How to Save Money on Professional Hair Color

Before I got pregnant with my son, I went through a phase where I was constantly changing my hair color. Covering grays can easily be accomplished with a box of hair color from the drugstore; but drastic color changes require the skills of a professional. Unfortunately, professional hair color is extremely expensive, so I had to find a cheaper way. You can get great color for a low price by visiting a cosmetology school. Here's how:

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phonebook or Internet access
• Local cosmetology school

1. Using a phonebook or white pages online, look up local cosmetology schools in your area. Look for schools that have an excellent reputation. You can also ask stylists you like where they went to school.

2. Call the school and make an appointment to have your hair done. Sometimes schools will only offer services on certain days. You may get a discount for coming in on a certain day as well. Usually weekdays are cheaper.

3. Arrive at the school and sign a waiver. The waiver simply states that you understand a student will be doing your hair and you will not hold them responsible for any mistakes. This may seem scary, but students who are at this stage are near graduation and are closely supervised by a teacher. I have never had any problems. The waiver is just a precaution.

4. A full color, cut and style may cost less than $50. If you get a friends and family discount, you may pay even less. On one occasion I only paid $30, and my hair was down to the middle of my back. Going to a cosmetology school is much cheaper than visiting a salon.

5. Often times, a student will be willing to spend much more time on your hair if you desire changes to the cut or style. Speak up if you don't like something.

6. Enjoy your new, inexpensive hair color and treat yourself to lunch. You earned it!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you always tell the stylist your full color history. How often you have colored your hair recently will affect how they mix the color and how long they leave it on.
• Avoid coloring your hair too often. It can be very damaging.
• Never color your hair at the same time as a perm - your hair could fall out.