10 Ways to Get a Discount on Haircuts

Check your local newspaper and junk mailers for salon coupons, and get on the mailing list of your favorite salon for a chance at even more coupons. Still not turning up the savings that you seek? Then, head online, and do a search for the name of the salon you want to go to and the word "coupon." They may have a coupon on their website or Facebook page.

If you want a big salon cut without the big salon price, try a beauty school or salon training facility. What you'll get: a deeply discounted cut from a (supervised) stylist-in-training. Most beauty schools also offer dirt cheap dye jobs, so be sure to inquire about what other services they offer.

To Find a Beauty School Near You:

• Beautyschoolsdirectory.com

Just because your stylist says you should come in every six weeks, doesn't mean you have to. Stretch the time between your haircuts, and you'll save big. Just how big? Having your hair cut every eight weeks instead of every six shaves two visits off of your yearly total. Not too shabby.

Stick to a simple hairstyle, and cut your hair at home. After you invest in a good pair of scissors, you won't have any additional costs.

Your hairstyle can probably survive a trim at a less-expensive salon between major overhauls. Beauty expert, Julyne Derrick, recommends getting maintenance cuts at a cheap salon in between your pricey salon visits.

Tip: Snap a picture of your hair before you leave the pricey salon, so you can show the cheaper salon what you want your hair to look like.

If you are going to have your long hair cut by eight to ten inches or more, you can donate it and get a free cut. Many salons host free haircut events to benefit Locks of Love, and similar organizations, where your hair will be donated to make wigs for people who are fighting cancer. Locate one of these events in your area; and donate your hair to a good cause. You'll help others, while helping yourself to a free cut.

For More Information:

• Locksoflove.org: ten inches minimum length
• Beautifullengths.com: eight inches minimum length

Willing to take risks with your hair? Then, contact the top salons in your area, and let them know you're interested in becoming a hair model.

Note: You're more likely to score a free cut if you have long hair that hasn't been chemically treated, and you're willing to let them do anything they want to your hair. This could mean cutting it super short, dying it or doing something super outrageous. And of course, serving as a hair model means you'll need to model the finished product. This could mean posing for photos or taking to the runway. Make sure you're comfortable with this before you agree to participate.

Many discount salons run sales. Watch for commercials and ads to alert you to any upcoming salon sales in your area; then take advantage of the best offer. One chain that does this: Great Clips.They have a $7.99 haircut sale several times a year, and they also offer vets free cuts for Veteran's Day. If you served, be sure to take advantage of this awesome deal. Also be on the lookout for their haircut card around the holidays. It allows you to pre-purchase haircuts at a discounted price. Go here to view all of Great Clips' current promotions.

New salons frequently run special promotions to attract new customers. Spot one in your area, and you could be rewarded with a half-price cut. 

Are you a woman with a straight-forward cut? Then, head to a barber shop. You'll pay less than you would at a salon that caters to women, and the service is usually just as good.