/ 06 March 2023

How To Maintain Your Hair Colour On A Budget

Amid the rising costs of living, it’s easy for professional hair colouring to start feeling like a financial burden. Thankfully, there are ways to help your colour last longer in between salon appointments. We asked two experts to give us their advice…

By Rebecca Hull /

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Speak To Your Colourist

“If it’s a new colourist you’re seeing, book a consultation; if it’s someone you always go to, ask for a short catch-up appointment to discuss your options. It’s important to discuss with your colourist how often you want to keep your colour topped up and what you can realistically get away with on your new or existing budget. Believe me, we want to keep clients as much as you want to keep your colour, and there are plenty of techniques available now that can meet your requirements.” – Harriet Muldoon, colour expert at Larry King

Understand The Different Techniques

“A colour with a smudge or a root blend is a great option for those looking to save money but still see visible results. Both allow you to boost your hair colour, without spending heaps on an all-over dye. Plus, the results can actually last longer.” – Harriet

“A lot of freehand techniques are now available, including balyage, which is worth considering. Though you may be in the salon a bit longer, it can be more cost effective – mainly because you can decide how much you have done and because the results last longer. In your colour consultation, you can discuss exactly how much is needed and it will be made clear what kind of process is needed and achievable within your means.” – Vas Mikellides, head colourist at Fowler35

Do Your Research

“It sounds obvious, but it helps to come into the salon armed with the kind of the look you want to achieve, so do take inspiration with you. We can then discuss what we can and can’t do. Often, I’ll recommend opting for balyage ‘with dimension’ to my clients who are looking for results on a budget. There is also the option to ask for a ‘face frame’ of balyage. This is a money-saving tip as it’s quick to do, but makes a big difference to your overall look. I usually recommend a ‘face frame’ in between balyage services, but you can have it done on its own too.” – Harriet

Put In The Work At Home

“One of the easiest ways to save money on your colour is to look after it properly at home. If you do this, you’ll be in the salon far less often. Think about what you do day to day and tweak your routine. For instance, minimise heat styling. Overdoing it with styling tools is a fast way to dampen down your colour. Similarly, over-washing can accelerate colour fade. If you find you shampoo too often, alternate between shampooing and conditioning your hair. Try rinsing the hair with cooler water and applying conditioner alone – trust me, this helps to retain colour. Likewise, using the right formula is key. I swear by the Kerastase Chroma Absolu range to boost shine and the overall appearance of tone.” – Vas

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Do Your Research

Put In The Work At Home

Don’t Attempt A DIY Job

“This is easier said than done when budgets are tight, but I see so many people spending more to reverse the damage done at home, than just coming to us in the first place. You can keep costs low with good home maintenance – I swear by glosses. They are relatively new and were previously only available in salons, but now you can get some really good ones. I rate the ones by Redken which seal the cuticle and therefore prevent colour fade, keeping it fresh and bright in between appointments. Glosses aside, I also recommend using sulphate-free products. The shampoos by Larry King and Pureology have an ‘anti-fade complex’ to seal in your colour.” – Harriet

Look Out For Bundle Deals

“This isn’t always on offer, but some salons – including Fowler35 – offer yearly bundle appointments. This is where you get bonus, free appointments included in a set package. Again, this is worth discussing your colourist early on, but building a relationship and a treatment plan can help cut costs in the long-term.” – Vas

Finally, Make The Most Of Your Salon

“Your colourist will be able to identify your hair and colour needs better than anyone else, so make the most of their expertise and ask them exactly what you should and shouldn’t be investing in. At some salons, you can get tailor-made products to take home, and it’s always worth asking your specialist about this. At Fowler35 we have colour conditioners that can be tailored to a client’s specific shade. They then take this home the same day and use it to maintain the colour as much as possible. A bespoke colour conditioner is one of the easiest ways to boost your shade in between appointments, but without adding any extra processes to your routine. In the same vein, certain shampoos and masks are better than others for specific hair colours, so ask your stylist and invest wisely.” – Vas