Salon Secrets for a Fat Wallet
April 20, 2009 Maintaining your hair can be challenging. Whether it's finding the time or money, people are discovering that it's much harder to keep up their beauty regime. But don't give up on your hair; just stop overpaying for it with some salon savvy tips from Dawn Stobart, co-owner of Beauty & Balance Salon in Kenilworth (www.beautyandbalancesalon.com).
One of the best kept secrets of hair color is the semi-permanent dye. This $60 single process will give you enough color to change your look, but fades out as your roots grow so you don't have to come in every six weeks for upkeep. This process alone can save you the hundreds of dollars you would normally shell out for a root touch-up.
The best way to spruce up your do is by getting a gloss. A gloss will restore moisture and shine to your coif while bringing out the natural color and highlights your hair may already have, and at $25 a pop this is definitely a great alternative to other pricy salon treatments.
Make sure you are using the right shampoo for your hair type! If your hair is color-treated, use a product for color-treated hair. Not only does this make your hair look great for longer, it also will keep you out of a salon chair for another few weeks.
Splurge on the right products, save on the right products. Most of us can't afford to spend big money on product (though it would be a dream come true). Instead of blowing your paycheck on high-end product, just know when to splurge and when to save! Splurge on the products that keep your color rich and your hair shaft smooth, such as shampoo and conditioner. Kersatase and Redken come to mind as musts for every woman, especially those with color-treated locks who hate fading hues. Steal on hair tamers like TRESemme Tres Create Styling Putty ($3.99), or hair tools like Conair Hair Designer Professional Tourmaline Ionic Styler ($69.99).
Keep it classic. Ask your stylist what 'do is easiest to maintain so you don't have to keep coming back for trims! Like letting your layers grow out!
Get your bangs cut for free. Most salons are happy to cut your bangs for free when they start to grow out. There is no need to sit in the chair and pay for a new haircut when all you need fixed are your bangs!
Retire the highlights! As great as they look, they are very expensive to keep up with so if you don't think you will be able to make it to the salon for regular visits, keep the color closest to your natural shade.
If you can't live without the highlights…try using less foil but with a more dramatic color. Use a color that is much lighter or darker and only in a few places, like towards the front or under the hair.
Stretch out the time between visits! Although it would be nice to get pampered at the salon every six weeks, it's not necessary! You can wait about eight to ten weeks before having to go back in to fix those split ends!
Be a coupon groupie. Look online for special deals and offerings on your hair salon's website. Most hair salons offer monthly specials, whether it's a bonus pedicure with every fifth manicure, or ½ off a deep conditioning treatment. Don't be afraid to talk to your stylist about your budget-hunting, either—she knows that times are tough, and a good stylist will go out of her way to offer you cost-friendly options.
Ask for a deal!! If you are a regular client and have a certain hairdresser don't feel nervous to ask them for a break once in awhile!
