Hair-care is a priority even in hard economic times

Money-saving tips

For those who want to keep their costs down, Debi Dumas, head colorist at the Jim Wayne Salon in Beverly Hills, has some tips:

Be honest: Don't be afraid to tell the stylist your budget. "You can be honest without looking cheap," Dumas said. "A stylist would rather find a way to work within your budget than to lose you altogether."

Go for a bang cut instead of a hair cut: If you want a change but only have a few bucks to do it, get your bangs trimmed. Most salons will do this service for free, with only a small gratuity (about $10) for the stylist.

Skip the blow dry: Air-drying your hair (or blow-drying it yourself at the salon) can save you about 20 percent, Dumas said.

Choose a simple style: Some haircuts (a short bob, for instance) need to be trimmed every few weeks to keep their look; some only need maintenance every few months. Ask your stylist for a cut that won't require you to come back in a month.

Get your hair done by an assistant: Call your salon and ask if there are specific days or evenings when assistants need "models." Assistants at high-end salons, who are usually licensed and already have completed schooling, need practice. "It might take a lot longer, but you'll save money," Dumas said. "Most salons are pretty picky about who they hire as assistants. ... They want to do a good job." Plus, she added, going with a newbie isn't a huge risk, because the senior hairdressers usually are hovering nearby.

Color only the areas that show: Ask your colorist to color only the hairline and the area around the part. The less color you use (and the less time it takes the colorist to apply it), the less it will cost.

Do highlights and/or lowlights: Highlights/lowlights are much easier to maintain, while allover color needs to be done every few weeks to avoid noticeable roots.

Be cautious with home color kits: Sure, you might save a few bucks doing your own hair, but if you do it wrong (because really, who hasn't?), you're looking at about a $200 color correction. If you must do your own color, use semipermanent color conditioners or color glosses, which are gentler on the hair and should eventually wash out. And stick with a shade that's close to what you already have, to avoid major color problems (i.e. light blond dye on dark brown hair can make the hair orange).

Filter your shower: Chemicals in the water can oxidize your hair, which pulls out the color you've put in. Getting a water filter for your shower can extend your hair color by several weeks or months.

Los Angeles Daily News