Beauty on a Budget

Woman wearing her auburn hair in a bob with bangs — Image: AI illustration

Not all of us are like Madonna or Jennifer Anniston. Our bodies and our hair do not usually get the daily attention they deserve. Those of us on a budget do not usually spend our money on ourselves.

A typical woman on a budget usually goes to the nearest Walmart and chooses from the many affordable options, buys a bottle of beauty product (usually the wrong color!), and then heads home to enlist the help of her household. If only the cat is available, she uses her own hands and makes moves that only a contortionist would be proud of.

For those of you on a budget who want to look beautiful, I have a couple of hints and different ways to use what we have available to us in our homes now. As most of us are aware, our hair is our signature. Short, long, curly, or straight, no matter how we wear our hair, it is a reflection of our personality and we want it to look its best at all times. In a busy world, we are all looking for ways to shorten our routine, but anything worth having and looking good requires a little work.

First: If you can, get up a little earlier in the morning. I know that getting up earlier means less sleep, but in the long run, you will feel more relaxed. So, get up a little earlier, put on the coffee pot, and jump in the shower. Using a good shampoo and conditioner, massage the scalp with warm water; do not scrub! A hint for those with fine hair (but anyone can do it): Leave your conditioner in your hair at least two to three times a week, without rinsing. It doesn't have to be leave-in conditioner either; it can be whatever you are using in your shower right now. I use Dove.

Secondly: Step out of the shower and dab yourself dry, don't rub! You should have exfoliated in the shower already. Leave some moisture on your skin and use whatever lotion is on hand to begin massaging your feet and work your way up your entire body. This will keep your muscles pliable, and you won't even need Pilates.

Beauty on a budget — Images: Iuriimaksymivphotos via Canva

Now, the final and best-kept secret in hair care products... Remember that can of shaving cream, the foam kind, that you have hidden in your bathroom cabinet because someone gave it to you for Christmas and you use the hot gel that practically takes the hair off on its own? Well, pull it out! That 75-cent can of foam shaving cream just became your new best friend for your hair. While your hair is still damp, use an appropriate amount depending on its length.

I use a dollop for my short hair. If you want curly hair that day, just leave it in and let it dry naturally. At the last minute, blow dry. If you want it to be straight and full, blow dry while the hair is still damp. If you just want the natural look, use the finger-drying technique. This not only dries your hair to a wispy look, but keeps it soft and luxurious looking for days; not to mention, it gives you a free workout for your upper arms...

So, to anyone out there on a budget, here are a few things to try, right now, in your own home, with little or no cost to you, except for some of your time, to make you feel like Madonna or Jennifer Aniston.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

How to save on hair care and haircuts

How to get free or cheap haircuts

Hair economics