20 unusual ways to save money: Learn how to cut your kids' hair

We all remember the bad haircut.

It's burned into our memories, like the braces and the polyester pants our moms made us wear to junior high that one time. Our parents were probably only trying to save money when they gave us that bowl cut. But what did a kid cut cost in the '70s or '80s? Under $10? Humiliated for pennies? It hardly seems fair.

OK I guess I'm on the other side of the fence now. I know for myself that kids' bangs will grow to their noses in the blink of an eye, and keeping them mullet-free is a study in ongoing vigilance. But seeing how bad a standard SuperCuts job usually is, I can hardly see spending even $12 on a trim when I could very well do it myself. With. Just. A. Little. Coaching.

In theory, everyone should be able to cut their child's hair. In practice, it doesn't always turn out well. But if your kid is under the age of 10, you'll probably be able to get away with uneven layers and asymetrical bangs. That's what I'm telling myself, anyway.

Fortunately, we now have Youtube. Lots of how-to-videos on how to cut your kids' hair. Watch and learn. And save.

Here's a great basic video on how to cut a child's hair. I found it extremely useful. And as soon as I bribe my kids to sit still for me, I plan on trying these techniques out on them and saving myself $40. Note: You can't do this once the kid hits junior high. Plan on having to spend for real cuts at that point.