A little DIY hair never hurt!

In trying to cut back I've decided that I need to start coloring my hair at home again. EEEKKKKK! Don't fret, I won't be getting my color at the grocery/drug store. I know better than that.

With the help of my old stylist Jefflin I am going to do this the smart way. I am going to hit up the local Sally Beauty Supply and get everything I need to do it myself. It's really not that difficult. In high school I always colored my own hair and my friends' hair too. You just need the color, developer, a plastic bowl, applicator brush or bottle. All of these can be acquired on the cheap at any local beauty supply store (just note, some places have certain items only licensed stylists can purchase). Check to see if the store has a Rewards card that can save you even more. I know that Sally's does. Their website even has directions for picking color, developer and how to apply everything. Don't waste money on a shower cap to cover it while you are waiting. I know that shower caps are cheap, but chances are you already have a plastic grocery store bag at your house. Throw that puppy on and secure it. WAIT...don't use that metal bobby pin! The metal can have a bad reaction with the chemicals. Grab your plastic hair clip instead.

If you are still feeling a little hesitant....find a local beauty school. They usually have very reasonable prices and the students are observed by teachers. Look for well-known schools too, like Aveda, Bumble and Bumble or Toni&Guy. They may not have one in your area, but if so, go there first. Be understanding that it's not going to be as good as in a salon but it will be good. You can also call local salons that are known for their quality of work and see if they ever need hair models to practice on.

Now the really important stuff:
-Do NOT try to go platinum by yourself!!!! Your hair could end up orange (at best) and it has the potential to get very damaged and even fall out. Everyone will know that you are a cheap ass when you show up to work with crazy bald spots. Not hot at all! Same thing goes if you are looking to add in lots of really blond highlights.
-Don't go to a mall salon or Supercuts to get your hair cut. It pays to splurge on a good haircut. This is not to say that everyone who works at those places is horrible, but most of them are. If you are a dude or are a girl with a dude-like haircut then it doesn't really matter. But ladies, don't risk it. You can usually find a good place for a cut for $30-$40. Many salons have different price ranges based upon how long the stylist has been working there. Just ask for the least expensive stylist, if they are at a good salon, they will do great work. Ask them to cut it in such a way that you can wait longer between cuts and have it still look good and hold it's shape. Also, if you have bangs, most salons will offer free trims in between cuts, especially if you are petrified to do that yourself.

Well, hope this was helpful. Coloring yourself will probably only cost about $50 a year. At most salons you can't get decent color once for that price. You will be saving bucketloads and still look just as fabulous. Now go and get your hurr did!