3 Ways To Get A Haircut

This is the latest in our weekly series comparing three ways to accomplish common tasks by price and quality. Next Friday, we'll compare three ways of getting a pizza.

Unless you're bald or trying to make some type of statement, you probably seek a haircut regularly. If you're looking to save some dough, this could be an area that you explore -- depending on your hair-related priorities, that is.

When it comes to getting a haircut, you have a lot of choices. Below, we'll explore three options in terms of cost, convenience and risk.

Get a friend or family member to do it.

This might seem scary -- and it could be risky if you have a nervous cutter -- but cutting hair at home is the biggest money-saver of all. Even if you invest in a pair of scissors and clippers for the job, you'll get your money back with only a haircut or two.

Don't know how to cut hair? You can buy a scissors, comb and instruction book on Amazon.com for only $15. And you can get clippers for that short shave for anywhere from $25 to $150.

Yes, the risk is high that you'll need get a repair job by a professional -- or even shave it all off -- after the first attempt. But the convenience and cost savings can't be beat.

Go to a walk-in salon.

These walk-in joints -- such as Great Clips, Sport Clips, Cost Cutters and Fantastic Sams -- abound in most cities. A basic haircut generally runs $10 to $16 before tip, but you might end up waiting a good hour if you happen to go at a busy time -- say, right after work or on a Saturday.

The risk of getting a bad 'do is also very real. These types of salons can usually handle basic cuts, but ask for something personalized, and you run the risk of having a cut that you need to cover up -- or have redone altogether. That's not to say there isn't an occasional star stylist at these types of salons. You just don't quite know what you're going to get until you see your hair start to fall.

Bottom line: If you're looking for a basic cut and only want to spend a few bucks, carve out time during the workday to beat the crowds and give it a shot.

Make an appointment at a salon.

This is the option that requires the most planning ahead, but it also carries the lowest risk. In other words, you usually get what you pay for.

Depending on where you live -- and how ritzy your salon is -- this type of cut could cost anywhere from $20 to $60, or even more. But the cost often goes beyond just the basic cut to include a shampoo and/or a style.

Those who take this route say the quality and personal attention they receive is well worth the cost. Plus, a lot of salon-goers develop a relationship with a given stylist, which bolsters trust.

And if you have hair with special needs, such as a style out of the norm, this might be the best way to keep your 'do consistent.

So which haircut route is best for you? Here's the roundup to help you decide:

Get a friend or family member to do it:
Cost: $0 (after initial supplies/training)
Convenience: High
Risk: Medium/High

Go to a walk-in salon:
Cost: $10-$16 before tip
Convenience: Medium
Risk: Medium

Go to an appointment-only salon:
Cost: $20-$60
Convenience: Medium
Risk: Low