Beauty Supply Stores Can Slash Your Hair Dye Budget

It’s a new year. Spring is here. You want to change your look, but need to stay within a budget, which includes skipping the salon. Your next thought would be to try one of the packaged hair dyes at the store, right? There is an even more cost effective way to do this and that is at the nearest beauty supply store.

Most people do not know that store bought hair dyes are in storage for quite a while, which can affect the longevity and quality of hair color. Although it may be more convenient to choose a particular color, going to the beauty supply store and asking one of the clerks to help you is more cost effective, gives you more choices, and is higher in quality. Imagine saving money while getting the same color that most salons use!

The first step is to ask questions about the different types of products to use according to the look that you want. I have found that most clerks who work in these stores are very knowledgeable and happy to give advice. You will learn that hair color is determined by color base, which is blue, blue-violet, violet, red-violet, red, red-orange, orange, golden-orange, gold, neutral, and green. For example, if your hair grabs red you may want to try an ash tone, which is found in the blue and green base colors. You will need to keep in mind that there are several manufacturers of hair dye and color base can vary slightly with each. My sister uses the Wella brand found at Sally Beauty Supply and says that it has a deeper color and has lasted longer than any other brand she has tried. There are also organic brands to try if the natural route is the way you would like to go. Most stores carry a line of these.

The next step after finding your hair dye is to grab a large bottle of developer. Typically you will need to use two times the developer to one part color. You can find mixing bottles for under $2.00. Ask the store clerk about the strength of developer that works best for your particular hair color and brand. If you have a great conditioner at home, that is great, otherwise there are large bottles available at the supply store at reasonable prices.

Last, be sure to purchase a pair of plastic gloves, or even a package to save even more money. You will also need a plastic cap and cotton balls to keep the hair dye from dripping down your neck. Be sure to clean your hair dye bottle after each use by shaking it with Isopropyl alcohol.

The initial cost may be comparable to store bought box, however; your savings will come each time that you dye your hair because the only purchase you will need to make is the hair dye until the developer runs out, which is in usually six months. If the store offers a discount programs or rewards be sure to not miss out on that for additional savings and coupons in the mail or e-mail. With help from the store clerk and research on the Internet, you will be able to attain the color that you want at an affordable price.

Audrey is a mom of one daughter, Ashley, who will be ten in April. She loves to save money and share with others how to do the same.