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
Total cost to be a beautiful brunette=$1374
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
Total hair cost=$104.50/year
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.
