How to Save Money on Hair Coloring and Salon Visits

Be Strategic About Where You Go

Salon pricing can vary widely, so doing a little research can pay off in a big way. High-end salons in busy city centers usually charge top dollar, but beauty schools and smaller local salons often provide high-quality services for far less. You may even find independent stylists who work from studios or shared spaces and pass on those savings to their clients.

– Check beauty schools for discounted, supervised services

– Explore independent stylists or small salons with competitive pricing

– Look for tiered pricing based on stylist experience levels

– Ask online community groups for affordable recommendations

Look for Deals, Discounts, and Loyalty Programs

If you know where to look, there are plenty of ways to trim your salon bill. Many places run promotions during slower times of the week or offer new-customer discounts. Loyalty programs and referral rewards can also trim your salon expenses over time. Staying flexible with your schedule and keeping an eye out for specials can unlock some surprising savings.

– Sign up for newsletters or apps to stay updated on promotions

– Book weekday or off-peak appointments for lower rates

– Use referral discounts to save when you bring in a friend

– Collect points or rewards at salons that offer loyalty programs

– Check coupon and deal sites like Groupon and LivingSocial for salon vouchers and promo codes that can help you save color services and treatments.

Choose Lower-Maintenance Styles

The type of coloring technique you choose can make a huge difference in how often you need to go back for touch-ups. Low-maintenance options like balayage, root smudging, lowlights, or subtle highlights grow out more naturally, giving you extra weeks before your next visit. By working with your stylist to plan a look that is designed for longevity, you can keep your hair fresh without scheduling appointments as frequently.

– Ask your stylist about softer grow-out techniques

– Choose shades close to your natural color to reduce upkeep

– Consider glosses or toners as a quick refresh between full coloring

– Pair cut and color appointments to maximize each visit

Try DIY Options at Home

Not every coloring job needs to happen at the salon. Visiting a salon for big treatments, but maintaining your color at home, can significantly reduce your annual costs. Today’s at-home kits and custom color services are more advanced than ever, making it easier to get high-quality results on a budget.

If you’re new to DIY, consider watching YouTube videos or TikToks for tips and tricks, or visit beauty supply stores and chat with the pros. Even if you don’t want to do a full dye job yourself, you can try temporary tints, glosses, or color-depositing conditioners to extend time between appointments.

– Explore professional-grade at-home kits like Madison Reed or eSalon

– Use color-depositing shampoos or conditioners to refresh your shade

– Experiment with temporary or semi-permanent dyes for fun changes

– Try gloss treatments to revive shine without a full recolor

Make Your Color Last Longer

One of the simplest ways to save money on hair coloring is to take excellent care of your color once you have it. Protecting your hair from fading and damage means you can wait longer between appointments without your look suffering. A few tweaks to your daily routine can extend your color and help you get the most out of every salon visit.

– Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos and conditioners

– Wash less frequently and rely on dry shampoo when needed

– Protect your hair from UV rays and chlorine with sprays or caps

– Use root touch-up sprays or powders to hide regrowth

– Avoid hot water when washing, as it strips color faster