How We Save Over $1,300 a Year by Cutting Our Family's Hair at Home (2026 Guide)
- Manny Alfaro
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
By Manny Alfaro
Like many families, we were always looking for practical ways to save money without sacrificing our quality of life. We clipped coupons, compared grocery prices, and looked for deals whenever we could. But one of the biggest savings came from something we never expected—haircuts.
Several years ago, my wife decided to learn how to cut hair.
At first, I was skeptical. I figured I'd end up wearing a hat for a few weeks if things didn't go well. Instead, she watched a few online tutorials, bought a quality set of clippers, practiced a few times, and quickly became surprisingly good.
Today she cuts my hair and our son's hair right at home.
What started as a way to save a little money has become one of our favorite family money-saving habits. We don't have to make appointments, sit in crowded waiting rooms, or spend money every month on basic haircuts.
Instead, we simply pull out the clippers whenever someone needs a trim.
It's fast.
It's convenient.
And over time, it's saved us well over a thousand dollars.
As a husband, father, military veteran, and retired law enforcement officer, I've learned that protecting your family's finances isn't always about earning more money. Often, it's about making smart decisions that reduce everyday expenses without reducing your quality of life.
This is one of those decisions.
How Much Does the Average Haircut Cost in 2026?
Haircut prices have steadily increased over the past several years.
For many families, a basic haircut now costs:
Adult men's haircut: $40–$50
Tip: $8–10
Children's haircut: $25–35
Specialty fades or styling: often $50–70
When you multiply those prices over an entire year, the cost becomes surprisingly large.
Here's What the Numbers Look Like
Imagine a family with:
Dad
Two boys
Each receives one haircut every four weeks.
Dad
12 haircuts × $50 = $600
Son
12 haircuts × $30 = $360
Son
12 haircuts × $30 = $360
Total Annual Cost
$1,320 every year
That doesn't include fuel, travel time, or the occasional extra visit before holidays, weddings, school pictures, or vacations.
The Cost of Cutting Hair at Home
Our investment was surprisingly small.
We purchased a quality clipper set that cost less than one trip to the barber for the entire family.
Besides occasionally replacing clipper oil or guards, there are very few ongoing expenses.
Most quality clippers last for years when properly maintained.
That means nearly every haircut after the first few months is essentially free.
Why We Continue Cutting Hair at Home
Saving money was the reason we started.
Convenience is why we continue.
Instead of trying to fit barber appointments into our busy schedule, we simply cut hair whenever it's convenient.
Before school.
Before church.
Before family photos.
Before vacations.
Whenever we want.
Our son never has to sit in a waiting room wondering when it'll be his turn, and I don't have to take time away from work or family.
It's one less errand.
The Hidden Savings Most Families Forget
Haircuts involve more than the price on the receipt.
You may also spend money on:
Gas
Parking
Tips
Drinks or snacks while waiting
Time away from work
Weekend family time
When you include those hidden costs, the true annual savings become even larger.
Is It Difficult to Learn?
Not at all.
Like anything new, it takes practice.
My wife spent a little time watching beginner tutorials online before ever touching the clippers.
Within just a few haircuts, she became comfortable trimming the sides, blending the hair, and cleaning up around the ears and neckline.
Today she finishes a haircut in about twenty minutes.
If your family prefers simple hairstyles, learning is much easier than many people expect.
What You'll Need
You don't need expensive professional equipment.
A quality clipper kit should include:
Hair clippers
Guard attachments
Cleaning brush
Blade oil
Storage case
Barber cape
Small scissors
Comb
Many complete kits cost less than the price of two family barber visits.
Tips That Help Beginners
If you're just starting, keep things simple.
Choose an easy haircut that uses clipper guards.
Start with a longer guard because you can always cut more hair later.
Take your time.
Good lighting makes a huge difference.
Use mirrors to check the back of the head before finishing.
Clean the neckline carefully because it's one of the first things people notice.
Most importantly, don't expect perfection on the first haircut.
Every haircut gets easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most beginner mistakes are easy to prevent.
Avoid switching guards without double-checking the size.
Don't rush.
Always cut dry hair unless your clipper manufacturer recommends otherwise.
Keep the blades clean and oiled.
Replace worn guards if they become damaged.
Taking an extra five minutes usually leads to a much better result.
How Much Could Your Family Save?
Every family is different.
Here are realistic estimates.
Dad only
Approximately $500–600 per year
Dad and one son
Approximately $900–1,000 per year
Dad and two sons
More than $1,300 annually
Larger families
Many families save between $1,500 and $2,000 each year.
That's enough to help pay for:
Christmas gifts
A family vacation
School supplies
Sports registration fees
Emergency savings
Paying down debt
More Than Just Saving Money
There's something satisfying about learning a practical life skill.
Our family enjoys spending the extra time together instead of sitting in a barber shop.
It's become part of our routine.
Our son gets excited because he knows he'll have a fresh haircut before school events or holidays.
My wife has become incredibly confident with the clippers, and honestly, I couldn't be happier with the results.
Is Cutting Hair at Home Right for Every Family?
Not necessarily.
If you enjoy complex hairstyles, fades, or specialty barber services, visiting a professional may still make sense.
However, for families that prefer clean, simple haircuts, cutting hair at home can be one of the easiest ways to reduce recurring monthly expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cutting hair at home worth it?
For many families, yes. Even after buying a quality clipper set, most households recover the cost within just a few haircuts.
How long do hair clippers last?
With proper cleaning and oiling, quality clippers often last for many years.
Is it difficult to learn?
Most beginners become comfortable after only a few practice haircuts, especially when following simple online tutorials.
Can I cut my child's hair myself?
Yes. Many parents successfully cut their children's hair at home using beginner-friendly clipper guards and taking their time.
Does cutting hair at home really save money?
Absolutely. Depending on family size and haircut frequency, many households save hundreds—or even more than a thousand dollars—every year.
⭐ Our Top Pick for Most Families
The Wahl Color Pro Cordless Hair Clipper is one of the best beginner-friendly home haircut kits thanks to its color-coded guards, cordless convenience, and affordable price. It's consistently recommended as a top value option for families learning to cut hair at home.
Final Thoughts
One of the biggest myths about saving money is that you have to make huge lifestyle changes.
In reality, it's often the small, recurring expenses that make the biggest difference over time.
Learning to cut our family's hair wasn't something we originally planned. It started with my wife wanting to try something new and save a little money. Today, it's become a normal part of our routine and one of the smartest financial decisions we've made.
The savings add up year after year.
The convenience is hard to beat.
And every dollar we don't spend at the barber is another dollar we can use to build our emergency fund, invest for the future, take a family trip, or simply enjoy life together.
If you're looking for an easy way to reduce your family's monthly expenses, buying a quality set of clippers and learning a few basic haircut techniques may be one of the highest-return investments you can make.
📚 Continue Your Money-Saving Journey
Saving over $1,300 a year on haircuts is just the beginning. Explore these practical guides to help your family save even more.
💰 Why Most Family Budgets Fail (And How to Fix Yours)
Learn the biggest budgeting mistakes families make—and simple changes that can help you keep more money every month.
👉 Read More:https://www.familyfinancewarriors.com/post/why-most-family-budgets-fail-and-how-to-fix-yours
📊 The 50/30/20 Budget Rule: A Game-Changer for Family Finances
Discover an easy budgeting system that helps you divide your income between necessities, savings, and fun without overcomplicating your finances.
📱 The 10 Best Budgeting Apps for Families and Individuals in 2026
Find the best budgeting apps to automatically track spending, manage subscriptions, and reach your family's financial goals.
About the Author
Manny Alfaro is the founder of FamilyFinanceWarriors.com, a veteran, security professional, husband, and father of two. He shares practical, experience-based strategies that help families save money, reduce financial stress, and make smarter everyday decisions. His advice combines firsthand experience with research to help readers build stronger financial futures.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, FamilyFinanceWarriors.com earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Comments