The Expensive Way Is Usually the Cheapest: Why Expertise Always Wins
A few weeks ago, I decided I was going to paint my bedroom myself. I splurged on the fancy paint. You know, the one that shows up all over Instagram, promising to be “worth it.” Farrow & Ball. I thought I was being smart: save on labor, invest in quality, and enjoy a cozy DIY weekend.
What actually happened is their eggshell (which turned out to be more of a satin) dried shiny and uneven. It didn’t self-level, which I now know is painter talk for “you will see every brushstroke forever.” So after a full day of painting, I ended up calling my painter (the amazing Louise) to come back, sand everything down, and repaint it. This time with Benjamin Moore.
So my “smart shortcut” became the long, expensive way around.
Between the cost of the fancy paint, the redo, and the emotional spiral of “maybe I’m just not capable,” it ended up being far more expensive than if I’d just trusted the expert from the start.
And honestly, this wasn’t the first time I’ve learned that lesson. Two summers ago, I hired a restoration company to refinish my floors. They didn’t specialize in floors, but I convinced myself it was close enough. Now I’m redoing them again, with someone who only does floors. The difference is night and day. Expertise saves both money and sanity.
The same truth applies to hair color.
Every week I meet someone who tries to save a little by doing it themselves or going to the lowest price option. And I get it — it’s tempting. But when you factor in the time, stress, and energy it takes to fix color that didn’t turn out right, it’s rarely cheaper. Hair is personal. It’s on your head, every day. The right color can make you feel like yourself again. The wrong one can take months (and a lot of appointments) to correct.
Sometimes, investing in the expert isn’t about luxury — it’s about peace of mind.
So now, when I catch myself thinking “maybe I can do it myself,” I pause. I ask, “Is this actually saving me anything — or am I just taking the long way around?”
Because sometimes the most expensive option is actually the least expensive one. It’s the one that’s done right, done once, and gives you your time, confidence, and sanity back.
Ready to invest in the expert?
Your hair deserves thoughtful care from someone who knows how to get it right the first time. Book your next appointment at Linmay Studio in the heart of Evanston.
