Having your hair done can put a serious spring in your step and boost your confidence, and experts know how to deliver this better than anyone, but its not always possible to stick to the suggested schedule of visits.
Everyone’s priorities are different and for some people a fresh hair cut or colour makes a world of difference while others can forgo a trim but find a touch of mascara or a bright lipstick is an essential pick me up.
If you’re someone that loves a fresh do, there are a number of ways to keep hair looking great for longer.
In the salon
Professionals we’ve spoken to say if you’re honest about the fact you may not be able to afford regular visits, they can often tailor what they do for you to help, as well as suggest care and styling products to tide you over in-between times.
For a haircut, this might be helping transition your style to a lower maintenance look ie. growing out a blunt fringe or bob and embracing a longer or more layered style that doesn’t need regular trims.
For colour, avoid a block colour permanent dye and try a semi permanent colour or blended highlights that are less likely to create an obvious regrowth line. The pros can also advise on a toner that can help refresh colour without having the full works.
A gloss instead of a full colour service can help hair look healthy and shiny without adding any colour.
Another idea is to ask to see a junior stylist, as they are usually a cheaper option than a senior stylist with years of experience.
Skipping extras like conditioning treatments or even leaving with wet hair and skipping the blowdry can also trim your bill slightly.
Asking for a clear quote that details what costs are involved before your service starts will also ensure there are no surprises at the till.
While top quality professional haircare sold in salon can nourish and protect your hair, and expert advice is useful in this regard, if the choice is cutting back on salon visits, some people prefer to save money on home haircare instead.
Shopping from more affordable supermarket brands is fine but beware if you have a more challenging hair type, like chemically straightened or lightened hair, you may find the ongoing performance and health of your hair compromised.
At home
At home, it’s good to remember the more you wash and heat style, the faster colour-treated hair will fade.
Instead of continual washing, try switching to a dry shampoo to refresh your hair. The spray-in powders can keep your hair looking fresh without needing to jump in the shower. they are designed to absorb excess oil and can help add volume and texture.
A colour-depositing shampoo (e.g. purple shampoo for blonde or grey hair), can help keep your hue fresh or prevent yellowing and the occasional hair mask will help keep strands looking smooth and healthy for longer. Make sure you rinse hair with cool water. Hot water can open up the hair cuticle, leading to colour loss.
There are now an increasing number of at-home glossing treatments that can add brilliant glossy shine that helps refresh your colour and smooth strands. From runny glossing ‘waters’ or thick creams, most are designed to be used in the shower like a conditioner.
If you colour at home, go for a a semi permanent box dye that can give a rich, full-bodied look but washes out after a number of shampoos. Permanent hair dye can be tricky to ace the hue you want and repeatedly using it over and over can result in build up in your strands. A $10 box can quickly become a $150+ fix in the salon when the chemistry goes awry.
As hair colour grows out, use root touch-up products to disguise the regrowth temporarily. There are pigmented hair sprays, brush-on powders, and even mascara-like products for quick fixes that work well, covering greys and natural colour at the roots.
