I have never felt mass panic like I did last week. Financial institutions were going bankrupt and closing. The stock market plummeted. The panic permeated all media and became as contagious as a incurable strain of the flu. Everyone was examining their finances to make sure their money was as secure as possible. Fear and insecurity filled the air. Just as people started hiding money in their mattresses, the government made a move to subsidize the economy. The sky would not fall today. There was some relief, but I am sure everyone is still thinking about spending less and what this would mean in their everyday lives. The obvious solutions are to slow down gas consumption, buy only the basics, and cut up credit cards.

Would this financial slowdown also mean that women might spend less time and money at the hair salon? Though that may be true, it doesn't mean they have to look unkempt. When times are tough, the world becomes more competitive, making it even more essential to look your best.

Beauty maintenance becomes more crucial with every passing year. It might take more effort as time goes by, but not necessarily more money. Here are some beauty tips that won't cost a fortune but will make you feel like a million bucks.

1. A great hair cut is essential. This will give you a polished look that can last about two months. When your hair is cut right, you can be in your old blue jeans and T-shirt and look fantastic.

TIP: Short haircuts require more frequent maintenance to keep in shape. Longer haircuts have more versatility and can be worn back or up as the hair grows out.

2. Learn to style your own hair. Every woman should know how to give her hair a finished look in less than 20 minutes. Not only is it liberating not to be dependent on your hairdresser, but it will save you time and money.

TIP: Investing in a good hair dryer and the right styling tools and products will help you give your hair a salon finished look.

3. Avoid high-maintenance colors. A high-maintenance color is any shade that is far from your natural coloring. The more significant the change, the more obvious the re-growth.

TIP: Keep hair within a shade of your natural color to avoid frequent touch ups. Highlighted hair should always contrast with the base color. This will allow the regrowth to blend in gracefully.

4. Book an appointment for a bangs trim. Your bangs frame your face.  Trimming them can keep your hair looking great for another month. Most hairdressers will do this for free and will squeeze you in between their other appointments.

TIP: You can trim your own bangs at home but be careful! Hair shrinks from wet to dry, so be sure to cut wet bangs longer than you want them to appear.

5. You don't have to color your whole head every touch-up. You can extend a touch-up by coloring only your hairline and where your hair parts. This will give the illusion of a fresh head of hair color.

TIP: You can have your hairline touch-up at the salon or at home. Color companies have new root touch-up products that are easy to use and take only ten minutes. Read all instructions before you start any home coloring.

Your appearance has never been more important than it is today. Looking good will give you the competitive edge to survive in today's economy. You can easily slash your beauty budget by avoiding dramatic changes and learning how to handle your own hair. You will soon realize it's not difficult to look your best for less.

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