Hair Trial Costs?

[Courtneylub]

My mom called her salon and asked about charges for up-do''s and hair trails. $55 for up-do...not bad at all. $40 for trial! Is this outrageous to anyone else? I''ve never had a hair trial before, so I''m clueless. I was thinking FREE? I would tip like $15-$20 for the trial, and then another $10-$15 in addition to the $55 for the actual style.

Do all salons charge for trials? Make-up too?

 

[sumbride]

I paid $40 for one trial and $50 for the other. It was a bit much, but it was a lot of work. I actually didn''t go with either style.... my final style sort of emerged the day of, and my hair that day cost me $65.

I didn''t have a makeup trial.

I think, considering that you are taking their time and materials, it is fair for them to charge.

 

[zoebartlett]

Yeah, I agree that while it seems excessive, you''d be taking some of their time and materials. I figure this kind of thing is something to just plan on paying for, even though the price may be high.

 

[Gypsy]

Because it's REALLY important to my mother (and she's paying for it)... the woman I will most likely be booking charges 475 for hair and makeup for the bride the day of. You read that right. And guess what her trial fee is? 175 bucks.

THAT'S crazy!

40 bucks? Not crazy at all, as there is usually a lot of time invested in a trial. That's when the talk to you, get to know you and your hair, try a couple of things, so forth. Its a dress rehersal. And it takes time. You are paying her for her time, with no obligation to book. What if you don't like the trial? She's out three hours of her time, no booking, and move on.

 

[Independent Gal]

Hmmm, yeah, doesn''t sound that crazy to me, sadly.

I decided not to have a trial. I''m going to let the guy do a style he knows well already, and make sure I tell him my pet peeves, then just go with it. Any time I''ve had an updo in the past, it''s been totally A-OK.

Is not doing a trial an option for you too?

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

It sounds completely reasonable to me. What if they were to take the time to do it and you decided you didn't like it and went with someone else? They just lost the time and the client so they lost money rather than made it.
I know some girls get their trials done before they have something nice to go to so they don't feel like the money was wasted.

Salons are going to charge for make-up trials as well, but if there is a Sephora near you, sometimes they will do it for free.

 

[zoebartlett]

Date: 2/25/2008 7:21:25 PM
Author: Gypsy
Because it''s REALLY important to my mother (and she''s paying for it)... the woman I will most likely be booking charges 475 for hair and makeup for the bride the day of. You read that right. And guess what her trial fee is? 175 bucks.

THAT''S crazy!

40 bucks? Not crazy at all, as there is usually a lot of time invested in a trial. That''s when the talk to you, get to know you and your hair, try a couple of things, so forth. Its a dress rehersal. And it takes time. You are paying her for her time, with no obligation to book. What if you don''t like the trial? She''s out three hours of her time, no booking, and move on.

Sorry to threadjack for a minute but I didn''t realize this. Oops. I sent in a deposit to the salon but I haven''t done a trial yet (I''ll get to that in the spring). Actually, I''ve heard that everyone near our venue uses this one particular salon, so I should be fine. I just didn''t think of the ''no obligation'' part.

 

[justwondering]

My hair trial was $40, but that included a sample bridesmaid updo on my MOH as well...

This is interesting though...has anyone else seen a setup like this:

My hair will cost $200 on my wedding day, but my 5 bridesmaids, Mother, and MIL will be $20 each.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 2/25/2008 8:09:57 PM
Author: justwondering
My hair trial was $40, but that included a sample bridesmaid updo on my MOH as well...

This is interesting though...has anyone else seen a setup like this:

My hair will cost $200 on my wedding day, but my 5 bridesmaids, Mother, and MIL will be $20 each.

Huh. No. I haven''t. Wish I could find that. 475 for me 165 for everyother person for hair and makeup both. And my gift to my BM/MOH is her hair and makeup.

 

[justwondering]

Well, my ladies are on their own for makeup...

 

[IWantAMilkshake]

I feel like logically, it should cost the same as my actual hair the day of. It''s not like I''m bestowing them with the great honor of doing my hair at my wedding, you know?

Except in the case of the $400+ hair; in that case I think that the margins can be shaved a little bit.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

As a hairstylist who works in the bridal industry, I''m going to be perfectly frank with you Courtney (please, please, please don''t take this the wrong way---I like you very much!)...but you''re taking this womans time, trying her out, using her product...and none of that should be free--which is why it isn''t! Esspecially in a salon, where she is paid commission for her work.

Doing hair isn''t cheap...you have to consider the cost of supplies, time, and well--aggravation. Hair trials and makeup trials for brides are the hardest services in the world! Every bride walks in with an "idea" ... sometimes those ideas are functional, other times they are completely off the wall, so it takes a good ammount of time to work thru the expections verus results. Each bride thinks they can be turned into a princess, when in reality, we can only work with what they have--and maybe add a wee bit, but not to much. The cost of supplies for an updo is usually around $15.00 (if you''re not using extensions) when you add up bobby pins, product, and paying off the tools... If you gave away trials, you''d be in the red really quickly, because it costs as much to do the trial as it does to do the wedding day!!!

Also, consider this....if you went to Stylist X...she did you trial updo for free. She spends over an hour consulting, styling, and finishing you....during this time she has not seen any other clients, and has given you completely undivided attention...You like Stylist X, but are uncertian and decide to go elsewhere for you wedding hair...so, you don''t book with Stylist X in end. Sooooo...X is in a lose/lose situation. No money, and no repeat client.

It''s important to remember that you aren''t the only bride and a stylist will usually spend every Saturday morning for the entire summer working exclusively with brides. It''s a business, it''s not personal. You''re actually getting a great deal. For an updo with me and makeup for a bride, I charge upwards of $400.00 depending on what we''re doing, and it isn''t unusual to end up closer to $600 or 700.

 

[Fancy605]

I think I paid $35 for my hair/makeup trial (it''s normally an additional $15 for makeup, but she waved it). But then when I changed my mind about how I wanted my hair a few days before the wedding, my hairdresser did a second option for me free of charge (but I was there getting a spray tan anyway, so I was still able to leave a good tip for that to also cover the time she spent with my hair. I really adored my hair and make up salon, and I used it quite a few times before the wedding, so the girls there and I got to know each other pretty well before hand. Anyway, I would say $40 is around average for a salon to charge for a trail. The hair dressers are asking their hourly rate, which they could be making with any other customer.

Just Wondering:
I did NOT see a spike between the cost of my hair and the cost of my bridal party members'' hair.
My day of hair/ make up cost $50 total (and then whatever I left for tip, which I''m sure was a lot b/c I adore them). My bridesmaids hair and make up was $40 total (because they had 1/2 up only, and mine was fully up).

 

[AceP]

$100 for an updo, $50 for makeup. full price for the trial.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Date: 2/25/2008 9:19:55 PM
Author: Fancy605
I think I paid $35 for my hair/makeup trial (it''s normally an additional $15 for makeup, but she waved it). But then when I changed my mind about how I wanted my hair a few days before the wedding, my hairdresser did a second option for me free of charge (but I was there getting a spray tan anyway, so I was still able to leave a good tip for that to also cover the time she spent with my hair. I really adored my hair and make up salon, and I used it quite a few times before the wedding, so the girls there and I got to know each other pretty well before hand. Anyway, I would say $40 is around average for a salon to charge for a trail. The hair dressers are asking their hourly rate, which they could be making with any other customer.

Just Wondering:
I did NOT see a spike between the cost of my hair and the cost of my bridal party members'' hair.
My day of hair/ make up cost $50 total (and then whatever I left for tip, which I''m sure was a lot b/c I adore them). My bridesmaids hair and make up was $40 total (because they had 1/2 up only, and mine was fully up).

Often times a brides hair is more because it is more time consuming...you''re lucky they didnt jack your price up, that was very nice of them!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I think my trial was the same as what I paid the day of the wedding.

 

[Courtneylub]

Date: 2/25/2008 9:11:26 PM
Author: Italiahaircolor
As a hairstylist who works in the bridal industry, I''m going to be perfectly frank with you Courtney (please, please, please don''t take this the wrong way---I like you very much!)...but you''re taking this womans time, trying her out, using her product...and none of that should be free--which is why it isn''t! Esspecially in a salon, where she is paid commission for her work.

Doing hair isn''t cheap...you have to consider the cost of supplies, time, and well--aggravation. Hair trials and makeup trials for brides are the hardest services in the world! Every bride walks in with an ''idea'' ... sometimes those ideas are functional, other times they are completely off the wall, so it takes a good ammount of time to work thru the expections verus results. Each bride thinks they can be turned into a princess, when in reality, we can only work with what they have--and maybe add a wee bit, but not to much. The cost of supplies for an updo is usually around $15.00 (if you''re not using extensions) when you add up bobby pins, product, and paying off the tools... If you gave away trials, you''d be in the red really quickly, because it costs as much to do the trial as it does to do the wedding day!!!

Also, consider this....if you went to Stylist X...she did you trial updo for free. She spends over an hour consulting, styling, and finishing you....during this time she has not seen any other clients, and has given you completely undivided attention...You like Stylist X, but are uncertian and decide to go elsewhere for you wedding hair...so, you don''t book with Stylist X in end. Sooooo...X is in a lose/lose situation. No money, and no repeat client.

It''s important to remember that you aren''t the only bride and a stylist will usually spend every Saturday morning for the entire summer working exclusively with brides. It''s a business, it''s not personal. You''re actually getting a great deal. For an updo with me and makeup for a bride, I charge upwards of $400.00 depending on what we''re doing, and it isn''t unusual to end up closer to $600 or 700.

Great balls of hair! I guess Houston''s cost of living is LOOOOW compared to some of you ladies!!

I soon as read the first response, I said "Doh!" Of course there''s a chance I wouldn''t use them after the trial and then they''d be out the time and supplies. I just know that I''m not super picky and I figured tipping $20 would be plenty. The last time I got an up-do it took 15 minutes!

Like I said, I''ve never had a trial done so now I understand. I just thought "Man, charging 75% of the cost for a trial!"

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Hey Courtney...no worries. Although your last updo took 15 minutes, I bet that you''ll triple that for your wedding updo...since stylists really do their best to make you look like a complete knock out on your big day and tend to become ultra-perfectionists!
It can also be a big sticker shock when you start adding up the little costs...$40.00 can be a lot when you werent expecting it! I would. however, strongly recommend the trial regardless of cost. I suggest this because you don''t want to risk any miscommunications which unfortunately can happen. Another really great way to maximize the cost of the trial is to get it done when you know you''ll be able to go out and show it off! Have dinner with girl friends that night, or if you have event to attend (another wedding or something...), your bridal shower, or even bachelorette party... that would be the time to get it done...not only can you actually get wear out of your trial, but you can also experience how the style will hold up over an extended period of time when you''re "doing" stuff! Be sure to also have your makeup done on the same day so you can actually wear your look. Seperating the two can be defeating since it''s important that you appreciate the look together instead of trying to marry the memories of one or the other.
I wouldn''t suggest getting your makeup done at a counter and would suggest a salon or even better, a private/freelance MUA. Counter girls are not actual makeup artists... brand reps that you find at the mall are sales girls who took makeup classes as a speciality in sales, as opposed to a really trained and talented artist who could care less about selling and takes their craft/art extremely seriously. Another great perk to using a private MUA is that they do not have brand loyality...they will use whatever it takes, and whatever works best as opposed to adhering to a specific line which may not have absolutely everything you could need/want. ALSO (and finally) going with a counter girl can be complicated. Since most counter girls are not able to travel to you...you will have to make time on your wedding day to go to mall--or even worse--there is no contract you sign, or guarentee that the artist doing your trial will still be there on your big day...you could test with "Lucy Lash" and end up with "Betty Blush"....eeekkkk!

Hope that helps!

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Wow like $600? No offense, but that would be too steep for me. I have extremely expensive taste, but I haven''t ever paid more than about $400 for even hair color. I have a lot of hair and it''s thick, so I always get charged at least $60-75 depending on the updo. So, I think it''s not too bad.

 

[surfgirl]

I paid about $55. for my hair trial. She did three different styles and we photographed each one.

 

[gtn]

My friend paid $600 for her wedding day hair and makeup. I think the trial was $150. I wanted to go with her person, but $600? I find that more than I would like to pay.

I remembered getting my hair done for prom, it cost me $25 plus tip, but I went to my friend''s mother so she gave me a discount, so if you are being charged $40 for a trial, I think that is quite fair.

 

[Gwyn]

I would think that the hair trial should be the same, if not very close to, the actual cost of the updo. I mean, essentially it is the same service, so why would it be two drastic prices. I can see if you already booked with the person and they knew that they were getting your business for your wedding day, they might throw in a free trial. But i wouldnt expect to be able to go and try out her styling for free.


Now Gypsy, I feel you!

Date: 2/25/2008 9:11:26 PM
Author: Italiahaircolor
As a hairstylist who works in the bridal industry, I''m going to be perfectly frank with you Courtney (please, please, please don''t take this the wrong way---I like you very much!)...but you''re taking this womans time, trying her out, using her product...and none of that should be free--which is why it isn''t! Esspecially in a salon, where she is paid commission for her work.

Doing hair isn''t cheap...you have to consider the cost of supplies, time, and well--aggravation. Hair trials and makeup trials for brides are the hardest services in the world! Every bride walks in with an ''idea'' ... sometimes those ideas are functional, other times they are completely off the wall, so it takes a good ammount of time to work thru the expections verus results. Each bride thinks they can be turned into a princess, when in reality, we can only work with what they have--and maybe add a wee bit, but not to much. The cost of supplies for an updo is usually around $15.00 (if you''re not using extensions) when you add up bobby pins, product, and paying off the tools... If you gave away trials, you''d be in the red really quickly, because it costs as much to do the trial as it does to do the wedding day!!!

Also, consider this....if you went to Stylist X...she did you trial updo for free. She spends over an hour consulting, styling, and finishing you....during this time she has not seen any other clients, and has given you completely undivided attention...You like Stylist X, but are uncertian and decide to go elsewhere for you wedding hair...so, you don''t book with Stylist X in end. Sooooo...X is in a lose/lose situation. No money, and no repeat client.

It''s important to remember that you aren''t the only bride and a stylist will usually spend every Saturday morning for the entire summer working exclusively with brides. It''s a business, it''s not personal. You''re actually getting a great deal. For an updo with me and makeup for a bride, I charge upwards of $400.00 depending on what we''re doing, and it isn''t unusual to end up closer to $600 or 700.

Okay so not to thread jack or anything here, and please dont take this the wrong b/c i am not trying to attack you in anyway but, how does the cost of an updo being about $15 go to $400. I understand there is time involved and aggrevation. I am under the assumption that an average bridal updo is about 2hours maybe 4 max. Lord knows none of my updos for proms or formals in college and stuff took anywhere close to that amount of time (maybe an hour-hour and half) but sometimes people want extravegant things...

You got your $15 on bobby pins (damn that is alot of bobby pins) and what...maybe $50 on product. I know top shelf shampoo can cost $50 but it isnt like you are using the whole bottle. nor are you using an entire compact of makeup...atleast i would hope not. Whats all the rest for? I mean that is more then $100 dollars an hour, I think that any bride would think those prices extreme. Especially when you can go into a salon for an updo for most other functions and it costs around $100. I can see now why most articles tell you, if you can help it, dont say it is for a wedding!!! Though I suppose that might be difficult if you want photos and if you want themm to come with you.

I live in Southern California and prices are about 300-500 not including cost of their gas and such if you want them to come to you (and additional fees if you go over the allotted time, usually 2 hours).

The difference between brides hair and BMs hair prices is also ridiculous to me. They ASSUME that your hair design will be more elaborate then your bridesmaids and their base prices for brides vs. bridesmaids reflect that. But that isnt always true. My sister''s hair for her wedding was done in about a half hour about the same as the rest of us, except one bridesmaid that took a little over an hour. Yet my sister paid over $100 more for her hair...just doesnt make sense to me...

Then again, it is a business, and if they can get away with price-gouging...

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Date: 2/26/2008 8:17:47 AM
Author: Gwyn
I would think that the hair trial should be the same, if not very close to, the actual cost of the updo. I mean, essentially it is the same service, so why would it be two drastic prices. I can see if you already booked with the person and they knew that they were getting your business for your wedding day, they might throw in a free trial. But i wouldnt expect to be able to go and try out her styling for free.


Now Gypsy, I feel you!

Date: 2/25/2008 9:11:26 PM
Author: Italiahaircolor
As a hairstylist who works in the bridal industry, I''m going to be perfectly frank with you Courtney (please, please, please don''t take this the wrong way---I like you very much!)...but you''re taking this womans time, trying her out, using her product...and none of that should be free--which is why it isn''t! Esspecially in a salon, where she is paid commission for her work.

Doing hair isn''t cheap...you have to consider the cost of supplies, time, and well--aggravation. Hair trials and makeup trials for brides are the hardest services in the world! Every bride walks in with an ''idea'' ... sometimes those ideas are functional, other times they are completely off the wall, so it takes a good ammount of time to work thru the expections verus results. Each bride thinks they can be turned into a princess, when in reality, we can only work with what they have--and maybe add a wee bit, but not to much. The cost of supplies for an updo is usually around $15.00 (if you''re not using extensions) when you add up bobby pins, product, and paying off the tools... If you gave away trials, you''d be in the red really quickly, because it costs as much to do the trial as it does to do the wedding day!!!

Also, consider this....if you went to Stylist X...she did you trial updo for free. She spends over an hour consulting, styling, and finishing you....during this time she has not seen any other clients, and has given you completely undivided attention...You like Stylist X, but are uncertian and decide to go elsewhere for you wedding hair...so, you don''t book with Stylist X in end. Sooooo...X is in a lose/lose situation. No money, and no repeat client.

It''s important to remember that you aren''t the only bride and a stylist will usually spend every Saturday morning for the entire summer working exclusively with brides. It''s a business, it''s not personal. You''re actually getting a great deal. For an updo with me and makeup for a bride, I charge upwards of $400.00 depending on what we''re doing, and it isn''t unusual to end up closer to $600 or 700.

Okay so not to thread jack or anything here, and please dont take this the wrong b/c i am not trying to attack you in anyway but, how does the cost of an updo being about $15 go to $400. I understand there is time involved and aggrevation. I am under the assumption that an average bridal updo is about 2hours maybe 4 max. Lord knows none of my updos for proms or formals in college and stuff took anywhere close to that amount of time (maybe an hour-hour and half) but sometimes people want extravegant things...

You got your $15 on bobby pins (damn that is alot of bobby pins) and what...maybe $50 on product. I know top shelf shampoo can cost $50 but it isnt like you are using the whole bottle. nor are you using an entire compact of makeup...atleast i would hope not. Whats all the rest for? I mean that is more then $100 dollars an hour, I think that any bride would think those prices extreme. Especially when you can go into a salon for an updo for most other functions and it costs around $100. I can see now why most articles tell you, if you can help it, dont say it is for a wedding!!! Though I suppose that might be difficult if you want photos and if you want themm to come with you.

I live in Southern California and prices are about 300-500 not including cost of their gas and such if you want them to come to you (and additional fees if you go over the allotted time, usually 2 hours).

The difference between brides hair and BMs hair prices is also ridiculous to me. They ASSUME that your hair design will be more elaborate then your bridesmaids and their base prices for brides vs. bridesmaids reflect that. But that isnt always true. My sister''s hair for her wedding was done in about a half hour about the same as the rest of us, except one bridesmaid that took a little over an hour. Yet my sister paid over $100 more for her hair...just doesnt make sense to me...

Then again, it is a business, and if they can get away with price-gouging...

Okay, let me see if I can answer your questions...

First of all, $15.00 is a round number that is typically what each updo costs a stylist once you add up the expenses of product, bobbypins, tools, bands, etc and so forth... and that total is divided by the number of brides you see over your alloted wedding season. My prices do not start at $15.00 and go from there...$15.00 is more or less the wholesale price of an updo that I do.

Secondly, my prices are high. I know that. But I wouldn''t charge that if I couldn''t get that for my services. When I started out in the business, I was nowhere near price-wise what I am now...but with a large resume comes a higher sticker price. Brides want to *feel* like royality on their wedding day...this means 5 star service from soup to nuts! They love that I have done makeup for Revlon and styled hair for Herbal Essences...they think that is just the coolest thing--they have a Revlon MUA, and they love it because it''s psychological for them...my work must be good and worth every penny, because I have worked for/with big names. Now, with that said...I am good at what I do...I''ve worked hard, put in my time, and I make a nice living doing what I enjoy. When you couple those things together, I can charge $500.00 for bridal services, and get it!

Third, I have overhead. As the Chicago Director for a cosmetics company (not Revlon) a lot of my brides come to me thru the company. I have two assistants on every job who need to be paid, travel expenses...I work long hours, in less than ideal conditions, and I deal with Bridezilla''s every day of the week! I don''t pocket $500.00 for every bride I see, nor do I pocket $150 for every bridesmaid...I get paid last, and thats the way it works. In addition to that, I get paid a percentage...the company also gets paid. On long days...paying my assistants $40.00 an hour, I''m lucky if I clear $1000.00 for myself...and I''m doing the work!!!!

Also, we pamper our brides...in addition to doing their hair services and makeup...we stay on location thru their ceremony and pictures to do touch ups, remove veils, whatever...sometimes, we can work for 10+ hours on one wedding!

Our prices may not be for everyone...but there is a market for the decerning bride who wants it all and is willing to cut the check....and she is my cliental.

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Date: 2/26/2008 11:41:46 AM
Author: Italiahaircolor

Date: 2/26/2008 8:17:47 AM

Author: Gwyn

I would think that the hair trial should be the same, if not very close to, the actual cost of the updo. I mean, essentially it is the same service, so why would it be two drastic prices. I can see if you already booked with the person and they knew that they were getting your business for your wedding day, they might throw in a free trial. But i wouldnt expect to be able to go and try out her styling for free.



Now Gypsy, I feel you!

Date: 2/25/2008 9:11:26 PM

Author: Italiahaircolor

As a hairstylist who works in the bridal industry, I''m going to be perfectly frank with you Courtney (please, please, please don''t take this the wrong way---I like you very much!)...but you''re taking this womans time, trying her out, using her product...and none of that should be free--which is why it isn''t! Esspecially in a salon, where she is paid commission for her work.


Doing hair isn''t cheap...you have to consider the cost of supplies, time, and well--aggravation. Hair trials and makeup trials for brides are the hardest services in the world! Every bride walks in with an ''idea'' ... sometimes those ideas are functional, other times they are completely off the wall, so it takes a good ammount of time to work thru the expections verus results. Each bride thinks they can be turned into a princess, when in reality, we can only work with what they have--and maybe add a wee bit, but not to much. The cost of supplies for an updo is usually around $15.00 (if you''re not using extensions) when you add up bobby pins, product, and paying off the tools... If you gave away trials, you''d be in the red really quickly, because it costs as much to do the trial as it does to do the wedding day!!!


Also, consider this....if you went to Stylist X...she did you trial updo for free. She spends over an hour consulting, styling, and finishing you....during this time she has not seen any other clients, and has given you completely undivided attention...You like Stylist X, but are uncertian and decide to go elsewhere for you wedding hair...so, you don''t book with Stylist X in end. Sooooo...X is in a lose/lose situation. No money, and no repeat client.


It''s important to remember that you aren''t the only bride and a stylist will usually spend every Saturday morning for the entire summer working exclusively with brides. It''s a business, it''s not personal. You''re actually getting a great deal. For an updo with me and makeup for a bride, I charge upwards of $400.00 depending on what we''re doing, and it isn''t unusual to end up closer to $600 or 700.

Okay so not to thread jack or anything here, and please dont take this the wrong b/c i am not trying to attack you in anyway but, how does the cost of an updo being about $15 go to $400. I understand there is time involved and aggrevation. I am under the assumption that an average bridal updo is about 2hours maybe 4 max. Lord knows none of my updos for proms or formals in college and stuff took anywhere close to that amount of time (maybe an hour-hour and half) but sometimes people want extravegant things...


You got your $15 on bobby pins (damn that is alot of bobby pins) and what...maybe $50 on product. I know top shelf shampoo can cost $50 but it isnt like you are using the whole bottle. nor are you using an entire compact of makeup...atleast i would hope not. Whats all the rest for? I mean that is more then $100 dollars an hour, I think that any bride would think those prices extreme. Especially when you can go into a salon for an updo for most other functions and it costs around $100. I can see now why most articles tell you, if you can help it, dont say it is for a wedding!!! Though I suppose that might be difficult if you want photos and if you want themm to come with you.


I live in Southern California and prices are about 300-500 not including cost of their gas and such if you want them to come to you (and additional fees if you go over the allotted time, usually 2 hours).


The difference between brides hair and BMs hair prices is also ridiculous to me. They ASSUME that your hair design will be more elaborate then your bridesmaids and their base prices for brides vs. bridesmaids reflect that. But that isnt always true. My sister''s hair for her wedding was done in about a half hour about the same as the rest of us, except one bridesmaid that took a little over an hour. Yet my sister paid over $100 more for her hair...just doesnt make sense to me...


Then again, it is a business, and if they can get away with price-gouging...

Okay, let me see if I can answer your questions...


First of all, $15.00 is a round number that is typically what each updo costs a stylist once you add up the expenses of product, bobbypins, tools, bands, etc and so forth... and that total is divided by the number of brides you see over your alloted wedding season. My prices do not start at $15.00 and go from there...$15.00 is more or less the wholesale price of an updo that I do.


Secondly, my prices are high. I know that. But I wouldn''t charge that if I couldn''t get that for my services. When I started out in the business, I was nowhere near price-wise what I am now...but with a large resume comes a higher sticker price. Brides want to *feel* like royality on their wedding day...this means 5 star service from soup to nuts! They love that I have done makeup for Revlon and styled hair for Herbal Essences...they think that is just the coolest thing--they have a Revlon MUA, and they love it because it''s psychological for them...my work must be good and worth every penny, because I have worked for/with big names. Now, with that said...I am good at what I do...I''ve worked hard, put in my time, and I make a nice living doing what I enjoy. When you couple those things together, I can charge $500.00 for bridal services, and get it!


Third, I have overhead. As the Chicago Director for a cosmetics company (not Revlon) a lot of my brides come to me thru the company. I have two assistants on every job who need to be paid, travel expenses...I work long hours, in less than ideal conditions, and I deal with Bridezilla''s every day of the week! I don''t pocket $500.00 for every bride I see, nor do I pocket $150 for every bridesmaid...I get paid last, and thats the way it works. In addition to that, I get paid a percentage...the company also gets paid. On long days...paying my assistants $40.00 an hour, I''m lucky if I clear $1000.00 for myself...and I''m doing the work!!!!


Also, we pamper our brides...in addition to doing their hair services and makeup...we stay on location thru their ceremony and pictures to do touch ups, remove veils, whatever...sometimes, we can work for 10+ hours on one wedding!


Our prices may not be for everyone...but there is a market for the decerning bride who wants it all and is willing to cut the check....and she is my cliental.

That alone (staying all day) is enough to make it worth $600+, so that definitely makes sense. Sorry if you said that before and I missed it.

 

[robbie3982]

I think it''s pretty standard to pay the same for the trial as you would for the wedding day. I was surprised when I found out, but If you think about it, it does make sense.

I''m soooo glad that I did a hair and makeup trial. If I hadn''t done a makeup trial, I would''ve been dealing with this wonderful look a few hours before my wedding

 

[Gypsy]

Italia, my lady will not be staying all day. And she''s still costing the earth. Apparently, she''s worth it though. So we''ll have to see what happens at the trial.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Gypsy...not all stylist do, and it certainly isn''t "normal" by any means...however, after years of doing brides, I decided to give the bride a bit more for no additional cost. My brides seem to love it, and that alone makes me very very happy.

 

[luckystar112]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Robbie, that picture still makes me crack up, even now! Seriously, my stomach hurts....stop it! Put that picture away!

You looked so beautiful on your wedding day though, thank goodness for MAC!

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 2/26/2008 12:41:12 PM
Author: Italiahaircolor
Gypsy...not all stylist do, and it certainly isn''t ''normal'' by any means...however, after years of doing brides, I decided to give the bride a bit more for no additional cost. My brides seem to love it, and that alone makes me very very happy.

There is another, who costs a little less for the day of, but more for the trial, who does this. I''m considering trial with both honestly. But the cost of TWO expensive as heck trials is just a weight on me. *Sigh*

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 2/26/2008 12:45:08 PM
Author: luckystar112
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Robbie, that picture still makes me crack up, even now! Seriously, my stomach hurts....stop it! Put that picture away!

You looked so beautiful on your wedding day though, thank goodness for MAC!

Wow Robbie. You look so, well. You look SPARKLEY. And like you''ve been electrocuted or hit with a cattle prod. LOL. Definite advertisement for a trail. If they can do that to such a pretty woman, I''d hate to see what they''d do to me.