Want to Save $500 per Year on Haircuts? Here's How to Do It Right Yourself. (2025)

THERE ARE A lot of things I did in my early twenties that I’m not proud of. Some, like the sheer amount of alcohol consumption, I physically cannot do anymore, while others, like the Ska band-level side burns, I’d never want to again (and am, frankly, ashamed to admit). But there is one habit I picked up during those formative years in between beers and trumpet solos that has remained useful, and increasingly so: cutting my own hair.

When I moved to New York City in 2013, nobody told me my barber bill would quadruple. For a 20-year-old dude who was already living off pasta, it left me with no other choice but to take matters into my own hands. The first few attempts were not pretty, consisting of botched fades, uneven buzz cuts, and discovering new ways to combine every curse word in my vocabulary. But over time, with much trial and error, I learned to perfect the art of a DIY cut.

I have since saved thousands in hair-cutting costs, but budgeting isn’t the only boon of cutting your own hair. There is, of course, the convenience factor of not needing to make an appointment or even leave your home for a fresh cut. And you don’t need to fully commit to reap the rewards either, as this skill can help you simply extend time between professional cuts, saving money all the same.

Just like learning how to trim your beard, a stellar at-home haircut can be easily achieved with the right guidance, tools, and a bit of practice. But before you grab your best hair clippers and start slicing away, learn from my early mistakes. Take a breath and follow these steps. This way, you will never have to look back on your first DIY hairdo the same way people who used to take fashion advice from Reel Big Fish do on their early facial hair choices, whoever they may be.

Every great painting—The Mona Lisa, Starry Night, that one from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off—all started as a blank canvas. Think of your scalp as empty parchment and your hair clippers as the brush. Before you complete your masterpiece, give your hair a quick wash with shampoo to clean the canvas.

This will set you up for a more precise cut by removing dirt, buildup, and excess oil that can interfere with your ability to see the hair's natural texture and movement, and your clippers’ ability to strike down strands at a consistent level. Not to mention, it’ll detangle any lingering knots for those with longer hair.

When you’re driving, you should be looking at the road. So, stand in front of a mirror when planning to chop your hair off. I’d recommend doing this in the bathroom, as it’ll be easier to sweep up after; however, it’s not a deal breaker. If you have a full-length mirror somewhere else that gives you a better or more comfortable view, use it (as long as it’s not hovering over carpet).

You’ll also need a sturdy handheld mirror for when you’re cutting the hair on the back of your head. The most important thing here is that you can see your head clearly and comfortably for a complete and consistent cut. Have a spray bottle of water handy, as well, for when you move onto the top of your head, but more on that later.

You would never sit down at the barber and tell them to just see where it goes (I hope). So don’t do the same at home. Kyle Shanahan has been one of the most successful head coaches in the NFL over the last decade because he goes into every game with a plan, and sticks to it. Follow in his footsteps (and I don’t think it’s an accident that he has a great head of hair either). Decide on the haircut you’re after before you even turn on the clippers, this will help guide you throughout the journey and avoid any impromptu mistakes. Grooming is a deeply rehearsed exercise, not improv.

Even now, after years of cutting my own hair, I can’t wing it. I’ve tried the Jesus take the clippers approach, and it always ends in tears. So do some research before starting, and figure out what style you’re going for. These days, I typically rock an Ivy League cut (the hair of every basic bro that’s slightly shorter on the sides with some neat length up top), or what I call a lazy Pompadour, which is like a shorter, less greasy version of Morrissey’s hair. Both can be easily achieved at home by keeping the sides short with some length on top. But if you’re nervous, I recommend sticking to a crewcut or buzz the first time.

Assuming that your hair has dried during all this time deliberating on what haircut you’re aiming for and where you’re going to do it, it’s now time to dive in. Grab your hair clippers of choice (I’d recommend a set of cordless hair clippers for more flexibility) and start buzzing the sides. Start with a higher length (at least #4) to give room for error, especially if you’re new to this process. This doesn’t mean you can’t go shorter, but while you’re still learning the ropes, it’s best to avoid anything too drastic.

Unlike when you’re using your beard trimmer, cut against the grain here. Unlike with facial hair, scalp skin is generally tougher and less sensitive, so you don’t need to worry about causing irritation by going against the grain. Head hair also tends to grow straighter and less densely than beard hair, reducing the chances of ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Plus, this prevents uneven patches by ensuring you're trimming the hair at a consistent length.

Move the clippers upward from the bottom of your sideburns toward the top of your head, flicking outwards near the temple to blend. Always move in smooth, controlled motions and double-check both sides in the mirror for symmetry. Follow a similar pattern for the back of your head, using a handheld mirror to check for consistency.

When you move on from novice DIY cuts, you can try a fade with a shorter guard at the bottom and gradually switch to longer guards as you move upward, blending each layer with smooth, upward flicks for a seamless fade. But for now, stick to something easier and more consistent. More than anything, go slow. Rushing will only result in an uneven, sloppy job.

The first time I attempted a DIY cut, I sped through it and ended up with a haircut that can best be described as a horizontal mullet. I then had to shave it all off to save it before going to class looking like Hunter College’s own Britney Spears. If this is your first time, it should take you at least 20 to 30 minutes, depending on length; anything shorter and you’re risking something tabloid-worthy.

Also, invest in a decent pair of clippers. Wahl Magic Clip is my go-to, as it’s the most versatile set of clippers I’ve used and can be used both corded and cordless. For a professional-grade buzz, the Andis Master Cordless Hair Clipper has the most powerful motor of any clippers I’ve tested. Below, there are options at every price that’ll be able to give you a smooth, professional-grade cut.

Unless you’re going for a full crewcut, use scissors to trim the top of your head. And I’m not talking about any old pair you can find in your office drawer, you’ll need a set designed specifically for hair, like the options listed below. This is because using scissors, instead of clippers, on the top gives you more control over length, texture, and layering.

Scissors allow for a softer, more natural look, especially for styles that need movement or volume. Clippers, on the other hand, create a uniform, blunt finish that’s better suited for very short or buzzed styles. Start by combing the top hair forward and lifting small sections between your fingers.

It helps to lightly spray water onto your hair, as it’ll help keep the sectioned hair in place without shifting during the cutting process, while also creating cleaner, more precise cut lines. Speaking of, cut across the hair horizontally, using your fingers as a guide for length and keeping the cuts even. Work from front to back in rows, blending each section into the next to maintain a consistent shape and avoid harsh lines.

Congratulations, you’ve cut your own hair, and it doesn’t look like your scalp was just attacked by a flock of vultures. Now it’s time to celebrate with some styling. Whether you’re a pomade or paste type of guy, take a dime-sized amount into your palm, rub it briefly between your hands, and then run them through your recently shortened locks. On the budget end, you won’t find a more reliable hair styling product under $10 than American Crew’s Pomade.

For added benefits, the Fatboy Sea Salt Pomade includes coconut oil to lock in moisture, algae extract to help strengthen strands, and shea butter to hydrate the scalp. If you’re looking for a lightweight hold and more natural texture, look to Baxter of California Clay Pomade or the Cremo Sculpting Clay on the budget end. When it comes to paste, Head Gains only just launched at the end of last year, but the brand’s paste has been my new go-to when looking for flexibility, as it offers a natural matte finish that I can reshape and style throughout the day.

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