Are You Paying Too Much for Your Haircut?
The barber shop down the street has a sign on the lawn that reads “We repair $6 haircuts.” The Great Clips in the other direction is currently advertising their regular $6.99 sale. And, that’s where I’ll be later this week — because my $6 haircut has never been in need of repair.
I have, however, paid $6.99 to have someone repair a $45 haircut I hated. Go figure.
I think sometimes we’re willing to pay more for something because we’re conditioned to believe that makes it better. Low cost means cheap. Cheap means low quality. Yeah, sometimes that’s completely true.
But the opposite isn’t always accurate. Just because something costs more, doesn’t mean it’s worth more. The key is to balance the value with what you’re willing to pay. The real trick is being willing to step out of your comfort zone and try something new to find that balance.
Ask your friends for a recommendation. Compare prices. Try a sample. Get a competitive quote.
Just don’t delude yourself into thinking you can’t save money if you want something worthwhile. High price doesn’t always mean high value. And, sometimes a good deal is actually priceless.
Photo Credit: Flickr
I just got a $40 haircut I’m not completely sold on….
i just know i wont go to wal-mart for a haircut every time ive gone there i ended up with a haircut that was crooked or not what i wanted how hard is it if youve been trained to cut hair to cut a straight across the back no layers or style at all 3/4 inches off thats it how do you still mess it up
I pay $35 for a cut, and it’s worth every penny. My stylist is awesome and I’ve never walked out of her salon looking bad.
For me, it’s not the cost; it’s finding someone who lists to what I’m saying and can execute what I want. I’ve had a great $10 haircut and I’ve had a great $75 haircut for $75. Right now, I’m in the $45 range and have been going to the same stylist for over 2 years because I like the results.
I agree – you have to get recommendations, try different places and, when you find someone your are happy with, stick with them. The price difference is supposed to be for skill, yes, but also for customer service. That consultation before the great shampoo, for instance, vs. getting it sprayed with a squirt bottle.
@Samira – harder than you think. Try taking an old fashioned string mop, get it wet, turn it upside down, over a round object and attach it to something that moves every once in a while (every one breathes, has involuntary twitches, has to scratch their nose). Now cut each and every strand exactly the same length. And heaven for-fend if you’ve sat with your legs crossed – it throws your whole body out of alignment.
Really – I recommend doing a web search on your local salons and start at the middle priced ones – then look at what other services are available and even how many years a stylist has been in the business at ONE location. (If they have bee-bopped all over the place for 15 years, it’s likely because they couldn’t get enough client retention because they were NO GOOD).
I’ll admit I spend around $150 to get partial highlights and a cut. I know some people think that’s high and I agree but it’s the one splurge in my life. My hair always turns out how I want it and it is really about the experience as well. I enjoy being pampered for the time I’m there. I also have very long hair and only get it done about every 4 months. So for me it’s totally worth it
I have unevenly curly hair (wavy in places, ringlets in others) and have NEVER had a good cheap haircut…except at the beauty school, where the students ask for the instructor’s input.
I have tried the less expensive barber/hair stylist! Sometimes it doesn’t work. I tried it for 18 months and I am back to a good stylist! The differential ($150 per year) is not worth it.