How I unknowingly became more prepared for a salon shut down.

Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com

Let’s talk about our beauty regimen ladies (and guys if you are interested. 😉 )

Before COVID-19 was even named, I had been trying to be a bit more self-reliant with my beauty regimen.   It started out as a way to save money, but now, with hair and nail salons closed, it’s been the only way to keep up. (I will also share the cost savings of doing everything myself since this is a personal finance blog 😉 )

NAILS

Changing my nail routine was not initially about the money.  It was about the health of my nails.  I used to get gel nails every 2-3 weeks because I thought my nails would be stronger.  However, each time they were removed, my nail beds became softer and more damaged.  Even my nail stylist told me to take a break.  I did, and I’ll never return.  I started taking care of my own nails at home, using high-quality nail products. After several months of my own care, my nails are stronger and healthier than ever.

Gel nails every 2-3 weeks yearly cost: $840.00

Doing my own nails w/OPI products: $50.00

Savings: $790.00

WAXING

I’ve been having my brows and upper lip professionally waxed for years.  However, this was not a difficult task and one that I knew I could do myself.  In January, I purchased a wax kit and have been doing it myself for the past several months.  Besides being convenient, I feel it’s more sanitary.  And, after reading this article, I’m glad I’ve made the switch.

Waxing 12x a year: $360.00

Waxing kit: $40

Savings: $320.00

HAIR

This one is a bit tougher because I don’t know how to cut my own hair.  However, I do color my own hair.  I try to wait  3 months before I get a professional cut and color, so I’ve become quite good at covering my roots.  I understand the best thing is to not color at all, but I’m so.not.ready to look old (my grey is the ugly kind — not the hip new look others are sporting.)  Fortunately, I did get a professional cut and color at the end of February for which I am very grateful. 😉

Professional Color (if I did it every 4 weeks): $2,400

Coloring at home: $80.00

Cut & Color 4x a year: $800.00

Savings: $1,520.00

Total Savings for Nails, Waxing & Hair:  $2,630.00

A pretty nice side effect of being a bit more self-reliant, don’t ya think?

Has the salon shut down affected you?  How are you doing things differently?