Salon visits tapping you out? New York City hairstylist Patrick Melville suggests some money-saving measures.
Master class: If you can't always afford to see a top stylist on a regular basis, book follow-up appointments with a junior person he or she has trained. The architecture of the cut will remain in place for at least six months — after that, go back to the master.
New bang theory: A fringe shaping or "dusting" (which most stylists offer for free) revives a cut, opens up the face, and can therefore help stretch out the time between appointments. An expert cut on long hair can look fresh for up to three months, but short hair is a little less forgiving.
Try before you buy: Prior to committing to a haircut with a pricey new stylist, go for a blow-dry first. You'll get an inexpensive sample of his taste — and personality.
Skip the tip! Really. If you book a session with a salon owner, you don't need to tip him. And don't overcompensate by overtipping his assistants; $5 to $10 each should do it.
Condition yourself: Glazes, like Clairol Shine Happy, can enliven dull color between visits without changing the tone.
Color at home: Some pros send clients home with a small batch of customized color and detailed instructions for root touch-ups.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Get highlights: They're easier to maintain and, hence, cheaper overall than single-process color, particularly if you choose shades closest to your natural one.
Get a gorgeous cut with these expert tips Must-Have Haircuts for Every Woman
-
Bitten Lips Took Center Stage at Dior Fall 2024 Show
Models at the Dior Fall 2024 show paired bitten lips with bare skin, a beauty trend that will take precedence this season.
By Deena Campbell Published
-
30 Spring Items That Solve My Expensive-Taste-on-a-Humble-Budget Dilemma
See every under-$300 spring item on my wish list.
By Natalie Gray Herder Published
-
Your Makeup Won't Budge With These Setting Sprays
Prepare for 12-hour wear.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth: Does It Really Work?
The natural remedy went viral, but it's not a miracle worker.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 12 Best Deep Conditioners for Curly and Natural Hair, According to Hairstylists and Editors
Fight damage and frizz, rain or shine.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 18 Best Natural Hair Products in 2023
Remember: Your curls are your crown.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 9 Best Hot Rollers for the Curls of Your Dreams
This is how we roll.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The 17 Best Sea Salt Sprays for Vacation Hair
Get the beachy waves of your dreams with these fake-it-'til-you-make-it sea salt sprays.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated