Monthly Charges in Beauty: Real Costs and Smart Savings

If you’ve ever looked at your bank statement and wondered where all the beauty money disappears, you’re not alone. From monthly subscription boxes to recurring salon appointments, the beauty industry has a lot of little fees that add up fast. The good news? Most of them are predictable, and you can control many of them with a few simple moves.

Subscription Boxes: Ipsy, BoxyCharm, and More

BoxyCharm and Ipsy are the two biggest names most people hear about. Ipsy usually starts at about £12‑£15 a month, depending on the plan you pick, while BoxyCharm sits a little higher at £20‑£25. Those numbers include the box itself, shipping, and any tax. What pushes the price up are add‑ons like extra products, rush shipping, or the occasional “premium” box that costs a few pounds more.

Before you click “subscribe,” ask yourself: how many products will you actually use? If you’re only testing one or two items, the box may be more expensive than buying those items individually. Many reviewers find that skipping the “extra” upgrades saves up to £10 each month.

One trick is to set a reminder for the renewal date and cancel a few days before if you don’t need the next box. Most services let you pause for a month, which is perfect when you’re on a budget or already have a stocked vanity.

Salon Services and Everyday Fees

Haircuts, colour, and treatments are another common monthly charge, especially if you keep up with regular appointments. A women’s haircut can range from £40 to £80, while colour services often start at £70. The price difference usually comes from the salon’s reputation, the products they use, and how long you sit in the chair.

Salon tips can also bite into your budget. A rule of thumb is to tip 10‑15 % of the total bill. If your hair colour costs £100, that’s an extra £10‑£15. Some people choose to tip after a great experience, others include it in the overall cost. Knowing the exact amount ahead of time helps avoid surprise charges.

To keep salon fees in check, try spacing out colour appointments to every 8‑12 weeks instead of every 4‑6 weeks. When you book a haircut, ask the stylist if you can do a “trim‑only” service – it’s usually half the price of a full cut.

Another easy win is to bring your own product for home care. If you use a high‑end shampoo at the salon, buying a similar bottle for home use costs a fraction of the price.

Overall, the biggest monthly charges in beauty are predictable once you break them down. Subscription boxes have a set price, salon fees depend on service type, and tips are a small percentage you can plan for. By tracking each expense, pausing when you don’t need a service, and looking for cheaper alternatives, you can keep your beauty budget under control without sacrificing the look you love.