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If you are considering starting your natural hair journey, you may have some questions about the costs compared to relaxed hair. While there is no denying that both routes will cost some money overall for care, just like anything else in life, there is a debate that going natural can save you money in the long run. So, what is the truth of the matter? Does going natural save money? Let’s take a closer look at the matter.
Relaxers
Obviously, going natural will save you a ton of money in this area. The average cost for relaxers or chemical treatments is between $30 and $60, depending on where you go for the treatment. You end up paying anywhere from $180 to $360 a year since you need to repeat the process every eight weeks to keep the effects. When you go natural, this cost is automatically eliminated from your budget, so you’re already winning.
Hairstylist
Finding a stylist that is an expert at cutting, coloring and styling curly hair will be your biggest expense, but once you find them hold on tight. When you go natural, your relationship with your stylist is going to change, as will the frequency of the trips to the salon. While you were going every eight weeks for relaxer treatments, your need for the hairstylist will be greatly reduced since all you will mostly need are trims, protective styles or special occasion hairstyles. Alos, some naturals choose to trim their hair at home on their own and only see their stylist for bigger changes as needed which saves even more money in the long run.
Color
Though, you can color your hair at home, it’s recommended to find a hairstylist in your are that can color and care for curly hair. The matter of color is also an area where you could save some money as a natural. Many naturals are pretty picky about coloring their natural hair, especially early on in the transitioning period, since coloring hair can leave it fragile and vulnerable to further damage. If you are going natural, you will probably save some money in the beginning on hair dye as you take on a more natural approach.
Products
This is the one area where the debate continues to go unsettled one way or the other. On the one hand, you will always need to buy shampoos, conditioner, and stylers, but when you go natural, you need to pay closer attention to the quality of the products you use. You will want to opt for natural products with quality ingredients for the best results. Remember, you don’t have to purchase every new product that hits the shelves, try samples first before you splurge. A lot of naturals are shocked at how much moisture their natural curls need which can get costly, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are plenty of affordable natural hair products and as any new natural quickly learns, there are plenty of natural ingredients in your kitchen such as coconut oil, olive oil, and peppermint oil. Utilize your resources such as Youtube, blogs and tutorials to learn how to cocktail the perfect combo of natural ingredients which are readily available without going broke.
What are your tips or advice to saving while being natural?
