If there is one thing that I learned from the armed, anti-lockdown protests that occurred during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, it is that people take haircuts for granted. We are in the middle of the deadliest pandemic humanity has experienced within the last century. Over 41,000 new coronavirus infections were recorded in a single day. The country is socially convulsing amid racial unrest, protests, and cultural upheaval. 47 million Americans are unemployed, and the unemployment rate may hit 32%. Maybe it is just too much for people to handle. Maybe the small details in life really do matter, like what you should be spending on an expensive haircut for a grooming budget.
All politics are local. But almost every conscious public act is going to look political to someone else, whether wittingly or not.
The politics of racial and economic inequality keeps me up at night and keeps me tense. It is like 2020 is a Bizarro-world mirror image of the racial and cultural upheavals of the 1960s.
I cannot relate to people who contrarily, and politically, minimize the gravity of this history-changing pandemic.
Especially because they’re angry that some scientists told them they cannot get a haircut or go to a bar when they want.
Politics aside, I still can relate to the problem of life-changing so quickly overnight. And, how powerless that makes people feel.
About a month ago, many states began reopening, even though it may have been premature. We may go through a few cycles of lockdowns and reopening. But someday we may beat this virus.
Although it may take time before our societal and unemployment issues are resolved, the small things will always still matter.
Like how much you should be spending on an expensive haircut relative to a grooming budget.
What Should You Be Spending on Expensive Haircut Grooming?
Full disclosure: I have been shaving my own head since I was a teenager. I have not made a lot of money my adult life.
The thought of paying a local barber what little I have was never enticing.
Choosing a barber or hairstylist is a serious matter.
You should start a kind of selection process for a barber, a hairstylist, or get a recommendation. That takes time.
And, it isn’t cheap.
The average haircut costs about $28 including the tip. In large metropolitan cities, a haircut can cost anywhere between $50 to $200. Former politician John Edwards ignited a global scandal by paying $400 for a haircut once. Former French President François Hollande reportedly paid his personal hairstylist $10,000 a month.
OK, so let’s say that relative to your personal finances, you should be spending at least $20 to $30 for a haircut.
Keep in mind that like most public service workers, its customary to leave a tip. So, along with paying for the haircut, you should leave a 15% to 20% tip.
So, if you get a $30 haircut once a week, you will pay $120 a month, or, $1,440 annually for the privilege. (If you go to the barber every 8 weeks, you might as well learn to shave your own head and save money.)
That is a lot of money to pay for haircuts even before the pandemic. So, if you are committing to spending on expensive haircut grooming, you should at least have some standards for service.
Your old barber or hairstylist may have gone out of business since the onset of the pandemic. Or you may be looking for a new one.
Here are some standards you should insist on before patronizing a new barber or hairstylist.
Skills
Unless you are the type of person who does not mind patronizing the local barber or hairstyling schools, you should have standards.
You are going to exhaust serious coin spending on expensive haircut grooming. Get a recommendation.
Visit the barbershop or salon and talk to the staff or ask to watch them in service.
All barbers and cosmetologists require a license to operate in all 50 states. Do not be afraid to ask about certifications or skills.
It is good to ask friends and family about recommendations. Still, you are now at the mercy of the judgment of such people.
If you are going to dedicate $1,400 a month to your hair, be confident in the skills of your barber or hairstylist.
Also, go visit a few establishments. Make a list and then narrow down candidates to finalists you would not mind patronizing regularly.
Professional Atmosphere
If you go to watch a barbershop or hair salon at work, or pay for test service, pay attention to the atmosphere.
Are the staff professional and respectful towards their customers?
Do they take their clientele for granted and tell them what they need instead of listening to requests?
Is the place clean? Do the staff clean the business space often and keep the workspace aesthetics professional?
Wait Time
If you are going to exhaust money spending on expensive haircut grooming, how long are you willing to wait for service?
If you just walk into a barbershop or salon, you may have to wait behind several customers.
Make an appointment to see how long you would have to wait for service.
Also, assess why you have to wait for service. Is it because they are so busy and good at what they do?
Or, is it because they are so inept at rendering the services they offer?
Demand More
Only patronize professional barbershops or hair salons that show you respect and know how to communicate with their clients.
Make sure such establishments are clean and aesthetically presentable. You feel comfortable and respected patronizing such places.
Also, make sure any barbershop or hair salon you visit follows COVID-19 guidelines. Social distancing isn’t possible in these circ*mstances. But staff should wear masks and limit how many people can be present at one time.
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Allen Francis
Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.
