I hate shelling over $15 for a buzz cut every two or three months, so I'm seriously thinking about getting a set of clippers and cutting my hair myself.  There's a set at Wallyworld for $10 but I'm wondering if it'd be better to splurge on a more expensive set.  I'm also worried about cutting myself with the clippers.  Anyone have any tips or advice on using clippers to cut hair?

If you use the guide, there is almost no chance of cutting yourself.  Plus there is an adjustment that mover the cutting teeth away from the end.  In a another time, I used clippers to make sure the beard I sported then, was close.  And I never cut myself.  Take your time and pay attention.  Once you get the hang of them, it will quick and easy.

I use clippers to cut my own hair. Cutting yourself with them is pretty much impossible if you're using the guides. The ones I have I bought for about $20 at a Ross or TJ Max (I forget which). For that price I got eight guides going from 1 inch to 1/8th of an inch, but cheaper ones might have fewer guides. I started out using the 1 inch and worked my way down until I found a length that I liked, but if you're just going to buzz it it should be easy.

I'e always used clippers to cut my own hair, even before transitioning began, with all the brands I've used, I have not one cut myself. The most intimidating thing about clippers when you first use them is that buzzing sound, but really, that's about the worst of it. I have a set with numerous guide combs and ear trimmers, it's a WAHL, but I've heard some of the Remington and Oster ones are pretty good too. The main thing is taking care of them so they keep cutting good. With guides it is near unheard of to cut yourself nowadays, with older ones it happened at times but it's no longer than common, just be careful around your ears and you don't have much to worry about, though it's also easy to avoid nicking your ears as well. I would say that, when trimming over the ears, hold the top of the ear down and out the way to minimize any risk of catching it and go slowly, beyond that it's pretty easy to clip ya own hair with those things, biggest issue tends to be making sure you don't miss anything, which is when an extra set of eyes comes in handy. Luckily my roommate double checks for me but if you have any friends willing to check over for you then there ya go.

you get a feeling for it pretty quickly. first time it took me like hours, but after a few times i could do it sort of braindead. it's a bit tricky in the back, but strategically positioned mirrors help
and i don't think you have to invest lots. the first i bought died quickly, no-name-thing. then i bought a philips one, the cheapest around and it's running for years, and being used often, me and my boyfriend use it...

Thanks y'all.  Good to know it's not that easy to cut yourself with them.  I'll pick up a set next month when I get some more money. 

Try to get whal clippers they are the best. If your gonna use it all the time it should be good. Plus you don't want it to break, you get what you pay for. (I think they are like 30 ish, which might sound like alot but if a buzzcut is 15 then after the 2nd cut it has paid for itself.)

I just shaved my own hair  tonight because I hate spending $14 every time I want my head shaved. I think I missed some spots, but I think the one I got was for beards and stuff....

jmaxley, I feel for you bro. I hate having to pay 15 dollars to have someone cut my hair when I can do it myself.

When I first shaved my hair I found myself struggling to get a nice clean shave. I can remember missing some spots, and my backs would look terrible as a result. I usually have my father take a look at my back after I'm finish, and see if I miss anything. If I did he would finish it off.

Here's some suggestions. Find clippers that has the attachments included. I personally use conair and I don't have a problem with it so far.

For my sides... I generally use the #1 1/8 3mm and for my top I use the #4 1/2 13mm. Sometimes I want it shorter than that so I go down to #3 3/3 9.5mm


Here's a picture of my back. Sorry for the quality of the photo. I had a difficult time getting it so this is the best that I can produce


Here's a closeup of my sides


I seem to pass off as a man from this style of haircut.

Good luck and why not post up some photos of the results? Looking forward to it

Hey, man, good job on the haircut.  I've been looking at a Conair too...there's one for $15.  I'll have to wait till after the holidays to pick it up, considering how light my wallet has grown lately.