Guest Blogger: Michael Jacobson

I love having the support of talented and caring friends who have agreed to help me out with my blog and share some advice in their areas of expertise - guest-bloggers if you will.  To kick off this new feature, I have asked my friend Michael Jacobson (above), of the award winning  Michael & Michael Salon in Chicago, to share some of his hair-styling wisdom with us!  Every Monday, for the next 4 weeks, Michael will be chiming in with a few "tips of the trade" to help keep your hair looking great - think of it as a visit to the salon without the cost!  

Recessionistas Unite!  Hair Tips for a Tough Economy

Beauty treatments can often be the first things to go when watching your budget, and I am often asked what a girl can do to save money and still look her best.   First, I always think a good cut is worth paying for because the shape grows out much better and can last longer -- allowing you to significantly extend the time between cuts. Do some research online and talk to friends to find the best salon in your area. Go to one of those top salons -- even if you see the least expensive stylist or colorist, they will be talented if the salon has a serious training program.

If you can't stomach the price tag for even a junior stylist at a top salon, here's another option -- find out if the salon offers workshops as part of their training program for stylists and colorists. Advanced workshops in serious salons are supervised and taught by senior stylists with years of experience. Those salons are always looking for workshop models and the cost is nominal -- usually between $10 and $20. You'll still walk out with a better cut or color than you would get at a salon of lesser quality. 

 Tightening your purse strings never means you can't still look and feel great!

-Michael Jacobson