Getting Great Hair For Less

Photo by dsearls

I'm sick of paying $45 for a trim.  If that isn't a rip off, I don't know what is.  And I'm the low maintenance kind of gal who doesn't color, highlight, or whatever else.  Because I'm so cheap I only get my haircut once every four months and opt for styles that grow out well.  Every time I leave the salon I ask my stylist when I should come back--inevitably she laughs at me, knowing that I'd never return within the "recommended" eight weeks.  All men have to do is waltz into a barber shop (no appointment necessary) and walk out twenty minutes later for just $15.  

Ladies, if you can't resist being a diva about the quaff, just know that average prices will run you over $600 each year for highlights, cuts, and product.  There are several ways to chop your hair budget and still retain your sheik, shaggy bangs.

• Find a beauty school nearby.
Students need practice before stepping into a salon as a certified stylist.  While this may make you nervous, think about it for a minute--students will take the most care and time in giving you a great cut.  They are more willing to pay attention and focus than many stylists who've been in the business a long time.  The Paul Mitchell School near me offers $10 haircuts and others offer free open houses throughout the year.  Be ready to spend extra time, though.  Students and their instructors are meticulous about getting the style right.


• Get trims from discount stylists.
Before you snub your nose at Super Cuts, take note that even beauty magazine editors will visit the discount stylist in between major style changes.  As long as you have a good cut working already, ask for a 1/2" trim of the exact same style.  They already have a good "map" to follow.


• Preserve the quality of your hair.
Wash your hair every other day, even if you work out.  Most shampoos have chemicals that strip many of your natural oils and leave your hair dry and brittle when used every day.  Your hair doesn't need that much processing on a regular basis.  You'll save money on shampoos and haircuts, as the quality of your hair will stay healthier longer.  Also use heat treatment sparingly.  Allow your hair to air dry for as long as you can before apply intense heat from the blow dryer and straightener.  


• Choose styles that grow well.
I agree with you; short hair is cute, but cute costs.  Longer styles don't need as much maintenance.  Select a stylist who can give you a good cut that won't need a six-week check up.  Go for mid to long styles with layers.


• Opt for "half-head" highlights.
If you must alter your natural color (which you absolutely don't need to do) then ask for half-head highlights if you have medium or long length hair.  No one cares if you highlighted the bottom half and you'll get a much better deal just doing the top.  


• Don't color your own hair.
Those cheapy boxes at the drug store do occasionally fail to match the actual color to the box.  You won't find out until the final rinse that Strawberry Fields was marked as Bold Brunette.  Plus the chemicals are more abrasive that salon mixtures.  If you need to splurge, do it on color, not the cut.  Fixing a disaster will cost far more than a professional color job done correctly.


• Seek samples of product.
Just as at the doctor's office, you can score shampoo, conditioner, and gel products from salons and department stores.  Ask around to find out what new products are being marketed to try a packet.  Don't go stingy on us--take one or two and be thankful, not a handful.


• Buy product in bulk during sales.
At the beginning of the school year and just before or after Christmas, the shampoo/conditioner gift sets go on deep discount.  Most sets also include a travel sized hairspray or smoothing gel as a bonus.  Stock up during these key times of the year to get your favorite products at bargain prices.


• Skip the styling, if you can get a discount.
Ask if your stylist charges the same for a post-cut styling.  You can often save $10-15 on a salon visit by skipping the blow dry.  I'm never happy with how they style it anyway.  If, after you get home and dry it, you need a fix pop back in for a free trim.