Oh no! I need help. Please say something to your higher powers for me. One of my biggest expenses in the past has been my hair. I used to get it done, every two weeks, spending at least $70 a month on my hair. When I get a relaxer, my hair can run well over $100 per month. To save money, I've have been styling my hair at home, like a good little Frugalista...then HE moved to town.
He is Kenny, a stylist from Atlanta who decided to downsize his life and move to Miami for water and waves. Kenny does one of my childhood friend's hair who now lives in Orlando. She drives three hours from Orlando to Miami to have Kenny style her tresses. She introduced me to Kenny and told me I needed to see him.
I was content with my hair, but it has been a long time since I really felt like a stylist could really "smoke" my hair. The stylist I use keeps my hair healthy but I am open to change.
So anyway, I knew I was going out of town so I went to my regular stylist who was too busy to see me within an hour and the kids in the salon were acting out. I jetted and decided to give Kenny a shot.
Well, I let Kenny do my hair. I.LOVE.MY.HAIR. He shaped it, conditioned it and styled it wonderfully! I have not felt this great in a LONG TIME about my hair. I gave him a hug afterward and called all of my friends about this new love, er stylist in my life.
For a basic style, Kenny is about 10 to $15 more expensive than my regular stylist. But, I LOVE MY HAIR. Also, Kenny specializes in growing hair and transitioning women from using relaxers to wearing natural hair. So now, I want to go natural. I want to do whatever Kenny says. Kenny and Natalie forever!
Oh no! Has Kenny killed Operation Frugalista? If I hadn't been exposed to his touch, I wouldn't be trying to figure out ways to create a "Kenny budget." What about my savings? If I never gave him a shot, I would be wealthier, albeit with regular hair. Do you think that ignorance is bliss? Do I need this T-Shirt?
Frugalistas, what would you do?
1) Find a way to get your hair done by Kenny so you could feel great?
2) Still do your hair at home and only go to Kenny on special occasions?
3) Tolerate the old hair dresser, even though you know the thrill is gone?
4) Get a side job so you can have a Kenny fund?
5) Find a way to barter services? I will write for a wash and style!
Hon, I say #1 - talk to Kenny the Magnificent up front, and let him know that you are also cost conscious. Give him the opportunity to work with you! And don't be silly, you'd look lovely no matter what!
Posted by: GLM | November 17, 2009 at 09:12 AM
I feel ya Natalie! I went natural about 3 years ago and it saved me a bundle. I wear my natural curl now with no plans of going back. HOWEVER! If I had found a Kenny...I'd be giving up Starbucks and the $3.50 candy bars that I love in order to see him at least twice a month!! My vote? 1 and 5!
Posted by: Delphia | November 17, 2009 at 09:30 AM
This is really funny. I love the "Kenny budget."
I think one of the points of being frugal is to splurge for the things that are important to us. For me, that's travel. One of your priorities might be your hair. So I say go for it, until it's really stretching the budget or you need to save for something else. Maybe do it half as often so it's not quite as big an expense?
But going back to the old stylist is NOT an option. Waiting an hour to be seen- geez!
Posted by: The Compact Queen | November 17, 2009 at 01:43 PM
I totally understand where you're coming from. I would alternate between #1, #2 and 3, with #3 being the last resort, and when you need to save $$. But if you're all about Kenny - and no shame if you are - something's gotta give. Go from every 2 wks to every 3 for a while and put the savings into your Kenny fund. Think twice, though, before you commit to Kenny all the way ... at least for now. It costs too much to be High Maintenance!!
Posted by: atownzz | November 17, 2009 at 02:40 PM
There's nothing wrong with splurging on yourself every now and then. If it's to go see Kenny, let it be to go see Kenny. You work hard, you should reward yourself.
Posted by: Smarty P. Jones | November 17, 2009 at 04:40 PM
Being a Frugalista is about saving money on the stuff that doesn't matter so that the funds are there for the stuff that does.
Your hair matters.
Katy
Posted by: Katy Wolk-Stanley | November 18, 2009 at 12:29 AM
Everyone should be allowed one vice/toy/guilty pleasure/ whatever you call it. This can be yours. Maybe just don't every two weeks. Mix #1 and #2
Posted by: Steve | November 20, 2009 at 03:17 PM
STAY WITH KENNY!!!! You should cut corners someplace else. Cook more often and prepare lunch for work. There is nothing that tops leaving the hair salon and loving the way your hair is styled.(priceless)
Posted by: Senior Diva | November 23, 2009 at 08:11 PM
I vote for #1. It's your crown and glory :-)
Posted by: Tabitha | November 27, 2009 at 01:14 PM
Thnaks for share good post. I like this post.
Posted by: balunov28 | November 27, 2009 at 10:35 PM
I vote for #1, good grooming and appearance is everything and healthy hair is a plus. I agree with the other comments, cut back on others things and allow this to be 'your thing'. Great stylist are hard to find...
Posted by: CC | December 01, 2009 at 01:08 PM
Hey, I want to see a picture of this fabulous hair-do. Options #1 and #4 are all right with me.
Posted by: Jonez | December 01, 2009 at 05:56 PM
Hands down #1! You need to find a way to keep getting your hair done by Kenny. You loved it so much, we talked about it almost an hour. I could tell you got some extra mojo!
Posted by: Micmcdonald | December 04, 2009 at 05:43 PM