My best advice for recession hair? Don’t bother getting it cut. Admittedly, this may not be practical for all, but since I got The Worst Budget Hair Cut Ever last year, I’ve decided to grow it out. Ponytails have become my friend, as are headbands, hair clips and hair spray. Eventually I will get a trim, but by then I will have saved up enough to go to a reputable (albeit more expensive) stylist.

A good hair cut could ultimately mean less trips to the hairdresser. And that six weeks’ thing they always bang on about could be extended to nine or 12 weeks - if you’re lucky. The best hairdresser-proof style has minimal layers and is fairly uncomplicated. Keep it simple and experiment with headbands and clips instead.

Japanese hairdressers usually offer excellent value for money. I like J Moriyama in London, where you can get an awesome precision fringe trim for a fiver. If you have a specific style in mind, take along good, clear references. Women’s hair cuts starts at £30, which includes a revitalising shoulder and neck massage. Bargain!

If you’re willing to take a risk and put your hair in the hands of a student hairdresser, you could get a very cheap cut. And sometime’s they’re free! Every large city usually has some sort of hair academy - so get in touch and find out if they offer cheap student cuts.

If you’re in London, keep an eye on websites like Gumtree.com, where student hairdressers sometimes advertise free haircuts. Time Out London’s Little Black Book (itself a brilliant source for good buys in the capital) has an excellent listing of salons for every budget, as well as a great line-up of the best student haircuts, including:

Toni & Guy Training Academy
71-75 New Oxford Street, WC1
Tel. 7836 0606

Vidal Sassoon Creative Academy
56 Davies Mews, W1
Tel. 7318 5205

Fish Hairdressing
30 D’Arblay Street, W1

Mahogany Academy
22 Dering Street, W1
Images courtesy of Sassoon Academy.