I’m tired of screaming haircuts. Anyone use a flowbee? (For real, sigh.)

I give up. Mike has an incredibly sensitive scalp. As in yelping whenever I gently wash his hair. And forget about giving him a hair cut. You’d think I was removing his scalp.

So now I’m looking for other options. I give him a simple, short typical boy-cut and I’m wondering if a Flowbee would work. You remember those from infomercials when we were kids?

flowbee.jpg

Any advice from a current Flowbee owner? I’ll protect your anonymity if you like. I’m at the end of my rope as you can see. If I’m willing to pay $90 for this piece of crap, then I’m also going to be open to other ideas, so hit me!


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62 responses to “I’m tired of screaming haircuts. Anyone use a flowbee? (For real, sigh.)”

  1. Toni Avatar

    Are those still around? I haven’t seen one in years!

  2. Toni Avatar

    Are those still around? I haven’t seen one in years!

  3. Karly Avatar

    A Flowbee?? It looks like a vacuum!

  4. Karly Avatar

    A Flowbee?? It looks like a vacuum!

  5. liz Avatar
    liz

    Don’t get a Flowbee, it’s just clippers attached to the vacuum. Just get the clippers at Wal-Mart for $15 and cut it outside. I do my kids on the front porch and sweep the clippings into the landscaping. It does double duty of keeping the deer out of your garden although we live in town so we have no deer.

  6. liz Avatar
    liz

    Don’t get a Flowbee, it’s just clippers attached to the vacuum. Just get the clippers at Wal-Mart for $15 and cut it outside. I do my kids on the front porch and sweep the clippings into the landscaping. It does double duty of keeping the deer out of your garden although we live in town so we have no deer.

  7. Mike Macgirvin Avatar

    Never tried one – so I can’t help you there. But if you want to lessen the pain, they’re going between about $10 and $60 on eBay. I think the $60 ones are mostly new, the cheaper ones probably not.

    Good luck – my girl used to howl about haircuts, and we paid big tips to the gals at a place with pony saddles for barber chairs and candy for bribes – for putting up with her. She finally grew out of this phase around age 6.

  8. Mike Macgirvin Avatar

    Never tried one – so I can’t help you there. But if you want to lessen the pain, they’re going between about $10 and $60 on eBay. I think the $60 ones are mostly new, the cheaper ones probably not.

    Good luck – my girl used to howl about haircuts, and we paid big tips to the gals at a place with pony saddles for barber chairs and candy for bribes – for putting up with her. She finally grew out of this phase around age 6.

  9. Ivy Avatar

    I expect Flowbees are loud, therefore disturbing to a sensitive kid. I’d also be concerned that it wouldn’t cut closely enough. I’m with everyone else who said to get clippers and cut the hair outside.

  10. Ivy Avatar

    I expect Flowbees are loud, therefore disturbing to a sensitive kid. I’d also be concerned that it wouldn’t cut closely enough. I’m with everyone else who said to get clippers and cut the hair outside.

  11. Plain Jane Mom Avatar

    I do the clippers outside routine now and it isn’t working. I am now desperate.

  12. Plain Jane Mom Avatar

    I do the clippers outside routine now and it isn’t working. I am now desperate.

  13. Bruce Avatar

    I would not waste your money on a Flowbee and clippers are not that much better, on their own. They can be difficult to operate and can sometimes even cause damage to the skin.

    You should check out my blog and let me know if this helps you.

    I welcome anyone who needs to know about kids and their hair.

    Feel free to email me if you would like more information.

    how2hair@gmail.com

    Bruce

  14. Bruce Avatar

    I would not waste your money on a Flowbee and clippers are not that much better, on their own. They can be difficult to operate and can sometimes even cause damage to the skin.

    You should check out my blog and let me know if this helps you.

    I welcome anyone who needs to know about kids and their hair.

    Feel free to email me if you would like more information.

    how2hair@gmail.com

    Bruce

  15. MammaLoves Avatar

    How about Cartoon Cuts? My kids are transfixed by the video they don’t even notice the haircut.

    And as for the Flowbee? I’d scream if I saw that honking thing coming at me. Wouldn’t you?

  16. MammaLoves Avatar

    How about Cartoon Cuts? My kids are transfixed by the video they don’t even notice the haircut.

    And as for the Flowbee? I’d scream if I saw that honking thing coming at me. Wouldn’t you?

  17. Beth Avatar

    You know, long hair on boys is very fashionable these days. ;)

  18. Beth Avatar

    You know, long hair on boys is very fashionable these days. ;)

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  20. don Avatar
    don

    don’t do it!!!!

  21. don Avatar
    don

    don’t do it!!!!

  22. Greg Avatar
    Greg

    I’ve had one for 6 years and I LOVE it. Gives me the same haircut every time…. in 5 minutes. You can get em for $46 on Ebay, or on the net for $59.

    If mine broke, I’d buy another ASAP.

    I figure I save $12 every two weeks on haircuts and I’m a professional guy, so I need to look trimmed up all the time.

    Get it! If people haven’t tried it, they have no credibility commenting on it. My family laughs at me for using mine… SO WHAT!!! I like it and it’s quick and perfect every time.

  23. Greg Avatar
    Greg

    I’ve had one for 6 years and I LOVE it. Gives me the same haircut every time…. in 5 minutes. You can get em for $46 on Ebay, or on the net for $59.

    If mine broke, I’d buy another ASAP.

    I figure I save $12 every two weeks on haircuts and I’m a professional guy, so I need to look trimmed up all the time.

    Get it! If people haven’t tried it, they have no credibility commenting on it. My family laughs at me for using mine… SO WHAT!!! I like it and it’s quick and perfect every time.

  24. John Avatar
    John

    I love my FlowBee. I’ve had it for about 6 haircuts now and it already paid for itself. I use 2 attachments, one tapered for the sides and back, then one straight to finish the top and back. My wife then uses clippers on the back of my neck (2 minutes) cause I like it buzzed short back there. I’m saving $20 every couple weeks and my cuts are better than ever. I bought the Flowbee with the vacuum and highly recommend it – definately get the vacuum. I do wear earplugs when I use it as it is a bit noisy from the clippers and the vacuum – but the ear plugs work great. It takes me about 5-10 mins to cut my hair. I highly recommend it – but give it a chance, like anything else it takes some time to get used to it. Another thing – when you’re done your hair is spiked straignt out from the vacuum – don’t worry, after you wash it it looks great. This is a great product and a great value that worked great for me and saved me a bunch of money and TIME (running to salons and waiting for an hour or more and paying $20 for a 5 minute haircut).

  25. John Avatar
    John

    I love my FlowBee. I’ve had it for about 6 haircuts now and it already paid for itself. I use 2 attachments, one tapered for the sides and back, then one straight to finish the top and back. My wife then uses clippers on the back of my neck (2 minutes) cause I like it buzzed short back there. I’m saving $20 every couple weeks and my cuts are better than ever. I bought the Flowbee with the vacuum and highly recommend it – definately get the vacuum. I do wear earplugs when I use it as it is a bit noisy from the clippers and the vacuum – but the ear plugs work great. It takes me about 5-10 mins to cut my hair. I highly recommend it – but give it a chance, like anything else it takes some time to get used to it. Another thing – when you’re done your hair is spiked straignt out from the vacuum – don’t worry, after you wash it it looks great. This is a great product and a great value that worked great for me and saved me a bunch of money and TIME (running to salons and waiting for an hour or more and paying $20 for a 5 minute haircut).

  26. Ken Avatar
    Ken

    Can’t comment on the child psychology aspect, but as for haircuts, I have had a Flowbee for a couple of months now and I’m ecstatic about having bought one. I’m a guy who wears the typical short, tapered cut. You would think that any stylist or barber could execute this cut with his eyes closed, but somehow I always got out of the chair with a lopsided cut. With the Flowbee I get a perfectly symmetrical cut all around every time. The tapered attachments cut the sides and back into a perfect taper. Yes, Flowbee has a jokey name and a hokey ad campaign history. Get over it! The thing is simply a precise clipper mechanism with spacers that ensure the same cutting length for every hair. (Apparently, it is mainly for hair 6 inches in length or shorter. Mine is less than 2 inches long.) As for noise, it’s no louder than your household vacuum cleaner, to which it attaches. (Maybe you can accustom your child to the vacuum by involving him in housecleaning before you use the Flowbee on his hair?) And, as someone said, the hair will be sticking out from the head after the cut until it is wet down again. I love it…no more haircut frustration, and I can cut my hair any time I want. Thanks.

  27. Ken Avatar

    Can’t comment on the child psychology aspect, but as for haircuts, I have had a Flowbee for a couple of months now and I’m ecstatic about having bought one. I’m a guy who wears the typical short, tapered cut. You would think that any stylist or barber could execute this cut with his eyes closed, but somehow I always got out of the chair with a lopsided cut. With the Flowbee I get a perfectly symmetrical cut all around every time. The tapered attachments cut the sides and back into a perfect taper. Yes, Flowbee has a jokey name and a hokey ad campaign history. Get over it! The thing is simply a precise clipper mechanism with spacers that ensure the same cutting length for every hair. (Apparently, it is mainly for hair 6 inches in length or shorter. Mine is less than 2 inches long.) As for noise, it’s no louder than your household vacuum cleaner, to which it attaches. (Maybe you can accustom your child to the vacuum by involving him in housecleaning before you use the Flowbee on his hair?) And, as someone said, the hair will be sticking out from the head after the cut until it is wet down again. I love it…no more haircut frustration, and I can cut my hair any time I want. Thanks.

  28. ls Avatar
    ls

    I am 55 year old woman who has been using the flowbee for about 1 1/2 years now and absolutely love it. About a year ago my husband caved in and I also cut his hair now. I was tired of never getting a consistently good hair cut and being able to get an appointment when I needed one. I always get compliments on how nice my hair “always” looks. It does not hurt at all, and is extremely simple to use.

  29. ls Avatar
    ls

    I am 55 year old woman who has been using the flowbee for about 1 1/2 years now and absolutely love it. About a year ago my husband caved in and I also cut his hair now. I was tired of never getting a consistently good hair cut and being able to get an appointment when I needed one. I always get compliments on how nice my hair “always” looks. It does not hurt at all, and is extremely simple to use.

  30. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    We love our Flowbee…haven’t paid for a haircut in years and our hair always looks great! A bit noisy (we use the ShopVac), but easy on the scalp. Follow the instruction book and it will last for years – plus, no messy clean-up, no hair down the neck, and no cutting hair outside.

  31. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    We love our Flowbee…haven’t paid for a haircut in years and our hair always looks great! A bit noisy (we use the ShopVac), but easy on the scalp. Follow the instruction book and it will last for years – plus, no messy clean-up, no hair down the neck, and no cutting hair outside.

  32. RAY Avatar
    RAY

    FORGET ABOUT THE FLOWBEE…. KIDS ARE JUST BEING KIDS. IT DOESN’T MATTER IF MICKEY MOUSE IS HIS BARBER, HE’S GONNA ACT UP REGUARDLESS. I’VE SEEN COUNTLESS SALONS FULL OF FUNNY LOOKING BABY SEATS AND MINI TV’S PLAYING CARTOONS ALL OVER THE PLACE, INCLUDING FLOWBEES…. AND THERE’S THE KID…STILL CRYING.

    JUST GRAB HIS HEAD, SAY NOTHING, AND GO TO WORK. THE QUICKER YOU DO IT, THE BETTER HE’LL BEHAVE AND THE LESS YOU’LL STRESS OUT. HE’LL GET USED TO IT

  33. RAY Avatar
    RAY

    FORGET ABOUT THE FLOWBEE…. KIDS ARE JUST BEING KIDS. IT DOESN’T MATTER IF MICKEY MOUSE IS HIS BARBER, HE’S GONNA ACT UP REGUARDLESS. I’VE SEEN COUNTLESS SALONS FULL OF FUNNY LOOKING BABY SEATS AND MINI TV’S PLAYING CARTOONS ALL OVER THE PLACE, INCLUDING FLOWBEES…. AND THERE’S THE KID…STILL CRYING.

    JUST GRAB HIS HEAD, SAY NOTHING, AND GO TO WORK. THE QUICKER YOU DO IT, THE BETTER HE’LL BEHAVE AND THE LESS YOU’LL STRESS OUT. HE’LL GET USED TO IT

  34. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Before you buy, try just the vacuum cleaner (hose) on his head. If he stills has a fit, you will have saved your money.

  35. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    Before you buy, try just the vacuum cleaner (hose) on his head. If he stills has a fit, you will have saved your money.

  36. patti Avatar
    patti

    i have used a flowbee exclusively on my son who has autism for the last 16 years! the last time he went to a salon i was in the bed all weekend on muscle relaxers from holding him in the floor while they cut his hair. yes, the vacumn is loud, but you can use say a shop vac with more lengths of hose and put it behind a door or something. my son quickly got used to it, and even when he weaved and bobbed i didn’t worry because it wasn’t scissors and i coulnd’t hurt him. another plus, i got so “good”, i cut all 3 sons hair, plus my husbands, and my own. they would much rather me do it. my oldest son went to college and once he had to go to a salon there and when i cut it again i could tell that it wasn’t cut as even or as well as the flowbee did. i am on my third flowbee!

    p.s. i have cut all my dogs through the years too (including poms. and irish setters!)

  37. patti Avatar
    patti

    i have used a flowbee exclusively on my son who has autism for the last 16 years! the last time he went to a salon i was in the bed all weekend on muscle relaxers from holding him in the floor while they cut his hair. yes, the vacumn is loud, but you can use say a shop vac with more lengths of hose and put it behind a door or something. my son quickly got used to it, and even when he weaved and bobbed i didn’t worry because it wasn’t scissors and i coulnd’t hurt him. another plus, i got so “good”, i cut all 3 sons hair, plus my husbands, and my own. they would much rather me do it. my oldest son went to college and once he had to go to a salon there and when i cut it again i could tell that it wasn’t cut as even or as well as the flowbee did. i am on my third flowbee!

    p.s. i have cut all my dogs through the years too (including poms. and irish setters!)

  38. 4 years user Avatar
    4 years user

    I’ve been using this for almost 4 years and they work really good, I mean I cut my own hair anytime of the day in my own home. I don’t need to wait in the saloon or find my favorite barber who take vacation or call in sick all the time and I don’t need to spend for gas. They actually cut the exact length so your hair shape is not like a bird nest if the the barber is new. Just make sure to take care the hair length attachment as it’s really easy to break but the rest is good, just make sure to apply the oil after use to keep the blade sharp. I used Alpine vacuum which is considered expensive vacuum but the shop vacuum from Sears will do the work.

  39. 4 years user Avatar
    4 years user

    I’ve been using this for almost 4 years and they work really good, I mean I cut my own hair anytime of the day in my own home. I don’t need to wait in the saloon or find my favorite barber who take vacation or call in sick all the time and I don’t need to spend for gas. They actually cut the exact length so your hair shape is not like a bird nest if the the barber is new. Just make sure to take care the hair length attachment as it’s really easy to break but the rest is good, just make sure to apply the oil after use to keep the blade sharp. I used Alpine vacuum which is considered expensive vacuum but the shop vacuum from Sears will do the work.

  40. Darren & Shanan Avatar
    Darren & Shanan

    We have had a Flowbee for 5 years and it’s saved us a fortune and we can have Haircuts whenever we want to .I can even give myself a Haircut.See if you can borrow one before you buy .They are noisy but I have no other faults to pick about mine.Great deal.

  41. Darren & Shanan Avatar
    Darren & Shanan

    We have had a Flowbee for 5 years and it’s saved us a fortune and we can have Haircuts whenever we want to .I can even give myself a Haircut.See if you can borrow one before you buy .They are noisy but I have no other faults to pick about mine.Great deal.

  42. Bing Stolzen Avatar
    Bing Stolzen

    I love my flowbee. I have used it for over twenty years. I get a perfect haircut every time. My hair is thin on top, typical for a man in his sixties, and barbers are prone to cut too much off the top. With a blowbee, I get exactly the right cut every time. I cut my wife’s hair too, with similar results.

  43. Wendy Avatar
    Wendy

    I love my flowbee. Have been using it for 17 years now. I always get strangers asking me who cuts my hair as they love it. I also cut my mom’s hair with it. It works great. I paid $59 for my flowbee 17 years ago. Wonder how much going to a salon for 17 years would have cost me!

  44. eau Avatar
    eau

    I got a Flowbee 17 years ago. I cut my hair every 6-8 weeks. I have saved probably over $2500. I could never cut my hair with clippers, I mean how do you do that? Your hair needs to be damp, use an up-down motion. I use three spacers (long/medium/short) and around the ears no spacer. Takes 7-8 mins. Looks good…easy

  45. Mcbert Avatar
    Mcbert

    Flowbee is so best. I used tonight and it made my hair looked ultimate. Probably should get and ummm spagett!

  46. gim Avatar
    gim

    just cut there hair like they do. My mom has cut my hair for years. at frist I had to go for a srort hair cut until she figered it out how to do it. It looks goo that way. I would do that frist.

  47. Justin Avatar
    Justin

    I am a strong believer in the Flowbee! I am 23 years old and I have only been to a salon 5 times in my life. When I was younger I would always just do the straight buz cut with the clippers. However, now I like a little different look and I have used the Flowbee for probably the last 5-6 years. I have more than paid off the flowbee 100 times over. It is very simple and takes about 10 minutes including set up. You can even cut your own hair in the mirror!

  48. J Front Avatar
    J Front

    I’ve been using a “Flowbee” for about 15 to 20 yrs. Bought it when they first came out and have never been disappointed. No more uneven cuts it is unreal. As far as the clippers if you want your child to have crew cut then great. But you can cut different lengths with the “Flowbee” with clippers you can but it is more difficult.

    Hope this helps. People that have used mine loved it an bought their own. One person even bought the dog version to clip their Keeshound.

    Lots of luck!

  49. JoJo Avatar

    I always wondered if they really worked an was surprised to see you can still buy them.

  50. Sandra De Jong-Jones Avatar
    Sandra De Jong-Jones

    Have been using Flowbee for 20+ years. They are wonderful. Have used it on one of my dogs, as well. I’ve hwd hairdressers tell me they couldn’t have styled my air any better. I swear by them. I got my brother hooked on them as well. Don’t knock it until you have tried it!!

  51. Rick Avatar
    Rick

    I have been using a FlowBee for about 18 years. The best $ I ever spent.

  52. Bruce Avatar
    Bruce

    I am so excited and cannot wait to get a flowbee! I am hoping that my employees will chip in and get one for me for Hanukkah this year. My hair is wildly out of control, very thick, and greying. I smoke a lot, and I’m tired of my hair smelling like smoke. I think I can save a lot of money on this item, which I can in turn give to my ungrateful children.

    This is the best invention ever! Maybe I can finally retire with the money I will save…

    Keeping my fingers crossed!

  53. garry Avatar
    garry

    I’ve used a Flowbee for over 20 years. It’s so convenient, no more waits, I cut my own hair, there’s no mess, and one flowbee lasts over 10 years.

  54. Carol Avatar
    Carol

    My mother bought our flowbee over 20 years ago for my brothers and fathers hair. Now my husband uses it. It’s wonderful. Fool proof and money saver!

  55. Cherish Avatar
    Cherish

    I have never used one. But my sister has one, and she loves it. Even her 3 year old son sits still for it. I might buy one in a couple months, w have other financial needs right now.

  56. Cherish Avatar
    Cherish

    I have never used one. But my sister has one, and she loves it. Even her 3 year old son sits still for it. I might buy one in a couple months, w have other financial needs right now.

  57. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    I have had mine for 25 years; it has performed perfectly every time. I am just now looking to replace the first set of blades. This thing gives the same hair cut every time. My wife cuts my hair with it every 2-3 weeks and it takes about 20 minutes. If you haven’t used one; you will love it the first time you use it. There is no comparison to just the old messy shears my mother used to butcher my hair with as a child.

  58. sul Avatar
    sul

    I just bought my flowbee and tried it and i can say its awesome for doing hair before i use clippers on my hair and did it myself i could only do a buzz cut and with the flowbee i can get a great hair cut and like every flowbee owner out there knows you can use the different spacers for the top and the sides of you hair to get great cut and i did my hair and my 2 kids without a problem and my son likes it i tried the clippers on my son and he didn’t want anything to do with them so i can say the flowbee is a great product i wish i bought it a long time ago

  59. Terry Rish Avatar
    Terry Rish

    I’m on my third one. I’ve been using them for 15 years and love it. It takes a couple of times at first to get used to. If you are easily discouraged and have little to no patience you should stick with the stylist. Otherwise, you’ll be hooked and use it forever.

  60. Steve B Avatar
    Steve B

    I got a flowbee as a joke gift for xmas in the ’90s. I used it just for fun and it worked surprizingly okay. Fast forward to now and both my wife and I have been using it for maybe 15+ years. We figure we’ve saved at least $3500 on haircuts and nobody laughs at how they look either. My wife has even been complemented on her haircut a few time. Quite a chuckle for us. Try it, you’ll like it.

  61. Stefanie Avatar
    Stefanie

    I recently borrowed a friend’s Flowbee to cut my 1 & 1/2 year old son’s hair. He loved it! When I tried to cut his hair, he would not hold still long enough for me to comb and trim. With the Flowbee, he could turn his head while getting his hair cut without me worrying that he’d be hurt. The finished hair cut is even and looks great!

    I will say that this might not be for every kid. My son is fascinated with our vaccuum. He “helps” me vaccuum our house and loves turning the vaccum on and off; on and off; and on and off.

  62. butch Avatar
    butch

    I love my flow bee
    Not that I can’t afford going to a barber,
    But they always cut my hair the way they want.