Am I the only one who remembers when a haircut was like $20-25? I just paid $45 for a basic cut (no color, nothing fancy) and then of course there's the tip on top of that. It feels like prices have gone up a LOT over the last couple of years. Is this a Seattle thing, or is it like this everywhere now? What are you all paying? Has anyone switched to cutting their own hair at home or found a cheaper barbershop that's still good? I'm starting to think I should just buy some clippers...
In a big city like Seattle, $40–50 for a men's cut at an independent shop is pretty common now, so it's probably not a rip-off, just the new normal (rent and wages went up for salons too). Cheaper options: chains like Great Clips or Supercuts, a barber school where students cut under supervision for much less, or stretching the time between cuts by a week or two. Clippers pay for themselves after two or three cuts if your style is simple, but the back of the head is the hard part, so a mirror setup or a helper makes a big difference.
Totally agree, prices have really jumped. I paid about the same last month, and once you add the tip on top it ends up $55+ — that stings for a basic cut. Do you think barbershops or salons have raised prices more, or is it pretty much the same everywhere now?
From what pricing surveys show, barbershops have mostly stayed a bit cheaper than salons for simple cuts, while salons climbed faster because of rent and stylist commissions. The tip is where the real jump happens, since 20% on $45 adds up. Some shops offer a loyalty card or a cheaper midweek price, so it's worth asking before you switch.
$45 is pretty typical for a men's cut at a salon in a bigger US city now, though basic chains and barber schools are often $20–30. Tipping 15–20% on top adds up, so some people stretch the time between cuts by a week or two, or ask for a style that grows out well. Checking the shop's app or first-visit deals can also knock a few dollars off.
Sadly, $45 does sound like the new normal around here, especially once you add the tip — it quickly turns into $55+ for a basic cut. I remember the $20-25 days too, and it still stings a bit. What helped me was spacing cuts out a little longer and finding a smaller local shop rather than a big salon; the price was a bit lower and the cut was just as good. Has anyone tried a barber school? I've heard that's a good budget option if you're not too picky about timing.