Working in the salon, I have seen clients come in less and less frequently in order to stretch their hair color or cut out as long as possible before needing a touch up or trim. Generally this is due to money or timing issues, but now there is a way to get salon quality hair color and cuts for over half the price, and you can still go to your same salon if you like!
There are two ways that you can get great hair color or cuts at discount prices. One way is to check out the local beauty schools in your area. While students are getting their education and on their way to becoming licensed, they are put in a mock salon or spa setting taking regular clients while heavily supervised by educators with years of experience behind the chair. The prices are drastically cheaper than what you will find in a high end salon with good results. Keep in mind that these are students and they are still learning, so mistakes can happen. If you are very particular about your hair, this may not be the best option for you (unless you ask for a more advanced student which is a possibility). Try to look for higher end schools, like Paul Mitchell, Bumble and Bumble schools, or Aveda schools since are usually associated with great educational programs. These schools may offer spa services as well, so students can practice giving facials, massages, make up applications, etc which can be a less intimidating than hair services. Keep in mind these are students, so the chances of you getting a haircut in 45 minutes is slim, so keep your schedule open.
Once a student graduates from cosmetology school and receives their license, they can go work at a high end salon and receive more education before they are put on the floor and taking clients. The reason a salon is high end is because the skills of their employees are above and beyond other salons and constant education and perfection are key in this environment. This new employee will go through a variety of advanced classes since they already have the basics from school, whether it is for cutting, color, or both. For example a hair color program for one student at a high end salon can range from 8 weeks to 4 years, and each time they are taking "models" for specific objectives that they must complete (i.e. highlights, all over color, etc). The nice thing about having this professional do you hair is that the prices are at least half the price and there is less room for error than in a school. They are supervised by one of their mentors at the salon, and everything takes place at the salon usually in a quiet environment for learning. This is a great opportunity to check out a new salon in your area and to find a stylist that you like and can follow for years. Plus you can receive services at over half the price (if not free)! Start calling local salons and see if they need hair models for their advanced training programs. Each student may be working on a different assignment so getting those highlights touched up or ends trimmed may take longer than you think, so I would recommend calling multiple salons. Also look on craigslist under beauty services where you will find many opportunities to be a hair model for what you need done. Just think, you are helping someone with their education and with beautiful results at such a cheap price!
