To look great, you don’t need to spend a lot.
You can only live with a man bun for so long unless you love the look of the 1980s rocker or the look of the man bun.
A basic haircut for women costs $66, while a basic haircut for men is $40. This depends on where you live. Don’t forget to tip! If your income is already stretched between rent and groceries, this can be a significant amount of money.
A haircut might seem silly, but it can make a big difference in your ability to look and feel your best. This is especially important if you are looking for a job, networking opportunities, or trying to get a promotion at work.
Nobody needs to know how much money you spent on that trendy bob or that sleek undercut. These are the four best ways to get a stylish, affordable haircut without spending a lot of money at the salon.
1. Visit your local hair salon
Although it may seem a little strange to have your hair cut by a student, it is possible. You can still walk away with a professional-grade cut and more money if you are patient.
You can search online to find a hair school or beauty institute near you. Many offer haircuts at a fraction of the cost of traditional salons. Do not be afraid to ask past customers for their opinions if you are concerned about the quality of your haircut.
These are some of our favorite beauty schools in the U.S.
- Paul Mitchell’s school in Denver costs just $13 for a haircut or style.
- You’ll only pay $18 for your hair to be cut and styled at the Aveda Institute in Los Angeles.
- The Empire Beauty School Boston offers a haircut for just $12. For children under 12, it’s $6.
Here’s how it works. Call the beauty school to request an appointment. This is just like you would in a salon. Some beauty schools will let you choose a stylist based upon their experience — usually from the tiers of beginner, intermediate, or advanced.
Upon arrival, your stylist-in training will meet you and discuss the services you require.
Your hairdresser will then call a supervisor to discuss details. They will discuss the plans of your stylist and what color combinations they would recommend.
Students are very meticulous and check every move carefully in order to get high marks in school. Your patience will pay off.
Throughout the entire process, the supervisor will visit your chair several times. They will inspect your hair and re-measure the length. They might trim a few ends or give tips to the stylist about how to achieve a particular technique they learned in class.
You’ll get a salon-quality cut for less than $20 once you’re done. Don’t forget a tip if you were impressed by your student.
Remember to check out the other services offered by beauty institutes such as hairstyles for special occasions, braiding, color, and perms.
To save some money, you might consider having your nails done at a school of cosmetology if you are unable to bear the idea of losing your monthly manicure.
2. Happy Hour: Get your hair cut
Happy hour: Drink specials and delicious appetizers that won’t break the bank
Many salons offer special deals for customers who visit during slow times or on specific days. If you’re not into the idea of getting your hair styled by a professional-in-training, consider visiting a traditional salon where you can get the most bang for your buck.
Shampoo Avenue Ain New York City gives 15% off all services Monday through Friday, 3-7 p.m. After these savings are applied, a $65 cut would cost about $55. Annastasia Salon has created a happy hour for new talent with 25% off
Happy hour is 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday at the Chop Shop Hair Studio. Get 10% off your haircut. You can save 20% if you can play your song through. In true happy hour spirit, the salon will even throw in a glass or two of wine or beer.
You can find salon-specific ways to get affordable haircuts by doing some research online. You may be eligible for discounts or deals for first-time customers if you present your military or student ID. New hair salons are offering deep discounts through sites like Groupon or LivingSocial.
3. Be a volunteer hair model
A salon job interview requires a stylist to demonstrate their skills by cutting hair live.
You can receive a complimentary or discounted haircut if you are willing to let them have your hair.
Salon Apprentice receives dozens of requests from hair model volunteers in different cities across the country. A stylist may need a model to try a new style, and sometimes he or she needs to be able to cut their hair in a particular style.
Tricoci Salon, Oak Brook, Illinois, was offering free haircuts to advanced clients. Tricoci offers a normal haircut and blowout for $50. That’s quite a deal!
4. Visit an In-and Out Salon Franchise
Don’t forget to mention affordable hair-cut chains such as Great Clips.
A woman’s haircut costs on average $66. This works out to $396 per year for six haircuts. Great Clips charges only $20 for a haircut, while styling costs more. This is a savings of $276.
You don’t have to be concerned that the lower price will result in a cut below average. Instead, call ahead and request a more experienced stylist.
Many stores offer services a la carte. This means that you don’t have to pay for hair care.
In conclusion
Don’t be trapped by high salon prices. There are many options for cheap haircuts.
