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Being a Deal Diva isn't something that stops at the retail sliding doors. It is critical that when buying anything you examine your costs and the benefits of the service or product. Last week I spent some rare “me time” with a hidden treasure down N.C. 49. When I first met Christy Lail, within 10 minutes I knew I had found “the one.”
Her honesty and sheer (no pun intended) desire to help was obvious, plus my hair always looks great when I leave her chair. As we sat in Hair Design 49, we discussed the latest reality shows and a few of our other favorite things and began to devise a list of Deal Diva thoughts to ponder when thinking about hair care and other “me time” activities. Below are the tidbits she shared:
Hair care
The Products: If you have problem hair – very oily or very dry or chemically altered – hair products can make a huge difference. Christy shared that if you shop for products at a beauty supply store such as Sally's rather than from the salon you will save a great deal. She also added that most times, we use way too much product. For shampoo, most people only need a dollop about the size of a nickel. A big bottle from Sally's should last three months. She also suggested smearing products on your hands before applying them to your head. This allows for a more even distribution of product – saving you money.
The Cut: We all know someone who is “high maintenance.” Certain hairstyles and colors can be high maintenance too, causing you to spend more money. Having lots of complicated layers will require haircuts more often. Choosing hair color way off your original color makes it harder to maintain. Christy suggested going either one shade up or down to avoid frequent coloring.
The Professional: Ask your hairdresser about referral programs and suggestions to keep down hair costs. Does your hairdresser do free neck trims or bang cuts? Do they have discounts on certain days? Are you a tax preparer by trade? Offer to barter services.
Buffing and waxing
Keep your latest mani-pedi and eyebrow wax looking good. I know I always feel like such a girl walking out with shining fingers and toes. Here are a few tips to keep your salon look:
Apply a cuticle remover every other day to slough off dead skin and to keep your finger tips feeling and looking smooth.
When doing dishes wear gloves. Before putting them on, apply moisturizer for an extra skin therapy session.
After a bath or shower, exfoliate the bottoms of your feet. (I love the Ped Egg.) Apply a thick lotion and some Vaseline, and then put on your socks.
After getting your eyebrows waxed, stand close to the mirror and pluck out the errant hairs that seem to spring up. After plucking a few, step back to get a better look of your eye brows and their shape.
To groom your eyebrows, try using a full size toothbrush with a little Vaseline.
Tara blogs daily for MomsCharlotte.com. Reach her at thedealdiva@bellsouth.net
