What You’re Really Paying For: Why Service Prices Vary and What Yours Includes
I was on Instagram, scrolling through and I came across Deeply Rooted Locs Salon’s page and saw a post from one of my favorite Sisterlocks locticians, my girl Regina, who shared a screenshot of a poll: “Things About Pricing You Wish Clients Knew.”
The post listed various responses from beauty and grooming professionals who shared things like:
“How much late cancellations affect our bottom line.”
“You’re paying for skill, not just time”
“That [pricing] non-negotiable”
There are numerous individuals offering beauty and grooming services. It seems there is no consistency within the industry. One thing is for certain: all beauty services are not created equal.
Let me explain what your payment covers, why prices can (and should) vary from one professional to another, and why comparing doesn’t give you the full picture.
Why does it cost so much?
I started almost 20 years ago, and unfortunately, the duby wraps are looking more like $65 and up.
There are years of experience, education, professional-grade products, and L-O-V-E put into the work I provide. And when I say work, I’m talking about for many of us, this is our livelihood, helping you reach your hair goals.
I understand the price may not be within your budget, and that’s okay. A true professional will always keep the light on for you, whenever you are ready to be accommodated.
You’re Paying for More than Just Time
So, BOOM! You book Cornrow Extensions with Boho. It takes 3 hours to complete. For one braider who does not shampoo, treat, or blow-dry, and does not provide the extension hair, the charge is $155. Many of you will pay it.
Whereas someone like me, who has experience with growing and maintaining healthy hair, shampooing, treating, blow-drying, and providing the extension hair, charges $200, you will try to haggle the price down or walk away.
You’re paying not only for time but for the styling products, prep, and post-care, the communication system, sometimes additional employees, overhead, and so forth. When you invest in services, you’re paying for a complete, professional experience backed by honest, quality work.
Every Professional Doesn’t Offer the Same Skill Level
I have witnessed (and heard about) the lack of professionalism too many times in my career. Double and triple booking clients, inconsistent service results, lack of expertise (experience), long wait time, the list goes on and on.
I do not mind bragging about my skill levels, even when I can’t (or no longer) perform certain services. Some individuals will still try to charge you premium dollars and can’t deliver and will tell you in all caps, NO REFUNDS.
Again, pricing reflects expertise, consistency, and accountability.
We Specialize in What We Do
Value comes with specialized services. Services like microlocs, hair and skin restoration, and haircutting textured hair take years of training to master. Not one service on my service list is one-size-fits-all! Therefore, it’s not priced as such.
You know what I’m talking about - the head that has short or bald spots, the one with the seborrheic dermatitis, or the client who is allergic to a specific ingredient - and it’s in ALL the products that are on the market.
Many of us are specialists, and when you see a specialist, you’re investing in your hair’s health and long-term success.
It’s About Value, Not Just Cost
I do my best not to compete. Most of the time when I do, I’m competing with myself. I strive to do better because I believe in quality, integrity, and professionalism. No price can be placed on those things. In the end, those of us who specialize in creating the perfect look for you get as close to one as we can.
You’re paying for what it takes to do it well. Our price is our price. And we take that seriously.
Hi, I’m Tosha. If you’re in the Augusta, Ga area or the surrounding CSRA and would like to schedule a consultation or receive professional hair services, go to my services page here.
My specialties include locs (dreadlocks), hair restoration, and maintaining healthy hair.
I look forward to seeing you and helping you get started or continue your healthy hair journey.
Comment below what’s the most you’ve paid for a service, and how it made you feel.