Impact : Bad Economy: How Does It Affect Your Hairlifestyle?

[Mahalialee4]

1. Going to the salon?
2. Funds for Commercial Products?
3. Purchase of weaves, extensions, wigs?
4. Cost of Upkeep of "?
5. Frequency of Relaxers or Texturizers?

Have any of you ladies noticed a significant impact on ability to maintain high maintenance when prices are soaring, jobs are disappearing and budgets are tight?

One thing for sure, I am wondering. Are the Asian Beauty Supply Stores able to keep up their life styles without concern due to their dependability on your patronage in your areas that you live?

Anyway, care to share thoughts on these questions?

 

[I Am So Blessed]

no.

i dont go to salon, no waave, nothing,

just me and ma juice

 

[Firstborn2]

no.

i dont go to salon, no waave, nothing,

just me and ma juice

Child something is wrong witcha. But to answer OP question, I haven't noticed a difference, at first I was a lil nervous when the economy first started to tank, I told my self no more purchases but it didn't matter cuz at the time I had a lil stockpile. I stopped going to the salons once I found this site back in 07' so I'm good.

 

[Nayeli]

Mmmm, I haven't noticed a difference. I do approximately 4 relaxers a year. Two of them cost me next to nothing because I don't do them in the US.

I don't wear wigs, can't remember the last time I wore extensions and no single hair product I own costs more than $8. And considering the fact that I only use 6 products anyway, I really don't spend much money on my hair anyway. My hair's needs are cheap lol.

 

[Mahalialee4]

I have my little stockpile of powders and oils, which are very cheap, like $1.99 a box Canadian, do not relax, but I do henna and indigo. I think I am good for the next 2 years, lolol! Oh yeah, I coffee and green tea rinse and do my own hair.

 

[Firstborn2]

I recently discovered tea rinses, um about 4mos ago I love it! they recently had a host of organic teas in the 99cent store, some of the same ones that are in whole foods, so I stocked up on thoughs.

 

[Bene]

1. Going to the salon?
- Once every 3 or 4 months. $10 + tip for a trim. Just a trim. I walk in with a just washed, wet head. If I let them wash, trim, and dry maybe $40 + tip.

2. Funds for Commercial Products?
- A dollar and some change per bottle of V05 shampoo or conditioner. About 3 bucks for a bottle of oil that seems will last for quite a while.

3. Purchase of weaves, extensions, wigs?
- N/A

4. Cost of Upkeep of "?
- On a normal (non salon visit) month, I'll spend maybe 10-12 dollars on hair products, if that?

5. Frequency of Relaxers or Texturizers?
- N/A




This is how I deal with my hair regardless of the status of the economy. This is just hair maintenance though. Money spent on hair accessories is a totally different story

 

[silenttullip]

I feel you, I haven't entered a salon since the recession began but ya know there's an upside to that, if we have hair issues it's only ourselves to give the beat down to

no.

i dont go to salon, no waave, nothing,

just me and ma juice

 

[silenttullip]

LOOOOOL until I read the accessory part I was like wow she has no splurg tendencies whatsoever I've gotta get like that

1. Going to the salon?
- Once every 3 or 4 months. $10 + tip for a trim. Just a trim. I walk in with a just washed, wet head. If I let them wash, trim, and dry maybe $40 + tip.

2. Funds for Commercial Products?
- A dollar and some change per bottle of V05 shampoo or conditioner. About 3 bucks for a bottle of oil that seems will last for quite a while.

3. Purchase of weaves, extensions, wigs?
- N/A

4. Cost of Upkeep of "?
- On a normal (non salon visit) month, I'll spend maybe 10-12 dollars on hair products, if that?

5. Frequency of Relaxers or Texturizers?
- N/A




This is how I deal with my hair regardless of the status of the economy. This is just hair maintenance though. Money spent on hair accessories is a totally different story

 

[Bene]

LOOOOOL until I read the accessory part I was like wow she has no splurg tendencies whatsoever I've gotta get like that

I used to be pretty bad about spending money on hair accessories. I mean, Ficcares sell for 40 bucks each. Hair forks and sticks I buy can range anywhere between $12 and $40.

I should take pictures of my current collection to give you an idea of how much I've spent. It's embarrassing, really. I haven't bought any more in quite a while though, since I pretty much have every possible clip, fork and stick, in every style and color, I'll ever want. So my hair budget now focuses on maintenance only. But back in my hair accessory phase, I was spending anywhere between $30 to $150 a month. I'm soooooooooooo glad I've moved beyond that

 

[miss stress]

It doesnt effect me at all, the ARMY pays my husband every 2 weeks like clockwork

 

[lilsparkle825]

it doesn't. i do a lot of cowashing with cheap conditioners...and hiding my hair with $2 kanekalon, and i install my own braids and twists...

 

[stelladata]

I'm on the college diet, lmao.
I have been on a hair budget in like forever and probably splurge once every year. Yes the economy has affected how much I dish out on my hair.

1. Going to the salon?
Since finding hair care I've been to the salon at least three times since 07.
2. Funds for Commercial Products? Barely anymore, I stick to amla if anything. I stretch my conditioners and wear buns more than often. I've had the same big jar of eco styler gel which cost me around 3.99 since 08. If I run out of amla and I can't find any henna I use household items for DTs.

3. Purchase of weaves, extensions, wigs?
Never, I could use that money on something else.
4. Cost of Upkeep of "? Not sure right now.
5. Frequency of Relaxers or Texturizers? planning on twice a year. So far i've done twice one at the salon, my first time since being natural and the second one at home for a touch up. Since I understand how to do it myself, i'm sticking to twice a year. I am hoping that I can stretch till the beginning of summer.

 

[BlkOnyx488]

My personal economy is not bad. I knew the housing bubble was going to burst because the problems began back in 2004 not 2008. My Hubby and I decided to pay off all our CC and not use them anymore. and streamline all the bills we could back in 04. And got rid of our gas guzzeler then to.

So I am free to play with my hair and by products, in moderation of course. They good thing about using cash is you can't spend what you don't have, and after you pay for it you don't owe anyone!

 

[tocktick]

It doesn't. I never purchased big ticket items in the first place, I was never a PJ and I don't do salons. I cut back getting my hair braided for reasons that had nothing to do with money (she wasn't expensive and my aunt has a BSS so I get discounted human hair anyway ).

 

[Eluv]

Well the short answer is no.

My household income hasn't changed so my buying power has remained the same. On the other hand, I've always been el cheapo. I am a complete bargain shopper and I absolutely love coupons and discounts.

With all that said, once in a blue moon I lose my mind and spend money like I'm loaded without price shopping first. I spent well over $200 last month on Mizani products to texlax after three years of being natural. So far I have no regrets.

 

[Solitude]

I think my personal financial adjustments are a result of the following: 1. the uncertain economy, 2. the fact that I'm a law school student, and 3. Dave Ramsey.

I had a very hard adjustment from going to a full time job to being a full time student again.

1. Going to the salon?
When I joined LHCF, the economy was not that bad & I was still going to the salon every couple of weeks. I basically stopped going to the salon because I buy so many products and no longer have a need, but the cost was an issue as well.

When I get the urge to go to the salon, I take the amount that it would cost out of my checking, pay myself by putting it into my savings and I go ahead and do my own hair at home.

I would love to get highlights, but I would have to go the salon to keep them up and I refuse to do that.

2. Funds for Commercial Products?
I've slowed way down on my product purchases. The other day I returned $96 worth of products to Ulta . I now only buy products at places that allow you to return them, so I won't be wasting so much money on products that don't work for my hair.

I use pricey products like Aveda, but they last a loooong time & they are much cheaper than paying a hair dresser. They also have a liberal return & exchange policy.

3. Purchase of weaves, extensions, wigs?
I don't wear weaves, extensions, or wigs. I wanted to get kinky twists, but they are too expensive. I'm in law school and I only work part time, so I'm on a student budget.

4. Cost of Upkeep of "?
n/a

5. Frequency of Relaxers or Texturizers?
Well, back in December I purchased 3 relaxers which is enough for all of 2010. I got them for $99 instead of the $180 they would have cost separately. The high cost of the relaxer that I use is part of the reason why I stretch.

 

[brucebettye]

1. Going to the salon?
Before I found LCHF I stopped going to the salon.

2. Funds for Commercial Products?
I just buy stuff that I can get at the BSS or walmart. I hate to order hair products off the internet.

3. Purchase of weaves, extensions, wigs?
I stopped doing braids about 3 years ago because my braider made me mad and I didn't want to keep paying her $150.00 for braids every 2 months. But LHCF taught me how to take care of my own hair.

4. Cost of Upkeep of "?
My upkeep is very cheap. I spend maybe $60.00 a month on hair products.

5. Frequency of Relaxers or Texturizers?
I am too lazy to perm my hair often. I do it very 6-9 months.

If it was not for LCHF I would still be wearing half wigs everday to save money.
I am still working so my budget has not change that much I just want to start saving money just in case I end up not working.

 

[brucebettye]

My personal economy is not bad. I knew the housing bubble was going to burst because the problems began back in 2004 not 2008. My Hubby and I decided to pay off all our CC and not use them anymore. and streamline all the bills we could back in 04. And got rid of our gas guzzeler then to.

So I am free to play with my hair and by products, in moderation of course. They good thing about using cash is you can't spend what you don't have, and after you pay for it you don't owe anyone!

I started to live this way in 2007 and I am so glad I did!!!!!!!

 

[afrikurl]

I've always been a DIYer because I have always been broke and/or cheap. I learned to braid my own hair when I was 11.so if I want braids or twists, I'll do them. I've probabaly only been to a salon about 5 times in my life and I don't really have any plans on going to one soon.

Like someone mentioned my personal economy is just fine. I do splurge, I buy things online and in person. I buy often but I don't think I've ever bought anything that cost more than $8.... wait I have aphogee. I also buy with cash or debit only.... so I can't buy things I can't afford. My bathroom sink and accessory organizer runneth over.
In short no... it hasn't affected me.

 

[Mahalialee4]

Well, I went from "if you want it buy it", (my DH would) say to "there is no way, I am going to spend money on what I can make myself".
I am a lot like D. Lewis in that I cook mostly from 'scratch' and other than that I am a minimalist. I like nice clothes so I buy classic items that are good for years, same with shoes.
When it comes to hair, I am trying to get my own hair in the best shape possible, keep it natural, and make my basic staples. I am aiming for retention and length and thickness.

I would call myself more 'proactive' now when it comes to caring for my hair. Got to have my backup plans.

The reason I mentioned the 'always have oil in my hair', is that it can tide you over a few days if you cannot care for it the way you normally do, keeping it from drying out or breaking off easily.
And now that I AM JUICING AS WELL. I think I have it mapped out.

 

[Lola Laughs]

1. Going to the salon? Nope, I'm a DIY with the exception of cornrows for my 2 DDs.

2. Funds for Commercial Products? I make my own, but fortunately can buy ingredients locally which is cheaper. I do keep a bottle or 2 of Trader Joe condish on hand when I'm too lazy to mix up a batch of moisturizer ($3, can't beat that).

3. Purchase of weaves, extensions, wigs? N/A
4. Cost of Upkeep of "? N/A
5. Frequency of Relaxers or Texturizers? N/A

Interesting thread, OP!

 

[ms.blue]

I don't get my hair done as much anymore. I used to get weaves done every two months w/ either weaves or braids. I would buy bss hair for my weaves which in the long run would cost more money b/c they didn't last long. I would only use human hair for my braids b/c I thought synthetic hair was too cheap for me. Now w/ the price of hair and services going up, synthetic hair started looking really good to especially w/ braids. I started wearing wigs b/c it was cheaper and also learning how to braid my hair really well has helped me save money.

 

[gissellr78]

1. Going to the salon?Def a no since i am saving.

2. Funds for Commercial Products?Gave up being a PJ. Just get what i need.

3. Purchase of weaves, extensions, wigs? I don't use weaves or extensions

4. Cost of Upkeep of "? n/a

5. Frequency of Relaxers or Texturizers?every 3 months...my aunt does it at home

 

[Ms Lala]

1. Going to the salon?
2. Funds for Commercial Products?
3. Purchase of weaves, extensions, wigs?
4. Cost of Upkeep of "?
5. Frequency of Relaxers or Texturizers?

Have any of you ladies noticed a significant impact on ability to maintain high maintenance when prices are soaring, jobs are disappearing and budgets are tight?

One thing for sure, I am wondering. Are the Asian Beauty Supply Stores able to keep up their life styles without concern due to their dependability on your patronage in your areas that you live?

Anyway, care to share thoughts on these questions?

No not for me. I don't buy really expensive products. Everything I buy is reasonably priced and seems to last me a while. I do my own hair; I have never been to a salon. I do like half wigs but I catch them on sale and have never paid over $20 for one. It is much less than I would pay for a weave or similar style in salon.

 

[darlingdiva]

1. Going to the salon? N/A. I haven't regularly gone to the salon since January 2007

2. Funds for Commercial Products? This isn't really a problem b/c I always have more than one of each product in the house, and the products aren't that expensive. My most expensive product is the $16 KBB deep condish. (Okay, that isn't true b/c I also have the Hydratherma Naturals Daily Moisturizing Growth Lotion & the 8.5 oz. bottle is nearly twenty dollars, but that is going to last well into next year.)

3. Purchase of weaves, extensions, wigs? My wigs are very cheap. Last year's wig was $15, and this year's wig is $30.

4. Cost of Upkeep of "? N/A

5. Frequency of Relaxers or Texturizers? N/A

 

[BlkOnyx488]

I firmly believe things wouldn't cost so much if it wasn't for credit artifically propping up our economy. It can't last, it's a bandaide on a gapping wound.

It's why we as a country are in this mess, the complete mis-use of credit.
It's crazy to me I have paid off cars, and house in record time and my credit is average, because I didn't drag the debt out 30 years

So I decided not to play the credit score game, It makes me sick how they have turned getting our credit score into a for profit business. IMO that should be illegal.

I hope I don't sound high and mighty, I am not trying to be I am really obeying God's commandment over my life to not be ruled by money. I spent several years chasing the almighty dollar, I was stressed and miserable, then after I suffered a huge loss of money, God open my eyes to how fleeting and unimportant money is. Ever since I stopped chasing after money we seem to have more of it, and I don't work. NOT RICH, but not struggling, we are able to help people, and take care of our family. I am so glad God took me out of the game.

I started to live this way in 2007 and I am so glad I did!!!!!!!

 

[PPGbubbles]

My hair care routine is recession friendly so nothing has changed!

 

[Butterfly08]

1. Going to the salon?
No impact. I only go 6 - 8 times a year anyway, only to touch up my relaxer or highlights. I can still budget these visits in.
2. Funds for Commercial Products?
Slight impact, but I have decided to use my stash this year. So I don't miss the frequent visits to the mall to pick up the latest hot conditioner. I have only purchased a few items so far this year, one I got for around $3 since I had a $10 off coupon, another I got for around $5 because I used the money my SHS refunded to me. I would like one other conditioner but I will wait until my birthday or I use up a couple other conditioners. So no real impact here either actually, my buying habits have changed without respect to the economy.
3. Purchase of weaves, extensions, wigs?
N/A
4. Cost of Upkeep of "?
N/A
5. Frequency of Relaxers or Texturizers?
Already answered
Have any of you ladies noticed a significant impact on ability to maintain high maintenance when prices are soaring, jobs are disappearing and budgets are tight?

One thing for sure, I am wondering. Are the Asian Beauty Supply Stores able to keep up their life styles without concern due to their dependability on your patronage in your areas that you live?

IDK, I haven't frequented those stores in years. I buy mostly oils, Aveda products and Redken products.
Anyway, care to share thoughts on these questions?

I am fortunate to still have my job and to be financially stable. For that reason, I am all the more grateful and motivated not to get back into debt over stuff that I will have to pay to move whenever I leave (I used to be a serious PJ about EVERYTHING). I'm not sure when I will be able to move, but its on my heart, so I have a use it up attitude about everything - hair, makeup, clothing, shoes, even food. My goal this year is not to spend wastefully, but to appreciate what I have and use it or give it away before replacing it. The economy has definitely played a small role in that, because I see how hard it is for friends who lost their jobs. I'm planning for a rainy day, and if that rainy day never comes, I'll still be better off.

 

[Butterfly08]

I use pricey products like Aveda, but they last a loooong time & they are much cheaper than paying a hair dresser. They also have a liberal return & exchange policy.

I am also a fan of pricey products, especially Aveda and Redken. I also use Aveda for my skin care. The products last FOREVER! I have a moisturizer that is over 3 years old, and I use it almost every day! I also have facial masks that I purchased 3 years ago. I use them regularly and again they are more than half full. Just a little will do you. I prefer quality over quantity anyday, and so does my skin and hair. I buy on sale whenever I can (I stocked UP on numerous Aveda products a few years ago when a salon that was going out of business had a 40% off sale).

I just got an Aveda DR con, and to make it last (even longer) I will only use it when I condition with heat.

I firmly believe things wouldn't cost so much if it wasn't for credit artifically propping up our economy. It can't last, it's a bandaide on a gapping wound.

It's why we as a country are in this mess, the complete mis-use of credit.
It's crazy to me I have paid off cars, and house in record time and my credit is average, because I didn't drag the debt out 30 years

So I decided not to play the credit score game, It makes me sick how they have turned getting our credit score into a for profit business. IMO that should be illegal.

I hope I don't sound high and mighty, I am not trying to be I am really obeying God's commandment over my life to not be ruled by money. I spent several years chasing the almighty dollar, I was stressed and miserable, then after I suffered a huge loss of money, God open my eyes to how fleeting and unimportant money is. Ever since I stopped chasing after money we seem to have more of it, and I don't work. NOT RICH, but not struggling, we are able to help people, and take care of our family. I am so glad God took me out of the game.

I agree with you. God does not intend us to be bound by debt. I was for years. Ironically it took my getting a divorce and selling my house to become debt free, and I never want to be chained again. I feel a LOT freer and able to handle the uncertainties of life. I don't stress out as much over surprise bills, and also ironically, I don't live above my means any more. So hair is just an extension of that lifestyle. I am teaching myself to wait until I have the money to buy it from my paycheck instead of raiding my savings, and it feels good. It doesn't hurt that I have a nice size stash from my old PJ days though.