Why Hair Care Matters and How You Can Save Money
I’ll be the first to admit that my hair is a priority. Maybe it sounds vain, but that’s the plain truth. Despite despising the idea of money going down the drain (quite literally), I can’t compromise when it comes to taking care of my hair. Over the years, I’ve realized that maintaining your hair can indeed be costly. From routine trims to shampoo expenses, the costs keep adding up. So, how do you strike a balance without completely neglecting your hair? Thankfully, there are numerous ways to save on hair care. Here are my top 15 money-saving tips for hair care.
1. Consider Economical Alternatives
High-end, salon-quality shampoo might be tempting with its tantalizing aroma and promise of silky hair. However, cheaper drugstore shampoos can also do wonders. It’s all about experimenting. Test out a variety of products and discover what suits your hair best.
2. Embrace Sales and Coupons
Once you find a non-salon shampoo that does the trick, keep an eye out for sales and discount coupons. This approach can significantly cut down your expenses.
3. Ditch the Salon Store
If you can’t part ways with your favorite salon products, try purchasing them from elsewhere. Many department stores and drugstores sell salon-grade shampoos at more affordable prices. Check big names like CVS, Walmart, Target, or even online platforms like drugstore.com.
4. Go for “Normal” Shampoo
Unless your hair is severely damaged or colored, there’s no need to splurge on specialized shampoos. The “normal” variant will work just fine for most people, and it’s often cheaper.
5. Adopt a Minimalist Approach
You don’t need a copious amount of shampoo to get your hair clean. Start with a dime-sized dollop (a little more for very long hair) and add a bit more if necessary. Utilizing a pump bottle can help control the quantity.
6. Reduce Washing Frequency
Daily washing can dry out your scalp and trigger excessive oil production. This unhealthy cycle leads to even more washing. By cutting down your washing routine to 2-3 times a week, you can save money and restore your scalp’s oil balance.
7. Explore the “No-Poo” Movement
Have you heard of the no-poo trend? Some people swear by it. Instead of traditional shampoo, you cleanse your hair with a mixture of baking soda and water, and condition it with apple cider vinegar. The idea is to maintain your hair’s natural oils and balance its pH. If the smell of apple cider vinegar doesn’t appeal to you, coconut oil makes a great natural conditioner.
8. DIY Hair Detangler
You can create your own detangling solution by mixing one part conditioner with ten parts water. Store this in a spray bottle for easy application.
9. Opt for Low-Maintenance Styles
A haircut that requires minimal upkeep can significantly reduce the need for expensive styling products.
10. Space Out Haircuts
If you have a low-maintenance haircut, you can stretch the intervals between your haircuts without compromising your look.
11. Take Advantage of Coupons
Check out local magazines or online sources for discounts and coupons. Many hairstylists and salons offer them to attract customers.
12. Visit Local Beauty Schools
If you’re open to experimenting, consider getting your hair cut at a local beauty school. While the students may still be learning, they’re often capable of delivering a salon-worthy cut at a fraction of the cost.
13. Keep an Eye on Deal Sites
Deal sites such as Living Social and Groupon often feature salon services at discounted price. Register for email notifications to ensure you never miss a good bargain.
14. Do It Yourself
If you have a simple hairstyle, why not try cutting your hair at home? Men can try buzzing their hair, while women can trim their bangs or kids’ hair. However, make sure the hairstyle is not overly complicated.
15. Try Home Hair Color
Drugstores offer a vast range of color options, including highlights and lowlights. If you stick to a single color, switching to store-bought hair color can be cost-effective. For the more adventurous, consider enlisting a friend’s help to apply highlights at home. Practice makes perfect!
In conclusion, maintaining stylish hair doesn’t have to break the bank. Instead of forgoing hair care altogether, apply these 15 tips on how to save on hair care to help you economize without compromising your hair’s health or style. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: fabulous hair and more savings!