Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Can you afford taking care of your hair?

Image taken from http://www.bridalpartytees.com/blog/?p=453


I (correction: one of my friends) found my first gray hair when I was 20.  My mom is beautiful and some would never know, but she is completely gray.  She's not even 50 yet! At the sight of that first gray hair, I thought I was doomed with my mother's genes.  Luckily, I'm not completely gray... but now, at 28, I have quite a bit of gray.  I have had to go back to a lighter hair color, which hides the gray much better.  But, I still have to get my hair dyed if I want to hide those pesky grays.

I miss the days when I could take a weekend trip to see my little sister who used to do my hair. It costs so much to get hair done these days.  When I would dye my dark hair myself, I would spend about $8.00 every three weeks for a mediocre color.  And my wallet just doesn't permit an $100 trip to the stylist every few weeks to get highlights.

But, there is an alternative!  Try getting your hair done at a local cosmetology school.  It not only benefits you (and your wallet) but you are also helping the student get the practice they need to graduate.  Although, it might be a little scary trusting your luscious locks to a student, consider this... they have to get each of their steps checked off by an instructor.  You also have the choice between a senior student (more experience) and a junior student (less experience-- but often cheaper).

I first went to a hair school a couple years ago when my old hairdresser moved.  The girl did a FANTASTIC job.  Then when my little sister signed up for hair school, I went to year every couple months at the school.  She also did an awesome job.  And today, I melted down and visited the local hair school.  I was a little hesitant because the school didn't seem as organized or fancy as my sister's school.  But, my student stylist did a fantastic job and her instructor was just as impressive.  And for nearly 3 hours of work (highlighting, deep condition, haircut and style), it was only $31 plus tip.  SCORE! And it looks awesome! Best yet- she is only a junior student.

So, if you aren't INSANELY picky about your hair and are looking to shed a few dollars from the budget, this is a great way to save money.

*Caution: There are students I would never let touch my hair.  Just talk to the front desk and ask for a senior student, experienced student, someone who has done your color before, or someone who competes.