I’d been carrying this coupon around in my wallet for awhile and putting off getting a haircut — pretty much the story of all my natural adult life.
Always having to look for a new hairdresser is, by far, one of the hugest drawbacks to moving around so much.
I’ve gone back and forth over the years to paying a lot for haircuts… to paying next to nothing. In my experience, paying more for a haircut doesn’t guarantee you’re getting a better haircut.
Like the one I got yesterday. $6.99 at your run-of-the-mill strip mall chain salon. It was a no-frills affair: spray on a little water and snip away. No styling, no fuss. And I’m totally fine with that for now. In the two years we’ve lived in Ohio I haven’t had my hair cut by the same person twice. And for the most part, I’m okay with that.
Salon Loyalty
Only in two places we’ve lived have I been loyal to a specific hairdresser. One was in Maryland, just outside of DC. I happened across Angelo in one of those salon chains in a giant mall. He was of Iranian and Italian descent, and his family wanted him to become a doctor. His haircuts weren’t terribly expensive (by DC standards), but I also splurged for professional haircolor and highlights. As a former medical student, Angelo loved the process of mixing the chemicals for the perfect hair dye. I probably spent almost $100 each visit — I know I tipped him well — and that was almost ten years ago. Since I was working full-time, I felt I was totally justified to spend that kind of money on myself.
The other place was in Italy. So far as I knew there were only two places for an American to get their hair cut where we lived and know what they were getting: on base with all the G.I.’s; and off-base at at Antonio’s little one-man shop. Antonio’s mother was Irish and he spoke English with the most endearing mix of the American accent he picked up from all of his military customers mixed with a touch of Irish brogue. He owned that little shop, yet still lived at home with his parents — not at all uncommon for a 30-something Italian.
I don’t recall exactly how much I spent on a typical visit to Antonio, but I also paid for highlights so I know it wasn’t cheap, the dollar being what it was even then. I think I tipped him more than what I paid yesterday for my entire haircut.
Is One as Good as Another?
In my experience, you can find very good hairstylists at a cheap chain salon about as well as you can at a higher-end highfalutin one. The key, really, is the hairstylist — not the place. That being said, finding these stylists can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Usually, about the time I finally come across a good fit, it’s time to move again.
And I’m not above asking people where they get their hair cut. In fact, one of the best haircuts I ever got was by a woman who cut hair in her own home — or she’d come to you, it didn’t matter. Of course, right after I found her, it was time to move.
I seem to have come full circle in what I’m willing to pay to get my hair done. For me, saving in this area is a no-brainer while we’re on this debt-free journey of ours… Though my tune may sound a little different if it meant giving up my loyalty to a hairdresser I absolutely loved.
Do Tell
So here we go — How much do you pay for a haircut? Are you loyal to the same hairdresser? Do you splurge for professional hair coloring, or does yours come out of a box? (Or do you prefer to go au naturel?)
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Do.not.go.there….:)
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I have to admit…my husband cuts my hair. I know it sounds crazy but my hair is all one length and down to the middle of my back so it just makes sense for him to cut a straight line for free rather than paying a hair dresser. (once the line wasn't so straight and I didn't realize if for a couple weeks…) I do frost my from a box every couple of months for less than $10. My hair grows like a bad weed so if I had to keep it short and us a salon it would cost us and arm and a leg.
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Oh, Hannah, you DO have amazing hair, color and all. You're very lucky!
Mysti,
My color is coming from a box as well. It's not far off from my natural color, so it's not too bad. But I miss the professional highlighting!
Anne,
Oh my gosh, after the cable post I feel so much better to know that you splurge on SOMETHING! I think we all have our splurging priorities… I guess the key is, are creditors calling your house because you aren't paying the electric bill? Then stop paying for cable and stop going to the salon!
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I'm embarrassed to admit I get my hair cut AND colored (highlights) every 8 weeks. I have short hair, so I need to get it trimmed more often. I'm EXTREMELY loyal to my hairdressers and very picky. I've been splurging on my hair for about 13 years now, and it's pretty much my last remaining shred of vanity:)I'm dreading the day I have to stop getting highlights to save money. I know…it's ridiculous. I think I spend *gasp* $160 including the tip. But I don't have cable, so it's ok:)
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There is a chain place I go, and I usually go to the same girl (unless I am desperate and have to get my hair cut NOW and she isn't there). It isn't a great cut, but it isn't bad.
$13.95 plus tip.
My hair color comes from a box. As much as I love getting it colored at the salon….not gonna spend the money. Yeah…it doesn't look AS good….but no highlights or lowlights, so it isn't really that big of a deal.
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One time in high school, I dyed my hair from a box. I washed it 4 times a day to get the color out. Thankfully, I have been blessed with a beautiful, natural blond head of hair. So, not coloring here.
I do, however, splurge on the cut. I am loyal to the same place and same girl. I get a cut about every 3-4 months and spend about $50-60 including tip. It is worth it for me though. And, bangs are free! I go in monthly to get those trimmed. (I used to do them myself until she got onto me one time for how uneven they were when I went in! Oops! They looked fine to me!
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I'll go to Wal-Mart, Great Clips, etc. I'm not fussy and for the most part I'm just there for an easy new hairdo…I don't think I've ever gone to the same place more than two times, haha! If I just need a trim, I have my mom do it when I visit them. Easy and free!
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