Why You Shouldn't Settle For Less When It Comes To Your Hair, Skin and Nails

Everyday I browse the pages of websites, such as Craigslist and am amazed at the ads I see posted, particularly in the "Beauty Services" section.  "I do hair cheap.......I need someone to do for my hair cheap......I need color done for cheap."  Over and over again, the word "cheap" jumps out at me, and I wonder, "Why would anyone risk having their most "prized possession" handled for "cheap?""  My mother always said, "If you don't think highly of yourself, then no one will."  She didn't mean for me to think of myself in a "high-minded" sort of way; however, the gist of what she was saying is true---we only get one body and we must treat our body like "gold."  When it comes to selecting a "cosmetologist," "hairdresser," "beautician," or "hair designer," it is important that we choose someone who is qualified---someone who has been professionally trained and certified to perform their chosen craft.  We should go about the process of choosing a Cosmetologist in the same manner as we would a doctor or lawyer or dentist.  Don't get me wrong---I was a "kitchen beautician" for years and it wasn't until I actually trained to become a "professional" that I realized there is more to "doing hair" than simply "doing hair."  Professionally trained cosmetologists must put in hours of studying such topics as:  Professional Development, Salon Ecology, which encompasses Microbiology, Infection Control, First Aid and Anatomy.  We also such subjects such as:  Electricity, Chemistry, Salon Business, Trichology, which is the study of hair, including Hair Theory, Common Hair and Scalp Conditions and Haircutting, which is not as easy as it may seem.  We learn proper Hairstyling, Wigs and Hair Additions, Chemical Texturizing, which includes Perming, Chemical Relaxing and Curl Reforming.  I didn't even know that the Jheri Curl and Wave Nouveau were both a form of Curl Reformation---did you?  There's the study of Hair Color and Identifying Existing Hair Color---understanding Melanin and the correct way to Change Existing Hair Color.  There's the Study of Nails, including Nail Theory, Natural Nail Care, Infection Control and Safety, Artificial Nail Care and finally, we learn The Study of Skin, including Composition of the Skin, Types of Skin, Skin Diseases and Disorders, proper Hair Removal Techniques and understanding Makeup and its application.  All in all, a professionally trained cosmetologist but endure 1500 or more hours of instruction, including lectures and hands-on experience.  Therefore, for a professionally trained individual to "sell themselves short" is baffling to me.  Would you visit a doctor, lawyer, dentist or chiropractor who advertised their services as "cheap?"  I don't think so.  Can you really put a price on your body and its worth?  Would you really allow someone to perform "color services," which involves understanding the dynamics of chemistry on your hair for "cheap?"  Cosmetologist are professionally trained and certified and most are licensed, and you should never trust your "temple" to just anybody, especially someone who values their services as "cheap."