Would You like to Help Settle a Dispute (?) with My Wife?

While I support her being able to get her hair cut & colored, I think she should shop around for a cheaper place.

Where I'm from, $250 is just about right. I pay (when I don't have extensions in) $200-$300 for cut, color (with highlights) and style.

Men's haircuts are way simpler than women's. In addition, kids hair cuts really aren't that difficult.

I spend about $120 for a cut and color (highlights) and I have long hair. I very rarely do this b/c I think it's a ton of money.

EDIT: I cut my husband's hair every 2 weeks b/c it's more convenient for me to do it and it saves us a little bit of money. That said, he would never tell me I couldn't get color/cut when I just can't stand the grey any longer. I have shopped around to find a reasonable hair dresser that I like. If I went to one of my good friends I would spend closer to $200, but I choose not to.
I don't think you're wrong for thinking $250 is a lot of money, but if it's that important to her and you can afford it, is it really worth a fight?

Are you crazy?! It doesn't matter what WE think, it only matters what SHE thinks. And if you tell her 'well all my lady friends on MMP think it's too expensive', you will be a lonely man for weeks to come.

Geez, use your head!

Surely you know a Happy Wife means a Happy Life?!

;)

Nope. That's totally normal.

Cut = $60-$85
Color = $125-$!65
Highlights = $125 - $200 (depending on type; foil, bayolage, etc.)
Conditioning Treatment (so the color stays longer, hair is soft) = $20-$30

Sounds like she's getting a package deal that comes with a free haircut if she's getting cut, color, and highlights together.

DO KNOW: Touchups are faaaaaaaaar less expensive. Typically about $50.

It's the initial cost that is $250-$400. A lot of the upfront cost is the time spent. She's talking 2-3 hours in the salon. In the same time period, the stylist could be bringing in 3-4x what she'll be making . Think about your and your daughter's hair for a minute... ever spend more than 20 MINUTES getting your hair done? And military prices (takes about 3 minutes to do a nice fade that's only a week old) would make your cost look crazy.

The cost is a combo of time spent, materials used, and expertise of the stylist. Sounds like your wife has gotten herself a great deal!

If she is a professional than I see it is a an important business expense. And depending on her hair type, it can be well worth a stylist that commands that.

Would you REALLY you like you wife to get a $20 number 2 Buzz?
Just saying......

Me I have never payed that much, but I am cheap, and a stay at home mom. I sure if I wanted too hubby would support me on it. Who doesn't want their spouse looking good, and for women, it can be a huge boost in self esteem. I would so love love love too get a awesome cut and color someday, and if I start working I will be budgeting it in.

Oh Mr. Mom....gotta get with it!!

Cut + Color + Highlights is expensive, especially for thick, long hair. The highlights add a lot. How in the world can she go 4-6 months?? Yikes!!

Yea, you and your #2 clipper...so easy and so less expensive. You also pay less for your dry cleaning and a ton of other services as a man. Tell her to go and schedule her appointment :)

it depends on your area. here in los angeles, it sounds about right as just a cut is around $60-80 average. highlighting will almost always be over $100 so combine the 2 services and you're looking at around $200. $250 does sound a teeny bit high but if she's going to a high-end salon, makes sense. i'd shop around for prices but if she has her heart set on this and you can afford it, why not? :)

Some women think nothing of spending lavish amounts of money on their hair (and nails, pedicures, etc).
Me personally - no way!
I've got better things to do with $250
She's going to go ahead and do it (and feel entitled to it), but the money is going to have to be cut from somewhere else to make up for it.
How painful that process of reallocating funds is going to depend on how far the money has to stretch.
Depending on your circumstances, it might be easy or darn near impossible.
Good luck to you, Sir!
Additional:
Well, since you can afford it, this is what strokes her ego.
The price becomes part of the prestige.
It's part of the VP package and what those do who have offices on mahogany row.
With guys, it's golf clubs (or a sports car).

The prices always vary from state to state, town to town, but in my area that is about right, maybe a little lower.

But doesnt she deserve to go to the salon and get her hair done and feel good about herself?

Let your wife treat herself! All women deserve to get their hair done! Just have her shop around a little and see if prices are cheaper.

ETA: Ahhh Theresa you crack me up! You are sooo right! If Mom aint happy, aint NO body happy!

Ummm, My husband almost has a coronary over me spending $100 to get my hair done!

No, you're right, thats ridiculous and she needs to find somewhere cheaper!

I think she can probably do it cheaper BUT that doesn't necessarily mean it will be done right/good.

I have very thick, curly hair and when I've gone the cheap route (think college, poor student days, etc) it was always a disaster. Like just bad bad bad.

So while I think $250 is a lot (I just paid $90 prior to tax/tip and the guy did a GREAT job) if she is going to someone that she trusts and knows will do it right - the cost would be worth it. What if you ask her to try to do it cheaper (like some are suggesting) and the stylist does a crappy job and messes up her hair - then you are paying to FIX the mistake that didn't need to happen.

I say suck it up and let her do it... :-)

$250.00 is nuts! I am crazy about my hair, and have been getting it done for years... a cut, color, hightlight, etc.

I think she should spend no more than $150. (MAX / with a tip).

She should shop around. If she goes to the mall, it's going to be more. if she goes to a trendy salon, it'll be more.

Find woman with great hair (your wife needs to do this, not you) and ask them where they get their hair done. that's how I found my stylists.

Right now I am paying $95.00 for everything. That is about regular...

Well, it is different and when I get my color/ highlights done here in Texas, its 100$. To me, its high but I think its worth it! You have no idea how much a little bleach can do for your self esteem :) when I get mine done I feel o so much better! I hate to spend the money as we are a one income home too but my husband knows how much better it makes me feel! I have this hair and if her hair is thick then no, that's not unreasonable. Its too bad things like that have to cost so much! I don't go as often as I would like too but I know it would hurt me if my husband said no! So I say, now you know, that way y'all can budget for it in the future! Like the other moms say, if mamas not happy, noone is!

She is going to a salon with a professional so it should turn out well.

You can not go to Walmart and expect to pay $40 for a cut and color AND have it look good. If she is a professional, it must look good.

I think it is high because it would be half that or less here, but I don't know how much things cost in GA either. Plus, if she is working in certain jobs, she needs to look good to get ahead.

That's really not that expensive for the Atlanta area. You can find it cheaper sometimes, but not THAT much less. For hair the length of hers, it will usually cost at least $200.

I would suggest she shops around for a better price, that seems REALLY high. I live in a pretty expensive community but even at a high end salon I can get a cut and color (partial highlights/lowlights) for about $150.

Seems high to me, but it depends on your geographic area and local prices. Minneapolis/St. Paul, where I live, is a fairly metropolitan area and I pay $105 for cut, color and highlights, not including tip. I'm all in favor of a professional cut and color, but it sounds like maybe she could shop around for a better price.

Its a little bit high but getting color done is expensive. You might see if there is a school near you that offers this. In my area its Paul Mitchell Partner School, students who are getting their hours to graduate (at the end of their training) provide services at a very discounted rate. I pay $15 for a haircut and just over $100 for color.

YIKES.. even in the Bay Area, I haven't paid that much.. Most recently, in an effort to save money and since the gray is coming in faster than I can keep up with and being as my hair is extremely short... I now go to my son's barber/hairdresser... and I pay a whopping................ $12.00 and low and behold..... it's the BEST cut I have ever had... hahahah since going, about 3 times now.. I have gotten way more compliments on my haircut than I EVER got when paying more...... Goes to show... not every hairstylist is worth the money... 250.. WHEW....... additionally, since my hair is so short, makes coloring it simple... I use Naturtint and found it on the net for about 11 dollars a box... so 12 for a color.. 11 for color.. I feel GREAT............ I just wish I would have left my hairstylist years earlier.... maybe your wife needs to shop around for a better deal... nowadays, people are willing to negotiate..

if your wife is just getting a trim ... or even layers. I think that is way too much..

You said she has long, thick hair and she goes to an actual salon. A good cut with a good stylist isn't going to go for only $25. For a good cut and style with someone who stays up to date in techniques in cutting, coloring, uses good (and even environmentally friendly) products, a cut is going to cost upwards of $45-50 to start. Many salons will start you at $50 for short hair, $75 for medium length, $100 for long, and go up from there.

Then you have to consider that the cost of the color, good color, the time, the expertise, the amount of the product they use depending on the length of hair all comes into play. That all can easily cost at least another $100-125.

After cut and color are done, hair is then typically blown out and dried and that can cost a few dollars.

Then for all of that work, you have to consider that a tip needs to be left for the person or people who worked on the hair, which is basically art work. Then consider she could be budgeting in if she needs to buy some salon products to maintain the color so that it doesn't wash out too early or change to a gross color.

Hell yeah. She is tripping! LOL

I think it's too much. Coloring your hair is not a one time thing - once you do it, you have to keep up with it. A good cut should be about $50, she can get the coloring done cheaper too, but if her hair is that long, maybe not.

We all want to do fun things to our hair, but I would NEVER pay that much. That would heat/cool my house for about 5-6 weeks.

I would never spend $250 on my hair. What a rip off!

Personally, I think that price is outrageous. However, if it is affordable and makes her happy then there is no argument. Is she able to maintain it or is this an every 6-8 week cost? Look at the big picture.....upwards of $1,000 a year on hair cut and color for one person. Is that something that is affordable after savings for retirement/college, etc is done? If money is a concern, then I would see if there is a way she could do it for cheaper maybe getting "partial" or "mohawk" hi-lights. Please also know that when someone finds a good hair dresser, we generally stay faithful to them so encouraging her to find a new salon might be difficult if she is already attached to this person.

YIKES! The thing with hair color is you have to keep it up...how much is the upkeep cost? Is it $250 every 6 weeks or 6 months? Personally, I color my own hair, I can't justify spending any more than $10 for a box of color. But thats just me and its not a priority. Maybe she can get quotes and shop around? Good luck!!!

Sounds about right to me as well, she is a smart lady making sure she has a master stylist, sounds like a strong tip is included. If you want good results you pay good money the cut is probably around 60 or more, if she is doing a full color, low and highlights that will easily be 120-180 or more and a 20%tip - she is VERY correct. For me it typically costs less because I have a SINGLE color, but when I did highlights it was nearly 300 for the whole deal (tip included). I only stopped doing highlights because I typically do not like the results on me, I guess I am a solid color kind of girl!

Plus, in my house the person bringing in the pay check gets an extra "perk" if you will - my fiance works so he takes his buddys out for a night, where I tend to go dutch with my friends - I would look at her hair as her "perk" for being the one working if it were my house.

I pay about what LeeLee pays, and I get mine done in San Francisco...but I've known my colorist for 20+ years (!!!)

If your wife is getting color PLUS highlights perhaps that explains the extra cost. I quit doing highlights and for that reason...but if it is only 2x per year and she has such a highly visible position (plus long, thick hair), I think that it is expensive but not crazy...just my .02

I haven't had my hair colored in years...precisely because it is so darned expensive! I just can't justify spending that much $ on something that fades so quickly....but that is just me!

So to answer your question I think the price is probably a bit high but not by much...she can probably have it done somewhere less expensive if she were to shop around? Is she willing to compromise and try to find somewhere who will do it for less? I know some woman are very loyal to their hairdressers and I know that when you find someone you are happy with you should stick with them and all that jazz...

What is the real issue? Do you have the $ to spend on this on a regular basis? Or are you disagreeing about the necessity of the whole thing?

Is this the only thing your wife splurges on? If yes, then I say let her have it...she does deserve to treat herself everyone once in awhile (probably every 6 weeks or so) for all her hard work! No one, I don't care who you are, like to work all the time and only see all the $ they make go to bills and such, blah!

If your wife is a bit of a diva and spends $ on herself all the time, shopping for clothes and shoes often, nails, lunches out, drinks w/friends after work, etc. I say you are within your right to argue the necessity of this expense.

I haven't read any responses, but to me, that is way too expensive... I'm all about budget, and we live on one income family, which isn't much... There is no way I would ever feel right spending that much money on myself for my hair... I usually cut my own hair, or have my mom... when I do go to get it down, never all three, but $85 for cut and perm, and I was tripping off that... I too have long hair... I color my own hair, never done the high lights, but I can't see spending that kind of money, but I'm pretty plain looking...

Is that including tip? If it is, then I don't think it's too far off base.

Considering you don't live in NYC, LA or San Fran, that seems high unless it's including the tip. I've lived in expensive areas and $250 before tip would be plenty - not outrageous but still high. Even $250 after tip wouldn't be on the low end. So if you're in Georgia, I'm surprised it's that high unless she's going to the premier salon in Atlanta or something like that. If she really wants it though, put it in context of how much she spends overall. I've started going higher end with my hair but don't spend much on clothes so if my husband complained, I'd tell him to remember that OVERALL, I'm thrifty.

Since money is tight, I wouldn't go after the "works" all at once. I would break it up by perhaps getting the coloring done first and then the cut done about one month later. That may be friendlier on the budget.

The accountant in me is just screaming at the price though which is probably just fine for the length of her hair.

I don't color my hair professionally, but I have seen it for $70 at other salons, depending on what you want and how long your hair is. My cut recently ran $26, without a shampoo. I would ask her what the breakdown on services is. Could she skip the shampoo and save a few bucks? $250 still sounds like a lot.

Is this the only salon she would consider (a good salon can be hard to find - I still see the same woman who did my hair for my wedding)?

And, how do you do budget? DH and I have a certain amount that is kind of like an allowance. Even though he carries most of the bills (me being WAH and very PT), I have a few bucks for myself so if I save right, I can spend how I want. Is she willing to give up something for herself - like bought lunches or that fancy coffee she buys on the road -to offset the cost? Or get the cut done first and color later?

While I personally have only ever spent a lot of $$ on my hair for my wedding, I can also see that she'd want to look fresh and professional. I'd look for a compromise.

$250 sounds a bit steep to me. Is this the place where she regularly goes? Sounds like a high end salon and there is nothing wrong with that.... I am sure there are some salons here in the Dallas area that would charge those fees as well.

Some salons have 3-4 levels of stylists and if you go with the top level stylist you will pay the top price. The most I've ever paid for a cut and color was $200.

I pay about $125 for a trim and 1 step color. If I splurge and go with lowlights, I add about $50 to that.

I have long straight dark hair all one length.

If her hair is extra long or extra thick, the stylist might have to use more product which will up the price.

Does the $250 include the tip?

That's a bit high. I'd look at other hair salons if I were her. Around here (high cost of living area) It's an avg of $130+ tip for highlights/lowlights cut and blow dry.

If she has long hair I think that would be about right. I color my own hair. However, I do NOT do highlights. I spend a little less but not much.

You sound just like my hubby! His haircuts are easy because well, he doesn't have as much on top as he used to!

Hair stylists are like OB/GYNs. Once you find one you like you don't want to change. I don't know what your budget is but it doesn't sound like she does this all the time. If you can swing it, she should do it. Its time for "summer hair"!

Is it high, no, that is about the going rate, at least around here. The real question is can you afford it. I don't even spend 250 a year for all my hair needs but I am on the other side of the curve.

I could afford it but I don't want it, I just dye my hair at home. It too easy to spend 180 dollars on every month. Then again the money I save is spent on my need to have technology at all times. Ya know, phones with data, highest speed on my internet.

So I guess I am saying if that is her mad money and that is how she wants to spend it then fine.

Okay everyone saying it is crazy, how thick is your hair? I was going on the assumption your wife has thick hair like mine. Sure someone else can go to the same salon and get er done for 85, mine is twice that because I have twice as much hair as most.

I admit I didn't read all 52 responses. And I'm sure there are a variety of opinions.
I know here in the Kansas City area, it all depends on where you go. I have several dear friends who will only go to "THE" place in town, or "THE" stylist and pay that amount every month or so. And the $250 is the highlight only, tip not included.
I go to a woman who does hair out of her home. She is licensed and used to own her own shop, but decided to move it home to be closer to her kids. I have my hair cut, and highlighted (foiled and with 2 colors) every 2 months. I pay $100 WITH tip! My hair is thick and just below or right at my shoulders.
But my friends paying the high $ amounts have hair shorter than mine!

I agree with you. I would never pay that much for that. For a hair cut and highlights I pay only $100 every 4 months. She can get the same service if she shops around for much cheaper.

Hi there,
Yes, it's a shock how much it costs for quality women's hair services, isn't it?! I used to do hair, so I do admit to being a hair snob now and 'just anyone' will not do when I know quality work.

I have long, thick hair, too, and I spend $75 on the cut and $90 on the highlights, for a total of $165. Then you add in the tip, so about $190 or so. I live in Orange County, CA and it's not cheap here, either. I have my hair done about every 4 months, but I know lots of women that go every two months.

That seems like A LOT. I would think that the $150 range would be more reasonable. I don't highlight anymore, but my sister went to my salon/spa when she was in town and had her hair cut, styled & colored for around $150. I go to a higher end, but not the highest end, salon in town. It is a little over $50 with tip for a trim for me.

It's about 150 for me to get my hair cut & colored. It might just be more expensive in your area.

She needs to find a cheaper place. I just got my hair cut this morning for $14.
I don't understand women that spend that kind of money on hair. Just get a box at the drugstore and do it yourself. It's really not that hard.

or go to the local beauty college they will do it for cheap or free.

Depends on where she's going/who she's going to and the fact that she has long thick hair. The best stylists tend to cost more. A great quality color and style are worth paying more, so I don't find that to be too high considering.

Didn't read the other 69 responses...$200.00 is what I spend and I have medium length, very thin hair. My sister spends about $250-300 everytime she gets her hair done. Since it is so expensive for me, I don't have it done often. I would say I get my hair "done" about 3x's a year.

For long, thick hair $250 sounds about right - that's what I've paid for "the works" before. So really, the price isn't that unreasonable.

HOWEVER!!!! Now that we are on one income with 3 little girls, I don't spend that much on myself anymore. Why? Because I feel guilty.

My suggestion would be for her to save up for it. Maybe $50 per paycheck until she has the full amount in cash and THEN go for it. I don't think either of you are "wrong" or "right", but you just need to find a comprimise that you can both be happy with :o)

That does seem a bit high, but when it comes to coloring your hair you want it done correctly, so it may be worth it to pay a little more. I'm not sure I could justify $250 though. Maybe shop around? See if there are any salons having sales.

How often is this? Does her appearance affect her work (and therfore $$)?? It's way more than i spend, but I also work at home, color my own hair when greys start showing and get my hair trimmed 3-4 times per year for $15-20.

I think that $250.00 is way too much.

I'm a woman and that would be too much for me to pay.

I say, " have her take night classes at the community college and pay for the class, and learn how to do hair part time. That way she can make friends with other women that do hair and it will cost a whole lot less than $250.00....."

Well that's my 2 cents.

Good luck.

That sounds expensive. My cut/color costs $90 plus tip. I have reasonable thick long hair. I only go every 6 months because I don't even like spending $100 bucks on hair. But thats what women have to do... I stretch it to 6 months sometimes and my hair looks terrible by the time I go in. If $250 were the norm where I live I'd be rocking the gray highlights and supercuts do.
There must be a more reasonable salon?

My hair is 2 inches below my shoulders, layered, and when I get a cut, highlights, and lowlights, I pay $120, plus a $10 tip. Sometimes she'll try to straight iron or whatever to my hair (and sneak in the extra little bit for "styling" it, but I don't let her do that now that I've caught the difference in price....also, I like the way my hair has a little body instead of just "straight-straight").

She is a professional, so she needs to look good. But she can look online for great reviews elsewhere. The lady I use is the best I've seen in YEARS, and I don't mind paying $120-130. I would mind paying an extra 100 though.

$250 is RIDICULOUS for a cut and color. I go to a very nice salon and spa, have LONG hair, get three different colors, foils, cut AND have my eyebrows waxed. It's never cost me more than $120.

Is she also having a massage, manicure and pedicure? If so, then that MIGHT justify the high cost!

I have never heard of $250.00. I have long thick curly hair, the most I have paid is $125.00. That was for color first to get rid of my grays, then highlights, haircut and style. Im not sure were you live but she needs to shop around for a better deal.

I pay $140, including tip, for cut and color every six weeks. I have chin-length hair, so if hers is long, I can see it adding up to that much. Long hair just costs a whole lot more to get done.

Yes, she could find a cheaper place. She could get the whole thing done for less than $100, I bet, at say, Fantastic Sam's, but she'd also be dealing with an inexperienced stylist. You do pay more to get an experienced stylist and I've found it's worth every dime.

Men's and children's haircuts are done in 20 minutes. For women, the color and cut process can easily take two hours. You're paying more for the skills and time it takes.

That sounds high to me. I would never spend that much on a cut and color. I think price depends on who you see. I could find something better to spend $250 on.
My husband thinks spending $10 for a cut is too high.

ETA: If you can afford it, then i say let her do. If this is a rare thing for her, then let her pamper herself to feel good.

If it is a one off, then not too bad I guess... I would NEVER pay that much, but I am not a primpy type of person, I have long one length hair, which I home color once a while, I did have highlights/streaks last year and it cost me $80, with a cut, but no color. I think it sounds about right for everything she is having done

When I had long thick hair (now shoulder length thick) a cut, color/highlights would run around $125 and that included tip!

But I can see where $250.00 would be right in many areas. I wouldn't pay it!

Now I do my own color/highlights and it runs me $15.00 every 8 weeks.

I could not justify spending $250 every 4-6 months on my hair. But then again I think $25 for kids hair cuts is steep too. Is the $25 for all 3 or $25 each kid? I get coupons for great clips for $6.99 for each kid.

Depends on where she is getting it done. When I was going to a salon I had "my guy" who would cut and color (highlights) for $170. That was about 15 years ago. I would assume the price has gone up.
But, is it really necessary to cut and color? I don't know, I am not your wife, I don't know your budget. I know my kids all get their haircut with my husband at the local barber and he's $7 a head. So, the three of them are cutting for $21 plus tip. I get my hair cut at a Super Cuts kind of place. It's $20. I only go every 6 months. But, I am at home, not in the professional world as I seem to remember you saying about your wife.
Would I EVER spend that much on my hair? No. But, that's because we are B.R.O.K.E.
Also, once she colors she has to continue doing so. So, I guess you have to budget that much for every 2 months or so. Eesh.
L.

WOW . . . talk about a high maintanance woman! I have never spent more than $20 on my hair.

I get mine cut for $12 or less every 3 to 4 months. I cut both of my daughter's hair myself, and my husband owns clippers and cuts his own hair.

Now, I am not nor have I ever been a high power office worker. That being said, I have always been VERY professional in my appearace and conduct (teaching school, vet tech). I have quite a few friends who are buisness people. lawyers, doctors and none of them spend a ton of money at the salon.

You don't have to have highlights or hair dye to look professional. When you go from a 2 income family to a 1 income family, everyone has to cut back on their lifestyle a little to make it work. You and your wife need to have a budget meeting and figure out what your mutual financial priorities are.

Good luck!!

That seems pretty high, but I think it might depend on what exactly is being done, how involved it is, and what the experience level is of the person doing it. I used to go to a salon that had "junior", "senior" and "master" stylists, depending on what their experience was, and they charged accordingly. Obviously it depends too on what kind of community you are in. A few times I had my hair cut, colored, PLUS foils for highlights (red hair color with blonde highlights so it was a 2-part process) and it was around $175 - add a tip and it was closer to $215. Obviously I did not have this done all the time - just once in a blue moon. And we were both working and were free to spend some of our own money as we pleased without checking with each other.

Is she willing to compromise and find something that wouldn't be as pricey? Sometimes beauty schools have students work on clients for practice and they don't charge nearly as much. Or she can try to find a Groupon to use and get a discount. But if this is something she has done like, once a year, I would just let her do it. As long as it's not going to totally bust the budget, and it is going to make her happy and feel good about herself, why say anything?

OUCH!!! That would have my husband looking like the Exorcist!!

I don't pay someone to color my hair - I do it myself. I don't have thick hair and I personally don't like "streaks" in my hair.

If she's going to a reputable salon, here in VA, the cut itself is $90. Color and highlights can be $150. I take care of my hair. I do. But I just can't see spending $250 on my hair every six to eight weeks.

This is what I do with my husband--since i manage the money and he works and we are on a strict budget. He said he wanted to spend 20.00 to get a new gym bag. I told him that he could get a new gym bag if he could get it for around 10.00 (TJ Maxx, Marshalls). So, he found one. I didn't say no, or that he couldn't but I challenged him to find it for cheaper than he thought he could get it. If he wants something I don't say no I just ask him to think about it, I give him a better # to target, and say "ultimately, you earn the money so if you want to spend it in that way, I won't argue, I'll just shift things around".

Groupon ALWAYS has hair deals. You could try that.

I would never spend $250 on my hair! That is such a waste of money! I have three girls and I hope I teach them to shop around for the best deals. Cheap or cheaper is not always a bad thing!

You gotten many answers already but I'll throw my two cents in. I refuse to pay that much but a lot of women don't. It is not a bad going rate honestly. She could shop the price if she wants the salon treatment at a lower price. Personally I bribe my husband with a glass of beer or whiskey and he does my hair color for me. It is a nice way to spend some time together after the baby goes to bed. All best to you and yours.

It seems like alot to me but to be honest I am not really into the whole hair thing I have my hair trimmed for split ends and that is about it

I pay almost $200 for a cut and full color. And I have chin-length hair. Highlights are less expensive. It sounds about right to me, but obviously I already pay too much for my hair. It's really one of the only things I splurge on though, so it's ok for me.

I think it depends on where you live ... mine is $120 for what you're describing and I pay that every 6 weeks. I know my SIL lives in Northern Virginia and hers is higher than mine and the other SIL also lives up there and pays exceptionally more than I do. So, she might be able to find someone else, but really, hair stylists who are good colorists are HARD to find. And when you're talking about someone who's applying chemicals and bleach to your hair, you rrreeaalllyy want it to be someone you trust with absolute completeness, 'cause really who wants orange hair from an inexperienced stylist that then you have to pay someone else to get it back to normal?

My cut and color is $100 bucks. And I go every couple months. I've been going to my stylist for over 10 years, so I get a good price. I think $125 including tip is probably the regular price. But a lot depends on where you live and exactly what she's having done. Is it a one time $250 bucks. Or will it cost that much every time?

That sounds like a lot! I get mine cut and highlighted every 2 months and it costs me $100, plus tip. I feel bad for even spending that much, but I'm a stay at home mom and it's pretty much the only thing I spend money on for myself.

No, you are not wrong for thinking it. I rarely get my hair colored in the salon, but when I do, $150 with tip is about as high as I'd ever be willing to go with haircut and it better be darn good!

As to how you should handle it, I would suggest you do a bit of research and ask your wife questions as to why she prefers this stylist with their seemingly high prices. Only armed with information to you stand any sort of chance in this battle. Good luck to you.

Cut and color is pretty expensive, but the most I've paid is $85. $100 with tip. If you have an Ulta, they do a great job and your first visit is a deep discount. I can see paying the $250 if you are a tv personality or going for a once in a lifetime photo shoot. But the thing with highlights - you have to go back every 6 wks! It's not a one time deal. If she goes and likes the place, that's $250 every six weeks, PLUS TIP!!!

Bottom line, that is very high. But, you are treading on thin ice and opening yourself up to a fire storm. If you say that's too expenisve, she says...... well no more golf for you. Green fees are too expensive. No more cable. It's too expensive, etc.

Unfortunately, normal price. Let her get it done. :)

What you described is cut and highlighted. That does seem a bit high for a cut and color (at least in this area). I actually have a price sheet from a very high-end (but terrific) local salon...cut $47-55 and highlights starts at $60-100 (and goes up) depending on how much you are getting. Now, if she is getting a cut, color, AND highlights...the pricing does seem about right especially if she has long hair.

How much does she normally spend on a haircut? Is this a new high-end salon for her to try and splurge a bit this time? If this is a one time splurge I don't see a problem with it. If she is getting a style and color/highlights that will need to be maintained (continuous splurging) I would take issue with it.

$250 does seem high for a day at the salon but... The last time I paid under 30$ for a hair cut it took almost a year to grow out what they did. I said I was going to a play downtown with a group of executives and she cut my hair like I was going to a illegal drag race down in the hollar (sp). If she has time to look around for other places she should.... Here's your hint: DO NOT ASSUME SHE HAS TIME TO LOOK FOR ANOTHER PLACE. I know I just love it when my husband makes suggestions that do not improve my quality of life just takes away precious non existent spare time. if you have time why don't you look around for some less expensive (not cheap) places. Do not put anything with "super, fantastic, cheap, ect." on the list. It would be insulting. If she's worried about not seeing her guy/woman ask if it would be ok if the next time she tries someone/someplace new. And if she gets too angry, or upset, and you can afford it, let it go. Hair is one of those strange sticky subjects with women, it might just make you happier to let it go. Good luck!

Probably depends on the going rate in your area. I'm sure it is different in different areas of the country. And also, what kind of salon it is. Sounds kind of high to me...but then I don't go in for all that stuff myself. I'm a simple "do" much like yourself. Wash, cut, blowdry- out the door. Maybe $40. Cause I have a simple style, too.

I know plenty of folks who DO get "their hair did" (lol, inside joke).... But I don't think they are paying $250 for it. I'd guess more in the $150 range. But again... it varies from area to area. SE Georgia along the coast, probably isn't as pricey as Atlanta suburbs. But then, there is probably a lot of variation among those suburbs, as well....
Has she price shopped at all? Is this the regular place she gets her hair done, or someplace that a friend has recommended and she hasn't been before?

I think that's crazy. You can get a really good cut for $50-60, and you can even find good stylists at those $20 places. Sorry wife, gotta agree with hubby on this one. That's a big waste of money.

Good luck, Mr. Mom. Women care a lot about their looks (myself included), so it will be interesting to see how you resolve this one.

I know at many salons around here would charge that amount. I just wouldn't be able to justify that expense right now in our household. That's a huge "Latte" when you think of David's Bach's Latte Factor. There is also a lady in our town who gives salon type attention and has given me the best cuts ever for Cost Cutter prices. You have to search for these gems, but they are out there.

I mentioned this in a related post but I did have the thought....It's going to be hard for your wife to find a new stylist if she's had to search for the one she has and likes what they do. Anyway, good luck, budget stuff like this is never fun.

That is expensive. The most I ever paid was $185 for a cut and color at a fairly fancy place. Of course, it all depends on the cost of living in your area.

We get a lot of coupon books in the mail and lately I have seen lots of salons offering package deals, for example $160 for a cut, color etc. Perhaps she could look for one of those. Although, if she has a dedicated stylist she likes she may understandably not want to go to someone new.

Regardless, though, if it's in the budget, let her do it and let it go. Just because it's not something that you personally would opt to pay that much for, shouldn't be a concern. Bottom line, is the money there or not? If it is - let it go.

Didn't read the responses, nut wowzzer! I must live in a pretty cheap area because for my cut and color I only pay $65!! I have shoulder length hair now, but even when mine was in the middle of my back I only paid $80. Plus you have to get thee roots touched up every 6-8 weeks. Why don't you call around and get prices for her to other salons, and then maybe you can come to a compromise on cost? Or maybe you will find out that is the going rate, which in that case suck it up and smile. Getting my hair done is one of the few enjoyments that give me a confidence booster and I take care of my boys and do childcare out of my home, so it's no that I need it done for my public apperance.

After tip and all, I pay about $140 for cut, color and highlight. My husband would have a stroke if I even thought about paying $250 and we are a two income family.

I think that's pretty high. You could ask her to shop around for a highly-recommended colorist who isn't so expensive. I know a lot of women find a colorist they like and stick with them forever, no matter the price, because it's so hard to find someone who can do your hair the way you like it.

Hi, there!
My ex-in-laws would spend that much for a haircut/color. But, I sure can't afford that. Matter of fact, my hairdresser works out of her basement; she has it set up just like a real salon. She charges $10 for men and kids, and $15 for women. She washes and styles for free. She does charge more for chemicals, but it's nowhere near that amount. And, she's very professional. She decided to open her own "salon" after being a mom (again). She even made a playroom so her son could play with kids that came with their mom to get her haircut. :)
She's in Dallas off Dallas Highway/120. Let me know if your wife might be interested.
Good luck to you and your wife and your finances!! :)

Nope. Too high. There are salons here that charge that. I go to a salon that's more reasonable. I pay MAX $150 for FULL foil highlights And a cut & style.

We had to make sacrifices & adjustments to living on one income sounds like your wife does too!

Because wow that is a lot!
I stopped going to my favorite person & place because it was just too much money that could be used elsewhere.

Maybe you could use that money for date nights or something you could both enjoy, good luck.
That is one fancy lady!

$250 is nuts but since she's "bringing home the bacon she's got the power"

I'm just wondering if the two of you agreed to make lifestyle changes in order to choose to live on one income. If so, then this *might* be an area where a change could be suggested. However, if the two of you felt that you could support yourselves on one income without lifestyle changes, then I don't think it's fair to ask your wife to find a less-expensive stylist. If there was never a discussion about lifestyle changes, bringing it up now and expecting your wife to make sacrifices is like changing the rules in the middle of the game.

With regards to your question, yes, $250 is a lot of money, more than four times what I spend on my hair in a whole year, but then again, I don't work in a position of authority in a business setting. I can get away with wearing my hair in a ponytail to work every day. Based on what other mamas are saying specifically with regard to the type of salon procedure, $250 is probably not too high, especially if your wife can count on being happy with the results every time. I know it sounds trite, but you really can't put a price on happiness. If your wife feels like a million bucks after she's spent that $250, then she got a bargain!

I hope this helps! :)