Inexpensive Hair Care And Styling

But these costs can add up quickly. If you are on a tight budget or if you are the only breadwinner for three kids, you may have to find ways to save money. Here are some tips to trim fees while trimming your hair:

1. Visit a cosmetology school. There may be one in your area or perhaps a cosmetology program as part of a vocational high school curriculum. Under instructional supervision, hair care students will perform a variety of hair care services at minimal cost since they are still learning and you, in essence, are the guinea pig. Most people who take advantage of this training school setup report high levels of satisfaction. So if you have a few weeks until your next important event, try the beauty school approach. If it doesn't work out, your hair will grow out in a week or two and you can get it trimmed professionally.

2. Ask a friend with a current or expired license. Someone who has been trained in hair care can provide basic services for a reduced fee in their homes. Make sure your friend has kept up with current haircutting techniques, and if the license has expired, be sure it wasn't due to a lack of knowledge or styling ability.

3. Look for a smaller shop rather than a national chain. Sometimes an independent stylist working out of a small shop can charge less than higher-priced franchises. Call ahead and ask the price of any services you are considering. You may also want to ask about licensing and training to be sure the stylist will be using current techniques.

4. Have someone help you at home. If you have a friend or relative who knows something about hair care or who does his or her own at home, get that person to come over and help you with a home coloring or permanent job. Those services will cost a fraction of the price that a salon would charge when you do it at home, but it does help to have an extra pair of knowledgeable hands to make the job easier.

5. Collect hair care coupons or discounts. Browse the Internet or call the shop where you would like to get your hair done. Sometimes they feature a weekly haircut day when prices are reduced. Or they may send you a few discount coupons. Even national chains can sometimes give you a Web address for downloading printable coupons that will let you save 10% to 25% on your next visit.

Budget your hair care for six months at a time by planning ahead. Experiment with a friend's help, visit a vocational school, or ask for available coupons or discounts, and you will be surprised how much you can shave from your monthly personal care bills.