Do you realize how much some women spend on their hair? According to an article on Huffington Post, it could be anywhere from $900 to $10,000 a year, that's "shear" madness! I used to spend more money on hair care, but I've learned it doesn't necessarily mean that my hair is healthier or looks better.
Let me share the ways I've able to save a bunch of money on my hair MANEtenance! Here's a breakdown of my savvy hair habits:
Haircut & Trim - I was spending up to $75 a few years back on a haircut at some fancy salon. Since I have long wavy/curly hair, I don't have to get it trimmed as often as someone who has straight hair or bangs. I now spend $10 every 3 months. The no-frills salon I go to doesn't need an appointment, they don't shampoo your hair beforehand or blow dry after the cut. However, their stylist are very good and I've gotten excellent cuts no matter who I get. Total cost per year: $40
Hair Color - I have to admit that it's nice to have someone at a salon color your hair - to do your roots and really get in the nooks and crannies. However, it can be very costly to get my roots done every month! I have been dyeing my roots at home for a few years now. I've been using a natural product called Herbatint, it doesn't have all that chemical stuff that salons use. It cost me $10 a box, which I split into 2 applications. It's super easy to use plus it's a healthier and cheaper alternative. Total cost per year: $60
Shampoo & Conditioner - Although there are a lot of cheap drugstore brands, I've gotten the best results for my type of hair from the Redken product line. However, I don't pay the full retail price. I look for sales from department store salons like JC Penney's. They often have promotions of a boxed set of shampoo & conditioner for a great 2 for 1 deal. I also go to a beauty supply store where I have a 10% off discount card on any product at the store. Since I don't wash my curly hair everyday, I don't use up the shampoo & conditioner as fast. Another tip: I use a little bit of conditioner as a leave-in conditioner, which saves me money on buying a separate one. Total cost per year: $50
Hair Products - As I mentioned, I sometimes use after-shampoo conditioner as a leave-in conditioner. I've also combined it with other hair products, such as a serum. However, I've gotten really good results with coconut oil for my waves. Coconut oil is 100% organic it can be used for skin, hair and of course cooking. I've also used it in combination with other hair products. Total cost per year: $30
Hair Accessories - The only accessory I use are elastic ponytail holders and claw clips to keep my hair off my face. I also use a headband when I wash my face at night. I go to my local Dollar store to buy a pack (or 2) of pony-o's, hair clips and headbands. Total cost per year: $5
Hair Tools - Although I own a blowdryer/diffuser and a flat iron, I hardly use any of them. I got the blowdryer on sale and the flat iron was a gift. I let my hair dry naturally, which is way better for wavy and curly hair, plus I don't use a hair brush! Not only does it save me money on electricity but it's better to not constantly blow heat on my hair. Sometimes, I do feel like having straight hair, so I use my flat iron. It takes time, about 30 minutes, but it doesn't cost me anything:) Total cost per year: $0
Although it's great to "trim" hair care cost. I sometimes treat myself to some really great hair products. Plus with the money I'm saving on my hair, I can also treat myself to a luxurious massage or facial.