Fashion
How To Save Money At The Hair Salon
Fact: Getting your hair done does not come cheap. Once you've gotten the perfect haircut, you have to maintain it every 8-12 weeks. If you have bangs, you might need to go in more often for a bang trim. Don't even get me started on color and highlights. Whether you get base and highlights or just a single-process, altering your hair color definitely costs a pretty penny. Combine it with a cut and you'll watch your bank account deplete in one salon visit. But it doesn't have to be that way! I'm going to teach you how to save money at the hair salon. Granted, it's never going to be cheap, but it certainly doesn't have to kill your daily Chipotle habit (and obviously, you want that extra cash for guac).
A haircut and color has always been pretty standard price-wise for me, but it seems like these days salons find extra ways to tag on more cost. From conditioning treatments to assistants (you have to tip) to products your hair "absolutely needs" — you could walk in there for a cut and end up spending double with all the add-ons. Not to worry, however, as long as you are prepared.
You wouldn't go in for a haircut without knowing the style you want, so don't go into the salon without knowing exactly what you want to spend and what your hair truly needs.
These nine tricks will help you save money on your next salon visit.
1. Skip The Conditioning Treatment
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Colorists or stylists might tell you your hair is in desperate need of a conditioning treatment, and if it is, then by all means go for it. But if your hair is generally pretty healthy, skip the treatment. What they don't tell you is it'll tack on cost to your bill. Opt for a deep conditioner or a hair mask to use at home.
2. Shampoo Before
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Assistants generally shampoo your hair at the salon, so if you wash it yourself first, you avoid having to tip an extra person.
3. Do At-Home Root Touch-Ups
You can definitely extend the life of your color by touching up your roots with an at-home kit.
4. Don't Buy Product
You know what works for your hair, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If they suggest a product that sounds truly ~amaze~, at least go home and research it first. You might be able to find it cheaper online, or a less expensive substitute.
5. Don't Go For The "Master Stylist"
The more experienced the stylist, the higher the cost. If you really want to save, ask for a less experienced stylist.
6. Go To A Beauty School
Beauty schools often offer discounted rates.
7. Skip The Blow-Dry
While a blow dry is included with a cut, most colorists charge extra for a blowout, so plan to leave the salon with wet hair, and do a DIY blowout at home.
8. Pick A Low-Maintenance Haircut
Choose a style that doesn't require constant trims or touchups, unless you feel comfortable doing it yourself at home.
9. Try Balayage
If you lighten your hair, try getting balayage done. Unlike foils, it allows for an easier grow-out, so you can go longer between salon visits.
Images: kaleido-dp/Pixabay; RAFFI YOUREDJIAN/Flickr; Drugstore.com; eSalon; sleekhair.com
