Haircut at Home - Which Equipment to Buy and Where to Start?

here for deals on 18/08/2025 - 10:37

Hey brainstrust

Found myself spending about $40-45 every 45-50 days for a men's haircut (seriously feels like a haircut subscription at this point).
I finally managed to convince my partner to give me a hair cut at home. She's hesitant as she’s never done this before, but I trust her.

Looking for some advice on where to start when it comes to the gear. Are Wahl clippers any good? Which brands are recommended/reliable?
Thinking to start with some good quality clippers and those number 1, 2, 3 guard attachments.

Any tips for making this work would be greatly appreciated.

Health & Beauty Haircut

Comments

  • Cheaplikethebird on 18/08/2025 - 10:41
    +3

    That will depend a lot on the style of cut I imagine. Are you just looking for a flat top or are you after a skin fade?

  • fantombloo on 18/08/2025 - 10:51
    +24

    Not gonna comment on what gear - depends on your hair style and partner's abilities. If you get clippers then clean and oil them properly.

    I will say if you're going to do this indoors I found it makes clean up much easier to be naked, sitting on a hard chair / stool in the bath or the shower - pick up the bulk trimmings and flush away the small bits as you clean yourself up afterwards - no clothes or apron to deal with.

    If your partner is okay with being naked while cutting then it can get more interesting too. Use your imagination.

    Good time for a coffee / talk too.

    Try to make it fun and less of a chore. Good luck.

    • daanish on 19/08/2025 - 07:28
      +10

      Definitely agree with this. I self cut and just do it standing in front of the bathroom mirror in the nude.

      Run the shop vac over the bathroom floor when I'm finished and jump straight into the shower.

    • PurchaseAnxiety on 19/08/2025 - 11:22

      Good time for a coffee

      Not sure I agree with this :P

      But overall, good advice. The clean-up is the part that I underestimated when I tried to DIY it, and is probably the main reason I went back to going to the barber.

  • Gunnar on 18/08/2025 - 10:55
    +2

    Per above - what style of haircut are you going for? Just the clippers all over or clippers and scissors?

    • here for deals on 18/08/2025 - 11:47

      More of a tapered fade but not quiet skin fade.
      A good set of clippers and scissors is what I'm after.

      • Gunnar on 18/08/2025 - 12:37
        +14

        Wahl Professional Series would do the job very well

        BUT I would probably start with a $20-30 trimmer to start with and see if your partner can do your hair (try the Wahl ones at this price point). That way if they can't you haven't spent $200ish on a pair of clippers that aren't getting used

  • jv on 18/08/2025 - 11:01
    +15

    Haircut at Home - Which Equipment to Buy and Where to Start?

    For an OzBargain official haircut…

  • BigTed on 18/08/2025 - 11:28
    +6

    https://www.flowbee.com/

  • Wiadro on 18/08/2025 - 12:15

    i save money, i dont cut my hair

    • altomic on 19/08/2025 - 07:56

      This is the way.

    • Indomietable on 19/08/2025 - 22:05
      +1

      Going bald?

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/08/2025 - 12:17
    +3

    I similarly went down a similar route, 3d printed a few of these fade combs to try and streamline the process for the misso …and 4 attempts over 5 months later…i still cannot recommend lol. Towards the end after asking chatgpt to generate some previews of me with a buzz cut, I am seriously still considering going that way. Atm still paying just under $50 for an off peak zero fade. No drinks, average banter.

    I still reckon barbers should look at offering a subscription (like you mentioned) eg 4 zero fades a month at a discount, like $120. I'd be down for certain conditions too like no late night thursday or sat/sun. Unused visits to be forfeit if not used within say, 45 days.

    • Gunnar on 18/08/2025 - 12:41
      +3

      I have been genetically blessed with the 'I need dimoxinil' look, great for DIY haircuts, hair products, getting ready, and for me it suits me way more than my original hair

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/08/2025 - 12:56
        +4

        At least yours is probably because you’re blessed with very high test count… My hair is getting increasingly patchy tbh but My doctor said it’s stress related

        ‘Have you considered lowering your stress?’

        Didn’t know what to say lol

        • Muppet Detector on 18/08/2025 - 14:01

          Why are you stressed Jimothy?

          • Gunnar on 18/08/2025 - 14:06
            +6

            @Muppet Detector: Being a big wheel down in the cracker factory is no easy job

            • Muppet Detector on 18/08/2025 - 14:11
              +2

              @Gunnar: He just comes across as so good natured, chill, easy going and laid back.

              A bit sad to find out he's a bit stressed.

              • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/08/2025 - 14:58
                +1

                @Muppet Detector: Thanks , my carefree demeanor is the only way I maintain some element of sanity in my actual life…

                And dont worry about me, im already dead inside. haha :')

            • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/08/2025 - 14:57

              @Gunnar: at this rate, i am the only wheel at this cracker factory… and boy the stress is getting to the wheel before the whole machine implodes

              • Muppet Detector on 18/08/2025 - 15:11
                +1

                @Jimothy Wongingtons: This cracker factory..

                Is it biscuits, Christmas Bon bons, stand up comedy or a mental health facility?

                Q. What do you call a box of ducks?
                A. A box of quackers.

              • Gunnar on 18/08/2025 - 18:37
                +1

                @Jimothy Wongingtons: Do you still have dignity? I can draw it for you if you need?

                That’s no good to hear about your work though! Hope the stress isn’t too bad on you (and just watch how it can impact your other areas of life too, like your cardiovascular health)

            • try2bhelpful on 19/08/2025 - 10:00

              @Gunnar: Yes, Kate.

          • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/08/2025 - 14:55

            @Muppet Detector: i tried to talk it out with chatgpt but ended up feeling like , well others got it worse than me, so maybe i should just bottle it up and keep on truckin - maybe i will reincarnate as a rich no worries person next life.

            • Muppet Detector on 18/08/2025 - 15:18
              +3

              @Jimothy Wongingtons: Nooo. Don't go down that path, your experiences are relative to your situation.

              Bottling up is bad, unless you work in a brewery I suppose. Talk to real GP and sort that out or you'll drop dead too early. Stress is serious stuff.

              Someone will always have it worse than someone else. That's all relative as well. No point comparing yourself to others, you're allowed to be happy.

  • Drakesy on 18/08/2025 - 12:19
    +4

    I get my misso to do mine,

    $60 for a clipper set from amazon.

    $40 each haircut that i put towards date night for her troubles.
    Just watch a youtube video and you'll pick it up fast.

    She's turned a 30 min barbershop reaming into a 15 minute fade with the bonus of a dinner at the end of it.

    • p3nf0ld on 20/08/2025 - 19:12

      $40 each haircut that i put towards date night for her troubles.
      Just watch a youtube video and you'll pick it up fast.

      He's talking about the haircut right? right??

  • ihbh on 18/08/2025 - 12:23

    Which Equipment to Buy and Where to Start?

    First, you need a handy wife.

    And we got the shaver from Aldi. Tools - you don't need expensive ones; cheap and cheerful will do.

    Wife now does me, son (her sis was effusive with praise a number of times), daughter.

    I used to get $10 haircuts around Central Station, but that increased a bit over time and then COVID hit and the travel was a waste of time.

    • danyool on 21/08/2025 - 20:18

      Wondering what OP did during COVID - wasn't that when when everyone started doing their hair at home!

  • SnowDragon on 18/08/2025 - 12:44
    +5

    If you're particular about the cut go to your local TAFE and get it done by an apprentice for $5-10. For example https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/808680. Usually done by 3rd/4th year apprentices who are already doing dozens of cuts a day in salons, just getting signed off at TAFE.

    • freefall101 on 18/08/2025 - 13:12
      +2

      This, I head to a TAFE whenever I need a proper haircut (twice since COVID started).

      Beyond that, the amount of money I've saved with a set of remington clippers has been awesome. Only downside is the battery isn't doing so well (and is apparently soldered in).

    • tenpercent on 18/08/2025 - 15:28

      Try the crinkle cut look with this one - you might start a trend.

      We joke about using bowls, but I swear that's how the kids these days are getting their hair done…
      Bowl cut + lawn mower attack on the sides + perm (for boys only; no perm for girls).

      • JimB on 19/08/2025 - 14:04

        haha,

        I've seen some shocker hair cuts on kids today.

        Then again, I look at our school photos and I agree they where pretty bad.

        I'm waiting for flat tops to become in again for a laugh.

  • lost in transit on 18/08/2025 - 15:31
    +3

    Get something idiot proof that you can do yourself.
    Missus at the time did number 1 sides and forgot to change to number 4 for the top, took a chunk out of the front 😳😳,, looked like something from the Three Stooges, never again.

    • tenpercent on 19/08/2025 - 10:17
      +2

      Missus at the time did number 1

      TMI

  • randysal on 18/08/2025 - 15:43
    +2

    When ALDI had it, I bought the $20 rechargeable clipper set. It is surprisingly good, not even for the money, just good period. Unfortunately, ALDI only have them every now and then.

    I had two prior sets that were both plugin and eventually broke (although after a few years of use). ALDI set is better than both of them, being wireless is a bonus. I will never have another plugin set.

    I tend not to use the scissors anymore, just got really good with the clippers overtime.

    One more thing that is handy is a second mirror. I use a large mirror for the main section and then a handheld mirror to do the back of the head (just the final touches).

  • c64 on 18/08/2025 - 16:59
    +4

    no matter how bad the hair cut, it only takes two weeks to grow back

    • try2bhelpful on 19/08/2025 - 10:11

      It can take longer than that if it is really bad.

      • c64 on 20/08/2025 - 10:46
        +1

        ok, there might be people that do an even worse job of a cutting their own hair than me

  • daanish on 19/08/2025 - 07:26
    +1

    Just a heads up from personal experience - When I started cutting my own hair it came up in conversation and most of the women I talked to had never held a pair of clippers or even had any of their hair cut with clippers so the experience and operation was completely new to them.

    Keep that in mind when you're explaining things to your misso. She probably has no reference for this tool so be patient and don't be surprised if the first couple of cuts are a bit laboured.

  • Stealtho on 19/08/2025 - 07:36
    -6

    You’d have to be desperate to let the missus cut your hair

    • tenpercent on 19/08/2025 - 10:15
      +4

      You can always let your mister cut your hair

      • Stealtho on 19/08/2025 - 10:30
        +1

        not that there is anything wrong with that

        • tenpercent on 19/08/2025 - 10:43
          +2

          Unless "the missus" isn't aware of it

          • Muppet Detector on 20/08/2025 - 16:35

            @tenpercent: Perhaps "the missus" is the "mister" or the equivalent gender neutral term.

            With the acceptance of gender fluidity, who is cutting your hair may well change on a regular basis.

            • tenpercent on 20/08/2025 - 19:57

              @Muppet Detector: That's enough Sesame Street for today.

              • Muppet Detector on 20/08/2025 - 20:02

                @tenpercent: Sesame Street probably banned because Big Bird doesn't wear pants.

                Fat Cat got banned because he didn't wear pants.

                Banned golliwogs because they were black. Didn't ban Marvin the Martian.

  • kiitos on 19/08/2025 - 07:54

    I have a corded Wahl from Shaver Shop. My daughter used to cut my hair, then I ended up doing it myself. If you want a simple single comb clipping all over it's easy. Around the ears is probably the trickiest bit. Fading on the sides and back is also straight forward to do, but fading to zero would probably be harder to look neat.

  • bbinc on 19/08/2025 - 09:03

    Even a cheap clipper set should have angled combs for the ears. Watch a few YouTube’s. Chair is good. Have the stick vacuum handy for clean up, and a cape like a barber uses is cheap too - hair can get stuck in your skin and cause infection I was told.

  • Powershopz on 19/08/2025 - 10:08

    Wahl are a very notable brand however they also have a wide variety of models. Some of them are garbage.

    As recommended by one of the posters above - by a cheapo one first to test out your partners cutting skills, then upgrade to a better one.

    Shaver Shop or Amazon have a ton of father's day specials on at the moment.

  • try2bhelpful on 19/08/2025 - 10:14

    https://www.costco.com.au/c/Wahl-Haircutting-Home-Kit-30-Pie…

    It has the advantage you can take them back within 90 days if it turns out to be a bad idea.

  • lonewolf on 19/08/2025 - 11:15
    +2

    US Made Wahl Clippers, not the crappy chinese made ones. Such a difference in quality, i got stung when i thought All Wahl Clippers were of the same quality.

    • Hangryuman on 19/08/2025 - 18:12

      I tried a couple of cheap Wahl - they were so noisy it was like a gravel crusher next to my ear - I couldn't tolerate that - so went Remington corded - much quieter

      now we use a cordless trimmer instead - about $20 - https://photos.app.goo.gl/W1nN9rkk8AZCdhKv5 - it's nice and light for milady with no cord to trip over or be restricted by - one battery charge is probably good for 2 haircuts - and I prefer milady's style as I never liked the end result from the local barber

      while I haven't cut it myself, my theory is the fit-on comb extensions could be used to fade - say from the bottom of back of my neck, holding it flat-on at the bottom of my neck to start close, then lifting the angle to increase the cut height as I move up

      so this could fade the cut between 1-20mm high for my back and sides

      since we got this milady uses the same trimmer for the whole job - for my top hair which I like about 55mm long, she just lifts the hair with a comb, then zzzzzzp! with the trimmer - nice and quieter than previous devices too.

      so yeah - get a cordless trimmer for about $20 …🕺

  • baker bob on 19/08/2025 - 11:23
    -2

    You can do it yourself, don't need to waste your partner's time.

    I do number 3 on sides and back, fade the bottom into a #2, trim the top and fade the sides myself. Clipper set, a comb, scissors, done.

    Does it look good? Think about the kind of people passing judgement on haircuts, they are likely so far down the socio economic ladder, they and their opinions are irrelevant.

    • Randolph Duke on 19/08/2025 - 11:54
      +3

      Does it look good? Think about the kind of people passing judgement on haircuts, they are likely so far down the socio economic ladder, they and their opinions are irrelevant.

      Yes, only the poors are notoriously snobbish about this sort of thing.

  • AlbiesDad on 19/08/2025 - 11:27
    +7

    My credentials:
    Been giving myself a skin fade for 3 years. Haven't visited a barber once (unless on holiday where I can get a skin fade for $10)
    2 of my mates have reached out asking for a guide in how to cut their own hair
    Colleagues are shocked when I say I cut my own hair, they've asked "how do you get it so perfect"
    Missus has shown a picture of my hair to her hairdresser - he said it looked professionally done

    The Wahl 5000CC from Shaver Shop is really good, I've been using it for 2 years now with no issues. Wait for it to go on sale for $99.
    It's cordless, which is a must since you're reaching around your head. Good battery life.
    Importantly, it comes with a 0.5 and 1.5 guard, which is vital for giving a smooth fade transition.
    Pair it with a 3 way mirror from Temu.
    Spend 2-4 hours watching guides on Youtube before you touch your own hair.
    Be patient - my first cut took me 1.5 hours. I've got it down to 20 minutes now, but it takes months of practice.
    Don't get lost in the fade - do one step at a time, blend each step completely before you move to the next, otherwise you end up moving the fade higher and higher.

  • gutwagon on 19/08/2025 - 11:33

    I have 10yo Wahl clippers that still work fine. Cost around $100. I replaced the blades about 2 years ago. I also have a set of $12 Enchen clippers from ali express . These are cordless and rechargeable. They cut faster and clog up less than the Wahl ones and are much easier to use. I've been using them for about 18 months and get 4 or 5 haircuts between charges. They can still be purchased for under $20 so if you get over a year out of them it is good value.
    I would try the cheap set in case you don't like the results of the home cut. How well the clippers work depends a lot on your hair type so you may get different results.

  • kolorijo on 19/08/2025 - 11:52

    Remington Rapid Ultimate https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/920148 & 3 Way Mirror for Hair Cutting from Amazon https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CKDY5HMG?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_co…

    I do clipper only without scissor, going from large to small (top to bottom), naked in the bathroom, vacuum afterwards and straight to shower.

    • stopthecap on 21/08/2025 - 08:28
      +1

      This is the best thing out there.
      Step 1: Do your fringe at 22mm
      Step 2: Top of head excluding fringe 12mm
      Step 3: Sides i fade in from 1.5mm,2.5mm,4.5mm,6mm,9mm

      You will get the hang of it

  • pharkurnell on 19/08/2025 - 11:59

    How insanely fast does your hair grow?
    I get 2 haircuts a year @ 25each

    • Nebargains on 19/08/2025 - 14:56
      +1

      Someone who likes short hair? Personally I've only recently gone down the self cut route as I was getting my hair cut every 3-4 weeks because I don't like my hair getting shaggy. Used to be ok, like $30-$35 a cut but now days even walk in places are nearly $50 for what is a very average cut that I can nearly do as good myself.

    • Hangryuman on 19/08/2025 - 18:14

      2 haircuts a year ? What Would Jesus Do … ?

    • IcySpicyStew on 20/08/2025 - 18:02

      The question is how far back is your hairline?

  • OzzyOzbourne on 19/08/2025 - 14:50

    Wax strips

  • Molebag on 19/08/2025 - 15:20

    https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/fraeck-mirror-stainless-steel-0…

    I got one of these and cut my hair at home on my own. Our vanity is in the corner so i mounted this on the side wall. I don't have much hair anymore so cutting it is pretty easy even without it.

  • OkWing99 on 19/08/2025 - 20:02

    Skills of your partner will matter more than any equipment you can buy.
    Get hairdresser scissors + thinning scissors.

    Avoid those fade combs, they're useless.

  • letmecry on 19/08/2025 - 20:20

    I do it myself for almost 20 years. You probably need your partner just to finish the back. If you want a neat trim.

    A cordless hair clipper is a must. Scissors and a comb.

    I do prefer not to change the guard, like this Phillips, just rotating and change the length.

    Something like this - I do have much older version
    https://www.amazon.com.au/Washable-Settings-0-5-28mm-HC5612-…

  • RealUltimatePapo on 19/08/2025 - 23:03

    she’s never done this before, but I trust her

    My brother in cheapskatery, she doesn't even trust herself. What are you doing??

    • gutwagon on 20/08/2025 - 10:32

      No matter how bad a job she does he will have to say it looks fine !! I suggest he does it himself to save the relationship.

  • SummerZero on 20/08/2025 - 09:25
    +1

    Shopping list;

    1x Bowl
    1x Scissors

  • cameldownunder on 20/08/2025 - 10:46

    Start with the head, then slowly slowly go down

  • surg3on on 20/08/2025 - 12:11

    Get older. Lose hair. Pack of Mach3's

  • HmrW on 20/08/2025 - 12:16
    +1

    I was affraid too doing a diy on mine and look OP once you crossed that hesitancy bridge you will never go back especially if you after to save some money. I been doing the hair cut myself for many years now (10 or so) and just started from a random diy self haircut tutorial from youtube and a bargain wahl clipper from ozb.

    As a bonus i did my son hair cut as well so thats another few dollar saved 😅

    • tenpercent on 22/08/2025 - 19:46

      Have you done the misses hair though? Think of many dollars could be saved.

      • HmrW on 23/08/2025 - 23:40

        🤣🤣
        For that i will need to make sure i have life insurance as well

  • bardlee on 20/08/2025 - 13:04

    Got 2 of the Braun clippers from Ozbargain post for $10 each delivered 10 years ago. One set still going. Number one buzz cut at the bathroom mirror with partner checking for where I missed any bits. No finding a car park/waiting/day drinking/paying.

  • jaimex2 on 20/08/2025 - 16:15
    +1

    I got the Wahl Lithium-Ion Clip N Shave Hair Clipper $68 deal and have been cutting my own hair since. Same reason as you.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/856269

    I do a better job than most $40 haircuts I was paying for.

    I just followed this tutorial

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMOifv4Wvys

    and combined the top cutting from this one.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSZCH2mlz

    Just take your time. It's pretty hard to mess up, Go slow at the beginning and make sure you understand those two videos well.

  • belongsinforums on 20/08/2025 - 16:21
    +1

    something like this will do most of the work: https://www.myer.com.au/p/philips-philips-series-5000-hair-c…

    then you'll want normal scissors and trimming scissors.

    at the start, you'll probably need help to do the back of your head. over time, you'll be able to do the whole thing yourself.

    personally, i start with a #5 blade and go over, in short U shaped movements, the back and sides of your hair.
    then switch to a #3 and do the bottom half of your hair.
    switch then to #0 and carefully go around your ears.

    finally, trim the top of your head with scissors and and comb, just like the hairdressers do it.

  • randysal on 20/08/2025 - 19:06
    +1

    Heads up ALDI has the clipper on sale from today and "professional" scissors too.

  • omguleh on 20/08/2025 - 23:35

    Very happy with my Wahl Magic clippers.

  • PS2isBetterthanPS3 on 21/08/2025 - 00:38

    cut my hair once during covid, basically just buzz cut it with some phillips beard trimmer i have that also has a bigger attachment (i think 9000 series) it did pretty well as my hair is thick. but i need to improve on lines and also trying to keep the length on top longer without taking off or leaving too much on around the sides and back

  • capslock janitor on 21/08/2025 - 11:39

    bought a cordless Wahl from Cole’s with the intent of taper fades from home

  • smigglejiggle on 21/08/2025 - 13:38

    As a bald man, this is the best clipper for near skin shave. The T-Blade is as close 000 as you can get. This will be best for fades.

    I have been using this every 2-3 weeks for the last 4 years, no issues. Also use it on my beard.

    https://www.shavershop.com.au/wahl/waterproof-lithium-ion-18…

    When I want to go full skin mode on the top, I use the Kmart Skull Shaver

    https://www.kmart.com.au/product/skull-shaver-43570911/?sku=…

  • payless69 on 21/08/2025 - 16:15

    Looking at Tom from the which bank: He bought shavershop shares instead of their products.

  • siresteelhell on 21/08/2025 - 20:25

    If you are buying clippers, do your self a favour and check some vids on youtube on how to set the blades…. I`ve bought many over the year and some were (i thought) just junk… it turned out their blades were just set wrong… this will vastly improve their functionality

  • drfuzzy on 21/08/2025 - 21:40
    -1

    Report back to us when you decide that your partner will perform the vasectomy

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