Photo illustration: Cut. Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Salons are a place of escapism and pampering, and nothing ruins your mood like talking about money. If you’re on a tight budget, ask someone at the front desk specifically about the cost of hair coloring and say, “Services start at $100.” Hair color is not as cut and dry as cut. That can make budgeting difficult, and if you’re like me and are starting to consider spending in 2023 (because your grocery bill is ridiculous or your job isn’t stable) You may be trying to save money), or you may find it difficult to dye your hair. on the chopping board. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some ways to deal with this. First, if you’re open and honest with your colorist, they can work with you to come up with a plan that takes into account the fact that your budget is tight.
“Calls, texts — we’re usually in touch, get in touch and let us know what’s going on,” he says. Jaketta Tabone, a master colorist in New York City. “I have been doing this for 25 years and have seen loyal clients who have gone through recessions and home losses. I am always happy to work with them.” If you don’t have a good relationship or you don’t have a way to contact them directly, call the salon and ask to speak before your next appointment. Share that number with your colorist so they can work backwards and come up with a plan.
I find this embarrassing, especially when the budget is half of 2022. (Think of all the things a client tells them while sitting in a chair. As color specialist Jenna Still says, it’s not always as simple as: It used to come every 2 months for X,Y,Z colors, now it comes every 4 months.
Depending on the results you want and the color you have, they may suggest moving from a highlighted look to a more even shade, coming more often and paying less each time.. Or, says Still, “If you usually get highlights, it’s a good idea to keep it light around the hairline and loosen the foil around the crown so the color softens.” You don’t have to come so often. “If you lighten your hair, I might change you from plain blonde to more balayage.
Even if you think your hair color is simple and there is no solution, you may be surprised. . Instead of growing, it fades out,” says Thavorn. Regardless of texture, “less shampooing can be an option because it fades more slowly.”
Is it possible that you need to be flexible with your appearance? yes. (With a tight budget, it’s going to be hard to find a colorist who can keep dark hair icy blonde until 2024. Pandemic? “Go to the dentist and use dental floss.” It’s like you’re trying to tell someone, and you just look at your teeth and you know you’re lying,” says Still. “We always know.”
It’s not that your experiments bother colorists so much. It’s possible you’re setting yourself back financially.”My job is never hard because I always have a solution,” he says. “But there is a charge for corrections.” In fact, in addition to new colors, correction colors, which may include multiple dye-removal processes or treatments to prevent breakage, cost two to three of the usual reservations. It could cost you twice as much.
I’m not saying you’re not allowed to do things yourself to save money. Colorists just want to be part of the process. For example, if you want to keep your hair red (because the dye molecules are larger than other colors and don’t penetrate deeply into the hair, the shade wears off quickly, making it easier to wash off), the colorist will do the following: may suggest. Color depositing conditioner. (I still like the one from Biolage ColorBalm and the Davines Alchemic pigmentation conditioner, which New York City colorist Jenna Perry told me she’s a fan of too.) Or, you might be okay with dyeing your roots at home. Sometimes (I sometimes use the dpHue Root Touch-Up Kit along the hairline at the 2 week mark to give myself more time before I need to go back to the salon).
If the look isn’t easy at home, your colorist may be able to suggest a temporary color to hide the regrowth (I like the L’Oreal Paris Magic Root Cover Up). There are also gloss treatments that you can do at home. “It creates a seal between the colored hair and the water in the shower, so you can extend the time between visits,” he says Taborn. “With a clear gloss, you won’t ruin the color you have.” L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss in Clear is a great affordable option.
But whatever you do, don’t arrive at your next appointment without paying for the service you booked. Many colorists, especially in New York City, work as independent contractors and are not paid an hourly rate by the salon. After that, if you sit down and request a few balayage pieces around your face to save money, you’ll earn less. However, if you consult in advance, you may be able to book someone else, so no chair will be vacant for two hours. After all, your colorist also buys groceries.
Jennifer Sullivan Practical advice and zero judgment answers to all your beauty questions.Submit your question AskABeautyEditor@nymag.com(By sending an email, you agree to the terms.) Here.)
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