Want Tricky Change.... Do Your Own Color

While highlights are a bit complicated and may need a professional guidance, all-over color or global coloring is a great and simple do-it-yourself job for those looking for a tricky change or to cover up gray. The home coloring formulas available today are super hydrating and easy to use. Read the instruction manual very carefully and follow them as directed. Believe me coloring your hair yourself is just like a cake walk.

Save on the Cut, spend lavishly on the Color

If you're used to spending money on cut as well as color, I would suggest you to get your cuts done at a discount salon. This proves to be a great option for those with simple haircuts like long, straight hair or bobs. Magazines love to tell you that if you color your hair professionally, you should get your hair cut at the same time. While there's definite perks to this, including coloring hair according to the cut (highlights on long layers, etc.), I firmly believe if you're looking to save money you should splurge on the color and save on the cut. Why… Fixing a bad color job can be a bigger hassle than cleaning up mis-snipped ends.

Hit the Discount Salons in Between Pricey Cuts

I love this tip I read in the book, "Confessions of a Beauty Editor," by the editors of Allure: Get maintenance haircuts in between your pricey salon visits. According to "Confessions," even beauty editors get discount cuts to save money. They suggest telling the discount stylist to cut along the "map" set by the fancy stylist.

Go Back to School (Beauty School) or Hit a Salon's Training Night

One of the best ways to get a fancy haircut without the price is to set an appointment at a local beauty school. Most of the stylists-in-training are overseen by an experienced teacher so you can bet they won't make a mess of your hair. Some big salons also offer discount days or training nights. You can enjoy a pricey cut at a fraction of the price. Check out Allure magazine's list of training nights in New York City and this list of training nights in various cities. Another option is to hair model for a salon. You don't have as much say in your haircut as you would if you were paying for it, but most stylists will stay within your perimeters.

Get Your Bangs Done, Free

Don't pay to get your bangs done. Most stylists will trim your bangs between cuts for free. You simply drop in and the trim takes less than five minutes. You can also trim your own bangs, which is an easier task than it seems.

Reference:About.com

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