You Don't Mind Spending... You Just Mind Seeing it!

Your brain is a powerful tool, so powerful that sometimes it can work against you. Have you ever heard of sticker shock? Sticker shock happens when you see a number higher than expected, and your brain immediately goes, “nope,” and backs away from the idea.

We see this all the time in the hair industry. You’ve probably heard the phrase “beauty is pain” … but what people don’t talk about as much is that beauty can feel like a pain to your wallet, too. And that’s exactly what causes sticker shock. People don’t expect the price of getting their hair done, but in reality, they should. Your stylist is putting time, effort, skill, and real mental energy into every service. That price reflects that.

But here’s where perspective comes in. So many people think nothing of spending $7 on a coffee every day or dining out multiple times a week. Those small purchases feel harmless, but they add up quickly. In 2024, the average American spent about $191 a month dining out, that’s around $2,292 a year (thats not counting Door Dash, for my home bodies out there). Meanwhile, maintaining your hair might cost anywhere from $1,500–$2,000 annually.

So why does one feel “normal” and the other feel expensive? Because one is a series of small, repeated payments… and the other is a larger number all at once. It’s not always about how much you’re spending... it’s about how you’re seeing it. Your brain is trying to protect you from a big expense. But sometimes, it’s worth stepping back, looking at the bigger picture, and realizing that investing in yourself isn’t something to be afraid of.