Mom Confessions: I Paid $22 for My Son's Haircut

on February 27, 2009 at 7:53 AM

It's time for a Mom Confession -- because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.

This Week's Confession:

"I paid $22 for my son's haircut. No, I don't like spending that kind of money on hair that only needs trimming a month later. But I do want it to look nice, and it's hard to find any place cheaper. I live in an expensive area -- even the barber charges that much! And I have no idea how to cut hair ... I know if I tried it would turn out just awful.

But the worst of it was, I spent $22 (plus tip) and the hair salon was so busy that my son didn't even get to sit in the fire truck! -- anonymous

Have you ever felt guilty about a purchase for your kids? A haircut, clothes, or a toy they really wanted?

We all have secrets and opinions -- so thanks to these brave moms for sharing their honest thoughts, and thank you for keeping this conversation non-judgemental!

Past Confessions:

My Toddlers Eat Pizza for Breakfast

I'm Dying My Toddler's Hair

I Leave My Toddler Alone in the Bath

Our Children Aren't Invited to Our Wedding

I Scold Other People's Kids

I'm on Vacation, But My Kid Is Still Going to Day Care

I Favor My Older Child

I Let My Toddler Eat Food Before Paying for It

About the author Cynthia Dermody

is The Stir's Managing Editor who has trophies in her home for her skills at the Irish Jig. She makes cupcakes with as many fattening ingredients as possible, doesn't comb her hair for months at a time, and was probably a faerie in a former life.

Filed Under: confessions

Comments (38)

LokisMama

on Feb 27, 2009 at 8:01 AM

I voted cut it myself, but in reality I'd make DH do it. He's the wanna be cosmotologist. He does dad's hair too.

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melinda29

on Feb 27, 2009 at 8:16 AM

I would learn to cut it myself if a haircut for a kid cost that much! That's just rediculous! I would never pay that much especially for a boy haircut!

Jessy0419

on Feb 27, 2009 at 8:20 AM

Buy some clippers and do it yourself. The clippers will pay for themselves in 2 haircuts.

praisinghim2day

on Feb 27, 2009 at 8:39 AM

I'm a cosmetologist... trust me - pay the going rate! If you try to do it yourself, you'll end up paying more later to have one of us fix it. Consider a chain like Master Cuts, Cost Cutters, Fantastic Sams, Great Clips... etc. They're much less expensive and there is talent in those places!

jms124

on Feb 27, 2009 at 8:46 AM

I cut my son's hair and it looks great (check out my pictures if you don't believe me). It's longer on top and buzzed close to his head everywhere else. I refuse to pay more than $20 to get my own hair cut. To the hair dresser on here...it's not that hard to learn to use a set of clippers.

SomebodyElse

on Feb 27, 2009 at 9:05 AM

I've cut my son's hair, and I've paid the $20. It just was a matter of if I had the $$ and/or the time to do it myself.

If you have the $, I don't see the harm. Especially if you are getting pictures done or something.

And using the clippers may or may not be hard depending on the type of hair your son has and how you want him to wear it. My daughter has very curly hair, and I've always cut it because it's easier for me - no need for perfectly straight lines, etc., But my son's is baby-fine and horribly straight. I have a hard time getting the clippers to even cut it without pulling sometimes. Plus I'm not good at longer on top, shorter on the bottom, and I've been trying for several years...

stephdean1116

on Feb 27, 2009 at 9:08 AM

what about a local cosmetology school, you should be able to get a haircut for less than $6- (that's what is here where I live anyway) , I have a friend who took both her boys there regularly and never once did they have a bad cut.......

JPsMommy605

on Feb 27, 2009 at 9:16 AM

I'd pay - luckily my son's barber only charges $13, but I'd probably pay $22 since it's only cut 3 or 4 times a year and I would be embarassed to send him into public if I did it. Besides, I trim my own hair, so I can spend a little more on his hair to get it done right.

mandaday

on Feb 27, 2009 at 9:20 AM

I've spent that on haircuts. The only way to get him to sit still is in one of those places that caters to kids. Otherwise his hair ends up butchered.

melittler

on Feb 27, 2009 at 9:24 AM

My son is 6, but ever since he was about 3 or 4 I've been shaving his head. Not all completely, but short enough that he still has some hair left on his head. His hair grows like mine does. Very fast. I would never pay $22 for a boys haircut if I can just do it myself.