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Robert Curtis may not turn a profit in the first three months of 2008, but for the time being, money isn’t the top thing on the hair salon owner’s mind.

Curtis’ salon, Hair Studio 409 in Newport Beach, plans to let customers name their own price for haircuts and other services through April 1.

The owner realized in recent months that many of his clients were feeling the brunt of the sluggish economy, and he created the limited-edition offer to give them a boost — and also to send a message to the local and state governments, who he wishes would lower taxes.

“If we aren’t willing to tighten our belts as citizens, how can we ask the government to do the same?” Curtis said Thursday as he trimmed a client’s hair.

Sandra Rea, a public relations director for the salon, said by next week, she planned to post signs inside showing Hair Studio 409’s usual price list with a large red slash through it.

The salon, on a typical day, offers men’s haircuts for $40 and women’s for $65, with weaves and color retouches ranging from $60 to $150.

When customers came into the salon Wednesday, Curtis said, they were surprised by the offer of getting to name their own price. Still, many of them opted not to take advantage of the savings.

“Believe it or not, they paid what they normally pay,” he said. “One of the clients got really emotional about it. She’s been going through some hard times.”

Curtis hasn’t set an official minimum price, but he said he didn’t expect to give away many free haircuts. Many customers, he said, were willing to shell out for a haircut even if they couldn’t meet the usual bill.

“Hair is really tied to the emotions,” Curtis said. “That’s really the most important contribution we’re trying to make, making people feel better. If we make them look better, they feel better. Maybe they can approach this new year from a positive, good-feeling standpoint.”

Newport Beach resident Nina Meyer, a frequent client at Hair Studio 409, stopped in with a friend Thursday afternoon and paid a lower fee than usual for a haircut.

She noted, though, that she wouldn’t leave the salon without paying anything.

“I personally wouldn’t feel comfortable to go there and not pay, but maybe some people will do that,” she said.

Hair Studio 409 is at 409 30th St., Newport Beach. Call (949) 673-4247 for more information.

MICHAEL MILLER may be reached at (714) 966-4617 or at michael.miller@latimes.com.