I am one of those people who loves to go to the salon to get my hair done.  I would get my nails done every two weeks.  I would get my feet done every 4 weeks.   Most of my clothes go to the dry cleaners.  I had to make changes in my own life to live within my budget.  So I went natural with my nails.  I go every 8-10 weeks for a pedicure.  I do my hands and feet at home to maintain.  I also cut back on how often I get my eye brows waxed.  Instead of every two weeks I opted for every six weeks.  I just clean up the brow area with the tweezers.

It got me to thinking about the money people spend on personal grooming as I talked to my clients about their budget.  Most people leave out the personal grooming off the budget.  Visits to the beauty, barber, and nail salon can add up quickly.  The dry cleaning bill can be a wallet buster.

There are some things that you can do to cut down on those cost.  That doesn't mean you stop going to a professional.

Visit the barber or beauty shop every other week to cut down cost.    Ask your stylist for hair styles that can last you for two weeks. For some it may mean every 6 weeks for a cut instead of 4 weeks.  I don't know to many woman who don't know how to wash their own hair.   Instead of getting a relaxer every 5 or 6 weeks opt for 8 weeks.  Consult your stylist on ways you can get the most out of going longer without coming to the salon.   That way you don't damage your hair at home. 

Men getting your hair cut closer may be an option if you go two weeks between cuts.  If you wear your hair bald ask your barber how to keep your head shaved at home.   

Instead of acrylic, mink, or the lastest nails go natural with a manicure.  Go longer with out a pedicure.  You can do this things at home for yourself and save money.

The same holds true to getting your eyebrows waxed or arched.  You can keep them cleaned up at home for a few weeks after getting them done at the salon or barbershop.  After you pluck the first few hairs the pain goes away. 

When you shop for your clothes look at the tags to see if they are dry clean only items.  Try to avoid them as much as possible.  Woolite works great to keep clothes looking good.   So does hanging them up to dry or laying flat preserves the color.

Cutting back on personal grooming especially if your having financial trouble is a great way to get your budget in order.  Living by a budget to get debt free means making some sacrifices.  Whatever you decided about your personal grooming make it apart of your budget.  It does feel good to go to the salon.  But you won't die if you have to cut back.

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