Ok, so there are some areas you can trim, some you can't. The big budget buster line items I see from a monthly cashflow perspective are rent, preschool, child support, and your car costs, most of which are extremely tough to adjust at this point. I would definitely recommend looking for another job as well- 5 years, stagnant, with no significant chance to move up in the short term is not a good spot to be in, especially in sales.

Now, some specifics that might help on the spending side:

• Insurance. That number strikes me as very high for a single car and renter's insurance. I've got two cars with collision/comp and pay about $130/month, and my homeowner's insurance is $135 (and that's the thing that, you know, rebuilds my entire house if the worst happens) for a combined total of $265; your renter's insurance should be way less than that. Unless you have some old accidents/tickets on your record, you need to shop around for a different insurance company- it sounds like you're getting hosed.
  
  
• Cell phone. This is really, really high; a good per line estimate is under $50, since most MVNOs can get you there with unlimited talk, text, and a healthy data limit, while being on a major carrier's network. You can get by with an older phone for a bit while you get your finances under control, so find a way to switch your current phone over to an MVNO that can take it without requiring you to get a new one.
  
  
• Child Support/Preschool. If you're paying for child support, why are you also paying for sending your son to preschool? Is there another kid involved, or is this a 50/50 custody thing and your ex is also dropping him off on days she has him? I would expect it should be one way or the other, and it might just be my assumptions regarding how the split worked as the custody case moved forward, but I'm surprised that it's this skewed. Is this locked in by a judge yet, or is it something you can petition for a re-evaluation of since you are covering preschool costs? It may be worth sending your son to daycare instead as you are money tight, but let's see what we can scrounge back for you first.
  
  
• Work lunches. If you company isn't buying, neither are you. Time to brown bag that. You can eat well for <$50 more in groceries, saving you another $50/month.
  
  
• Groceries. This is actually fairly reasonable, given the need to balance work, time with your son, and cooking. You can probably drive it a bit lower with the help of /r/EatCheapAndHealthy and /r/MealPrepSunday, but I wouldn't be going crazy about that number and trying to take it to the "only beans and rice" extreme.
  
  
• Haircut. Unless you have something crazy complex, can you buy a set of clippers off Amazon and have your girlfriend cut your hair? I spent $18 on a decent Wahl trimmer (now $20) about 3 years ago and have maybe gotten three haircuts not from my wife since then, saving me ~$300 already. I spent another $10 on a giant bottle of clipper lubricant that I'll probably still have after the clippers die off to make sure it keeps working well and a couple bucks to get some longer attachments (Wahl will sell you up to 1.5" attachments). First couple cuts were "meh" quality, but my haircut isn't too complex and the quality has improved over time. Spent another $5 on a cape to keep hair off me and everything else has been smooth sailing. So, entry fee is the first haircut, extras are covered by the second, and then you just start saving money.
  
  
• Rent. If your girlfriend moves in, I'd recommend she work and split rent and utilities instead of caring for your son. There are a few reasons for this. First, your son is only going to be in preschool for 1-2 years, and then she'll need to find work anyway. Not having a gap in her work history will make that easier, and she may score a couple raises along the way. Second, your son being cared for by your girlfriend does not accomplish the socialization you want. Third, if you live together, she cares for your kid for a year or two, and you split up, she may be entitled to palimony (she sacrificed her career to support your son, so that's a fairly easy argument to make). Plus, she's now behind in her career, making life tougher for her to get her feet under her.
  
  
• Cigs/vape. This needs to go ASAP. I've heard vaping is cheaper, so if you can switch to 100% vaping, that should help bring the cost down while you work on reducing the cravings.
  
  
• Credit card. This needs to go away. Every day it sits there, it's draining money from you that you need. Every big commission check goes to this. Once it's gone, you can feel free to celebrate with a nice bottle of wine (limit $20) or six-pack of craft beer to go with a fancy dinner (made at home, limit of $8/person).
  
  So, what are your next steps? I recommend you get one month's worth of bills into your checking account so that you stop stressing about paying the bills each month (last month's pay covers this month's bills, this month's pay covers next month's bills, etc.), then wipe the credit card the hell out. After that, you should build up about $1k in an efund, and evaluate where you are financially. You have a car lease; that will be coming up for turn in, so how much longer will it have? Are you likely to owe mileage? What's your next vehicle choice? While I want to tell you that you should pay off your medical bills next (assuming they aren't passively by then), it may be better to plan for the next car purchase instead. Feel free to post a follow up and ask for more advice at that point- we love hearing about progress, and people are quite willing to help with more feedback around here.
  
  Good luck!

I just want to emphasize that high school sucks. It's an environment full of people with adult-level brain function, but a complete lack of wisdom and experience that makes everyone pretty incomplete as people. Trust me that, in a couple years, you'll look back on high school and give it no more thought than what is required for you to shake your head and smile.

Until then, it's purely outlook and hard work--focus on you. As far as I can tell, self-improvement always feels good. Buy these or something similar, cut your hair if you don't like it. (it's really easy, trust me. Just go over it twice and make sure you don't leave any stragglers up there. That can suck :P). Every dude looks good, or at least acceptable, in a #3 haircut. Find a cheap gym (Google it! My gym is $10/month) and get yourself on the treadmill, stairmaster, etc. for an hour or so. If not, then you almost certainly have at least a track available to you. /r/Fitness probably has great advice for weight loss-specific workout regimens. Combine that with a good diet--planning, preparation, and willpower are your friends here. Try to get your parents in on it!

I wish you the best of luck! I can tell you that I had similar issues with staying positive in high school. It really comes down to the environment that you're in, and how you choose to approach it. It'll be better for you in the short run and the long run if you can find a way to love yourself and avoid all the background noise and nonsense.

Alright I know you have lots of answers here, but I think I have something to offer.

1. Take as many showers as you want. Water does have a cost, though, and depending on where you live, it can add up. Particularly if you're paying the water bill. One shower a day is probably good, but if you want to take two a day for a while, you should do it.
   
   
2. I find that it's best to change my razor blade every week or two. I have thick hair, and I get red bumps, razor burn and ingrown hairs from shaving 'against the grain' (down to up) so I always start high and shave down. Change the blade every couple of weeks. Look for an aftershave or face lotion that does NOT contain alcohol. That will just dry your skin. When you get a chance, consider buying a double-edge safety razor like this and blades like this - in the long run it's much cheaper than a Gillette, more manly and gives a better shave. A $6 ten-pack of blades could last you two or three months.
   
   
3. Eh, all guys are hairy. I wouldn't bother shaving your armpits unless you like the feel. I sure as hell do not. Youtube, believe it or not, has a ton of videos about how to shave properly. Check 'em out!
   
   
4. I change underwear, socks, and undershirts everyday. I usually wear outer shirts twice or three times before I wash them - always hang them up afterwards. I wash pants only when I need to (if they're smelly or dirty), which is usually every couple of weeks. I wash my jeans every six months or so. Yes it is 'good' to wear different clothes everyday, but don't sweat it right now. Hang your clothes up or fold them right after you take them out of the dryer, and hang them up at night if you're going to wear them again so they don't get wrinkly.
   
   PROTIP 1: When you get a chance, consider buying some clippers like this - make sure you get some guides with it - and you can cut your own hair short, and keep your pubes trim.
   
   PROTIP 2: If you haven't already found them, there are a ton of helpful subreddits to check out:
   
   /r/Frugal
   /r/LifeProTips
   /r/simpleliving
   /r/AskMen
   /r/AskWomen
   /r/beards
   
   and more!
   
   People here are mostly super helpful. You're off to a good start!

I've been cutting my own hair for about two years now, all on a $20 pair of hair clippers. If I knew what I know now, I would have invested in a more expensive pair. Not because of any shortcomings, but because I figured I am saving ~$15 every month so investing in a good quality clipper will pay for itself very quickly.

For reference, this is the clippers I purchased. The color-coding makes it very easy to quickly find the number you are looking for. Be sure whatever clippers you choose you keep them well oiled, this will prevent rust and insure they continue to cut smoothly without tearing at the hair.

For the actual cut I pick the number I wish to do the sides/back and start cutting. Working my way around from one side to the other, cutting against the hair. On the back I will repeat sections until I can no longer hear the hair being cut, and I tend to go pretty high (slightly on top of the head) to make sure there's not a "cliff" of hair hanging off the back. A couple mirrors are wonderful to examine your work.

For the top it is just scissors (or if you like it really short you could use the clipper). I just grab a clump of slightly damp hair with straight fingers (parallel to the top of the head) to the length I wish to cut, then clip close to the top of the fingers. The main goal of this is to insure the hairs are a uniform length. I just work my way around until it is all pretty even, then go back a second time to double check.

The whole process takes about 10-15 minutes once you get good at it. You can also go back every week or so and just trim up the sideburns to keep them from getting shaggy.

I got quite a few tips from watching YouTube videos, I'd suggest you do the same.

>Neckbeard: See family situation above. Now imagine you just hit puberty and you start growing facial hair and have absolutely no idea how to shave.

Oh jesus this.

I don't care who you are, if your child is growing facial hair please help them learn to shave.

I looked so fucked up when I was a teenager because my beard grew in so scraggly and patchy but I didn't want to shave it because I was so proud of the fact that I'd grown it. Little did I realize how insane it made me look.

Might help if you tell the kid that, if they shave, it'll grow back fast and a lot more evenly and look more mature.

EDIT: I've weirdly gotten like six messages now asking about shaving advice. I say "weirdly" because I put fully the least amount of work into shaving of anyone I know.

I've been shaving for a while now and I've tried almost every method out there at least once. I've even tried fire. I...really do not recommend that method.

For me, a pair of corded electric hair clippers like these are the best. Not one like this because it doesn't have the adjustable stand-off guide.

They're cheap, dead simple to use, and they cut better than anything I've ever used. Brand is completely irrelevant just make sure it's corded and has an adjustable stand-off guide. The snap-on guides are good too and be sure you get/keep a little brush (most of them come with one) to help clean out the teeth. Shave over a dirty t-shirt to catch the hair and dump it outside.

You won't get that baby-smooth skin but a neat, maintained 5 o'clock shadow is better than looking like you just got out of jail.

The stand-off guides also mean that even if you jam it into your skin it won't cut you. If it starts pulling out hair, you're going too fast (same applies with electric shavers too).

I actually hate electric razors because they're so fussy, they break so quickly, and you have to spend twenty minutes unclogging them to get them working. Fuck that noise. One set of electric clippers lasts me 3-4 years with basically zero maintenance and I get a nice, even shave every time. I can shape, layer, and shave almost smooth with the same set of clippers.

I maintain a decent beard and I put in maybe three minutes of shaving every two weeks and I'm solid. And yes it's even suitable for shaving your junk. How? Carefully and with the stand-off guide adjusted for safety. I have never cut anywhere I've shaved with electric hair clippers.

Here are some things that I have found help for me at least:

1.) The biggest one is manscaping. Honestly. I bought a $20 set of clippers from walmart, and it has worked wonders. My pits are the biggest offender, so I use a #1 guard on the clippers, and take care of them. Less hair means less surface area for bacteria to grow an cling to.

2.) When showering, is use a basic shower brush. It is abrasive enough to feel like it is really clearing everything away, with the added benefit of exfoliation.

3.) Using a moisturizing bar of soap. My normal process is: rinse, soap, brush, rise, soap, brush, rinse.

4.) Others have mentioned Certain Dri which you apply at night before bed, and works wonders. I also rotate between 3 different deodorants/antiperspirants from day to day. If I only use 1, it is like my skin develops a resistance to it. My brain wants to say that is total crap, but I get better results by rotating. I then hit my chest with a light spray of body spray, like Axe. A little goes a long way with these. Srsly. After I am dressed, I use one squirt of cologne and I'm good to go.

Hope some of these help. Hang in there brother!

> new Bluetooth headphones

I've got a pair of Jaybird x2's, and I've heard the x3's are even better. Great bluetooth buds for exercise without sacrificing sound quality. They absolutely dump on Beats bluetooth earbuds in all categories.

> Does loose skin ever tighten up?

I've heard there is some tightening over time. I know there are surgeries to get rid of the excess skin, but that's the extent of my knowledge here.

>I'm down 60-65lbs with around 24%bf

Seriously impressive, dude. Great job on that, keep up the progress.

> Hair

I've got similarly thinning hair, and I shave my head with a 1.5 length clipper every week. Shaved heads are convenient in that you don't have to style it every day, but inconvenient in that you have to cut it weekly or it starts looking pretty bad. I'd suggest keeping yours pretty short, too. Cheap clippers work just fine for me. If you have dandruff, you'll have to pay a little more attention to it to avoid the fresh snowfall shoulders. I use this and it's under pretty good control.

Honestly, buy some hair clippers like these (or even detailer clippers just for trimming edges)....they're pretty easy to use. You don't wanna be going to the barber every week to get your beard trimmed, and it's super easy to do yourself, unlike cutting your hair (though you can do that yourself as well depending on your hair style. I keep my hair pretty short and have cut my own hair for over 10 years). You can put on different combs on the clippers to keep your beard a specific length, and you can also take the combs off and use the bare razor to clean up edges and shave the neck. You can also put the #1 guard on and trim your eyebrows too (be careful with that). I'd recommend looking at Alpha M on youtube for some beard and eyebrow dos and don'ts.

Never thought this would be a relevant product to link on FMF.

I use the longest comb [1"] for the top, and the shortest [1/8"] on the sides. 1" is probably a little shorter than I'd like it on top, but it's way faster than using a scissors and grows out to a length I like in about a week. It does help to have somebody on hand to straighten out the back, but you can get by on your own with enough time and practice.

And I linked that one for a reason. I've gone through a few, and this one is legit.

I realize that this isn't describing the cut you referenced, but I'm willing to bet you could benefit from one of these with your own style, OP.

It also bears mentioning that the 1/8" length makes facial hair look real nice, in my opinion.

If you have a simple hairstyle and a bit of a knack for it, you can cut it yourself pretty easily. There are a few DIY devices and techniques that are popular, but check Google images and YouTube first to see the styles that result from each method.

The Flowbee and Robocut have pretty good Amazon reviews.

I've used the Creaclip and I love it. I get a professional cut about every 6 months and maintain it with the Creaclip so my bangs and ends always look perfect.

There are also some tutorials for using a simple ponytail holder. That method does work on long hair and is similar to using a Creaclip. With both, you get a completely different look depending on where you place it before cutting.

Yessir, I bought two knock off clippers from amazon for $30 a piece. I only bought these for class because I keep my nicer tools at the shop but honestly I recommend them. Both of the ones I bought come with their own guards but can use all wahl guards as well.

I prefer this clipper over the other one I bought. It cuts pretty clean just heats up kinda fast. The last cut I posted on here I actually cut with this clipper. However, they raised the price since I bought it. That’s some shit, wouldn’t recommend it for the new price tag:

omwah clipper

This clipper is basically a magic clip. It does the job and lasts me about two cuts before needing a charge. Mine doesn’t really get too hot but my buddies heats up pretty quickly so maybe I just got lucky or he got unlucky. I’d recommend this one for sure, especially for the price tag.

suprent clipper

I actually have hair a little longer than that! maybe like 1 1/2 inches long. ive been growing it out from a buzzcut. what I do is brush my bangs out kinda like this but the bangs are less sparse. if you didn't use a razor id recommend ordering this razor and give yourself an even shave. it might be necessary for you to get some hair gel as well. im so sorry and good luck!

I do the same, though I have this Wahl version. Your version is also quite a bit less expensive on Amazon, for anyone who cares.

But yeah, I've been cutting my hair for over 10 years now. If you're a guy with short hair I think it's a no-brainer. Super easy, super fast, and cheap. Over 10 years this has definitely amounted to thousands of dollars, and also allows me to have a nice hair cut length all the time (rather than have a couple weeks where I'm like "ehh...I should make time for a cut soon").

How short are you wanting your hair? If you'd like it pretty short and you feel up to the challenge, it might be worth it to invest in a pair of clippers ($15 for these badboys) while your mom won't stop outing you and stylists won't listen.

If that's not something you feel confident/comfortable doing, maybe ask your mom to take you to a barber shop? IME barbers are waaay more likely to listen to your request than a stylist; I stopped going to stylists because I got tired of my hair looking like something out of the latest issue of Lesbian Weekly, haha. In any case, good luck! Just try to really drive home the fact that you want a masculine haircut. Not "femme masculine" (e.g. pixie cut), just masculine.

I like the "five day stubble look" which is probably more like a "three day stubble" look for someone with better facial hair growing abilities than me.

I actually do use a hair clippers to keep my facial hair groomed. I have the Wahl Color Pro and use the shortest attachment for my face hairs, and sometimes also the second shortest depending on how scruffy I feel like looking. My boyfriend uses it to cut my head hair for me as well. It works really well!

I do eventually want to get something that is specifically for facial hair that will keep it the length I like, but for now this works and like you said, it kills two birds with one stone and does a great job of it!

I've been using that very model for two years—it's on sale on Amazon right now for US$20 link.

I keep my hair in a mohawk, so the sides are close (#1) and I trim the center with the longer guides and scissors. It works really well, and I'm saving at least $10-15 a month on haircuts—usually closer to 40, because female hair is somehow inherently more expensive to style. WHATEVS.

My boyfriend likes short back and sides, which we do by buzzing those parts (#3) and trimming the rest by hand. It's doable yourself with a hand mirror and practice, but you can ask a special friend to touch things up once in a while.

You'll want to invest in one of these skip the brauns and conairs. I used those for a year apeice, the wahl is night and day.

Ive cut my hair for about 9 years and saved a ton of money. I cut it myself in the backyard. The haircut your describing is what I have and is incredibly easy. Skip using the guard, unless you like the crew cut look. Just by sliding your fingers through your hair at desired length and cutting across the top of your knuckles it is pretty easy to layer and judge length. You may need some help getting the back of the neck straight at first, but everything else is a breeze. Use scissors to do sideburns and ears.

IMO it is way easier to cut your own hair with a trimmer than walk someone else through it. I actually just cut my hair today, but you are welcome to watch and learn next time it needs a trim. I would reccomend trying to give yourself a small trim first to see how easy it is though. Go slow and never touch the trimmer directly to the scalp without your hand in between, until you do around the ear and back of neck. Start slow and take a little at a time. You'll get the hang of it.

Male here. I cut my own hair with no assistance.

The first time was horrible. I tried it with a beard trimmer and ended up with a buzzcut.

The next time I watched several "do it yourself" videos on youtube, and got myself hair clippers. Seriously, watch 5 or so videos and you will learn enough basics to have an alright cut. All you need is a good clipper, a hand mirror, a wall mirror, scissors, and patience.

My personal style is #4 on the sides and back, #3 on the edges and around the temples, #5 on the back top half, and I cut the front half and with scissors to a length that is long enough to crop up. It comes out looking something like THIS. I am no where near that handsome mind you.

I've been cutting my hair for about 6 months now every two weeks. I've gotten good enough that I think I look better than when I got $16 cuts at Great Clips. I save around $300 a year. It takes me 10 minutes now to do a simple haircut. I love it.

These Hair Clippers were a great purchase, I've had them for almost 4 years now and they are still in perfect shape. I use them to trim my beard on a regular basis and they are great for my needs.

HAPPY CAKE DAY LADY!!!! My Thursday went OK, I got out early from work, so I've got that going for me, which is nice.

My hair is rapidly approaching mullet status. I either need a haircut, or a hat to cover it up.

Zombie monkey. I was in beauty school about 20 years ago and did some horrible things to my hair lol I cut it really short and colored it eggplant. It was the nineties man!! Here's a cape that I use for cutting hair, is easy that's hair related.

A few weeks ago I did a crazy color on my daughter who's 22. I did the back of her hair half blue and pink, like blended starting blue and fading into pink. Then some blue and pink steaks in the front. It was pretty awesome

Yeah, I don't tend to fully trust amazon reviews either. I saw the 105 key version of that which doesn't look that bad.

I didn't really know where keyboards fell on the spectrum of 'should I buy used' I saw this one which is more of what i'm looking for and aukey seem like a relatively reliant brand? What do you think?https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071RNTBH1?psc=1

I agree with /u/HisSelf. Wahl's clippers are relatively cheap and last awhile. I have this clipper set which is super nice, easy to clean, and it paid for itself after one use. You could even look into some of the more expensive versions, but Wahl's tends to be a good bet.

Remington HKVAC-2000 is a great clipper if you can find it. It has self sharpening blades and the vacuum feature sucking up all the cut hair works pretty awesome.

This has red, white, and blue.

I learned this in my California History course last semester. California was named after a fictional paradise from a book by a Spanish author


FREEDOM

I've been cutting/trimming my own hair for a little over a year now and learned by watching a few instructional videos--mainly, this guy. It worked out the best for my hair type.

I use the Wahl 79300-400 Color Pro hair clipper on the back/sides (plus a hand mirror) with a normal hair and texturizing shears on the top.

Get a trimmer with a long guard, I have this one which comes with a 1" guard, which should be long enough, but you can buy longer ones on Amazon. Then just go over your beard and it'll help even out the length overall, so it just looks generally nicer. You still get that big, thick beard effect but it's more presentable. Think more thick, less bushy.

Also trim up your neckline, but everyone else has already told you that much.

Bearded guy here. I'm not averse to paying someone to groom me, if that person does a better job than I can. But I've had only bad experiences. Temescal Alley, where I've gotten great haircuts, once fucked my beard up so severely they didn't charge me for the haircut either. Fellow Barber once gave me a great haircut, then as she was trimming my beard, confessed she's only done this a few times before in her life. It showed!

My advice? Get a good-quality pair of clippers and do it yourself. This Wahl haircut kit is one of the best $20 I've ever spent. Comes with a million different guards, so you can choose the length that's right for you. Do that once a week for the dapper look.

You look like a pretty pale guy from the pics, so definitely don't shave it all. You'll look even more pale if you do. The body hair makes you seem more tan than you are. Something cheap like this should work just fine for trimming it.

you will win the powerball take your signifigant other on a long cruise around the world and retire to martha vineyards to sip wine and sample world class cheese and food the rest of your life.
http://www.amazon.com/Conair-Basic-Haircut-Kit-10-Piece/dp/B0019701RU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=98IDZCH3JJNI&coliid=I2S0R40JYF1TQQ
everyone needs to look good :-)

Use the premium 1.5 wahl guard. It comes in a set with the .5 guard. They’re way better than the grey ones that come with the clippers. I’d definitely recommend getting the full 1/8 - 8 set as well though.
Wahl Professional Premium Cutting Guide with Metal Clip 1/2" &1 1/2" Combo Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A1E3KFQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RXi6BbNZPN5WW

Wahl Balding. Great hair clipper and will work great for your beard. Get some clipper oil and some cutting guides and you're all set.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000B9SFQG/

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007UT032Y/

I never tip for my haircuts. Of course, my haircuts are done with my Wahl Clip-n-Trim 23 piece haircut kit. It's the best $25 I've ever spent. Shave your head and save!

I used an Amazon card 2 Christmases ago to buy a basic set of hair clippers with a bunch of different sized adaptors: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JNQSIQ?pc_redir=1414563556 (on mobile, hope the link works). I couldn't be more pleased with them. They're cheap enough right now you could probably fit in a paperback book or some other small recommendation from this thread, and you save yourself money going forward.

These are the best cheap clippers you can get. Way more sturdy and with a better motor than similarly priced brands.

I use this: http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Color-Complete-Haircutting/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375473807&sr=8-1&keywords=WAHL+CLIPPERS

Bought it about years ago and i use it about 2-4 times a month. Its a little tough around the mustache area but i resort to scissors. Best $20 evar!

If you want to save some money I just use a hairclippers. Something like this.

I use no accessories for neckline and usually the smallest accessory on my beard for a nice short beard. I tried electric razors once and I think my skin is too sensitive, especially the neck area.

I've decided on getting one of these rather than going to have it done anymore. http://www.amazon.com/CreaClip-C-01/dp/B004NMR6TY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407375932&sr=8-1&keywords=creaclip

I'm not one for smalltalk either. I just want it done then out. The only pleasant aspect would be when the hairdresser is gentle with the hair and it makes me sleepy.

You should definitely buy these. They are so pretty! I am such a sucker for lace. I would not be mad if this came my way. It would make cutting my son's hair so much easier, since it would be less of "THERE'S HAIR ON MY NECK, WAHHHHHH." =) Thanks for the contest!

Agreed with the Wahl. Aside from that it just depends on how many attachments you're wanting.

20 piece - $17.99 multi-colored attachments

24 piece - $24.99

26 piece - $24.99 multi-colored attachments

27 piece - $24.89

Wahl is a great brand. This one comes with all the gaurds you would need. I dont know how to make a link lol Wahl Color Pro Complete Hair Cutting Kit, #79300-400T https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_N0D6AbKFH6619

I have been shaving consistently for about 8 years or so.

I'm pretty serious about it, so I invested in a Safety Razor with some good blades. My older Wahl is much more powerful than the Conair, even though they cost about the same.

I have a very old Wahl Color Pro and a newer Conair clipper for cutting my son's hair. His hair is very thick and the Conair just chokes on it. I'd spend some time looking for a good quality clipper in your price range.

First clip your hair down with the clippers as tight as you can go. I know a few guys that do this about once a week or every two weeks so all they have is stubble. They don't use a blade like I do.

Then use a razor of your choice. If you're intending on using a multi-blade (like a Mach 3) you'll probably find that it gets clogged with a lot of hair gunk pretty quickly and can be difficult to get the hair out of the blades if your hair was too long when you started shaving. It is for this reason that I use a safety razor as you can simply spin the head and rinse it out in a matter of seconds. It takes me no more than 3 minutes to completely shave my head.

Also, check out /r/shaving for further tips.

I got this Wahl at Marshall's for $15. It's great. Check out the reviews.

The highest quality out there is Oster, but at $80 for the cheaper model (and $140 or so for the pro model) I don't think it's a frugal choice. I've had arguments with people here about it (to their credit, it usually is the one that barbers use), but my Wahl is fantastic and my dad's had a similar one for over a decade. He doesn't oil it or anything (but you should). They are veterinarians and also have a wahl they use before surgeries (admittedly it's more of an industrial model). It's been around since they opened in the 80s.

Also, I'd recommend an "Ivy League" cut over a buzz cut. At the very least, do "high and tight." After being on the swim team, I buzzed my own hair from 17-20, only stopping because I was (accurately) told I'd look better with longer hair. Eventually I got tired of always having my appearance change because I refused to shell out $15 for a haircut more often than every 4 months. Now I cut my own hair again, doing the "Ivy League." It's harder, but it looks much better than having the same length everywhere.

I use a #8 on the top (1") and a 3 or 4 on the sides.

I got this one which seems to work pretty well. Seems solid.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JNQSIQ/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687702&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0026IBSVE&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0K82ZNDVNQFW3G6RGPP5

Sounds like OP has this:
http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Color-Complete-Haircutting/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1393944068&sr=8-2&keywords=Wahl+clippers

which is coincidentally exactly what I have. Especially for the price, I find it to be quite satisfactory. Like others have said, it takes practice, but I think it's worth it in the long run.

1. Buy a TV (what it actually is, not a monitor) with a VESA mount
   
2. Buy a VESA wall mount and in this case it was this one
   
3. Drill 10mm holes in the wall
   
4. Mount the TV (most difficult step) friends do come in handy if present
   
   BAM you got yourself and awesome TV/Monitor set up

I use a vacuum cutter. It's great. I often don't even bother rinsing off afterward because it leaves so little behind.

There's the DasKeyboard ones, but they're a bit expensive and I'm not sure if they have browns. If you don't mind Blues and want to save a bit of money, there's this one from Aukey, but I haven't tried it myself.

I think the $20-30 ones are actually pretty decent. It's when you dip below the $20 mark that it starts to get shady. I have this set: http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Color-Complete-Haircutting/dp/B000JNQSIQ and it cuts really good even in thick hair. I use a 3/8" guard, and often do my neckline in the mirror with a razor.

Ah yeah. Boy do I feel ya.

I learned a while ago to do my own haircuts due to fear of barbershops/cost effectiveness. If you can save up a bit there are some cheap good buzzers at Walmart/Target/Amazon. That way you can keep up with all the maintinence, personally here's my clipper.

$20 for great quality

https://www.amazon.com/Wahl-Color-Complete-Cutting-79300-400T/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=Q1O5P5IFHA58&keywords=wahl%2Bclippers&qid=1555705840&s=gateway&sprefix=wahl%2B%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-3&th=1

I'm not sure if this is what you meant, but these are very good clippers

This is the one i have. It was an impulse buy since I had a free coupon on Amazon I had to use or loose.

Excellent suggestion. I use this one for $18.

happy to help! I use a wahl clipper, similar to this. It has everything you need and creates really crisp lines. There's a cheaper version of that too for 15 bucks, but I'd recommend that one if you can get it. Mine has lasted me well over a year with no problems.

Even if you're doing it at home, I'd suggest having a 2nd person do it for you.

Technically, you want to use clippers when you're buzzing your hair, a razor would be for shaving the head completely bare.

This is the #1 rated product on Amazon right now and it's pretty solid. It comes with guards that allow you to set it everywhere between 1" and 1/8".

Stick with something that plugs into the wall - cordless sucks.

Hey guys, for a first time buyer, which is better...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mechanical-Keyboard-Switches-Anti-ghosting-Typists/dp/B071RNTBH1/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-G413-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard-Romer-G-Pass-Through-International/dp/B06XQ1YJ7C?psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAIPHVZTVH6LZ5BFZA&tag=hawk-future-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B06XQ1YJ7C&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&ascsubtag=trd-483704036-21

Any other recommendations welcome, price range £0-70

First of thanks your response.

What do you mean "zero gapped"?

What about this one? https://www.amazon.com/Wahl-Color-Complete-Cutting-79300-400T/dp/B000JNQSIQ

In case you care whatsoever, I bought this:

http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Color-Complete-Haircutting/dp/B000JNQSIQ

Get a trimmer kit (I have this Wahl one) and it's relatively easy. If you want your hair somewhat longer, also get longer combs.

Thanks!

I started out with a 6, then worked my way down to a three. Then I used the slanted guards that are in this set that I bought. But for the most part I kinda just winged it.

I guess I just don't get the whole "beard" trimmer thing.

I have been using my trusty Wahl clippers for trimming my beard (when necessary), and don't recall ever having a problem. You are talking $100 for a beard trimmer? That's a bit too much for my taste. I can find something similar to what I use for $20 on Amazon. Guard sizes from 1/16" to 1".

Full disclosure: I have touted Wahl clippers before, and no, I have no connection to the business. I've also never used a trimmer designed just for the beard. Also, I guess I'm a bit of a tightwad, so that might factor into my decision.

Whatever you decide, good luck!

Currently on sale for $16.99 on amazon till Feb. 1!

Wahl's got a couple deals on amazon, beard/stache trimmers and other variations here.

Buy a neck hair line template / barber edge off of Amazon, they're around ten bucks. Plastic on an elastic band that ensures a straight cut.

Edit: something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IHJLQIG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NsyCCbAR2QEFC

Wahl 79300-400 Color Pro 20 Piece Complete Haircutting Kit

17.99 (PRIME)

http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Color-Complete-Haircutting/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395056351&sr=8-1&keywords=barber+clippers

Costco has a good set for under 30 bucks that I have been using for over a year. If you are close to a Costco I would check it out.

I've shaved that before, I am not tremendously harry myself but enough for it to bother me... Anyway, the problem with shaving is that hair starts growing back SUPER quick and it is prickly as hell, trimming might be a good way to go. Trimmers are hair trimmers/clippers ==>> [LIKE THESE] (http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Color-Complete-Haircutting/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396227467&sr=8-1&keywords=clippers)

Also, wet wipes are WAY BETTER than any TP you could think of. Check out Costco's

Get yourself a Wahl clipper and trim yourself up. I bought one about 3 months ago and use it every two weeks or so to keep my head nice and trimmed.

Go for something like this. I been shavin my head since I was 10 or so. Free haircuts!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JNQSIQ/ref=s9_acsd_top_hd_bw_bFtoyB_c_x_1_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-3&pf_rd_r=C7EEB3SCHN3KZ4ET3Z3Z&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=4a9d1e7a-88fe-5895-b0d9-d6960f3032ce&pf_rd_i=234949011

I have been using something similar to this without a blade for the past five years and decided to try something new. I decided I prefer the minor scruff to the clean baby face look so that's the reason for the sale.

I bought the standard Wahl clipper kit (it's less than $20 on Amazon) several years ago and it works just like new.

I have a Wahl clipper set like this. I've been trimming my hair and beard with these for years and as long as you keep them oiled they will last forever.

You don't need to go very expensive for BIFL.

I bought these 9 years ago and have cut my hair once a month with them, as well as the odd friend's hair cut. They work like new.

Regarding cleanup: I put down a few strips of TP in the sink drain and around any silicone stuff that the hair might stick to and just do it over the bathroom sink. The hair can be collected in the TP and everything wiped down pretty quick.

The other option is to just sit a chair in the middle of a room with a linoleum-like floor, and sweep up after.

get one of these and adjust the distance as you want ;) http://www.amazon.de/Ricoo-Wandhalterung-schwenkbar-Wandhalter-Fernseher-schwarz/dp/B006FEFBHC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416231403&sr=8-1&keywords=tv+wandhalterung

You these wahl clippers... They are only $20 and come with clip size half all the way up to I think 5 or 6. You would use no clip or the half. I have been using mine for 3 yrs still going strong https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JNQSIQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1487961249&sr=8-1&keywords=wahl+clippers

Cheaper than a single haircut. Number 2 or 3 guard every couple of weeks or so and I haven't had a bad hair day since.

You can get a Rantopad MXX on Aliexpress for about $40 USD, it comes with Gateron switches which are much smoother and more tactile than Cherry switches. There's also the Magicforce 68, or if you're looking for a fullsize, Aukey makes decent keyboards and can be found on Amazon for cheap. Here's on on amazon.co.uk

Don't be afraid of cheaper keyboards and clone switches, they're not bad and most of them are better than cherry switches. If you're willing to spend more, you can find a Coolermaster Masterkeys Pro S or Pro L PBT for about $90, which comes with really nice keycaps and good build quality with a steel backplate.

I also forgot to mention another reason to avoid Corsair is their horrendous quality control, their keyboards have major issues with key chatter and LEDs failing.

I have been very happy with my Andis Trimmer Kit

I did a ton of research beforehand and settled on that. The trimmer alone has been worth it. I don't like being cleanshaven so I use that to keep everything close - never snags and doesn't take forever like the junky trimmers on electric shavers.

Just remember, always properly maintain your equipment - a little oil goes a long way. I've been using the trimmer for about 6 months now with no problems whatsoever (I do oil it as instructed - It's easy and the kit comes with trimmer oil).

WARMLIFE Cord/Cordless Hair Clippers Electric Hair Trimmers for Men Kids and Babies with Scissors Combs Rotary Motor Quiet Home Barber Fade Clipper Self Hair Cutting Haircut Grooming (Classical Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07797YWYH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yiPMDbHWWDACJ

Here is the link to the original item.

Wahl. $30 on Amazon. I use one twice a week for the short beard look. I've had it for 15 years.

You could always start with a cheapo. You'd even have money left over for some new keycaps, if you want to add color.

When I was watching Shark Tank, there was an invention from a girl that uses a provided leveling system to cut your hair she even demonstrated it on the show. There's also a lot of tutorials for it too on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/cDYeEa1t-XE

The Original CreaClip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NMR6TY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_bYbNybC6E0A1J

I cut my own hair, with something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Wahl-Color-Complete-Cutting-79300-400T/dp/B000JNQSIQ

Some folks may look at me and think "Yeah, you look like you cut your own hair", but it looks fine to me.

So, if you are thinking of cutting most of it off anyway....give something similar to the above a try. Go with the largest cutting guard and work your way smaller as you get used to the look.

It's hair, it'll grow back unless you are going bald anyway.

£25 cheap enough? Full-size for £30, too.

If you don't insist on ISO, then you have a few more options at lower price points (e.g. this one for £19 or this one for £20). I'd recommend learning ANSI layouts as it takes only a bit of practice and allows you to use many many more keyboards).

I bought a plastic Wahl, this one . I still use it though, just put electrical tape over the cracks. Guess I'll get one of the Pro's next time.

http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Color-Complete-Haircutting/dp/B000JNQSIQ or /r/askportland

Wahl Wired Color Pro Haircut Kit (79300-400) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_oHEtxbJG0QGPH

https://www.amazon.com/Wahl-Color-Complete-Clipper-79300-1001/dp/B00006IVEN#immersive-view_1474330541084

You could probably get a hair buzzy cutty thing (These things) and try using one of the shorter covers

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mechanical-Keyboard-Switches-Anti-Ghosting-Waterproof/dp/B071RNTBH1/|

This is on a lighning deal right now. It's £34 now and deal ends in 1 hour!

I have this one,works great and shows how much life is left. 1byone 10,000 mAh 2-Port Portable Charger, Compact External Battery Power Bank with LCD Display & Classic Pattern for Smartphones, Tablets & Bluetooth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BXMZFEE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_tlWasJYP8whn7

http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Color-Complete-Haircutting/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=zg_bs_3779071_2 :D

This is what I do.

http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Color-Complete-Haircutting/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374255060&sr=8-1&keywords=hair+clippers

Here you go

Anything from wahl . ( http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Color-Complete-Haircutting/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421818055&sr=8-1&keywords=hair+clippers )

use this at home and go to town

Problem Solved

I use one of these to shave my head. I have hair about half a centimeter long on most of my head, with bangs that pull down to just below my eyes. I mostly do it by feel, but I use a mirror for the line between bangs and shaved head.

$19.99

I have no idea how well this works, but I saw it on shark tank:

https://www.amazon.com/Original-CreaClip-Set-Professional-Cutting/dp/B004NMR6TY

https://www.amazon.com/Wahl-Color-Complete-Cutting-79300-400T/dp/B000JNQSIQ

Quality is unmatched for the price

I started about ten years ago when I was in college. My hair grows fast and I like to keep it short. I cut my hair every other week. I've saved untold thousands. I used to do a high-and-tight, which I mostly learned through internet tutorials and trial and error (if I screwed it up, I just shaved it to one shorter length and tried again two weeks later). Now, my hair is thinning and I do it all at a 1.

The clippers I use are:
http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Color-Complete-Haircutting/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410950031&sr=8-1&keywords=wahl+clippers

I bought my first pair of Wahl's and they lasted about five years before the motor was starting to go. On my second pair now and I think they've got another year left. $20 every five years is just fine for me.

just buy a pair of clippers for the cost of a single haircut, then cut your own hair.

https://www.amazon.com/Wahl-Color-Complete-Cutting-79300-400T/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=wahl&qid=1566915094&s=gateway&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-1001-26-Piece-Color-Coded-Haircutting/dp/B00006IVEN?tag=amaz98-20

i have 2 sets of these and they are very good, mine are made in america too but i doubt thats the case anymore.

I've had my Wahl hair clippers for close to 10 years. don't buy some fancy trimmer for just your beard and mustache. i spent $17 bucks on mine which is how much it cost to have my hair cut and have cut my own hair ever since. plus of course it does face hair and....other...hair.

edit: buy the one that comes with the guards and you should be set.

not the one i own but the new version
the color coded thing is nice because i can't tell you how much time is wasted tryin to find the right number on an all black set inside a black box.

I've done this for the past 2 years or so. Saved me tons of money.
This is the one I use Remington.

Doesn't leave as much mess as traditional clippers.

I cut my own hair, have now for about a 2 years and a half. I have the cheap wahl color guide pair, its actually my second. My original became dog sheers, I have had no problems with either of them. If you can find someone to do it for you, good but your at least gonna have to have someone clean up the neckline. You can do it, but its gonna be a pain. I bought the #10(1 1/4") guide on amazon by itself as it didn't come with the kit) cause I like it longer on top. Watch some youtube videos to get the jest, your gonna mess up a few times. The worst that happens is you have to take it shorter so start long. The wahl one was only like 20 bucks maybe cheaper now.
http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-400-Color-Complete-Haircutting/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410449563&sr=8-1&keywords=wahl+clippers

I got this for $20 and just do it myself, paid for itself after the first use

No more waiting, no more tipping, no more chit-chat and its perfect every time. I just get my wife to do what I can't reach

I use a wahl trimmer with the basic 8 guards from 1/8 in to 1 in, and it has worked very well for the past six years. I got mine on Amazon, but you can also sometimes find it at a TJ Maxx or Marshals for even cheaper. Comes with everything you need, but you can use a beard trimmer to get a closer cut on lines. Two links below...

https://www.amazon.com/Wahl-Color-Complete-Cutting-79300-400T/dp/B000JNQSIQ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2G9BO1N3WI3V2&keywords=wahl+clippers&qid=1566470029&s=gateway&sprefix=wahl%2Caps%2C164&sr=8-4

​

https://www.amazon.com/Mustache-Cordless-Rechargeable-Settings-9916-4301/dp/B00006WNSM/ref=sr_1_7?crid=ORI8G3X2NQIU&keywords=wahl+beard+trimmer&qid=1566470112&s=gateway&sprefix=wahl+beard+%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-7

In general. The first time you shave anything, it's going to be uncomfortable, and the rash that will inevitably follow will be unsightly.

My 2 cents, get a really close buzz cut instead of a full on shave. I used to do this myself with a $15 clipper without the guard in college.

Not the same thing, but similar.
http://www.amazon.com/Wahl-79300-1001-Color-Clipper-Kit-26/dp/B00006IVEN/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1414375125&sr=1-1

Simple Solution: We Kill the Batman

I ordered a Whal kit months ago and have been cutting my own hair ever since. With their manual, it becomes very difficult to screw your hair up.

Link

Wahl Color Pro Complete Hair Cutting Kit, #79300-400T https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JNQSIQ/

I bought this kit seven years ago and it gets used about twice a month for haircuts and a couple times a week on my beard. No complaints.

I use Wahl Color Pro

2 for the sides, 1.5 for a little lower on the sides, then 1 on the very bottom of the sides to taper it off at the bottom. I try and blend from the 2 going to the top of the head with the 3 and then for the whole top usually use a number 5.

My first go at it I went slow, but once you get the hang of it hair cuts are a breeze. I cut my hair once a week just so I never look like i need a hair cut. Im sure its not perfect but im 6'4 so if i ever make a mistake not to many people will notice anyway. SAVES A LOT OF MONEY.

I've always really really hated everything about going to get my hair cut. I hate the forced small talk conversation, or lack there of. And it takes soooo long. And I never know the right thing to say about what I want with my hair and I feel like I sound like an idiot.

I recently tried this product for the first time and I don't think I'm ever going to get my hair cut at a salon ever again. You just bend over and cut your hair upside down and it gives you a nice layered haircut instantly. (If you have long hair). If you have shorter hair there are also ways to use it but they might be more difficult to learn. I think there's plenty of youtube tutorials though!