Best of 2001: Best Vacuum Haircut

Flowbee International
9389 Dowdy Drive, Suite D,
Miramar
800-728-2887 or 858-578-8011

"Using the suction power of your vacuum cleaner, the Flowbee then draws the hair evenly into the recessed blades and cuts it precisely. The results should be a refreshing haircut." This pitch from the most memorable infomercial product since "spray-on hair" comes courtesy of Clairemont's Flowbee International. The firm's website (www.flowbee.com) claims its haircutting system creates "hundreds of haircuts. Simply select the desired spacer depending on how much hair you want to cut. Then attach the spacer to your Flowbee -- clean up is only a suction away." Most vacuums can be converted, and an instructional video assists those who lack the mechanical aptitude to fit an attachment to their vacuum. The Flowbee can be used on pets willing or sedated enough to be stroked with a whirring vacuum cleaner, though the website's FAQ includes this caveat: "Please note when cutting your pet's coat down to 1/2 inch, it is essential to use the pet attachment. This will keep the pet's skin in place." Cost is $80, with pet attachments, lube, and spare blades running the bill up to $100. Flowbee has no local retail storefront, so the device is available only online or through a franchise distributor. San Diegans with broken Flowbees can save shipping charges by dropping nonfunctioning units at the firm's local office.