What about relocating to a place where 16$ is a decent price for a haircut ? That's what I did roughly, and the haircut seems to be welcomed by my wife, too :)
I'm in Colorado, USA and you can get decent hair cuts for around $15. It's not hard really, just have to cut hair.
Speaking of which, I've tried doing it myself for free, in a mirror, and it did not come out well. Paying $15 or so for a professional to do it is worth it.