I do keep my hair at a length that is about a thrice a year haircut, the mid length curly layered style does grow out gracefully, but my husband is laying down $20 every 2 weeks to keep the tight fade.

When mine was longer I did end up going a year between because of cost. I didn't feel overcharged, particularly not with a Deva or Ouidad cut because those really are time consuming for the stylist. But it was so expensive. Now I just go to the Spanish salon, and tell her I wear it curly, she can't style it to save her life but the haircut works when I style it, I have a hair type she understands.