I started working longer hours after 2 promotions. Now I spend $300 a month on salon blowouts to buy back free time.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Maddie Johnson, a 30-year-old attorney and business affairs executive who's based in Los Angeles. It's been edited for length and clarity.

Last year, I was entering a new phase of life.

I got promoted twice very quickly, and with that came a lot of responsibility and long hours. I was grappling with the question: How could I possibly have time for everything?

I was trying to be a good employee, fiancée, friend, and family member. I also wanted to prioritize health and fitness, keep my house clean, and find a sliver of time to do things I actually enjoy.

Then, in August, I went to Drybar to get my hair done for my birthday. I learned about their memberships and thought, "What if I start going here every Sunday?"

I haven't washed my own hair since then, and it's made such a difference in my life. Here's why.

I'm at the salon every five days; it can cost over $300 a month

I started getting blowouts once a week, but eventually increased that number. Now I go every five days, and I schedule my workouts around my hair schedule.

I'm getting married next year, and I'm on a very serious fitness plan. If I'm doing an intense cardio session, a hot yoga class, or a heavy leg day that I know will make me sweat a lot, I'll do it the day before or on the day of my blowout.

Each appointment takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete. It would take me two hours to wash, dry, and style my hair at home.

I'm more productive when I look and feel good, and my hair is so much more than hair; it's an extension of me.

The reality is that people notice how you present yourself all the time, especially in corporate settings. Looking polished and professional goes a long way toward having an "executive presence," especially when I'm fairly early in my career.

And now that I have this routine, I don't feel this impending sense of doom every Sunday night about how I can fit everything into my schedule. I know my blowouts are going to happen. It's given me so much freedom to do what I need and want to do with my time.

I always use my time at the salon to be productive in other ways. I'll answer emails, edit videos, and do things that I couldn't do if I were styling my own hair — like making my next appointment before I leave.

When I buy a pack of blowouts, I'm really buying my time back.

Originally, I had a $99-per-month membership that covered two blowouts and let me purchase additional ones for a discounted price of $54 each. I get roughly six blowouts a month, so my monthly cost was about $315 before tax and a 20% tip.

Over the summer, my local Drybar began offering a better deal: $565 for 12 blowouts. That brings my current monthly spend to about $282 total before tax and tip.

It's a luxury, but I'd rather spend money on things that save me time. I will always budget for things that make my life easier.

Great hair and better productivity

Does my hair look as good on day five as it does on day one? Of course not, but I can touch it up so quickly in the morning.

To make each blowout last, I never get my hair wet and always use a shower cap. The day after my blowouts, I also use a little dry shampoo as a preventive. If my hair needs a little more, I'll use some hair oil on the ends and a curling iron for less than five minutes. It comes back to life.

To me, a blowout is almost like its own accessory that completes my outfit. I don't have time to start fresh every day, so getting my blowouts gives me that little confidence boost day to day with very little maintenance.

Some people pay to get their nails done even though they can do their own. This isn't much different. After all, it used to be common for women to go to the salon every week.

So I'm bringing it back. Your grandma and I will be in the salon together.