In my adult life, I’ve never made enough money from any or multiple jobs to get so much as maybe A haircut every other year, let alone things like waxes, laser, nails, things that I both want for practical and aesthetic reasons.
I’m not in a position to even work right now – applying for disability- but it’s always dismayed me how people my age have been able to afford rent AND food AND gas AND bills AND beauty/hair stuff without seeming sweating about money.
How much is the minimum that people are making to afford even a cheap haircut every few months? The highest salary I’ve ever had was $37,000 and I was still missing rent or running out of gas in my car because I had to have the highest health insurance plan.
This isn’t a rant or anything, I have been stuck living in a place that has very few jobs for my skill set and education and I’ve never been able to afford moving elsewhere, nor have any job interviews for positions at companies that cover moving/offer housing provided an actual job offer
The job market is worse than it’s been and everything is more expensive. Idk what I want to hear, this might just be a genuine ‘how much did you have to make a year in order to afford regular salon appointments’
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Most people living it up are in debt up to their eyeballs.
I have long hair and usually go about 9 months between hair cuts. I go to Hair Cuttery and get a haircut that’s $20
Debt. I don’t pay for nails anymore. I have a a haircut every 12 weeks but don’t dye my hair. I do my own brows and lashes, and don’t do injections. I don’t know how anyone affords it either.
Beauty schools offer services at a discount.
Learning to style your own hair.
Dollar stores have basic nail care supplies and nail polish. Same for basic haircare items too.
Many beauty supply stores have discounted items too.
YouTube to learn different tips and tricks.
I really don’t spend money on that stuff. I paint my own nails, use drugstore make up, get my hair cut twice a year at great clips, no eyelash extensions or fillers. My beauty and hair budget is very low.
I’m 48. I’ve been “negative bank balance” broke, no money but no debt broke, a little money and a little debt broke, and finally my and my husbands income mean we are considered wealthy. In all of those spectrums of money or no money, I have never in my life figured out how people pay hundreds per month for hair, hundreds for nails, eyebrows, in addition to expensive name brand makeup, much less all the crap women my age are now considering to be routine care. Fillers, Botox, teeth whitening, skin polishing (wtf), spa treatments etc. More income means aggressive retirement savings, not suddenly dropping a cool $1k on my looks. I have always gotten by on annual haircuts, the same trio of makeup products (gen x, I just need black eyeliner mostly) and I’ve added a few Costco level face and neck lotions.
My only guess is debt. Because when I look at my own numbers, it still doesn’t add up. How are folks having it all – huge mortgages, daycare/tuition, fancy travel sports, all the right cars, AND self maintenance to the max. 🤷🏻♀️
Having roommates or a partner to share expenses makes life easier to live, unfortunately. US median income is about $42k, US median household income is about $80k. If you live in a city or suburban area, these medians will be even higher, and these are places with the beauty services you mention.
Unfortunately education and how lucky you are to be born into a family of privilege strongly influences one’s financial outcomes.
Beauty can be as cheap or expensive as you make it, you just need a little time, internet access and some creativity.
For example waxing, instead of paying to get it done you can sugar wax, all you need is sugar, lemon juice and water. Learn the techniques by watching tutorials online.
Same goes for cutting your own hair.
Also, influencers lie. People are drowning in credit card debt. You never know what the reality behind the online persona actually is.
I have absolutely zero drive to do anything aesthetic to my body other than clothes and jewelry so it’s a non-issue. I get one hair cut a year, at JCPenney, just a cut and no dye. I never wear makeup, don’t shave or wax (no razor fees!), and don’t do my nails unless I paint them from the paint I’ve had for like 10 years.
I cut and dye my own hair. I wear press on nails. I paint my own toes. I only shave when I feel like it. Waxing is the one thing I miss and have been considering buying a wax warmer for this reason.
Honestly? Because my parents had the money and were willing to put me through college and I chose a very in-demand field, so I was immediately able to go into my career after college without any student loan debt and making about $56k/yr pre-tax. And that was about two years ago so my pay has gone up, and I even work in a hospital system known for not paying as much as others in my area. And I am still young enough to be on my parent’s healthcare plan, so they keep me there. Also, let me live at home while I was in school. I am also still driving the car they gifted me in high school so, no car note.
Sure I worked hard in college and I’m a very diligent employee, but I would not be in as good of a financial situation as I am if I didn’t have a privileged family that was more than willing to support me through my education and help me with things like my car.
I diy. It’s still expensive. But $20 on some tools and some time in front of the mirror (or a friend you won’t get mad at if it goes poorly) is much cheaper than paying a hair dresser $100+ for a cut and color.
And for the things I can’t have I remind myself the beauty industry makes billions by telling largely women that they aren’t beautiful as is. And self love is a revolutionary act.
some time in elementary school i realized nail salons and fake nails ruin your nails and I wonder how much money i saved by avoiding that fiasco for 30 years.
The only time in my life that I got/could afford to get regular hair and nail appts was when I was an older teen/young twenty-something, and still living with my parents. Haven’t been able to justify the cost since I moved out – I now cut my own hair, no longer color it, and did my own gel nails until recently (stopped doing my nails at all due to safety concerns).
Seconding what others said about people who routinely get beauty services often being in debt. It’s not a guarantee of course and I don’t want to stereotype anyone, but usually frivolous spending in one area means frivolous spending in all areas. I’m sure there are some people out there who live frugally day-to-day so they can splurge on beauty appts, though!
Alot of people learn how to do their own hair, nails, even waxing.
I’m pretty sure those people are either high earners, have very little other financial responsibilities, or are in debt. With that said, don’t sleep on Groupon. You can save thousands.
I dye my own hair and paint my own nails. I’ve always done my own hair since I was a teen (I’ve gotten better over time lol), and I used to go to a salon and get my nails done but I became disabled and had to tighten the purse strings.
DIY or just not doing it at all
I spend on makeup because I enjoy it but not out of my means. I get a haircut about twice a year, I do my own nails and I style my hair and invest in little things like cute hair ties or clips and things like that. I also shave body hair when I want to.
I just make room when I have to. Make up is a non-negotiable for me, as I have had mild acne for my whole life and can’t leave the house without it covered in some aspect (it sucks). Only drugstore make up though, it works well enough. I just recently quit getting my hair done. My normal cosmetologist raised her prices (booth rent at nice salon) to over $300 with tip and it booted me out. I will not pay that for hair so I’m just going natural. I do my own gel nails at home because I’m also not paying $60 for a super shitty manicure that lasts 2 weeks. I don’t do eyebrows/lashes/botox/etc. Once in a blue moon I’ll buy some teeth whitening strips.
As someone else mentioned, cosmetology schools usually offer heavily discounted services performed by students – overseen by their teachers and they are great resources to have especially for much needed cuts or simple colorings. The one local to me also does nail services! You can get decent nail polish at the dollar tree but you can get nice gel polish with a lamp for around $20 at target. If you get the dollar general, Walgreens, cvs apps, they will often have coupons for make up that help!
Truthfully though, when I did do twice a year hair appts, regular nails, regular facials it was because I didn’t have many bills. I could never afford that stuff now that I have adult bills lol. I miss the luxury but it’s easy to find other ways to get the end result without sacrificing your financial well being. It may not be glamorous but it works!
When I was a teenager living in my parents house and didn’t have any real expenses I paid $$$ for beauty stuff. Mostly nails and spraytans. $400 for a cut and dye was too crazy even for then. When I moved out on my own, I realized there were a million things I’d rather spend my money on. And later, when I had the money, i realized there were a dozen other things I’d rather spend my TIME on than beauty services.
I go to great clips for barbering and have my sister trim my bangs. I do my own nails. Impress sticky tabs are my fav. I apply my own fake tan, and dye my own hair (badly sometimes but it’s just hair, it grows back).
I don’t get haircuts often I just let it grow out. I splurged last year and got my hair dyed, but I got it ombré so I don’t need to touch up my roots and it’ll still look good later.
im irresponsible and self conscious
My beauty maintenance costs is pretty low. Basically only haircuts 2-3 times a year. I paint my own nails and do my own hair removal. No fancy skincare, just Rx tret, sunscreen, plain moisturizer and cleanser.
I feel like social media distorts people’s view of reality? Like yes there are people out there who rack up credit card debt for this stuff, but I really don’t think most women who don’t have the income for it are regularly getting their hair and nails done.
People I know who regular get stuff done simply have jobs that pays a level of income that makes it affordable. I have a good job and could afford it if I choose, but I don’t really see the value of getting my nails and hair done regularly. I’d rather save the money toward on some future big ticket cosmetic procedure when I feel like I need it.
Learned how to do everything myself. Haircuts, hair dye, waxing, nails, facial peels, hair treatments, blowouts, etc.
There are some downsides, like the time I was late to work because my cat stepped in the bowl of hair dye, fell off the counter, and overturned the entire bowl onto himself. I cried a LOT that morning, shut in a small bathroom, desperately trying to wash a frantic clawed animal clean. Peak at-home experience.
I cut my own hair. I found the “butterfly cut” on YouTube. I style it with a Revlon hot air brush which I buy at TJ Maxx so it’s cheap.
The most money I spend is on a nice conditioner by Dove for my dry, curly hair, along with a couple leave in products. But it’s still drug store prices. Makeup is drug store too.
I get a haircut every 8-12 months. I get a pedicure maybe twice a year. My shampoo costs 3.99 at Trader Joe’s lol. Spending money in this category is not the least bit important to me
I did my own hair for the longest time (box o’dye cost $5, streaking kit was $10). Same with nails, etc.
it wasn’t until I was “old” that I could afford to get my hair done by a professional.
I get a haircut once a year. I shave at home instead of waxing. Laser is way out of my budget. But my nails? Those babies are what I splurge on. $80 CAD (that’s with tip included) every 4 weeks or so. I pick what is important to me and that’s what I spend my money on 😂 I’ve just worked that into my monthly budget as a non negotiable and it’s seemed to work for me.
Social media is really misrepresenting what most women do on a day-to-day basis regarding beauty. If you go off of what you see online, you’d think everyone was constantly doing filler, lasers, lash extensions, facials, botox, gym twice a day, 20-step skincare routine, yada yada…ain’t no way, literally the only people who have time for that are people who are paid to look hot.
Personally I’ve only gotten salon nails twice, and I hated the experience so I started doing gel nails at home. (Don’t do this without looking up info on gel allergies and safety! It’s serious!) I’ve been trimming my own hair for most of my life, and the few times I’ve splurged on hair care I’ve been extremely unhappy. (wow is there a trend here?) I shave at home, wash my face with a cheap face wash and that’s it, no teeth whitening, and I work 50 hours and have chronic pain so I really struggle to work out.
I found that the beauty things that make me happy are pretty nails and pretty jewelry. I’m trying to dress a bit better too so I look more mature, and so my jewelry doesn’t look strange when I wear a hoodie, but since those are what I like best, I’m going to spend the most money on that.
I haven’t had a haircut in over 3 yrs. In the last year, I’ve started trimming the ends myself.
For nails, I do them myself. Get a glass nail file, they are a game changer. I hardly ever have breakage anymore. If one does break, I let all of them stay long and handle the short one. No one cares if they’re all the same length, and I’d rather have mainly all long nails vs. all short nails. Get some vitamin e oil and jojoba oil for your nails and feet. Jojoba oil is the only oil that can get into the nail plate. Get a refillable oil brush so it’s easier to apply.
Most people are putting things on credit cards and have a lot of debt. Thats how they’re keeping up 🙁
I’m married with both of us working great jobs and we have no kids. It’s a lot easier now in my 30s vs 20s. Hair every 7-8 weeks, nails and toes every three. It is a luxury that I fully enjoy as a luxury.
I don’t bother except for semi annual haircuts and the rare eyebrow wax or threading, usually when there’s an event coming up like someones wedding.
Fake nails, manicures, elaborate haircuts, regular wearing of make-up don’t make me happy so I don’t do them.
This is what comes from a government that wants to funnel money to billionaires but doesn’t give a fuck about people. In most developed countries, you will have had a better medical system than the incredibly lousy one we have.
Most of the women I know who do those things (and honestly, it’s not that many) have special circumstances such as:
Personally I prefer to live alone and don’t have parents with money, which means I do without a lot of those luxuries. I get my hair done pretty regularly but that’s really it. I do my own nails, no Botox or fillers or professional skin care, no lash extensions, micro blading etc etc.
I DIY some but honestly- I got incredibly lucky. I was good at studying enough to get a full scholarship to school (granted community college was my other choice) and also a scholarship as a kid to learn piano.
I’m a workaholic working 60 hrs a week. I run a successful piano studio and will have my nursing degree next year. I currently make around 90k teaching piano and 30k working as a PCT/sitter at a hospital- but i mainly do the latter job rn for health insurance and to improve the chances I get hired as a nurse.
I’m incredibly good at teaching piano. I know where the niche was in the market in my area so I could charge a premium price. I did hours and hours of research- emailing professors and such. Technically I only work part time hours. It’s likely that when my disability takes over- I’ll fully transition into piano and maybe nursing desk work. I know I’m on a limited timeframe before my body gives out.
I do have several major health issues though and see a physical therapist around twice a week and have a specialist appointment almost every week. But teaching piano is luckily not as physically intensive as nursing. But nursing is flexible enough that i hope to eventually get something that’s not too intense.
I purchased the Braun at home IPL machine for at home laser removal a few years ago. I wax at home for other things. I do overnight curls for my hair, get basic hair cuts twice a year, and I do gel nails at home- but very carefully to avoid contact dermatitis. I only do a very basic manicures (no add ons) for my nails because of hospital policy. For skincare- I stick to the basics- sunscreen, tretinoin, moisturizer.
Realistically speaking, I think making the investment into nursing or another career with high demand might be your best choice. Yes you may have to take out loans, but the high wages and flexibility makes me less nervous about when my body fully gives out on me.
Honestly, my fiancé. I wouldn’t be able to afford it without him. We also don’t have kids or a car note, so that frees up a lot of money.
I DIY a lot of beauty stuff, and I keep my look very natural to curtail maintenance costs and overall fuss. I cut my own hair (it’s super long, tailbone length, and cutting hair that length yourself is easier). I don’t dye my hair, I’m just letting the silver come in naturally. I did buy a very expensive Dyson hair dryer/styler that makes doing my own blowouts infinitely easier, because I generally suck at doing hair and the machine is foolproof.
I paint my nails and do my pedicures at home. I shape my own eyebrows. I taught myself how to dye my eyebrows and eyelashes and I keep that up fairly frequently, every two weeks. Very, very minimal makeup, just a tiny bit of eyeliner and red lipstick on special occasions.
I spend the most money on my skincare and even then I have a fairly simple routine. For night time I have a good quality cleanser, a mix of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid serum (with mandelic acid serum added in on my non-retinol days), face cream, eye cream, prescription tretinoin (every other day), thermal water spray, and a jojoba/rosehip oil mix ; in daytime I use a SPF and a lighter lotion. I probably spend an average of $40 a month on skincare.
I am willing to pay out for larger ticket items that will last a long time and/or make a big difference, like the hair dryer. I bought a red light therapy panel a few years ago and it’s made a huge difference in the quality of my skin, and hss given me a visible boost in collagen production. I buy minoxidil from a subscription service to fight age/hormone/chronic illness related hair loss. I used to pay for Botox (well worth it in my opinion) until my insurance started covering Botox as a migraine treatment. I’m considering buying an at home laser hair removal device next!
I do 2-3 haircuts a year. When I was making closer to 40k/year I went to a chain haircut place and paid about $20. Looks like it’s up to $30 at the same place now. They always did an ok job.
I made it happen because I needed to look professional. But I didn’t do extras like nails or designer makeup. I had basic drugstore makeup.