You don't have to be a business genius to realize it's time to be frugal with your dollars. Almost all financial experts are warning all of us to save our money and pay down our credit card debt. It's great advice, but sometimes it seems impossible to follow. How do we maintain the quality of our lives when we should be spending less and everything seems to be costing more? I can't help you figure out your daily budget during this cost-of-living crisis, but I can tell you how you can look better for less. There is no reason for you to give up any of your beauty routine. It is time to be smarter with your beauty dollars.

Did you know you can have your hair cut for free or for minimal cost at most top salons? Call the best salon in your area and ask if they have a class night. Class night is when the top assistants cut hair to hone in on their skills. They are supervised by the hair cutters at the salon. The results are almost always salon quality.
WARNING! It does take longer for a class night hair cut. The assistants are being watched and stopped to explain their cuts as they proceed. Bring a book and never book when your schedule is tight.

If you can't find a salon that provides class night, you can at least stretch out the time between haircuts. The easiest way to do this is to learn to cut your own bangs. Watch your hairdresser cut them. Notice the length of the bangs after they have been cut while your hair is still wet.
WARNING! Bangs will appear much shorter as they dry. To prevent too short bangs cut half as much as you think you need to trim. You can always cut more later.

You can also find a class night to have your hair colored, but today’s at-home hair color kits have made it easy and foolproof.
TIP - Make sure you read the directions before you start your at-home color process. They will help to guarantee the results you desire. Avoid dramatic hair color changes. The more dramatic the hair color change, the faster the roots will show and more frequent touch-ups will be required.

You can always extend your touch-ups with one of the new touch-up kits. They are easy to use and are sold at most drug stores. You apply the color only where the re-growth is obvious which is usually the part or hairline of your hair.
TIP - If you are using a touch-up kit for your hairline, pick a slightly lighter shade. Using a slightly lighter shade will prevent a dark rim of color around your face. This will give you another two to three weeks between touch-ups.

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish. Buy the proper hair dryer, brushes and hair products that your hair requires. This will make it easy for you to have a salon finish for your styling.
TIP - If possible, work with the texture of your hair. This will prevent a difficult blow dry and be faster and easier to maintain.

Looking great and saving money can be done. It takes a little more time and effort, but it's not that hard to do. Pick up your phone book and let your fingers do the walking to find the best class night in your area. If you are in New York or Beverly Hills, call me (here's the salon information). We have class night for color and cut every Monday night.

 

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