Guide to Back to School Hair Styles

Going back to school for many students is a time of excitement and change. A new hairstyle is a great way to stand out, and show off their personal style. Salon visits for back to school does not have to be overly expensive.

Budget

First decide how much you are willing to spend on a new hairstyle. This price guideline will determine what type of salon you will go to. At full service salons a hair cut, color, relaxer, or perm can cost $75 to $150 per person. Do not let your tween or teenager tell you what services they are going to receive.

Style

Know exactly what style you have agreed on. Encourage your child to look through magazines and cut out 3 hair styles that they like. Make sure that the hair styles are appropriate for school. If you are unsure, always check the school guidelines for what is not acceptable.

Stylist

Always meet with the stylist. Do not hand the money or your credit card over to your tween or teen at the salon and leave. Be very clear and direct about exactly what hair style you want, and show the stylist the picture. Be clear on the price for all services before it starts. If any chemical services such as perms or relaxers are being performed pay close attention to the processing time, and supervise while hair is being cut. This will cut back on chemical burns to the scalp, over processed hair, and too much hair being cut off.

Low budget

If color is important to your teen, help them select the best color that suites their skin tone. Visit a beauty supply store with professional grade products, such as Sally's. Look for natural hair dyes such as henna, or semi permanent hair dye. Have the hair cut at Cost Cutters, the local barber shop, or the beauty school. Call friends and get referrals to see which stylists have specials that do quality work.

DIY

If your budget will not allow a trip to the salon, you do have other options. Follow the steps above to narrow down an appropriate hair style. Keep in mind that perms and relaxers will have to be maintained every 6 to 8 weeks. If your child wants curly hair teaching her how to obtain several curly looks is not expensive. Rollers, hot rollers, and setting lotions with practice can achieve the same look as a perm.

Your child may be drawn to styles with straight hair, but their natural hair has a deep wave, curl, kink, or coil. You may want to invest in a high quality heat protectant, deep conditioner, and flat iron. Then show your child how to get a straight look . This tip alone will save you hundreds of dollars.

If your child's chosen style embraces their natural curly or kinky hair texture find new ways to enhance their curls. Visit curly hair visit www.naturallycurly.com for the tighter coils and kinks visit www.nappturality.com or www.longhaircareforum.com .

No Budget

If you do not have any extra money to devote to hair styling, take inventory of the things that you do have, or can obtain for free. Keep in mind, the hair style that your child wants. If you have hair cutting scissors, or can borrow a pair, give a light trim. Enhance light colored hair with a rinse with lemon brunettes and red heads can try a rinse with strong tea or coffee.

You may have rollers, flat iron, or can do two strand twists, chignon, or fashion forward large braids. If styling is not your specialty, visit www.youtube.com, and see someone go through the styling technique. There is always something that you can do to help your child feel fabulous for back to school.