My Hair Downgrades...
I just read Well-Heeled's post on her hair, and I thought I would create a similar post. One of the first areas that I cut back was my hair. I went from blond (the most expensive) to a chocolate brown (gorgeous, but still expensive) to my natural hair color. I also went from going to an expensive salon to an Aveda school. My hair cut at the school takes about an hour, but I used to spend 2-3 hours getting high lights, color, and a cut.
The Evolution of my Hair
Blond with Highlights (from ages 20-24)
- Highlights every 8 weeks, about $100 with tip=$650/year
- Root touch-up every 4 weeks, $60=$780/year
- Hair cut-every 8 weeks, $30=$195/year
- Shampoo & Conditioner, about $30/set=$360/year
- Styling products, conditioning masks, about =$240/year
Total cost for the beach blond hair I loved, $2225
Looking back at my credit card statements makes my stomach turn. I can't believe I spent that much money on my hair!
Chocolate Brown (ages 24-25)
After breaking up with my boyfriend of 4 years (yeah, he dumped me), I decided I needed a drastic change. I always wanted to see what it was like to be a brunette, so I went for it. I'm glad I stayed with the nice salon because my colorist was fantastic! She kept my hair healthy through all of the blond madness and the evolving shades of brown during this chocolate brown phase.
- Color, every 6 weeks, $80=$694/year
- Hair cut, every 6 weeks, $30=$260/year
- Shampoo & Conditioner=$360/year
- Styling products, $20/product, 3/year=$60
As a brunette, my hair was a lot healthier than the blond stage, so I didn't require as many styling products.
After looking at my budget, I realized that I couldn't afford my current hair situation, so I started going to the Aveda school. I stopped coloring my hair, which was extremely rough. I also started washing my hair every other day, which turned out to be the best thing for my hair. My hair has never looked better and I have to spend a lot less time with my hair. Since I'm not coloring (damaging) my hair, I need a lot less hair cuts. My current hair costs are:
- Hair Cut $15, 4 times per year=$60
- Shampoo & Conditioner (down graded to drug store, but use coupons) $5/pairX4=$20
- Aveda Brilliant Finishing Gloss (lasts a full year and a half)=$23
- Suave Hairspray (I rarely use it, but I bought a can this year)=$1.50
The evolution of my hair has been extremely drastic, but it works for me. I really enjoy the Aveda school and I love Aveda products. The hair cuts I receive (long, round layers) are fantastic. I also switched to drug store brand shampoo and conditioner. I'm a big fan of SunSilk and L'Oreal NutriVive. The products work as well as the salon lines that I used to use. I still haven't been able to give up the Aveda styling product. Luckily, I only need one or two pumps after I wash my hair. My last bottle lasted for over 18 months. I also purchased a bottle of hair spray for up-dos and anything I attempt with a curling iron.
7 comments:
I've started to use a no color hair gloss product that I buy at CVS for $8. It's in the hair color isle, just can't put my finger on the maker (L'Oriel?) Every couple months I put the shine product on and it gives my hair a shine boost (no color) that looks great and does not seem to damage my hair. It's a nice boost between visits to the hair stylist. I used to get my hair highlighted so that I wasn't so brown. Like clockwork I was in the salon every 8 weeks to have my hair done.
Oh how I miss those days of highlights, but I don't miss the cost of getting them done.
Have you tried Sally's Beauty Supplies for some of your hair products? You can get salon lines there and a fraction of the cost.
I give you TONS of credit for sacraficing your hair color for savings. I spend a small fortune on my blonde hair, and I can't bring myself to let go of it, even though I know I would save a bundle. This is def. something to think about though!
BB, Ever since I stopped washing my hair every day, my hair has been super shiny. Thanks for the tip, but I don't think it's a product I need. Plus, I think I eat a lot of fat in my diet to keep it healthy :)
anonymous, It was a big jump, but I think I look better as a brunette. Plus, my current bf knew me as a blond and a brunette and prefers me this way. I will admit that when I start wearing shorts, I really want a few highlights to brighten up my look!
I absolutely loved that post! Heh. I enjoyed the way you broke it down.
Gosh. I use to be the same way with my hair. Now, I color it myself like three or four times a year. And, I haven't cut it since August, but I'm thinking I may need to soon.
This post is brilliant!
I also used to spend a small fortune on my hair, but back then it was my parent's money. Now i get my hair cut about 3 times a year or less. I still go to an expensive place to get it done, but I figure $60 three times a year is not that big of a deal, and it makes me feel good. I used to do supercuts or those $15 haircuts and sometimes they'd be good and othertimes it would turn out all crooked. I think I'm going to write a followup post to yours on my blog in a few minutes!
I'm a cheapskate - I cut my hair like every other year. :) But my friend gets hers cut and colored at the Aveda Institute - she pays about $50 a visit. Her hair is GORGEOUS. They do a great job. She also only washes her hair a few times a week. I wash mine maybe once a week, though I do detangle more often.
If you want to color again, consider Aveda...
That's a terrific post. I used to color my hair blue, red, green, etc... but never really thought about how much it cost me. I don't get haircuts that often but I used to play around with the colors.
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