When it comes to looking and feeling our best, there are a few mandatory things that we as ladies focus on. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who can say that they’ve eaten Ramen for a week because the purse that holds the wallet was well worth it. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been trying to figure out a way to get more “bang for my buck”, if you will. I think this way about literally EVERYTHING. I have my penny penching, yet amazing, mother to thank for that quality. For example, a nice pair of must have shoes vs only because I need it to feel clean down there toilet paper. Contradicting right? When I go shopping for cute new shoes, I justify some of my spending by telling myself “these will last me for the rest of my life” vs when shopping for necessities I think “Is toilet paper really worth $5?” So, in order to expand my closet and pursue more traveling adventures, I have learned to cut my costs in certain things that I feel I can conquer on my own.
First up:
Hair:
Most women spend near $200+ a month on their hair ALONE at hair salons. As for me, I am the QUEEN of avoiding hair salons. Remember when I had long platinum blonde hair?
When most people met me they would ask me questions like, “How did you get your hair that blonde without it breaking off?” “How much did you spend and what salon did you go to?” “How is your hair not completely fried?!”
First off, I spent a total of probably $25 every other month by going to Sally’s and buying these products.
I would touch up my roots once a month by mixing these products and leaving them on for about 20 minutes. Too orange for you? Get some purple shampoo and that will fix it. Or get toner and mix it in with products before applying it to your hair, then purple shampoo. My hair also didn’t break off and wasn’t completely fried because I conditioned it like crazy. After all was said and done, I saved more than I lost.
HAIR TIPS:
1) Conditioner is your best hair friend no matter what the hair color is. Leave in conditioner is amazing! Especially if it has an SPF in it as well. Personally, I’m a huge fan of It’s a 10 Miracle Leave In Product, but that runs around $25. Albiet pricey, it is worth it. You can find affordable leave in conditioner at your local super market for no more than $10. Don’t believe me, go look! Also, hair masques are hair miracles. Try to deep treat your beautiful locks with moisture at least once a week. You will thank yourself for the extra 15 minutes of standing in the shower afterwards.
2) Try to avoid any products that have alcohol in them because alcohol dries out your hair. I’ve been using Mane’ N Tail shampoo now for a month and I am in love. I never thought I would ever use this product because well, it’s so cheap that it’s on the bottom shelf.. but it has changed my hairs life. There are other great shampoos and conditioners out there under $10 also. All it takes is a few minutes to read the ingredients and think, “is this what I need for my locks?”
3) Go out of your way to buy a pair of not crappy $20 sheers and cut off your dead ends once a week. Or, once a month.. whenever you can remember after you get out of the shower will be a huge help really. Even if you don’t dye your hair, cutting off a quarter of an inch will save you the couple of inches your stylist will chop off in the future. There’s no need to cry in a hair salon if you are taking care of your hair outside of the salon.
4) If you are planning on dying your own hair stylists will tell you “do not use box hair dye”. I agree that you shouldn’t, but Sally’s is just as cheap and no way near box dye. Now if you have never done your own hair before, it’s okay! I get it, hair is our security blanket, but who do you trust more than yourself? I always say, “you wouldn’t do onto yourself that would make you avoid a mirror.” At least not intentionally. If your curious, do research online after you decide on a color to help you prepare for the products you’ll need. This will help you not freak out when you go into Sally’s. Let it be known though, I do think that professionals should totally do major cuts. I myself do not even cut my own hair other than a trim because I can not see behind my head.
5) Yes, blow drying, curling, straightening, etc are terrible for your hair and speed up the process of damaging and frying your hair. If you’re going to do it, don’t be crazy, use a heat protector.
6) Etc. I tried the eggs mixed with mayonnaise recipe and it made my hair smell like a garbage disposal. Also, it didn’t really help moisturize my locks. I am a huge fan of oils. Such as, cocount oil that can be bought at a supermarket for $5. Also, Argan Oil that you can get off Amazon for $15. It not only smells awesome and makes your hair feel light and pretty, it speeds up the drying process so you can avoid a blow dryer. Just remember with oils a little goes a long way.
I know that there is much more to hair, so please feel free to give me pointers as well! After taking time out of your day to read this blog, I promise that you will have saved yourself $200+ extra in your wallet a month. Til next time always remember, even the classiest and most beautiful ladies ball on a budget too.
Xoxo,
Chella
