Trips to the hairstylist can swallow a lot of our beauty budget, so it makes sense to prolong that
‘just stepped out of a salon’ feel. Here’s how…
We’re all looking for ways to save money right now, but for many, salon visits are on-negotiable. If you’re reluctant to sacrifice your trips to the hairstylist – and we don’t blame you – the best way to cut back is to maximise every visit. With a combination of the right products, a little advice and knowing the cuts and colours that’ll get you more bang for your buck, you can eke out your ‘do without compromising on your look.
Wash and glow
Colour and condition are two issues to get on top of to ensure your style lasts between professional appointments. The key is to start with the right foundations, and shampooing is the stage of the routine every hair type should be paying attention to. ‘People are often over washing their hair and using the wrong type of shampoo, which has an impact – especially on colour-treated hair,’ explains Andrew Fitzsimmons, Kardashian-approved celebrity hairstylist. So, what should you be doing? Investing in professional products can be a good place to start because they’re less likely to contain sulphates. Live True stylist, Liz Wilson, explains: ‘Products that have sulphates in them will strip colour very quickly.’ Try a shampoo like Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo and follow up after conditioning with a hair mask, such as Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Mask, for extra hydration.
Colour clever
If you love the look of highlights but not the obvious root regrowth, then balayage is the way to go. Bleach is applied from the mid lengths of the hair to create natural looking highlights that don’t start at the root. The further from the root, the less often you’ll need to head in for a refresh and, according to Liz, most balayage only needs to be topped up every six months.
Beat the heat
Using a heat protectant is the best thing you can do for the condition of your hair when heat styling, such as Drybar Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist. Liz explains: ‘Breakage and damage will cause colour to look duller, which will make hair look less vibrant overall.’ Cutting down on heat styling might feel like a challenge but small changes, such as experimenting with heatless curling methods and opting for lower heat settings on your tools, can make a huge difference. Try Boots Heatless Hair Curling Ribbon for an overnight bouncy style.
Invest in professional products – they’re less likely to contain sulphates, which strip colour very quickly
Superhero masks
Hydration equals less breakage. To get damaged hair back on track, try FUL Intense Moisture Mask or Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask. The healthier your hair, the less often you’ll need to visit the salon for a trim. If regular colouring has left your hair dry and brittle, use a treatment such as Philip Kingsley Elasticiser at least once a week – following up with a shampoo like Pureology Hydrate Sheer Moisturising Shampoo, to rebuild strength and keep hair hydrated.
Cut the fuss
The awkward hair phase as a cut is growing out is exactly that – awkward. Which means you might find yourself running to the salon more regularly for a refresh. So, what should you ask your stylist for to prevent this? ‘Something like a pixie cut is more noticeable when it grows out, so requires more maintenance,’ says Andrew, ‘so if you’re looking for a long-lasting haircut, go for a mid-length style because they tend to keep their shape a little longer before needing a trim.’ The type of cut is also important, according to Liz, with the most versatile being, ‘blunt cuts if your hair is shorter,’ or ‘a few long and subtle layers if it’s longer than shoulder length.’ Unsurprisingly, the simpler the cut, the easier it generally is to maintain and style as it grows out. But simple doesn’t mean boring, so grab some styling products and play around with different looks. Love a sleek finish? Try Ouai’s Hair Oil, to smooth loose hairs into place. For a tousled look, try Andrew Fitzsimons Aprés Sexe Texture Spray.
Full coverage
Schwarzkopf Oleo Intense Permanent Oil Colour, provides rich, long-lasting colour with 100% grey coverage. Achieve healthy-looking hair with Schwarzkopf’s new bonding HaptIQ System, which intensively cares for hair and restores strength for up to 90% less hair breakage*. Four caring oils leave the hair feeling soft, silky and shiny.
If you’re looking for a long-lasting hair cut, go for a mid-length style – they tend to keep their shape for longer before needing a trim
