10 Clever Ways to Get a Cheap or Even Free Haircut
Haircuts are one of those routine expenses that sneak up on you. But getting a fresh trim doesn’t have to wreck your budget. There’s a surprisingly wide range of ways to pay less or nothing at all for professional haircuts, if you know where to look.
Some options trade a bit of convenience or flexibility for serious savings. These strategies can keep your cut sharp without overspending.
Book With Trainee Stylists at Hair Colleges
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Beauty schools need real people to snip, trim, and style. These students work under close supervision and often offer heavily discounted cuts. While it might take longer than your usual visit, the price can be between $20 and $40, and you can sometimes pick your stylist’s skill level to match your comfort zone.
Volunteer as a Hair Model for Training Sessions
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Stylists learning new techniques need someone to practice on. And that someone could be you. Cuts are usually free, but you’ll likely need to agree to a set style. Many websites often list these opportunities, or you can ask your local salon directly.
Use Mobile Hairdressers to Cut Costs
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Mobile hairdressers skip the overhead costs of a physical salon, and that often means a smaller bill for you. They’ll cut your hair at your place, saving you a trip and sometimes up to half the usual price. It’s a relaxed, private setup, and many are fully licensed freelancers building their own client base.
Try In-and-Out Salon Chains for Lower Base Prices
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Walk-in chains like Supercuts and Great Clips stick to the basics and keep their prices low. Don’t expect fancy shampoo stations or blowouts unless you ask and pay extra. But for a quick cleanup or a no-fuss trim, these places consistently offer one of the cheapest options out there.
Book Weekday or Off-Peak Appointments
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Salons don’t stay busy all the time. Midday on a Tuesday or late in the afternoon is often quieter, and that’s when some stylists are willing to drop their rates. A few even sweeten the deal with add-ons like a quick treatment or style. Asking about slow-hour pricing can turn an ordinary trim into real savings.
Use Discount Deal Websites Like Groupon
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Daily deal sites frequently list limited-time salon offers, often up to 70% off. Look closely at the deal details: many include extras like deep-conditioning or scalp treatments. If you’re booking a service anyway, starting here can knock a big chunk off the cost.
Get Cashback Through Booking Platforms
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It doesn’t feel like a win, but a few bucks back is still money saved. Platforms like Quidco or TopCashback return a percentage of your booking cost when you go through their links. The reward is usually small (between 3% and 5%), but stack that with a promo or referral code, and it adds up over time.
Choose a Low-Maintenance Hairstyle
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Some cuts practically beg for constant upkeep. And others coast for months. Styles like blunt cuts, long layers, or grown-out shags don’t scream “get me trimmed” every five weeks. If you can steer clear of sharp lines, bangs, or closely cropped fades, you can cut your salon visits in half.
Go With a Junior Stylist Instead of a Senior One
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Most salons use tiered pricing based on stylist experience. A junior stylist may be fully qualified but newer to the floor, and that can mean major savings. If you’re not requesting an elaborate cut or color, the difference in results is often minimal.
Rotate Salons to Claim New Customer Discounts
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Loyalty is great, but so are first-time discounts. Many salons roll out special pricing to draw in new customers, and if you don’t mind switching it up occasionally, you can keep cashing in. Rotating salons once or twice a year can help you land multiple intro deals without sacrificing a decent haircut.