88 answers

Would You like to Help Settle a Dispute (?) with My Wife?

I think many of you know, I'm a stay at home dad to 3 girls. One is in school during the day so it's just me and the two younger ones.

My wife and I were going over the budget over the weekend. She wants to get her hair cut and colored (is that the right term? streaks and some highlights she says for $250! I was kinda shell shocked over this. My hair cut is easy, $20 bucks and I'm done. Number 2 clipper.

For our daughters hair we spend about $25 for cuts.

Am I wrong for thinking $250 is a high for a cut and color (as she calls it)?

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

Yes, she has thick hair and it goes to the middle of her back.

She doesn't do this that often but it's the first time she's doing it all when we are on one salary. I think when I was working, it didn't bother me.

Theresa - you are right. If mama ain't happy, ain't no body happy.

She is NOT a diva. She is the VP of Human Resources so she does need to be able to present herself well. She does this about every 4 to 6 months, but like I said, when we were a two-income family it wasn't a big deal. We do have the money for it. It just seems like a LOT of money.

She can go so long because she has light to medium blonde hair. This time it's highlights. It's not that we can't afford it. We can. I just look at spending money differently now since we are a one income family.

Thank you for your input!! She's read the responses. She said she will look into Groupon. however, she's been going to this person for years and loves her. I love my wife - i'm not saying no to her - I'm just saying wow. that's a lot of money for hair.

Featured Answers

While I support her being able to get her hair cut & colored, I think she should shop around for a cheaper place.

10 moms found this helpful

Where I'm from, $250 is just about right. I pay (when I don't have extensions in) $200-$300 for cut, color (with highlights) and style.

Men's haircuts are way simpler than women's. In addition, kids hair cuts really aren't that difficult.

5 moms found this helpful

I spend about $120 for a cut and color (highlights) and I have long hair. I very rarely do this b/c I think it's a ton of money.

EDIT: I cut my husband's hair every 2 weeks b/c it's more convenient for me to do it and it saves us a little bit of money. That said, he would never tell me I couldn't get color/cut when I just can't stand the grey any longer. I have shopped around to find a reasonable hair dresser that I like. If I went to one of my good friends I would spend closer to $200, but I choose not to.
I don't think you're wrong for thinking $250 is a lot of money, but if it's that important to her and you can afford it, is it really worth a fight?

5 moms found this helpful

More Answers

Are you crazy?! It doesn't matter what WE think, it only matters what SHE thinks. And if you tell her 'well all my lady friends on MMP think it's too expensive', you will be a lonely man for weeks to come.

Geez, use your head!

Surely you know a Happy Wife means a Happy Life?!

;)

25 moms found this helpful

While I support her being able to get her hair cut & colored, I think she should shop around for a cheaper place.

10 moms found this helpful

Nope. That's totally normal.

Cut = $60-$85
Color = $125-$!65
Highlights = $125 - $200 (depending on type; foil, bayolage, etc.)
Conditioning Treatment (so the color stays longer, hair is soft) = $20-$30

Sounds like she's getting a package deal that comes with a free haircut if she's getting cut, color, and highlights together.

DO KNOW: Touchups are faaaaaaaaar less expensive. Typically about $50.

It's the initial cost that is $250-$400. A lot of the upfront cost is the time spent. She's talking 2-3 hours in the salon. In the same time period, the stylist could be bringing in 3-4x what she'll be making . Think about your and your daughter's hair for a minute... ever spend more than 20 MINUTES getting your hair done? And military prices (takes about 3 minutes to do a nice fade that's only a week old) would make your cost look crazy.

The cost is a combo of time spent, materials used, and expertise of the stylist. Sounds like your wife has gotten herself a great deal!

9 moms found this helpful

Oh Mr. Mom....gotta get with it!!

Cut + Color + Highlights is expensive, especially for thick, long hair. The highlights add a lot. How in the world can she go 4-6 months?? Yikes!!

Yea, you and your #2 clipper...so easy and so less expensive. You also pay less for your dry cleaning and a ton of other services as a man. Tell her to go and schedule her appointment :)

7 moms found this helpful

If she is a professional than I see it is a an important business expense. And depending on her hair type, it can be well worth a stylist that commands that.

Would you REALLY you like you wife to get a $20 number 2 Buzz?
Just saying......

Me I have never payed that much, but I am cheap, and a stay at home mom. I sure if I wanted too hubby would support me on it. Who doesn't want their spouse looking good, and for women, it can be a huge boost in self esteem. I would so love love love too get a awesome cut and color someday, and if I start working I will be budgeting it in.

7 moms found this helpful

it depends on your area. here in los angeles, it sounds about right as just a cut is around $60-80 average. highlighting will almost always be over $100 so combine the 2 services and you're looking at around $200. $250 does sound a teeny bit high but if she's going to a high-end salon, makes sense. i'd shop around for prices but if she has her heart set on this and you can afford it, why not? :)

6 moms found this helpful

The prices always vary from state to state, town to town, but in my area that is about right, maybe a little lower.

But doesnt she deserve to go to the salon and get her hair done and feel good about herself?

Let your wife treat herself! All women deserve to get their hair done! Just have her shop around a little and see if prices are cheaper.

ETA: Ahhh Theresa you crack me up! You are sooo right! If Mom aint happy, aint NO body happy!

6 moms found this helpful

Some women think nothing of spending lavish amounts of money on their hair (and nails, pedicures, etc).
Me personally - no way!
I've got better things to do with $250
She's going to go ahead and do it (and feel entitled to it), but the money is going to have to be cut from somewhere else to make up for it.
How painful that process of reallocating funds is going to depend on how far the money has to stretch.
Depending on your circumstances, it might be easy or darn near impossible.
Good luck to you, Sir!
Additional:
Well, since you can afford it, this is what strokes her ego.
The price becomes part of the prestige.
It's part of the VP package and what those do who have offices on mahogany row.
With guys, it's golf clubs (or a sports car).

6 moms found this helpful

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