Ever caught yourself ogling that perfect shade of balayage on Instagram, only to be hit with the cold, hard reality of salon prices?
I know the struggle. Just the other day, I was chatting with my BFF about the rising costs of hair coloring, and it got me thinking, how do people manage to afford these regular trips to the salon without breaking the bank?
So, I did a bit of digging, and found this fascinating thread on Reddit where folks are spilling their secrets on how they make it work.
Let’s see what we can learn from our fellow hair color aficionados.
Saving Up for Your Dream Hair
One Reddit user @1ichishibainu, shared, “My hair grows really fast so I have to do my roots every 3-4 weeks. I have other things I’d rather spend my time and money on so dye myself at home. The salon experience is a luxury experience to me and I can’t justify it.”
It’s all about priorities. For some, the luxury of a salon visit every few weeks just isn’t feasible. Instead, they prefer to save their hard-earned cash for other things while still keeping their hair game strong.
Top Tip: Set aside a little each month specifically for hair coloring. Small sacrifices can add up to big beauty rewards!
DIY to Stretch Out Salon Visits
Another clever strategy comes from @cleonile2000, who says, “I had a cosmetologist friend that went into ‘hair-tirement’ to pursue her other passions. She told me the specific red color she used on me, and I order it off Amazon for $11.”
This approach is genius—combine the best of both worlds by letting professionals handle the tricky stuff and doing simpler touch-ups at home. It’s a great way to maintain that vibrant color without the constant salon visits.
Top Tip: Handle minor touch-ups at home with root touch-ups or at-home hair dye to keep your color fresh between salon visits!
Hunt for Salon Deals
Salons often have deals and loyalty programs that can help you save.
@jaya9581 shared, “When I was in my 20s I couldn’t have afforded it. Being able to afford things like that tends to come easier with age, increased incomes, etc. even 5-10 years ago I wouldn’t have been able to easily afford it.”
Age and income can change our beauty budgets dramatically. What might have seemed impossible in our 20s can become more manageable as we grow older and (hopefully) earn more.
Top Tip: Sign up for salon loyalty programs and keep an eye out for promotions to get the best deals!
Stretch Out Your Appointments
Spreading out appointments is another tactic mentioned by @February2nd2021.
“I started graying at 19 and by the time I was like 22 I started box dyeing my roots. I’m 35 now and have been using box dye every 3-5 weeks ever since and I think my hair looks fine? Even my hair stylist compliments it when I go get my hair cut by her haha.”
Box dye can be a savior for those frequent touch-ups, especially when done right. Even stylists sometimes give a nod of approval for well-maintained at-home dye jobs.
Top Tip: Extend the time between salon visits by using products that protect and maintain your color!
Splurge on Quality Hair Products
Investing in good hair care products can make a big difference.
As @FloralAlyssa advises, “I’ve had vivid colors for about 3 years, and I’ve just accepted it costs me $1.5-2K a year to maintain. Part of the budget. I do wash my hair just once a week and use color-safe conditioner to try to make it more like 10 weeks.”
Sometimes, the right products can prolong the life of your color and reduce the frequency of touch-ups, saving money in the long run.
Top Tip: Spend a little more on high-quality hair products to keep your color looking fresh longer!
Find a Budget-Friendly Stylist
Lastly, some people look for more affordable salon options.
@dramallamaze writes, “I found an amazing stylist who works out of her home studio. She charges a fraction of what I used to pay at high-end salons, and the results are just as good!”
Sometimes, a little research can lead you to hidden gems in the hairstyling world.
Top Tip: Explore different salon options or find a skilled stylist who works from home for more affordable rates!
Breaking Down the Costs
So, how much are people actually spending? From the thread, it looks like prices can vary widely. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- High-end salons: $150-$300 per session
- Mid-range salons: $80-$150 per session
- Home-based stylists: $50-$100 per session
- DIY at-home kits: $10-$50 per kit
It’s clear that everyone has their own way of managing the costs, and what works for one person might not work for another.
The key is finding a balance that suits your lifestyle and budget.
Whether it’s cutting back on other expenses, stretching out your appointments, or investing in quality products, there’s always a way to make that fabulous hair color more affordable.
Parting Words
There you have it, folks! With a bit of creativity and planning, you can rock that salon-fresh hair color without feeling the pinch. Got any other tips or tricks on how to afford professional hair coloring? Share them with us on our socials!
Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
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