NPR: How do you get cheap highlights?

asianbymarriage

I went to Supercuts on Tuesday to try to save money on my partial highlights, but they said they don't carry the materials to make my hair as light as it is - they say only a full service salon can do that. I can't find any salons that don't charge a ridiculous amount to get my hair done.

I don't trust myself with box highlights. I think I would really, really screw it up. Is there no place that's economical?! Anyone in the greater Seattle area that can recommend something, maybe?

Jen2124

Some places will charge by the foil and only do a few around the front/face that show up..instead of the whole head. I know lots of upscale salons even do that. You could call and ask...GL!

asianbymarriage

Awww, that is a good idea, but I already have them around the whole head. I need up-keep! Plus, I like it light... guess I'm trying to save money and not have to change my style, you know? Thanks anyway!

kittycarr

There is a Paul Mitchell school near my house.  I can get my whole head highlights for $30.  But I'm there for 6 hours.  The least I've paid at a salon is $85 and the most I've paid is $130.

asianbymarriage

Dear Lord, they take 6 hours?! I'm guessing they do a good job, though, b/c otherwise you wouldn't go back, right? Do you think they'd redo it for free if someone who was learning messed up?

I used to pay around $85 5 years ago, but the prices seem to keep climbing.. I can't find a place around here that does it for less tha $150. Isn't that insane?

kittycarr

Well, it is a school, they're learning but until you have x amount of hours, you can't actually do someone elses hair but they are still learning which is why it takes so long.  There is also periods during the process where the person doing your hair has to consult with the instructor as to what they're doing and why.  In the beginning, you talk to the stylist and you must be very, very specific about what you want...for obvious reasons.  Then, once the instructor is available (PM is a very busy place) the stylist tells him what I want and what she's going to do.  He tells her yay or nay and what she should do, asks a few of his own questions.  Then there are the in between periods during the process.

It was a different experience, one I would not mind doing again, if I had six hours to blow.

Carolyn6e

THIS is why I stopped getting highlights after 2 years of it - it's so expensive to maintain!  I do really like the look in my hair, but it's not worth the price to me (at least right now).  I did, however, start using Sun-In in my hair on occasion (I put it in before I blowdry) and it actually works pretty well - better than my hair does after a whole summer in the sun, and year-round.  I even get compliments from hairstylists about my great hair color.  ;o)  It's definitely not the same as highlights, but it's worth it to me.