Hair Care Expenses vs Dream Home Calculator


The purpose of the calculator

This calculator was created to guide your thoughts in either of 2 directions:

1. Your hair care expenses are probably high and can negatively impact your journey to owning a home. In this situation, you may need to rethink and re-arrange your care routine, change your hair kits, or even change your hairstyle.

2. Your haircare expenses are quite minimal and may not contribute any significant setback to acquiring a home. In this case, you just laugh and you flow with life. After all, it takes a happy person to enjoy the comfort of owning a home.

The prices for homes in different states in the US were sourced from Bankrate, we will update them every year using current data.

How the calculator works

You are prompted to enter your hair care cost. This can be daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly. 

After that, you choose the state where you would like to purchase a home. 

Once selected, the calculator will inform you of how many years it would take you to buy your house in the selected State if all of your hair care expenses were invested into buying a house.

The calculator also informs you of how many years it would take if you saved a fraction of your hair care cost towards your home. You’re allowed to select the percentage of the cost you want to invest into your new home.

Compound Interest

The results I described above are just that of saving the actual amount without any interest.

The second section of the calculator compounds the annual hair care cost of a period of years you chose and at an interest rate of your choice.

There is a simple graph that shows you what your current payment is and the balance for each year.

Fun or Fact

The calculator while factual is at the same time a fun tool. Prompting your imagination on how long or how far you can buy a home if your hair doesn’t receive as much money as it does.

Different reactions are expected.

Some will laugh at how ridiculous the duration it will take before buying their dream homes.

Others will have a rethink and see what they can do about their hairs.

Whatever the reaction may be, looking beautiful and presentable at the moment can not be sacrificed for owning a house in the future. We must always find a sweet spot where we are comfortable now and at the same time work towards our future goals.

List of Common Hair Care Expenses (USA)

  1. Haircuts and Styling: Regular haircuts, trims, and professional styling services. The frequency and cost can vary, but many people get haircuts every 6-8 weeks.
  2. Hair Coloring: Expenses for hair coloring services including full color, highlights, balayage, or touch-ups. These services may be required every few weeks to several months, depending on the technique and growth rate.
  3. Salon Treatments: Professional treatments like keratin treatments, deep conditioning, scalp treatments, perms, or relaxers. These treatments can be occasional or regular, depending on hair needs.
  4. Hair Care Products: Shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, oils, and leave-in treatments for at-home use. The cost can vary based on brand, quality, and frequency of purchase.
  5. Styling Products and Tools: Products like hair sprays, mousses, gels, and serums, as well as tools like hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, and brushes.
  6. Extensions and Wigs: Costs for hair extensions, wigs, or hairpieces, including the initial purchase and maintenance.
  7. Barber Services: For men, regular barber visits for haircuts, shaves, beard trims, and grooming.
  8. Special Occasion Styling: Services for events like weddings, proms, or professional photoshoots, which often involve more intricate styling.
  9. Membership/Subscriptions: Some opt for salon memberships or subscriptions for regular services or products.
  10. DIY Hair Care Expenses: For those who prefer home treatments, expenses for at-home hair coloring kits, DIY treatment ingredients, and tools.
  11. Natural Hair Care: Specific products and treatments tailored for natural hair textures, which can include specialized shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.

Hair Care Products: A Breakdown of Costs

​When it comes to hair care, there is a wide range of products available in the market. From shampoos and conditioners to serums and styling tools, taking care of our hair has become an integral part of our beauty routine. However, all these products can come with a hefty price tag. If you’re wondering how much you are spending on hair care expenses in the USA, let’s break it down.

Firstly, let’s talk about the basic hair care essentials: shampoo and conditioner. On average, a good quality shampoo can cost you around $10 to $15, while conditioners can range from $12 to $20. Depending on your hair type and preferences, you may need to buy these products every month or so, which can add up over time.

Next, we have styling products such as mousses, gels, and serums. These products are designed to enhance and manage your hair’s texture and style. However, they also come with a price. Depending on the brand and size, styling products can range from $10 to $30. If you use them frequently, you may need to restock every few months.

Lastly, let’s not forget about hair tools. From hairdryers and straighteners to curling irons and brushes, these tools are essential for achieving different hairstyles. While the initial cost of hair tools can be high, they can last for years if well-maintained. On average, a good quality hairdryer can cost around $50 to $100, while flat irons and curling irons can range from $20 to $150.

The cost of hair care expenses in the USA can vary depending on individual preferences and the brands chosen. However, it’s safe to say that investing in quality products and tools can make a significant difference in the long run. So, next time you go shopping for hair care products, remember to consider both the benefits and the costs. After all, taking care of your hair requires the right balance of quality and affordability.

The Cost of Haircuts and Styling in the USA

​Hair care expenses in the USA can add up quickly, especially when it comes to haircuts and styling. The cost of maintaining a fresh and stylish hairdo can vary depending on various factors.

One of the main factors that influence the cost of haircuts and styling is the location. Prices tend to be higher in big cities compared to smaller towns or rural areas. In cities like New York or Los Angeles, a high-end salon or celebrity stylist can charge upwards of $200 for a haircut. On the other hand, in a small town, a local hair salon may only charge around $40 for a similar service.

Another factor that impacts the cost is the level of expertise of the stylist. Experienced and well-known hairstylists with a significant client base tend to charge more for their services. However, it’s essential to note that even at a higher cost, their expertise and knowledge can result in a more personalized and satisfactory experience.

Additional services such as shampooing, conditioning, hair treatments, coloring, or styling can also contribute to increasing costs. These services come with their own price tags, and they can significantly add up to the final bill.

While the cost of haircuts and styling in the USA can vary greatly, it is important to prioritize your budget and find a balance between affordability and quality. Consulting with friends, reading reviews, and researching local prices can help you select a salon or stylist that suits your needs without breaking the bank.

Coloring Your Hair: Expenses to Consider

Changing the color of your hair can be an exciting way to refresh your look and express your personal style. However, before you dive into the world of hair color, it’s important to consider the expenses involved. From salon visits to hair care products, there are a few costs that you need to be aware of to ensure you can maintain the vibrant and healthy hair you desire.

Firstly, visiting a professional hair salon for your hair coloring needs can be a significant expense. The cost can vary depending on factors such as the salon’s location, reputation, and the complexity of the color treatment you desire. It’s advisable to do some research and compare prices among different salons to find the best value for your budget. Additionally, bear in mind that maintaining your color may require regular touch-ups, further adding to your overall hair care expenses.

Hair care expenses in the USA should also include the cost of quality hair care products. After coloring your hair, it’s essential to use products specifically designed for color-treated hair to keep it looking its best. Shampoos, conditioners, and treatments formulated for colored hair tend to be more expensive than their generic counterparts. However, investing in these products can help preserve the longevity of your color and keep your hair healthy and vibrant.

Lastly, it’s important to consider any additional costs that may arise from potential damage or changes in your hair’s condition due to coloring. Bleaching or using harsh chemicals can leave your hair dry, damaged, or in need of additional treatments such as deep conditioning or keratin treatments, which can add to your overall expenses. It’s crucial to factor in the cost of these treatments and any necessary aftercare to maintain the health and strength of your hair.

DIY Hair Care: Budget-Friendly Options to Try

​Taking care of our hair is important, but it can often come with a hefty price tag. Hair care expenses in the USA can quickly add up, from salon visits to high-end products. However, there are budget-friendly options that you can try at home to keep your hair looking great without breaking the bank.

One option is to make your own hair masks using natural ingredients from your kitchen. For example, mix avocado, honey, and olive oil for a moisturizing deep conditioner. You can also create a clarifying mask using apple cider vinegar and water to remove product buildup. These DIY hair masks are not only cost-effective but also free from harmful chemicals commonly found in store-bought products.

Another way to save money on hair care is to embrace the no-shampoo method. Many commercial shampoos contain harsh ingredients that strip the natural oils from our hair, leading to dryness and damage. Instead, try washing your hair with a mixture of baking soda and water followed by an apple cider vinegar rinse. This gentle and inexpensive alternative can help maintain the natural balance of your hair while reducing the amount of product you need to buy.

Lastly, consider cutting your own hair or asking a friend for help. Trimming your split ends regularly can prevent further damage and promote healthy hair growth. There are many tutorials available online that can guide you through the process, ensuring you achieve a professional-looking cut. By learning how to trim your own hair, you can save money on salon visits and allocate it to other aspects of your hair care routine.

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy hair care routine doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By exploring budget-friendly options such as DIY hair masks, the no-shampoo method, and learning to cut your own hair, you can reduce hair care expenses in the USA while still achieving beautiful and nourished locks. Give these tips a try and see the positive impact on your hair and your bank account.

Wrapping Up

We sincerely hope that our calculator has either made you laugh or think about a decision that will positively affect you in the future. Cheers to beauty and to good life.

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