By Kristen Vinakmens, Rouge Online Editor
There are some things you may be willing to skimp on (morning coffee and dining out, for example), but one thing you’re probably not willing to compromise is your hair color. That said, a steady diet of salon services and touch-ups (and tips!) can be an expensive luxury. But with the right hair care, coloring products, and advice courtesy of Rouge contributing hair and makeup artist Susana Hong, you can still pamper yourself in the comfort of your own home.
HOW TO SAVE ON: HAIRCUTS
To get the most mileage out of your haircut, opt for a style with long, loose layers rather than a precise blunt cut, so you can afford to skip a salon visit or two. Keep in mind too that if you have bangs, most stylists will let you come in for a free bang trim between full appointments.
“One of the things I'm constantly searching for,” says Hong, “is how to reduce the time it takes to get ready in the morning.” Revive your style between cuts and washes with an easy updo. “It’s great for when your hair simply won't do what you want it to, because it’s too long and heavy,” says Hong. Our pick? The undone updo that all the celebs are wearing.
Another trick? Take advantage of all the pretty hair accessories available, such as hair bands, clips and barrettes to make your hair go that extra mile in between cuts. “They come in a huge variety of sizes, textures and shapes, so find one you love,” says Hong.
HOW TO SAVE ON: HAIR COLOR
When it comes to hair color, gals in the know are forgoing salon hair color and going DIY. Why? Home hair coloring has come a long way in the last decade. If you want all-over color that’s within two shades darker or lighter than your natural shade (and you can follow directions), today’s at-home products are virtually goof-proof – and economical too!
Plus, thanks to sophisticated technology, it's become easier to achieve the rich, high-gloss hair and you don’t have to spend hours in the colorist’s chair. Try an at home hair color such as Nice ’n Easy Perfect 10 
Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10The salon secret to natural looking colour is all in the blend of tones. Nice'n Easy with Color-blend technology gives you a blend of 3 tones, just like the experts. Natural-looking colour, 100% grey coverage, root maintenance, conditioning and glazing. Nice'n Easy has got you covered.Learn More|Add to Beauty Kit
, which deposits high-intensity color deep inside the hair fiber, resulting in intense light interactions for a shiny hair look. Worried about a spotty application? The latest color kits come with innovative new tools, such as Perfect 10’s Nice 'n Easy Perfect 10The salon secret to natural looking colour is all in the blend of tones. Nice'n Easy with Color-blend technology gives you a blend of 3 tones, just like the experts. Natural-looking colour, 100% grey coverage, root maintenance, conditioning and glazing. Nice'n Easy has got you covered.Learn More|Add to Beauty Kit advanced applicator comb. Because the comb is wide, it helps saturate even those hard-to-reach areas at the back of your head.
HOW TO SAVE ON: HAIR CARE
Now that you’ve got the beautiful hair color, it’s time for daily maintenance with a great shampoo and conditioner. Of course, taking good care of your hair can save you serious coin, because you’ll reduce trips to the hairstylist for conditioning treatments and to have split ends snipped. But it can also help maintain your color. Hong recommends using a mild shampoo to preserve the life of colored locks. We like Pantene Color Preserve Shine Shampoo, which is gentle enough to use on color-treated hair.
Another tip: use a conditioner designed specifically for colored hair. Not only does it help protect hair from styling damage, it provides hair with the right amount of conditioning to make the color look glossy. Try Pantene Color Preserve Shine Conditioner 
Pantene Pro-V Colour Hair Solutions Color Preserve Shine ConditionerThis system has micro-polishers to help refinish the hair’s outer layer so hair shines brilliantly, while moisturizers help protect against damage.Buy Now|Add to Beauty Kit , a pro-vitamin formula that nourishes color-treated hair with rich moisturizers. Bonus: When used together, the Pantene Color Preserve Shine Shampoo & Conditioner and Color Nourishing Treatment help prevent color from fading for up to 6 weeks. And if you’re stepping out to enjoy a warm, sunny day, remember: sun can be your hair color’s worst enemy, so wear a stylish hat.
The moral of the story? You too can get luscious locks without leaving your bathroom!