The holiday season is fast approaching and it’s that time of year when it becomes evident to many that the budget is not large enough to maintain all the usual and regular activities of life and still be able to afford to indulge in the many financial demands that comes with the season. Something has to give! There comes a time when we all have to practice the age-old practice of “penny-pinching.” With the financial obligations that are associated with family feasts, costume-purchasing, holiday-decorating and gift-giving, to name a few, it can become a tad bit difficult to fulfill all of the routine financial obligations and, somewhere along the line, some expenses eventually get booted.

My fellow ladies out there would totally agree that scaling back on spending relating to hair and beauty is not the easiest decision. We take pride in keeping our hair, nails, skin, and fashion on point and, as much as it depends on us, we will try our utmost best to maintain a budget for those personal care needs.

Since caring and maintaining their hair can prove very expensive, making some adjustments where that is concerned can have a great financial impact on the financial stability of women who may need to shift their financial focus temporarily until their spending habit is able to attain normalcy.  The big question that many naturals would ask is how do I keep my hair looking fabulous without “breaking the bank”?

Naturals, in the quest to find that one magical set of products that works wonders for their hair, often end up shelling out loads of cash trying product after product as they become available on the market. This level of product acquisition usually equates to valuable cash being poured down the drain. The truth is that many naturals only use products one or two times and then move on to the next hottest thing on the market. With the current economic downturn, it is becoming more and more difficult to maintain this habit. Making major and minor adjustments to the regular modus operandi in order to get the best quality hair care at the lowest price is sometimes necessary. You don’t have to compromise on quality in order to save a few dollars. Your hair deserves the best care but there is a common misconception that only by spending loads of money can that be achieved.

Take these 4 simple steps for a more cost effective natural hair journey and dispel the myths that natural hair maintenance is always costly.

1. DIY

Do It Yourself or DIY for short, is an economical and self-accomplished alternative to purchasing ready made goods or services. All natural hair products are known to be on the higher end of the pricing scale when compared to others. The price point is, however, understandable since the most authentic are usually made with strictly or primarily natural ingredients. These products usually don’t last a lifetime, either, considering that the volume of hair in its natural state generally requires a generous amount for it to work effectively. The frequency with which products need to be replenished can place a financial strain on the pocket of a natural.

The alternative of making DIY hair products can certainly make a difference during those periods where funds may be low.  Many naturals have become at home scientists, whipping up hair concoctions in their kitchens for various purposes. DIY hair products are easy to make and are a healthy option as they are most times made with all natural products that are found around the kitchen. Whatever the hair needs, be it a treatment, a conditioner, an oil blend, or a shampoo, there is a set of ingredients that you can whip up yourself to make it happen. The answer to natural hair DIY question is just a click away. Bloggers, vloggers, authors and YouTubers have recipes all over the worldwide web that can provide the guidance and direction for becoming a natural hair mixtress. The initial purchase of the ingredients may appear to be costly but considering that they are reusable multiple times, the investment in the long run fares better compared to monthly over-the-counter product purchases. DIY products may not be something you want to do on an ongoing basis but during those periods when you are on a tight budget, they will come in very handy and your hair will not have to suffer from a lack of TLC.   Check out my recipe for a DIY Protein treatment in a past colums.

2. Skip Salon Visits

The practice of going to the salon weekly or bi-weekly for hairstyling services while wearing a relaxer may have to be abandoned, considered only for special occasions or when there is a real need for a professional consultation. For many naturals, the issue of manageability is real. Much of the frustration comes as a result of the inability to tame the wildness of natural textures. This complaint is most often the reason that lends many parents of black children to succumb to the relaxer. The same issue of unmanageability is what sometimes leads naturals to get tempted to revert to their relaxer-wearing ways. There is also the challenge of not knowing how to achieve the fabulous styles that are being paraded on the internet or by other naturals. The solution for both issues is often the decision to leave it to the professionals. It’s usually easier to visit those who are trained in the art of natural hair and allow them to tackle the issue of manageability and creativity. Visits to a salon, especially those providing services exclusively for naturals, are usually very pricey.

Cutting back on spending therefore may require you to minimize those trips to the beautician.  It may seem overwhelming at first, but with practice you will be able to perfect both hair care and hair styling challenges on your own. The birth of YouTube has made it significantly easier to access the tools and techniques to provide self-help for maintaining natural hair on your own. Step by step tutorials are at the disposal of all who choose to access them. There is a virtual hair academy out there and the best part is that it is free of charge.

Most naturals also know at least one natural friend or family member in close proximity who they can call on to swap hair care services if it is really difficult for you to manage your own hair. This option will spare you from becoming burdened with the expenses associated with getting frequent hair related services at a professional salon. Additionally, hair website Black Natural Hairstyles.org is launching their “Hair Stylists On Demand” service where you can make a real-time video appointment with a real certified natural hair stylist to consult on any number of personal hair issues like: “treatment for hair loss,” “trying to roller set your natural hair,” “good products for 4c natural hair.” Users pay for 10 minutes of consultation that ranges between $3 and $5.

3. Protective Styles

Protective styles are not only cute and convenient, but they are usually very cost effective. If there is an intention to keep your spending at a minimum, cutting back on natural hair-related expenses will pay great dividends. The protective style of choice will determine how long it can be worn and subsequently how much you will save. This option is especially beneficial to those who make frequent trips to the hair salon. The weekly maintenance is usually not mandatory or necessary if you are wearing a protective style. Whatever maintenance is needed typically is very simple and has little or no cost associated with it.

Protective styles afford natural hair a break from the daily maintenance and from the usually high budget set aside for it. The savings are usually more evident for those who pay out of pocket to get their hair groomed on a regular basis. Protective styles in braids and straw sets can be long term or short term. Installing braids with extensions tend to last longer than doing them with just the natural hair. There are multiple benefits from wearing protective styles, in that they not only save money and time but also keep the natural hair protected while in the style.

4. Natural Networking/Product Swapping

The natural hair community is fast growing and is becoming more and more integrated as time progresses. Meet-up groups have been popping up all over the U.S. and internationally. As a result, naturals have been forming bonds with other naturals in similar geographical locations or those virtually. The purpose of these groups is to create a social outlet whereby they can trade information and learn more about natural hair and how to best care for it. One of the activities that have become somewhat popular is “Product Swapping.”

This usually takes place at a social event of some sort, usually intended specifically for naturals. Product Swapping allows naturals to trade products that do not work for their hair, for others that their hair may react more positively to. Over time by experience and trial and error, we are made aware of what products or ingredients work best for our hair and those to which our hair may have an adverse effect. Product swaps allow for acquisition of products without having to spend out of pocket. It is basically a bartering of products which is an economical alternative to just trashing products that don’t work and perpetually spending on new products. Utilizing this prudent and convenient resource will be beneficial to all parties involved, and a great way to cut back on spending large sums to maintain natural hair.

Natural hair should be of benefit, not a burden. With just a few minor adjustments to your regular mode of operation, you will be sure to realize that there are ways and means of alleviating the financial strain that comes with the territory. Using the tips above will most certainly allow you to enjoy the perks of being natural without having to neglect the other financial obligations presented in your life.