4 Ways to Trim Your Haircut Costs
August 20, 2013I’ve just hung up the phone after calling my local hair salon to schedule an appointment with Michelle, my favorite stylist. Apparently, she’s not just my favorite – due to her popularity, she’s been promoted to an “elite stylist.” So what does that mean to me? Her prices have just gone up 20%. My cut, color, and highlights will now cost me $185 if I still want to work with her.
Sorry, Michelle, but that is now way over my budget so I am going to have to break up with my hairstylist. This month, I’ll just have to settle for an hour spent with my new friend L’Oreal, who I picked up at CVS in the hair color aisle. To avoid draining your own bank account, here are some ideas for inexpensive or free haircuts:
1. Visit your local cosmetology school. You can get a variety of hair services at a student salon cheap, or even for free, if you are willing to be used for practice with a student hairstylist. You can locate your nearest cosmetology school at www.findabeautyschool.com but just be careful what service you request. A simple trim or basic color should be easy, even for a stylist in training, but you might want to avoid going for a whole new cut or look.
Most importantly, don’t get your first perm at a student salon! Who would do that? Well, I got the idea of using a beauty school from my mother, who took me to one for my first perm when I was in high school. Needless to say, that was my LAST perm, too.
2. Look for coupons. My husband takes advantage of the $7.99 coupons we get in the mail for Great Clips. Just don’t expect any other services than a simple haircut at this salon: no color, highlights, or perms..not even a wash or head massage! But you can’t beat the price. If you’re really lucky, you might score a Groupon deal for a higher end salon in your area if you need more than a basic haircut.
3. Find a work-at-home stylist. They are set up to work from your home or theirs as a way to cut back on the expenses of working or owning a commercial salon. It is also a popular option for retired stylists who are no longer interested in punching time clocks. In my parent’s 55+ community, a resident keeps himself busy by cutting hair for all of the neighbors for $10 each, including what’s left of my dad’s hair.
4. Cut your own hair. This is only for the vary daring. However, a simple trim of your bangs can be done yourself by watching this video . If you are willing to be a DIY hairstylist, there are products that can help you, such as the Flowbee, Robocut, and the CreaClip.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the cost is in your hands.