stylist cut mine and massage my head, but at $60.00 and up in my area, that is not going to happen right now. Maybe I can get my husband to massage my head....:)

Don't be afraid. Just cut a little bit at a time. Remember, hair is shorter when it dries.

isisaquaria 10-13-2008 @ 3:55PM

Myself, the older girls--no way would I trim it at home--In fact just spent $80 on the oldest to redo the color-black with fire red thin steaks, and a bi-layered cut First layer right below the shoulders, long layer below backside. My youngest hair requires only a trim to keep it off the floor, and the salon we use charges nothing to do it--if they can play with her hair while the other is in the chair. My son has curls, and his twin has the suri cruise thing going for now (the way it has grown, not been cut, will not cut either anytime soon.) I can save money other places if it becomes a problem, I will not risk ruining my babies hair.

My husband is easy-shave no guard on most--fade into a 3 on top. He started that when he got back from basic, and he actually cuts others hair on a regular basis---at $1 a cut, he can make $60- $75 a weekend, We are on our fouth set of clippers in approx 20 yrs plus the cost of the oil. We have 7 more yrs until the hair can grow back to its' original gorgeous length.
He has gotten it done when he goes with us girls, but again, they do not charge for it-it takes them less than five minutes.

LS 10-13-2008 @ 5:40PM

I cut my son's hair - he's five - because for some reason, he's freakish about sitting in the barber's chair. No idea why, he's never had anything but good experiences there. Methinks he's playing me...

Anyway, the tips you've listed are right on target - DVD (we use "Cars" - 2 hours for me to work, and I love the movie!), good sharp scissors, spray bottle, tall stool for him to sit on so I'm not bending over, and an old vinyl tablecloth on the floor to catch everything (then I can just fold it up and shake it outside).

I give him a "shaggy" cut, but short. And he's a boy, so style doesn't matter as much as for a girl. But I start by spraying all over, and then taking small sections. I try to take the sections from different directions, and cut about the same amount each time. Remember, you can always cut more, but you can't replace what's already fallen to the floor. I also find that if I try too hard with the sectioning, I end up with strange lines and weirdly cut hair. If I take them randomly and don't obsess, the hair ends up falling nicely when I'm all done.

And I take my time. Hence the two-hour movie. And don't stress over it. More practice will make you better.

ame s 10-13-2008 @ 11:06PM

My 8and 10 year old daughters have very long hair. The hair previously known as their bangs is now past their shoulder blades. I check for split ends every month or so. They don't use hot styling impliments (sp?) and we only blow dry on the coldest winter days if their hair is still damp at bed time.
Neither has had a trim for a year now.

Frank 10-16-2008 @ 10:55AM

Our three daughters age 7 10 and 12 used have waist length hair until my wife took our daughters to the barber shop to cut their waist length hair very short every mouth My wife cut our girls very short hair from now on

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