How to Save Money at the Hair Salon

December 15, 2020

By: Makeup.com | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

A luxurious salon experience is one of the best ways to pamper yourself. There’s nothing like walking into the hair salon looking one way and leaving completely transformed. Unfortunately, salon visits can be expensive, so you might not always be able to indulge in blowouts or deep-conditioning treatments. If your hair-maintenance bills are adding up and you want to find a way to cut corners on your next salon appointment without sacrificing the health or look of your hair, keep reading for our money-saving tips.

Shampoo at Home

Some salons tack on extra charges for pre-haircut shampooing. Save some cash by showing up to your appointment with clean, freshly washed hair. For a luxurious at-home shampoo that won’t break the bank, try the Carol's Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Sulfate Free Shampoo before your next appointment.

Skip the Blowout

One of the best parts of going to a salon is walking out with perfectly bouncy, blown-out hair. But with some practice, you can achieve a salon-quality blowout at home for free (follow these DIY blowout tips to learn how). Just be sure to let your stylist know you’ll be skipping the post-cut blowdry ahead of time.

Cut Out the Extras

From deep conditioning treatments to color glosses, it can be tempting to say yes to additional services during your appointment. While they may sound like a good idea in the moment, you might be surprised by the cost when you get the bill. Instead, ask your stylist what at-home treatments they recommend and add them to your shopping list to try in between appointments.

Go With a Junior Stylist

Many salons charge more for appointments with master or veteran stylists. For a more budget-friendly service, try booking an appointment with a junior stylist. Just because they’re not as experienced doesn’t mean they can’t get the job done. To find a junior stylist you feel comfortable with, do your research ahead of time by looking at their work on Instagram or getting a referral from a friend.

Get a Gloss in Between Appointments

If you have colored hair, stretch out time between appointments by getting a gloss treatment to refresh your hair color. These services are typically not too pricey and can make a big difference in your hair-coloring schedule. To keep your dye job looking its best, you can also try using a mask formulated to enhance your color, like the Garnier Nutrisse Color Reviver 5-Min Hair Mask.

Touch Up Your Roots at Home

Another way to extend the time between hair color appointments is by touching up your roots at home. Invest in a kit like the L’Oréal Paris Root Rescue that’s easy to use and will make it look like you just visited a salon.

Photo: Melissa San Vicente-Landestoy