Beauty Treatments For Less – Keep Taking Care Of You
Want to save money on your hair and beauty costs? Money and consumer expert Jenny McCormac from Brandrated reveals some easy ways.
As the cost of living rises, and everything seems to be costing more money than ever, Jenny also offers suggestions for alternative and DIY methods you can try out, saving even more.
An eye-watering total
It is estimated that the average Brit spends £3213.13 a year on hair and beauty treatments. Add this figure to the rising cost of energy bills, fuel prices and interest rates, and the average person’s annual expenditure can add up incredibly quickly.
Pic: iStockphoto
Some may argue that beauty regimes are not a priority. However, research has proved otherwise. One study conducted back in 2020 showed that people who took time to indulge in a three-step skincare routine found that their stress hormone levels decreased by 83%.
So it can be well worth spending a little time and money looking after ourselves in terms of health benefits.
Hair – average price for a cut and blow dry is £36
Haircuts are a maintenance job that many of us have no choice but to invest in.
Although cutting your own hair can be relatively straightforward, it is usually advised against unless you know what you’re doing. Not only can DIY haircuts be difficult, but if it goes wrong then you will require a professional hand to fix it. And so this will end up costing as much as it would have done in the first place.
Pic: Shutterstock
Also, many professional hairdressers advise against cheap, harsh box dyes.
Other than DIY cuts, there are ways to save money on your hair and still get the finish you want.
Most hair and beauty students attending local training colleges seek models to practise their skills on. Although this may seem like a daunting idea, putting your treasured locks in the hands of a beginner, the students are usually supervised by a qualified hairdresser and the price is normally just a fraction of the going rate.
And for your birthday, why not let it be known that you would love to receive vouchers for a particular salon? If half a dozen friends and family each gave just £5 in vouchers, you’d need to pay out much less on the day!
Nails – average price for a monthly mani/pedi is £70
Have you ever tried doing your own nails? While DIY nails may seem daunting, there are numerous kits out there that are perfect for beginners to achieve salon-quality nails at home.
While kits can require quite an investment, ranging from £30 to £120 or more depending on the type, this is a one-time purchase. Monthly nail trips cost around £40.
Here are some expert tips for a home manicure.
Pic: Shutterstock
If forgoing your nail salon visit is something you can’t bear to think about, then there are ways to ensure your manicure lasts longer, resulting in less frequent trips.
Firstly, you should never pick off your nail colour. Whether it’s out of habit or trying to save money on getting your previous colour removed, picking off strips away the top layer of your nail. This then leaves you with brittle and more delicate nails that are prone to breaking.
Secondly, protect from chips and chemicals! Buy rubber gloves a size bigger than you normally use, and a pair of cotton gloves of the correct size. Wear these inside the rubber gloves while cleaning to give extra protection to your nails (and prevent them puncturing the rubber gloves).
Back at the salon, you could skip the full manicure, which usually involves a cuticle soak and hand massage.
Although a wonderfully luxurious treat, it’s not necessary for your nails and normally costs more than a
simple colour.
Skincare – an average person’s monthly routine costs £47.50
Skincare has become a true staple in many of our routines. Thanks to lockdown and more time spent at home, many of us use our mornings and evenings to pamper our skin with lotions and potions that help make us feel good.
A common mistake is assuming that the more high-end a label is, the better it will be for your skin. Instead, focus on the specific ingredients found in the products and which ones work best for you.
Pic: iStockphoto
If you have been loyal to a specific product, then check out the box and see which active ingredients are present. Then seek out alternative products that also contain these ingredients.
Lots of high street stores offer their own brand products that have the same qualities found in more designer products, yet at a fraction of the price.
Body – the average price of a spa trip is £75
There’s nothing quite as luxurious as a spa day. Treatments ranging from facials to full body scrubs may be well-deserved but are notoriously expensive.
However, this doesn’t mean you should skip them altogether. In fact, there are treatments you can make yourself that can be made extremely cheaply, most of which are from ingredients found in your kitchen cupboard.
You can make a great natural DIY exfoliator from coffee grounds. A study conducted back in 2013 showed that caffeic acid, found in coffee, helps boost collagen levels and reduce premature ageing of cells. To make this, simply mix coffee grounds, brown sugar and coconut oil together and apply to your skin once a week for natural exfoliation.
Pic: Shutterstock
If your skin is sensitive, then you should try an oat-based scrub. Oats help reduce skin inflammation, making them perfect for sensitive skin and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Oats also naturally contain saponins, which break down oils, making them equally useful as a cleanser, not just a scrub.
To make this scrub, simple mix oats, water and almond oil together until it forms a thick paste. For extra natural goodness, add a teaspoon or two of honey which will help soothe sensitive skin.
Other hints and tips…
Pamper your pals
YouTube and TikTok instructional videos are your friend. Why not invite friends to each work on learning a skill such as foot scrubs, applying a hair mask or facial massage, and then treat each other for an at-home spa weekend?
Reward schemes and loyalty cards
Most retailers are now offering their own loyalty and reward schemes, as an incentive to get customers to shop at their stores.
While they vary from store to store, generally speaking these loyalty schemes offer money off vouchers, free shops and even samples of new products. As they do vary, it is worth taking time to work out which scheme is best for you, as some will suit different shoppers.
Other stores offer recycling schemes, whereby you bring back your empty pots and packages, which can’t be recycled at home and receive a gift in return. Not only is this great for your purse strings but it’s great for the environment too.
