Everyday Cheapskate: Be brave and save … on haircuts!

If you or someone in your family could use a haircut but you’re a little short on cash this month, don’t let this challenging economy keep you from looking your best. Check out these tips and tricks for saving cash on family haircuts and other salon treatments.

BRAVE

Go online and search for beauty schools in your area. BeautySchoolsDirectory.com is one option that lists barber and cosmetology schools by state or “near me” for the entire country. If you are lucky enough to have one located nearby, you and your family can save as much as 50% to 75% off the cost of a haircut and other salon services. Just keep in mind that this is a learning institution, so don’t be in a hurry.

All cuts or other salon services including color are supervised by a licensed instructor. These schools need real live people on which to practice what they are learning. Request an appointment with a senior student.

BRAVER

Keep your hairstyle simple. Whether your hair is long or short, make it manageable and low maintenance. This goes for all family members.

Cut back on the number of trips you make to the barber or hair salon. Many hairdressers will have you believe that you need a cut every six weeks, but this may be more to keep them in a job than anything else.

A good haircut can last as long as three months. The more you get chopped off, the longer it’ll take for you to feel like you need another trim. So, be brave and get more off the length to make it last.

If you’re happy with the rest of your cut, it’s worth asking hairdressers about any discounts they offer for a simple bang trim. You never know; some salons even offer complimentary bang trims between haircuts.

Another option is to invest in a good pair of haircutting scissors. Trim your bangs yourself and give family trims, too. YouTube is loaded with step-by-step tutorials for how to trim your own bangs and others’, too.

Consider changing to a simpler hairstyle. You can try a new style “virtually” first before…