Now Junior can look like a complete freak--and think of the savings!

The DIY hair-trimming kit featured in this 1947 ad was no doubt responsible for a lot of kids getting  their hairstyles butchered by mom and dad. The item, manufactured by Miller and Co. in Chicago, came with an illustrated instruction booklet and a variety of shears and combs. The ad promised that the kit would pay for itself within a month. The whole thing cost $4.95. The big sell comes in a comic-strip conversation between father and son. They both seem to be very excitable on the subject of haircuts. Well, everyone was very giddy because we’d just defeated the Nazis. An excerpt:

Son: Dad listen to THIS. Jimmie gets his hair trimmed at home. His Mother and Dad do it. Don’t cost ’em nothing.

Dad: How can that be? It takes a barber to trim hair, doesn’t it?

Son: They sent for a home barbering set and they already saved the cost of it. Jimmie likes it because now he gets more spending money out of what they used to pay the barber. He treated me to an ice cream cone again today.

Dad: Ha! That sounds good but where do you send for this barbering set?

Son: Why there’s a coupon, Dad. All ready for you to put your name and address on and mail it.