Sunday, March 10, 2013

Getting Ladies Haircuts on the Road…

imageAlthough Sharon’s hair styles have changed over the years as is evidenced by today’s photos she still likes to have a salon experience when getting her hair cut. She pens todays blog letting others know how she manages to achieve this experience while not damaging the budget too much… here is Sharon…

I  was once asked by a couple planning to retire and become fulltime RV’ers how I handle haircuts especially since most of us ladies are on a 6 week hair care maintenance schedule. It can be very confusing reading reviews and websites trying to find both quality and pricing information. My solution to this dilemma has been to have my haircuts done at Cosmetology Schools. These have been a godsend as I really like the whole salon experience of a wash, cut and style The standard yet inexpensive “chop shops” often just cut without the option of wash or dry or styling, or they view these as “extras” and charge for each additional item. At a beauty school I call and ask about prices for the wash, cut and blow dry and imagehave never had a quote more than $15.00. This definitely fits into the budget and even allows flexibility for a nice tip.

I try to befriend the receptionist and ask for a student that isn’t brand new and someone they would recommend. I also read a lot of reviews before scheduling since most places we have been actually have several schools to choose from. I have not in the past two years had a bad haircut although some have been exceptional! I found I have the best luck at Paul Mitchell Schools as they truly offer the salon experience with refreshments included and a 5 minute head massage during the shampoo process (no extra fee). The Paul Mitchell instructors are the most hands-on instructors in imagemy experiences and often start the haircut for the student as well as checking progress more often than in other schools.

Now I must admit these appointments often take a lot longer than the salon haircuts I have received but, since I am retired I really don’t mind the extra time. I also find satisfaction knowing I helped a student gain experience. It has taken anywhere from an hour 15 minutes to over 2 hours. John usually plans his own outing and drops me off awaiting a call or text from me when I am finished with the appointment.

imageI have not tried coloring at the schools but in watching other customers, I see good results every time. Had it not been that John was taught to color my hair by my former hairdresser, I would surely have no qualms about having it done at these schools. I hope this helps others who are searching for the traveling solution to hair care.

P.S. We also have our teeth cleanings done at dental hygiene schools where the fee has been $10 to $15 which included x-rays. They also have an onsite dentist that checks the x-rays and included in the fee the school will forward the x-rays to your regular dentist.

10 comments:

  1. Even though I knew this was your plan, it helps to know the details. You always look great! I have been to the Paul Mitchell School here in Fort Myers twice and agree it's excellent. Also heard good things about Aveda schools but haven't tried one yet. We have tried to find dental hygiene schools for cleaning, but no luck yet.

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  2. Getting my hair done...correctly!...has been my biggest challenge since we began traveling. I just went in Mission to a HIGHLY recommended hairdresser to get a color and a trim. The color turned out great: the trim not so good. She cut my hair every which way. I actually have steps not layers. I hate it. I got it done one day I was sick and ended up being sick the rest of the week and didn't get to go back. Now that we are in Houston, I am going to go to where my daughter gets her hair cut. I want my hairdresser from back home to fly out and do my hair. Wonder how much that would cost?

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  3. Catherine colored my hair for the first time in Port A. It came out pretty well.

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  4. I wear my hair very short and have for a long time. I've also let it gray so no hair coloring needed. Not being real fussy I go to the local WalMart. Most times I'm okay. Had a cut last week that's REALLY bad. Part is my fault. I have a 'cowlick' on the back top. If the hair is really short it sticks straight up. I forgot to let her know. Lots of hairspray needed! This is the worse haricut I've had in years but hey- it will grow out.

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  5. Which one is the new cut? ;-) I actually use a flowbee and cut my own hair whenever I like. I'm not very particular. I just try not to look in the mirror. No one has said anything yet. I have very polite friends I think.

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  6. That's great info, need to start utilizing that avenue. We use the hygiene schools too, since I taught at one, I know the drill, more time but less money which is a good option for us retired folks.

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  7. Great post today. This was certainly something I was concerned about in anticipation of full timing. I have learned to color my hair and found it much easier to do than anticipated. I hadn't thought about trying beauty schools. Thanks for the suggestion about dental schools too.

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  8. Thanks so much for writing about haircuts! After we talked in December, I realized that I had forgotten to ask you the most important question, so I’m so glad you shared the answer with everyone. I am seven months into my quest of growing out a very short haircut into an “all-one-length-that-doesn’t-need-a-salon” hair style. I can’t tell you how many mornings I have been ready to head straight for a haircut! Now you have inspired me that perhaps I can have my short hair even after we retire and go full-time! Denisa

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  9. Great blog for haircuts and i really thankful to you for writing about haircuts.
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  10. Good idea - I'll have to try it. I usually just go cheap and figure it will grow.

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