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paulz
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# Posted: 11 Sep 2019 02:53pm
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It all started over a decade ago, upon glancing in the mirror at a stop light on the way home from Supercuts, only to notice one side about an inch longer than the other. I went back, the indignant young hairdresser acted like it was my fault. Had to be a better way. I'm not overly concerned with looks, perhaps under concerned, so making appointments, sitting around waiting and paying $50 for a haircut didn't sound good. Rather use the time and money on something else.
A friend recommended a Flowbee, which I bought and have been happy with for many years now, paid for itself long ago. I have sharpened the blades myself, and I hook it to a shop vac that really pulls the hair up for cutting. 10 minutes and I'm done, and haven't had to go anywhere.
Got a dog 4 years ago. It has human type hair that grows like crazy, but it doesn't shed which is nice. I took it to the dog groomer when he was a pup, $80! The Flowbee worked but Flowbees only cut so short, not short enough to eliminate matting, plus I got his wiener caught it in once, which he did not appreciate. Had to be better way.
So another friend, a hairdresser who had recently retired, gave me some clippers, good ones, Oster. After playing around with several blades and techniques I finally have it down, and the dog and I actually look forward to a little clipping and bonding time once a month or so.
Then I got the bright idea to try the clippers on myself, since the Flowbee leaves it a bit too long on the back and sides. Come to find out trying to use clippers on the back of your head while looking through two mirrors is not easy. My first attempt was very embarrassing, with alternating bald spots and patches of hair, and my neckline looked like a map of the Mexican border.
I tried it again last night with somewhat better results, but I'm still wondering if you eventually get the knack for it?
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FishHog
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# Posted: 11 Sep 2019 05:00pm
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I've been doing mine with clippers for 25years. Gave up on the mirror thing long ago and just go by feel. Probably make a few more passes than necessary but it works and I don't miss spots. Good clippers are the key
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moneypitfeeder
Member
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# Posted: 11 Sep 2019 05:02pm
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My hair is long, so I cut it with scissors, but you might want to watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVkx2hsN6NM
I also saw this product, but I have no idea how well it works: https://www.hammacher.com/Product/83676
Good luck!
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ICC
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# Posted: 11 Sep 2019 05:03pm
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Shave your head. Haircut problem is solved. 
I started balding decades ago, receding forhead. First in my family. I tried it and have stuck with it ever since.
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paulz
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# Posted: 12 Sep 2019 10:31am
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Ha! Two reasons I don't shave my head. First, at 62 I still have a full head of hair, original color even mostly. My last bit of youthful appearance to cling to. Second, due to years of hard use, my skull is as lumpy as a sack of rocks. Bet it's nice and cool though.
Great instructional video, nice to at least know with practice you can get good at it. Didn't see him cut the neckline though, the toughest part. He also seems to forgo the double mirror for anything but checking progress. The orbital gizmo looks interesting, would need to read some reviews.
The main reason I've gone to shorter hair, aside from being cooler in summer, is because I have taken to wearing ball caps rather than deal with any grooming ritual most of the tine, and with longer side hair it juts out the side, ala Bozo, and I already have the nose.
Thanks for the replies!
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Aklogcabin
Member
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# Posted: 12 Sep 2019 11:25am
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paulz that was great! I’m sitting back having coffee and start my day off with a smile. Trying to imagine someone cutting the back of their own hair. Too funny.
But you stuck it out n figured it out. Good on ya man.
My feelings. The only difference between a good hair cut and a bad hair cut is about a week.
Hope you’re having a good day.
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old243
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# Posted: 12 Sep 2019 06:17pm
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I agree that sitting in a barber shop was a waste of time and money. I don't cut my own hair, my wife does. Probably the last 35 or 40 years. Think if the money we have saved. My style of haircut , has changed somewhat , bit around the edge, with a hole in the top. I did offer to trim her hair, but she wouldn't hear tell of it.old243
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 13 Sep 2019 12:08pm
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I cut my wife's hair, in addition to mine and the dog's. Once across the front, once across the back with scissors, simple and quick.
Here shes is a long time ago. Not sure who that other guy is but his hair looks pretty good.
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Malamute
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# Posted: 14 Sep 2019 02:59pm
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So Paulz, would you be interested in selling the flowbee? It sounds perfect for my hair. I cut it myself, aiming for about 1 1/2" long all over, bit its hard to get it even in the back. I often end up cutting it too short trying to get it even. Ive often thought the vacuum type clipper would be good for what i do.
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paulz
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# Posted: 15 Sep 2019 01:34pm
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Sorry no, I still do the top with the Flowbee, and the way my sister laughed at my hair yesterday I may have to reconsider using the clippers on the sides and back (apparently my wife doesn't have the heart to mention it, but sis sure did).
Flowbees aren't hard to come by last I looked around, the blades are easy to sharpen on a stone and they take a regular wall wart for power. Does sound like the ticket for your hair length.
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Peewee86
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# Posted: 30 Oct 2019 12:56pm
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I’ve got what I like to call a “wide part†in my hair.
I’ve been using a razor and cutting my own hair for the last 20+ years. An electric razor cost about $12-$14. I don’t have any idea what a haircut cost these days but I think I was paying more than that way back when.
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ChuckDynasty
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# Posted: 1 Nov 2019 08:50pm - Edited by: ChuckDynasty
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I use a #8 (1") overall then a #6 (3/4") then #4 (1/2") on sides and #2 (1/4") sideburns. Covering less real estate each time from 6-2. Then a little scissor work around the ear at the sidburn area. I've given up trying to do the neckline so #8 length it is. Front mirrow view only and use a Wahl.
I think if you just used an 8 or 6 overall you'd be ok especially if you wear a hat. A #6 is too short for my head, though.
My wife has called me lumpy because of the knot and scar on my head.
Invent something simple and cheap to do the neckline and I'd think you'd be rich.
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silverwaterlady
Member
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# Posted: 2 Nov 2019 09:06pm
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We both do.
Save a lot of money. I would rather spend money on the cabin than at a salon.
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 3 Nov 2019 08:39am
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Quoting: ChuckDynasty I think if you just used an 8 or 6 overall you'd be ok especially if you wear a hat. A #6 is too short for my head, though.
Thanks Chuck. So you are using the snap on plastic combs? Good idea, hadn't thought of that. I only have 1,2 and 3 steel blades.
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ChuckDynasty
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# Posted: 5 Nov 2019 01:17pm
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Quoting: paulz Thanks Chuck. So you are using the snap on plastic combs?
Yes I am. Actually did the back today 8, 6, 4 and cleaned up the neck below the hairline without a comb using a hand held mirror with the front view mirror.
Really happy how it came out. Will have to see what my wife's reaction is when she sees it.
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ConnyW
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# Posted: 11 Nov 2019 03:52am
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Watch tutorials on youtube
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