Discovering the Thrifty Benefits of Long Hair by Martha Wild King, M.Ed.--October 2024

Having long, flowing locks is often associated with beauty and style, but did you know that growing out your hair can also lead to significant financial savings? That’s right! Embracing long hair can bring about many benefits beyond its aesthetic appeal. Let’s explore how long hair can contribute to your overall financial well-being, from reduced hair salon expenses to decreased spending on hair products.

Less Frequent Haircuts:

One of the most noticeable financial advantages of maintaining long hair is the reduced need for regular haircuts. While short hair requires frequent trims to maintain its shape and style, long hair tends to grow slower, allowing you to extend the time between salon visits. You can save considerable money over time by skipping monthly or bi-monthly haircuts.

Lower Hair Salon Expenses:

Shorter haircuts often involve complex techniques, precise shaping, and intricate styling that can result in higher salon costs. In contrast, long hair can be relatively easier to manage, reducing the need for elaborate treatments. With longer locks, you can opt for simpler styles or even DIY hairstyles at home, minimizing dependence on professional salon services and reducing expenses. I’ve cut my bangs for four decades and used to chop off the ends of the rest of my hair. But in the last five years, I’ve just let it grow, and to my surprise, I now have fluffy ends on my ponytail, like a real horse’s tail. This is an odd fact but a nice benefit of salon-free living.

Reduced Hair Product Consumption:

Maintaining long hair generally requires less reliance on expensive hair products. Shorter hairstyles often necessitate a range of styling gels, mousses, waxes, and sprays to hold their shape and texture. In contrast, long hair can look effortlessly beautiful with minimal product usage. Reducing dependence on hair products saves money and contributes to a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

DIY Haircare and Styling:

Long hair offers greater versatility in terms of styling options. From braids and updos to loose waves and ponytails, numerous hairstyles can be achieved without professional help. Embracing DIY haircare and styling techniques empowers you to experiment and create unique looks without spending money at the salon. Online tutorials and social media platforms can be excellent resources for learning new styling techniques.

Cost-Effective Hair Accessories:

Long hair opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to accessorizing. From colorful scrunchies and hair clips to headbands and scarves, a vast array of affordable hair accessories can instantly elevate your look. These accessories can be purchased at a fraction of the cost of regular salon visits, saving money while adding flair and style to your long tresses. And although not a hair accessory, I did purchase a hair-cutting kit for my three sons, who all likewise learned to trim and shape their hair. Long hair and the proper tools can become a family affair, too, thus adding to the overall savings.

Hair clips can be categorized for quick use: English Buns, French Twists, Small Clasps, and Cloth Clasps

Donating Hair for a Cause:

Choosing to grow out your hair can provide an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life. Many charitable organizations accept hair donations to create wigs for individuals suffering from hair loss due to medical conditions. By growing out your hair and donating it, you can contribute to a worthy cause while saving money on haircuts and styling during the growing phase.

While the allure of long hair often lies in its beauty, it’s essential to acknowledge the financial benefits that come along with it. From reduced salon expenses and lower product consumption to embracing DIY haircare and supporting charitable causes, growing out your locks can lead to significant savings. So, whether you’re considering a change in style or aiming to cut down on expenses, long hair might be the key to unlocking a new world of financial advantages.

And to round off the value of long, when I looked it up, salon visits can cost you about $1,800 yearly for just nails, haircuts, and blow-outs. [Wisebread.com] The average American woman spending $44 per haircut, plus a tip of $9 four times a year, adds up. Thus, for me, The Frugal Catholic, just staying out of salons and polishing my nails for 45 years has saved my husband, Captain Mike, AT LEAST $77,400. That is a “big hairy” amount that will just keep growing.

1 Corinthians 11:15–but if a woman has long hair, it is her pride?  For her hair is given to her for a covering

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Martha Wild King, M.Ed., Author

The Frugal Catholic: Learn to live on less to give and save more.