Local salon helps cash-strapped clients

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - The economy is forcing hair salons and customers to think creatively.  Christina & Company is helping clients weather the economic storm and still stay beautiful.

Business is going on as usual at Christina & Company. in Lafayette, but the economy has slowed things down a little.

"People have lost their jobs. Maybe hours have been cut back, less overtime. So they want to still come in and get their hair done.  They want to look great, but they maybe want to cut back a little bit," said Jamie Wiernenga.

Master Stylist Jamie Wiernenga said clients, especially blondes, are having to make some changes because of tough economic times. 

"Some of our clients are waiting maybe an extra week to get their hair done.
If they were blonde, they're making their hair a little bit darker, so there's less maintenance. When their dark natural hair color grows back in it's less noticeable, therefore it's less maintenance, and they can wait a little bit longer," said Wiernenga.

For those who are strapped for cash, Christina & Company. is now offering beauty on a budget every Monday, said Christina & Company owner Christina Blumling.

"You can walk in on a Monday, you can get our services done for 50% off," said Blumling.

Blumling said that includes all types of services at all three salons.

"Nail services, skin care, hair and massage," said Blumling.

Blumling said she often hears stories about people not being able to afford those services.

"I'll be in a store and have someone run up to me and say, 'You probably don't know me, but I used to go to Christina & Company and I loved it.   But, I lost my job and I can't come back,'" said Blumling.

That's where the idea for beauty on a budget came from.

"So we wanted to give back.  We wanted to do something so that the clients who used to come here all the time could still come in once in awhile to feel beautiful about themselves and be able to get services done at a discount, said Blumling. 

Beauty on a Budget is every Monday at all three Christina and Company locations.