Maintaining Hair Color Just Takes a Little Work

Women, and some men, are always changing their looks, and one way they do it is by coloring their hair.

As many people are trying to save money during the recession, it might seem like this is one indulgence they are giving up. Not true.

People always want to look good, and Amanda Kicklighter, color specialist and stylist at Waterfront Day Spa and Salon on St. Simons Island, Ga., said the best way to do that is with professional coloring.

"Box color is way different from salon," she said. "It has a lot of ammonia and the color fades a lot quicker, and it damages hair more."

But whether you brave the box or go to a stylist, there are ways you can keep your color looking bright and good.

Your hair products can help.

Kicklighter recommends using shampoos with color protection or that contain color pigments. You may want to spend a little more and buy salon products, instead of generic, because they aren't as condensed as the less-expensive stuff.

"The trick for redheads to stay red at home is to use red tea," she said. "Let it steep, then let it sit in your hair for awhile."

Another trick is to buy purple shampoo. It helps blondes with brassiness and can keep red hair vibrant.

Don't wash your hair right after you color it.

Wait a day before washing it, Kicklighter advises, and that will keep the color a little longer.

Highlights can be a hassle because you have to keep going back once your hair grows out.

Kicklighter camouflages. She doesn't highlight the whole head again after six weeks, because she understands many women dread coming back over and over. She focuses on coloring the roots and the hair around the face.

It doesn't take as long and can save you a little bit of money in the end.

The sun can fade hair color really fast.

"Wear hats," Kicklighter said.

Or grab a scarf to wrap around your head if you are going to be out in the sun for hours.

Chlorine isn't your friend, either. It can strip your hair color.

"Always wet your hair before you go swimming," Kicklighter said. "Your hair is like a sponge, and if it's wet first the chlorine will run right off of it."