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Make Your Color and Cut Last Longer
Tips for Stretching Your Look Between Salon Visits

by Alexis Webster
for About.com

Even in this terrible economy, I'm not abandoning my beloved salon visits in the name of budgeting. What I am doing, however, is letting more time pass between visits. To help ensure that my penny-pinching isn't obvious from a mile away (hello, roots!), I'm heeding these tips for making a haircut and color last longer between visits.

1. Switch Up Your Part

Those of us who dye our hair know that root growth can get unsightly fast. To cheat a few more weeks between color visits, don't create severe parts on your head. Instead, make more of a jagged or uneven part to break up the division in hair colors.

2. Get Your Bangs Trimmed

Most stylists will offer a free bang trim to clients, so take them up on it! Just maintaining your fringe will go a long way towards keeping your look fresh and neat.

3. Tie It Back

When your ends start to get a bit scraggly, a hair tie can be your best friend. (Feeling daring? The scrunchie is making a comeback!)

4. Use Hair Mascaras

To cover grey between salon visits, use a bit of hair mascara (sold at beauty supply shops) to touch up your roots.

5. Invest in Quality Shampoo & Conditioner

Using products formulated specifically for color-treated hair will help prolong your color. If you have an all-over tint, it's worth asking your colorist to mix up a bit of color-tinted shampoo for you at the salon; it will help you maintain your look between visits.

6. Grow Out Your Hair

Shorter hairstyles need more upkeep, so consider switching to a longer style if you'd like to spend less time (and money) at the salon.
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