Surviving Holiday Stress While Still Looking Good
Try a clear gloss
Instead of skipping your appointment altogether there are low commitment services that keep your hair healthy without draining your wallet. One of the easiest options is a simple gloss. A clear gloss will refresh your hair add softness and shine and make your color look revived even if you are not getting it redone. It is a quick service that gives you a boost without changing your look or locking you into maintenance. It is also great if you have to take holiday pictures or meet extended family you have not seen in years because it smooths frizz and makes everything look polished.
Get a refresh haircut
Another option is a haircut that focuses on shape and health. You do not need a full transformation or a big chop. Sometimes removing split ends and refreshing layers is all your hair needs to survive the winter air and the emotional chaos of the holidays. When your hair has structure it behaves better and you do not have to fight with it every morning. A light trim can save you time and frustration while you are trying to wrap presents or run last minute errands.
Opt for a mini or partial highlight
If you are someone who normally does a full color service or a huge change think about booking something smaller and more strategic. You do not need a full bleach out or dramatic pastel. A partial touch up around the hairline or a few peekaboo pieces can give you personality without demanding hours in the chair. It is like wearing statement earrings instead of an entire outfit change. It keeps you feeling yourself while giving you room to breathe.
The holidays always creep up faster than we expect. One minute you are eating leftover candy from Halloween and the next you are being asked what you are cooking for Thanksgiving, if you already bought gifts and whether you are traveling to see your family. If you are anything like most of my clients you are juggling everyone’s needs all at once and when the calendar gets hectic the first thing people push to the side is their hair appointment.
I get it. It can feel irresponsible to spend $150 or $300 when you have flights to pay for or kids to buy presents for or maybe you are already mentally preparing for that one aunt who will have opinions about everything. The problem is when you stretch your hair past its limit because you are stressed or trying to save a few dollars it costs you more later. Hair does not care that it is the holiday season. If you neglect it just because you are busy it will show you exactly how it feels and most of the time it does not show you nicely.
Good hair is self-care
Remember that self care is not a luxury during the holidays. It is a survival tool. When you look in the mirror and feel put together you show up to your family your job and your life with a different kind of energy. If you walk into Thanksgiving dinner already exhausted hair brittle and thrown in a bun because you skipped every appointment you will feel drained before you even grab a plate. Your hair appointment might be the only hour or two you have where someone takes care of you instead of you taking care of everyone else.
So if you are trying to balance money stress and travel talk to your stylist. Ask for low maintenance options. Ask what will help keep your hair strong and healthy without a huge commitment. I promise there is a middle ground between neglecting yourself and going full glam.
If you live near Summerville North Charleston or Goose Creek I am offering quick holiday services inside my salon suite specifically for people who are overwhelmed and just need a refresh. Glosses trims and small pops of color that make you feel good without wrecking your budget. It is not about perfection right now. It is about surviving the season in one piece while still looking like someone you want to be.
When the holiday stress passes and you have room to breathe again that is when you can go bold. For now choose something simple that keeps your hair alive and keeps you feeling like yourself. That is the real secret to looking good during the holidays.