So, it must be that time of the year for you. Congratulations! It is also the same for me. Alas, I am graduating in a week and I couldn't be more excited.
I am more excited about the preparation than the graduation day itself because of everything I would like to do for myself. I thought that I would break down my expected costs to show you what to expect if you are currently in this season.
Disclaimer: The affordability of an item is subjective; do keep that in mind. Prices mentioned are set as per current market prices and are susceptible to change due to good ole inflation.
Graduation Checklist📝
The items in this list are also subjective. For instance, make-up may not be a requirement and that's perfectly okay!
These are the items that are on a typical list:
Hair
Nails
Face (facial, make-up)
Body care (body scrub, waxing)
Outfit (dress, shoes, accessories)
1. Hair
There are various ways you can style your hair on your big day: wear it out naturally, rock a bald head, have a wig installed or braid your hair. Whichever route you choose bears its special cost that you must decide that you want to bear.
I'm no wig connoisseur, but my sister is. However, I know enough to know that a synthetic wig is...not it (don't fight me - it's just an opinion). I think that they look cheap in comparison to semi-human wigs and human hair wigs.
She claims that good quality semi-human hair wigs can cost as low as Ksh. 4,000/=. You only have to look for these stalls in town rather than on Instagram because you know those Instagram items tend to be overpriced! If you can afford a 100% human hair wig, good for you. They tend to be on the pricier scale.
Tip💡: A wig that mimicks your actual hair pattern looks more natural and classier than those that do not.
Braids. They are pretty affordable - it mostly depends on where you get your hair plaited and the length you want your braids to be. The kind of braids you would like (i.e. regular, bohemian, ocean wavy, etc.) also influences the cost (think how many packets you will need) but definitely won't cost as much as your braider of choice. Find an affordable braider who does a good job and get your hair done.
It isn't that common to see women wear their natural hair out for graduation day due to the wig culture these days. Opting to do this doesn't mean that you cannot afford to do anything to your hair, but even if that is the case, why should it bother anyone? Check out some of such hairstyles here.
2. Nails
With modernity have come various ways of getting our nails done. Before gel polish and acrylics, we had nail polish. Although I use nail polish on my toenails, I appreciate that good quality gel polish and acrylics last longer and rarely chip.
Using nail polish is the most affordable option as one 14ml bottle costs around Ksh. 130/= and it can be used time and time again.
Gel application cost depends on:
where you're getting your nails done
whether you'd like to use builder gel or not
nail designs (which can incur a cost per finger)
if you're using nail extensions.
The cost of getting acrylics will also depend on the above, but they tend to be the priciest. Unfortunately, I cannot give price estimates as they vary greatly from one nail parlour to another. I can only share that acrylic nails tend to cost above Ksh. 1,000/= and gel nails can cost you an amount below that figure.
Tip💡: Going for short to medium-length nails with neutral or pastel colours give more of a classy look.
Another affordable option would be purchasing press-on nails. They cost from Ksh. 100/= - Ksh. 550/= depending on where you buy them. Don't let the pricing fool you - they look just as good!
3. Face
This category entails getting a facial, lash installation (optional) and doing your make-up.
A facial goes for around Ksh. 300/= - Ksh. 500/= (and even higher) depending on your spa of choice.
If you are a DIY girlie, you could opt to do this at home yourself. A facial scrub typically costs around Ksh. 200/= depending on where you get it. It costs significantly less than having someone doing it for you although there is no shame in wanting to be pampered. Lord knows I'd like to.
If you do lash extensions, you know that the costs tend to vary by the type of lashes you want. Expect to spend a minimum of Ksh. 1,000/= or Ksh. 1,500/= just for the classic ones.
Tip💡: Classic lashes are the best if you're going for a soft and natural look.
Alternatively, if you know how to put on strip lashes, you can get them for Ksh. 100/= only plus a good adhesive that goes for about the same price.
About make-up, I find it sensitive since you'd benefit from having a MUA (make-up artist) who will give you a look that will suit you, not just give you the typical face beat that everyone gets. If you know how to do your make-up, that's great! However, if you don't, expect to spend a little more for a good MUA to come on the house call if you want to get your make-up done for your big day.
Alternatively, you can skip the make-up and do lipgloss (Ksh. 100/=) and mascara (Ksh. 100/=) - a winning combo, always.
4. Body Care
This is everything from getting waxed to having your whole body scrubbed.
A body scrub will cost you around Ksh 3,000/= or more depending on your spa of choice. A face and body scrub only costs Ksh. 200/= and a pair of exfoliating gloves goes for Ksh. 70/=. The latter sounds good to me since the products can be used again for your self-care sessions.
The cost of waxing depends on where exactly you wish to remove hair, and the cost differs from spa to spa. However, nothing beats using a smooth Ksh. 50/= shaver to get the work done, right? Did I also mention that it is completely painless?
5. Outfit
Shopping for an outfit must be the most exciting thing on this list.
A good dress will cost you not more than Ksh. 2,000/= if you choose to get a brand new one. If that's a little pricy, you can get nice second-hand dresses below Ksh 1,000/=.
New heels will cost from Ksh. 1,000/= depending on where you get them and when you get them. Keep in mind that trendier heels cost more than those whose season have passed. Second-hand heels can cost way less than those, though.
It does pay to have a pair of classic black or nude heels in your capsule closet for times like these. Speaking of capsule closets, if you've slowly built capsule jewellery, you are one lucky girl.
If that's not the case for you, I have good news. A good pair of six earring sets can start from Ksh. 400/= depending on where you buy them, the brand and the quality. Jewellery is something I never mind breaking the bank for since it tends to last long and can be worn repeatedly. Use this chance to build your jewellery collection, won't you?
Final thoughts...
Whatever your budget may be, I hope that this guide was helpful to you.
Remember to make the best out of your situation and think long-term rather than about the graduation day itself becuase that, in itself, is a sustainable practice that is benefitial not only to your purse but also to the environment (yes, we love the earth over here).
Also, just do you!
Have a wonderful celebration!