How to Save Money on Haircuts and Grooming

The average American spends $500-$1,500 per year on haircuts and grooming. With a $40 clipper set and a few technique changes, you can cut that by 50-80% without looking like you did it yourself.

Buy Clippers and Learn Basic Cuts

A quality clipper set like Wahl Color Pro ($25-$35) or Wahl Elite Pro ($40-$50) includes multiple guard sizes, a comb, scissors, and a cape. Watch 2-3 YouTube tutorials for your hair type and desired style before your first attempt.

Buzz cuts and fades (men): The easiest DIY cut. Use a #3 guard on top and blend to a #1 on the sides. Practice the fade transition on the sides using progressively shorter guards. A passable fade takes 3-4 practice sessions to learn.

Trims between professional cuts: Even if you prefer professional haircuts, trimming your neckline and sideburns between appointments extends the time between visits from 4 weeks to 6-8 weeks. A $25 haircut every 8 weeks instead of every 4 weeks saves $162/year.

Kids’ haircuts: Children’s haircuts cost $15-$25 at budget chains. With two kids getting cuts every 6 weeks, that is $260-$433/year. Buy a clipper set and cut at home. Kids are more forgiving of imperfect cuts than adults, and they grow out quickly.

Stretch Time Between Salon Visits

For women with longer hair, extending time between salon visits from every 6 weeks to every 10-12 weeks is the single biggest grooming savings. Use these techniques:

Root touch-up kits ($8-$12): Cover gray roots or regrowth between color appointments. L’Oreal Magic Root Cover Up spray ($10) blends roots in 3 seconds.

Deep conditioning at home: A $5 hair mask from the drugstore replaces a $30-$50 salon conditioning treatment. Apply, leave on for 10-20 minutes under a warm towel, rinse.

Learn to trim split ends: Watch a YouTube tutorial for your hair type. Trim 1/4 inch every 6-8 weeks at home to keep ends healthy between salon visits.

Switch to a Barber School or Beauty School

Barber and cosmetology students need practice clients. Haircuts at training schools cost $5-$15 versus $25-$50 at salons. Students are supervised by licensed instructors. The quality is usually good (these students are motivated to impress), and you are supporting someone’s education.

DIY Grooming Products

Shaving: A safety razor ($25-$35 one-time) with blades at $0.10-$0.20 each replaces $3-$5 cartridge refills. Better shave, dramatically lower ongoing cost. A 100-pack of razor blades costs $10 and lasts 2+ years.

Beard maintenance: Beard oil costs $15-$25 per bottle at stores. Make your own: mix 1 oz jojoba oil with 3-5 drops of essential oil (cedarwood, tea tree, or peppermint). Cost: about $2 per batch.

Teeth whitening: Professional whitening costs $300-$800. Crest 3D White Strips ($30-$45) deliver comparable results for a fraction of the price. Use as directed for 2 weeks.

Skin care: A basic routine (cleanser + moisturizer with SPF) from CeraVe or Cetaphil costs $15-$20 and is dermatologist-recommended. No need for $50+ boutique products.

Loyalty Programs and Coupons

If you use a chain salon (Great Clips, Supercuts), download their app for digital coupons. Great Clips regularly offers $8.99 haircut coupons. Sign up for their email list and check-in system for additional deals.

Bottom Line

Buy a clipper set for $30-$50 and learn basic trims to extend time between professional cuts. Switch to a safety razor for shaving. Use root touch-up kits between color appointments. Visit barber schools for $5-$15 haircuts. Total savings: $300-$1,000/year.