Whether you’re looking to try out a new style, or you just want to save some cash, this list of places that offer a cheap or a free haircut will get you started.
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Keep in mind here that you absolutely get what you pay for.
Most of the time, a free haircut is done by someone in training or a student in a cosmetology school. If you don’t mind risking wearing a hat for the next few months, well, then you’re more brave than I.
10 Ways to Get a Cheap or Free Haircut Today
Here are your options:
1. Volunteer to be a Hair Model on SalonModel.co
Sign up to be a hair model on SalonModel.co and get a chance to receive free haircuts, complimentary blowouts, discounted coloring, and other services in exchange for your time. Anyone can sign up and be a hair model.
To register, choose your city – New York, Los Angeles, Bay Area, Miami, and London – and start browsing for free haircuts.
If you’re not from these cities, know that SalonModel.co is continuously expanding and welcoming models even from other cities. Don’t hesitate to send them a message.
2. Get Free Haircuts at Supercuts Training Studios
Search for a Supercuts Training Studio in your area and ask if they are looking for hair models for their training.
You can also leave your name and contact number, so they can get in touch with you faster. And aside from the training studios, you may also sign up for their newsletter to view available coupons, offers, and promotions. Right now, they’re offering $2 off any hair cut.
3. Find Free Haircuts on Craigslist
Have you tried using Craigslist to search for deals and free stuff? If you had, then, I’m sure this wouldn’t come as a surprise to you.
You will see more success if you search using terms like hair model needed instead of looking for a straight up free haircut.
Do keep in mind that you are using CRAIGSLIST to find a free haircut. Exercise serious amounts of caution here.
4. Find Beauty Schools That do Hair for Free
Are there beauty schools in your area? Don’t overlook them if you are looking for a place to get a free haircut and other services. Students always look for models to practice on what they’ve learned.
One of the biggest names in the business is Paul Mitchell. They have campuses across the country. Use that link to find the closest nearest you.
You can also Google your city or town + “beauty school” to find other options. Ring them up and ask them if they need any heads for practice.
5. Hunt for Salon Coupons and Rewards Programs Online
A lot of salons offer coupons not just on their site but also through other companies and coupon sites like Living Social, Groupon, RetailMeNot, and Offers.com.
You can also check out your favorite salon’s official website and sign up for their Rewards Program to be updated with their latest promotions, and seasonal deals. Sometimes, salons also offer a one-time discount if you sign up for their newsletter.
6. Watch Out for Seasonal Deals from Salons Near You
Be alert during special occasions or holidays, because salons always come up with limited-time offers during these days.
There’s also a chance that salons would offer discounts or freebies during their anniversary, or if they are launching a new product or service. Follow them on social media so you will always be in the loop.
7. Treat Yourself to a Salon Treatment or Hair Color Appointment for a Free Haircut
If you are planning to get a hair treatment or new hair color soon, that would also be a great opportunity to score a free haircut.
Although it may not always be the case for all salons, there are stylists who wouldn’t charge you for a trim if you are getting even one of their premium services.
8. Ask If They Offer a Student Discount
Most, if not all salons and barbershops, offer a student discount. You may also reach out to these places online so you won’t need to visit them one by one.
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If they do, then, don’t forget to ask if they are looking for specific requirements to avail of the discount such as a valid school I.D.
9. Get a Haircut on Weekdays and Off-Peak Hours
Happy hours don’t just apply to fitness gyms, bars, and spas, some salons also adapt this tried and tested solution to fill in empty spaces during off-peak days and hours. Feel free to ask the salons in your area if they are offering discounts on certain days and hours.
Some salons may offer as much as 25% discount every Monday, while some offer 10% discount during weekdays or from 11 am to 3 pm. You just have to be patient and you will find what you are looking for.
10. Take Advantage of First-Time Customer and Referral Discounts
Deals for first-time customers and referral discounts are not only available on eCommerce and retail sites. Salons, spas, and barbershops also have these kinds of offers.
So, it can be a good idea to have a haircut at different salons to enjoy their new customer discounts.
You can also bring along your friend on your next visit, so both of you can enjoy the perks of the salon’s bring-a-buddy program.
Free Haircut from Friends?
You can always DIY your haircut, but if you tried it before, you probably know by now that it isn’t as easy as it seems.
The cheapest place to get a haircut can be just a few blocks away from where you are staying. Don’t hesitate to ask your family, friends, or even create a crowdsourcing post on Facebook asking for recommendations.
And if you insist, some of the places that you can visit to get a cheap haircut are Supercuts, Fantastic Sams, Great Clips, and Rudy’s Barbershop.
To further add to your hair freebie hunt, check out my posts about how to get free hair color samples, and free hair samples. You might also want to check what I’ve written about free samples by mail and free subscription boxes.