Moroccan Oil, Kérastase and pretty much anything from Lush can make your hair smell like you wandered through a fragrant garden — but they also share one obvious trait: steep price tags.
Because we want to indulge without breaking the bank, we dug up ways to cut costs on your hair routine — enough to justify an occasional splurge on those luxe products. We also added practical hair-care tricks to stretch your beauty budget. Whether you prefer a simple DIY fix or tactics to make store-bought products last longer, there’s something here for you.
Trimming daily expenses can free up cash for a splurge like Moroccan Oil. So how can you economize your daily hair care? Below are 11 clever strategies to maximize what you already have and tweak your routine for real savings.
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11 Hair-Care Tricks to Cut Costs on Your Routine
With a little creative thinking, you can craft a less expensive hair-care routine.
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1. Shampoo less often.
This is probably the hardest suggestion, but hear us out. Washing less means you’ll use fewer bottles of shampoo and conditioner, so those pricey favorites last much longer.
There’s also a benefit for scalp health. Gradually, your scalp will rebalance its natural oils; after a few weeks you’ll likely notice it’s not as oily as before.
Wondering how to survive those first few weeks? Keep reading for ways to manage excess oil.
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2. Spot-clean or make DIY dry shampoo.
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver, but the effective ones can be pricey. You can save cash by making your own from pantry staples you likely already own. Whip up a simple DIY dry shampoo, brush through, and you’ll be out the door with extra money in your wallet.
If you don’t have time for a full wash, try a spot wash. Grease often appears around the temples and above the ears first. Wet that area, lather a bit of shampoo, and rinse. It’s quicker, uses less product than a full wash, and buys you a few more days.
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3. Find the right brushing routine for your hair.
Brushing is a timeless step that supports scalp health and can lengthen the time between washes — never underestimate a good brush.
When done properly, brushing helps spread the scalp’s natural oils throughout your hair, so oil isn’t overly concentrated near your face. Hair with a balanced amount of natural oil often appears less frizzy.
Too much or too little brushing can be counterproductive. The ideal frequency depends on porosity, length and whether your hair is curly or straight — some experimentation will help you find the sweet spot.
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4. Create hair products from pantry ingredients.
There are plenty of effective DIY hair recipes. Whether you want to save on basics like shampoo and conditioner or specialty items such as shine sprays and masks, homemade options can do the job.
It takes adjustment to use things like apple cider vinegar and baking soda, but once you combine improved texture with the money you’ll save in a month, it’s tempting to keep going.
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5. Rinse more often instead of shampooing.
This tip is especially useful for curly-haired folks: rinsing a few times a week in lieu of shampoo and conditioner can reduce oiliness. Adding moisture to curls often tames frizz and gives you an extra day or two between full washes.
Rinse with a mix of water and apple cider vinegar for shiny, refreshed hair. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for scent — the vinegar smell fades quickly.
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6. Rotate products so bottles last longer.
We all have that go-to brand that makes our hair look salon-fresh. Rather than using it every single time, reserve it for days you want to look extra polished and use less expensive options for casual outings.
Bonus: alternating products can prevent buildup and even make hair look fuller. Try cheaper alternatives occasionally and you may find your hair looks healthier and bouncier.
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7. Cut open nearly empty shampoo and conditioner bottles.
When a pump stops delivering product but you can still tell there’s more inside, don’t toss the bottle. Cut it open and scoop out the remaining product.
Use a small spoon or spatula and tools like sturdy scissors or a box cutter, taking care to protect your hands with gloves. Open a hole large enough to remove the leftovers and transfer them to a shallow container with a screw-top lid or a reusable bag.
Those extra scoops can provide several more washes.
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8. Use smaller amounts of product.
It sounds obvious, but when mornings are rushed it’s easy to squeeze or pump too much product “just in case.” Extra shampoo, conditioner and styling products add up — and can weigh hair down or make it look greasy.
If your hair gets greasy from overuse, you’ll end up washing more often, which defeats the goal of stretching products. Learn what the right amount feels like: a little goes a long way. For conditioner, less is often better — apply modestly after fully wetting your hair and adjust until you find the right portion.
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9. Mix homemade products with expensive ones.
Once you master DIY hair concoctions, try blending small amounts of your luxe products into the mix. This lets you enjoy the scent and some of the benefits of premium brands while stretching how long they last.
Those repurposed containers mentioned earlier are perfect for storing your custom blends.
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10. Prolong your hair color between touch-ups.
Many of the earlier tips help keep color looking fresh. Even if you color at home, you can save time and money by stretching out the interval between dye jobs.
To protect color, avoid washing for 48–72 hours after dyeing. Use sulfate-free shampoos, shampoo less frequently, rinse with cool water and keep hair well-conditioned. You can even mix a bit of boxed dye into your shampoo for a color-boosting mask to help preserve hue.
Fewer color sessions mean more cash saved.
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11. Learn to trim your own ends.
We’re not saying ditch your stylist, but learning basic trimming techniques can keep your cut tidy between appointments. Stretching the time between salon visits could save you as much as $400 annually.
Watch tutorials tailored to your hairstyle before attempting a trim. Remember: you can always remove more, but you can’t add it back — so err on the side of caution and cut less than you think. If DIY trimming feels risky, look into low-cost or free haircut options instead.
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