The cost of living is continuing to rise and figuring out where cost cuts are possible has become a very real conversation in a lot of households. Although we might view our full head of foils as a necessity, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to build a case when we’re going up against expenses like food, rent and transport.
In saying that, taking pride in our appearance isn’t something we should have to give up if we don’t want to. Particularly when it can play such an integral role in our overall confidence and mental health.
That’s why we’re here to help guide you into making easy-to-action tweaks that will make your hair appointments more manageable.
4 ways to reduce your hair appointment costs…
#1 Have a candid conversation with your hairdresser
Hey, not everyone’s trying to screw us! Be honest about your budget and the frequency in which you can commit to appointments. As per our autumn hair trends for 2023, we’re all in the same boat in regards to seeking lower maintenance options.
Embracing our natural colour and texture with shades like ‘recession brunette’ can mean less root touch-ups and more time investing into colour techniques which will fade naturally and don’t require constant upkeep.
One example? Free-hand painting like balayage. This technique will often last longer and fade more seamlessly than an all-over dye. Speak to your colourist about what your options are.
#2 Don’t try anything overly ambitious at home
We’re no strangers to a good old box dye session. However, in an attempt to cut costs, don’t try anything on your hair that’s going to require an emergency salon visit to have it repaired. We’ve all tried to bleach our hair in our bathroom sink and ended up a ghastly shade of orange, so let’s leave those moments back in high school, shall we?
If you do happen to run into a colour mishap, don’t panic. Get ahead of the crisis with the help of the Scott Cornwall Decolour Orange Remover ($30, Woolworths).
#3 Prolong the life of your colour
There are a few tweaks we can make to protect the longevity of our fresh colour. For example, the overuse of heat tools is one way to dull your dye. Where possible, air-dry your hair and avoid blasting it with a dryer or sizzling hot tong.
Are you washing your hair every night? As we already know, shampoo and conditioner will ultimately work towards fading the vibrancy of our hair colour over time. Try skipping the shampoo every other night and rinsing your hair with tepid water and conditioner.
And when you do reach hair wash night? Do your research to find products that are going to boost the vibrancy of your hair colour as it washes. Our recommendation? The brassy tone-neutraliser: Provoke’s Touch Of Silver Brightening Shampoo ($13, Woolworths).
#4 Get some friends together and see if you can strike a deal
Are you and your pals in the same boat? See if you can organise with your hairdresser to come to your home and do a few appointments in one go! Without the cost of paying for a chair or giving their commission to a salon, freelance hairdressers might be able to shave off the bells and whistles that come with fancy salons.
The only downside? You’ll have to sacrifice that heavenly basin head massage in favour of leaning into your kitchen sink or shower!
#5 Use a root touch-up
Whether you’re on a budget or not, everyone should be doing this. If we’ve learnt anything from Eva Longoria it’s that these products aren’t just gimmicks. For those in-between appointment moments when your greys are taking on a mind of their own, apply a product like the L’Oreal Magic Root Cover Up ($17.99, Chemist Warehouse) down the centre of your hairline and reap the salon-worthy rewards for a fraction of the price.
For other products to touch-up grey roots, bh recommends: 1000 Hour Hair Colour Root Cover-Up, ($14.99, Amazon), Clairol Root Touch-Up Permanent ($11.99, Chemist Warehouse) and ColorWOW’s Root Cover Up ($53, Adore Beauty).
#6 Shop the aisles of your supermarket
As tempting as it may be, try not to get swindled into purchasing a $100 hair mask at the counter of your salon. If you’re yet to discover the world of supermarket shampoo, you’re in for a treat.
For less than $10 a bottle, there are a plethora of salon-quality options that will keep your hair healthy, hydrated and glossy. But don’t stop there, throw in a leave-in treatment like the Provoke Touch of Silver Leave-In Conditioner Spray ($5, Woolworths) while you’re at it. Delightful.
Main image credit: @iamzoefoster
Do you have any tips for maintaining your hair colour on a budget? If so, what are they?
I do my own hair, it’s gets easier with practise.
Do you cut it as well?
I do actually, I have a good pair of scissors that I bought off a hairdresser. It has a nice sharp cut. I have a pretty basic hairstyle that only needs a trim.
I don’t have any tips but always love hearing other people’s.
Some people are just clever with the styles they come up with.
Me too Bianca 😊
I gave up on colouring, though done well it does look good
Totally agree, I just don’t like all the maintenance that goes along with that look
I colour my hair at home. Sometimes it’s a hit and sometimes a miss but I do enjoy playing with colours.
It’s a learning curb and sometimes it is fun to try something different
I’m okay with box dye.
Me too and cost sensible
I don’t colour my hair
Neither do I, I just prefer the natural look and prefer low maintenance hair
I would love to feel like that but I have too many greys and I don’t suit them. Good on you Rinny
I like to have highlight in the winter as I think they bring out the colour and avoids dullness
yes you can get some lovely highlights and not have to worry about regrowth
I have been using a Root Touchup Kit for years. Mainly between each full dye job because I’m too tired, lazy or don’t have enough time that week.
I love dying my own hair because not only does it save me a small fortune but I also get to try out a new colour or new brand when I want to rather than being tied to what a Hairdresser finds easier.
I cut and freelight my own hair, prefer it done by myself
I’ve been colouring my hair myself for decades. My tip is to only mix up half the contents of the box for a roots-only application.
I have been colouring mine too forever -good tip -thank you
L’Oréal Magic Retouch is brilliant! I’m nearing the end of my current can, so I might try the Clairol or Schwarzkopf one next.
Protect coloured hair from the sun . Wear a sunhat .
I haven’t had to get foils for over 10 years now. Went a natural platinum and my hairdresser says people pay to get my colour. My hair just needs to but cut and definitely thinned out as it is so thick. It’s funny though as my old hairdresser used to wish she had my hair and I wished I had hers as it was thin.
Great tips
This Provoke Touch of Silver Leave-In Conditioner Spray sounds good. I have never used leave in products before. Perhaps I should start now, only $5
In my younger days when I didn’t have much money, I used to let the students do my hair. They always did a good job at about a quarter of the price.
The best way to help your budget is to stop colouring your hair!!
True but if you really don’t suit grey and not happy with it it is not an option
A wonderful read and great tips, that leave-in conditioner spray looks lovely.
I have used the magic retouch and it is really good if the regrowth is showing on a part line
Lots of helpful stuff
I colour my hair at home, I do the roots once a month and the whole length couple of times a year. I have long hair and I chose a shade close to my natural colour. I only go to the hairdresser for haircuts ( I wish to do the colour there too, but just afford it).
I don’t have coloured hair. Seems like a lot of maintenance.
I’ve been colouring my own hair lately. Can get a bit messy but I guess with practice it’ll come easier.
Looks like some wonderful home hair products for colouring around this days!
I stopped colouring my hair it was making it go like straw as a result of the chemical. It took years for it to go back too normal .
Root touch up is a must for me.
Home salon for me