Is an Expensive Haircut Worth It?
$950 for a haircut? That's what's on the menu at the famous Ted Gibson Salon in Manhattan. Our Financially Fit team recently interviewed Gibson, star of TLC's What Not to Wear, to learn just what goes into this uber-expensive haircut and how we can all keep our hair in glam-shape on a much smaller budget.
Also See: When It Pays to Spend More
At that price, you're getting more than just a trim, says Gibson, who will style your hair himself at that triple-digit price. "It's really not about the haircut. It's about getting that luxury 5-star experience," he explains. We should mention that haircuts at the salon do begin at $75, and even Gibson, himself, says you don't need to spend a fortune - or get the royal treatment -- to receive a solid haircut. "You can get a great haircut at $20. Where it can get a little expensive is if you have those add on services like color or getting deep conditioning treatments in the salon."
In fact, there are a number of ways to pamper your hair and give it that fancy salon look for much less. Here's a down and dirty guide to getting an expensive-looking haircut at bargain prices.
Also See: Common Money Traps to Avoid
1. Go longer in between cuts. Ask for a cut that will "grow out well." A good stylist will know how to give you a cut that will still look good even as it gets longer. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind: the shorter the haircut, the more often it will need to be trimmed. For very short styles, get a cut every 3-5 weeks. Longer cuts can go up to eight weeks.
2. Rinse your hair with cold water. "A cold rinse helps to close down the cuticle and bring everything back together," says Gibson. "It adds brilliant shine to the hair."
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3. Go pro every other time. Another way to save 30-40% on salon visits is to pay for an expensive cut or color every few visits, and then have a budget salon "follow the map" established by a higher-end stylist. The same goes for color treatments.
4. Avoid the trip trap. If you think a quick touch-up will save you money, think again. A trim in the salon biz is really just another word for "haircut". Don't expect to pay less. A cut is "only about the hair that's left on your head, not what is left on the floor," says Gibson. "It's really important to be very specific about how much hair you want to be cut off with your stylist."
5. Take advantage of free bang trims. Many salons offer loyal customers free bang trims in between haircuts, so use this as a quick way to freshen your look for less. Or, if you choose to trim your own bangs yourself, remember to cut them dry, since wet hair shrinks.
Do you think an expensive haircut is worth it? How much to pay for a good cut? Connect with me on Twitter @Farnoosh, and use #finfit.
