5 Ways to Save Money on Hair Care

While women typically spend more money on haircuts than men, financing haircuts, not to mention color and styling, really adds up. Cut that hair budget down by thinking about ways you can minimize costs. Here are some ways to save money when it comes to haircuts:

Splurge Only for Special Occasions

You may have a special occasion coming up – maybe you plan to propose to that special lady or are attending a wedding, high school reunion, or prom. It makes sense to spend a little more for such occasions. But going to the salon regularly every month or two can really put a dent in your pocketbook. Lengthen the time in between your visits. You don’t have to go every six weeks, despite what the hairdresser might tell you. There may be silver strands among the gold, but at least there will be green in your wallet.

Cutting Your Family's Hair

Try cutting your child’s hair, or the hair of your spouse…if they don’t run away screaming. It takes strong nerves and practice, but saves a great deal of money. Short haircuts like those worn by many boys and men need to be trimmed often. A pair of high quality clippers can save a lot of money. If you are nervous, take a class online or at the local beauty school. If your kids hate going to the stylist, that’s one less battle for you to fight and the money you save by doing it yourself will put a bulge back into your wallet.

Believe it or not, you can cut your own hair too. It takes more time, care and patience but can save you a lot of money. This is another area where taking a class can be a big help. If the idea of doing it yourself overwhelms you, take hair cutting classes with a friend you trust and have her cut your hair. If you are willing to put your head in her hands, so to speak, why not let her color it as well? Offer to do her hair in return. You both will save money and get in that ever important bonding time as well.

Beauty Schools

If you are at the beauty school taking classes, you may as well try out the students for your hair. Schools offer discounted rates in exchange for allowing students to use you as a guinea pig. It may not be the best haircut you ever had. You may end up with a ‘60s flip or French curls, but hair grows back, money has to be earned.

Deals

Coupons are an obvious way to go. Many newspapers or salon websites have ongoing promotions that you may use. Dare to take the chance. It’s worth it to give someone else a try. Who knows? You may end up liking the hairdresser better than your tried-and-true stylist.

Buy inexpensive hair products. You can still get good results at a cheap price. Don’t be swayed by fancy advertising and marketing. If you are feeling experimental and creative, whip together pineapple, yogurt, and honey in a blender to use as a hair masque. You will find a myriad of other recipes on the internet. One common shampoo is made with vinegar, baking soda and essential oils for scent.

Letting Go

It can be hard to let go of your stylist. It’s not just that you spent five years trying to find one who could cut your hair the way you wanted it. Your hairdresser is a person with bills to pay too. But you have to put yourself first. Extending the time between visits is the best way to handle a situation where you are devoted to your stylist. You save, the stylist keeps a client, everyone wins.

Just be careful not to go overboard with feelings of guilt. If you let those feelings run wild, you’ll say yes to every little thing your stylist offers. If you let the stylist go Carte Blanche, you’ll pay a higher bill, and a higher tip on top of that.

The bottom line is, do not be afraid to be a maverick. Try new places and take advantage of coupons and promotions. Learn a new skill. Your old stylist may be “hair” today and gone tomorrow!

Mallory Hall is a married mother of two blogging on family, financial and health topics. You find Mallory for hire at Textbroker.