Clairol Hair Coloring

Smart Consumer: How to get the right cut for a less than hairy price

The price of maintaining womens' hair is pretty ludicrous. But it is always possible to slash the costs of hairdressing. Hair can be cut or coloured at home at little or no cost, potentially saving the DIY-er several hundred euro a year.

But the results frequently come with an enormous emotional price, not least of which are months of bad hair days. Fixing a dye job gone wrong, for example, can be an expensive business and sometimes there's little option but to wait until the hair grows again.

Given these recessionary times, is it possible to trim costs and still enjoy a glossy mane of stylish hair?

The secret, according to the experts, is not to scrimp on quality but to find ways of maximising the hairdressing investments you can still afford.

1The Cut: So, I want hair like Kate Middleton but I'm fed up paying Celtic Tiger prices

Talk of haircuts might strike fear into the bond-holders of Irish banks, but few women are prepared to forego regular visits to a salon to maintain or try out a new hairstyle. Costs vary, depending on the salon and the area of the country. Prices, across the board, have fallen of late.

At David Marshall (www.davidmarshall.ie), which still operates on Dublin's South Great George's Street, the price of a cut by a top stylist has been reduced from €120 to €95. A newly qualified stylist in a Dublin city centre salon costs about €50. For local salons the price can be as little as €30.

Why pay more for a top stylist? "You're getting a precision cut," says David Marshall. "That means it's much easier to maintain and doesn't need a lot of product to give it style. It also grows well, holding its shape even when it gets longer."

It's rarely a good idea to try a home cut. Check out hairdressing schools such as David Marshall's or Peter Mark's (www.petermark.ie), where cuts can cost as little as €25.

If you're trying out a new style it's worth paying a little more for a good stylist. But beware the style you choose. Fussy cuts require regular trims. A good basic style that you can manage on your own is the best way of giving haircut costs a haircut.

Saving: Investing in a good cut might cost more but will easily pay for itself by lasting longer. Two less salon visits a year saves €100.

2It's time for some colouring but I'm absolutely skint -- what about home kits?

Sales of home hair dyes have risen over the last few years which is hardly surprising given that they are so much cheaper than a salon colour with a €75 plus pricetag. Women will always disagree about whether home colouring is a good or bad idea, but the products have improved dramatically.

Review: Clairol Nice 'n Easy Color Blend Foam Hair Color | Mom's ...

Prep your bathroom prior to coloring your hair by setting out old towels to protect surfaces. When deciding on a hair color formula, it’s important to understand the different between a permanent and demi-permanent hair color. Opt for a permanent hair color if you’re looking for a more dramatic change as that will provide you with dimensional color and 100% gray coverage For a temporary change, go with a demi-permanent color that will enhance and boost color and shine in addition to providing up to 50% gray coverage. Demi-permanent hair colors typically rinse out in 28 washes Pick a form of hair color – liquid, cream or foam – that you feel most comfortable with. Foam is the newest form of hair color. I love Nice ‘n Easy’s Color Blend Foam which is super easy to apply with your hands as its drip-free, mess-free and simply collapses into your hair. Cream and liquid hair colors require the applicator bottle to help direct the application of the hair color. When selecting a flattering shade, stay within two shades of your current hair color for best results. For optimal results, do not wash your hair prior to coloring as its best to work with hair that was washed the previous day so your scalp has some natural oils protecting it. Keep your skin hair color-free by putting Vaseline around your hair line to keep it from running into your skin. To ensure hair color is evenly distributed – follow these simple steps: Part your hair into three, even sections Start by focusing on the roots and then work colorant through the rest of your hair After your hair color has fully processed for the allotted amount of time, thoroughly rinse the hair color out with warm water, use your fingertips to massage the roots and continue to rinse hair until water runs clear. Maintain healthy-looking, colored hair with a few easy steps: Use a shampoo and conditioner specially-formulated for color-treated hair that will continually nourish and protect your hair Treat your hair to a weekly deep conditioner Use heat protection spray when heat styling Reduce exposure to the sun and chlorinated water Follow Clairol on

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