Here are two quick fixes for low cost hair color to help you out if you have gotten up in the morning and looked into the bathroom mirror at your hair color, and thought out loud, what is going on here!?

You are not alone if you’re facing hair color drama at six am. Most women I know over 21 years of age say they face the exact same thing at least once a month. When we’re consumed with life, everything often seems dull and drab, especially the hair and skin.

Often our hair is the first thing we see in the morning, but it’s left until last. The site of our forgotten hair color is just about all some of us can take during the early hours of the morning, when we are about to face the challenges of our day.

Color Shampoos and Semi-Permanent colorants are easy to use and inexpensive enough to have under your bathroom sink for all your last minute hair color needs. So all you need to think about is the perfect outfit you’re going to wear, for your big day.

• Going in for a promotion?
• Short on hair color budget?
• Going for the interview of your life!?
• Meeting the cute guy you saw on the .com channel? (you do know they never look as cute in person as they do on the web JJ)
• Meeting your partners parents after 5 years?
• Working out and want to look great from head to toe, but don’t know just what to do about the hair color?

If your hair is flat without shine, and you’re low on hair color funds these two processes will help you feel more confident and in full control. These simple processes are low cost and not damaging to the hair weather you presently have hair color or have never colored your hair before. And it’s easy. But you may have to get your clothes on (before your shower) and run to the beauty supply or drugstore to get prepared for your busy day.

1)  Color Shampoo

Color Shampoos can be generally found in three to six shades. They’re usually sold in blonde, red and brown shades that will blend easily with your own hair color (even if you have roots). The good thing about using this type of product is that it can be mixed with your present shampoo in different amounts if you fear using hair color. Start with half and half then increase it if you want more change.

You can also use the color shampoo alone for better blending. Most reputable companies produce these now and most will not coat the hair and make it sticky. If you do feel a build up on your hair don’t use it for a few days. Also be aware that there is no peroxide or ammonia in the product, so it won’t damage your hair.

Blondes should choose natural tones or a soft golden blonde to add soft sunny overtones. Redheads should choose coppery- red shades to add a crisp clean tone to the overall flat red hair. And Brunettes will look wonderful with the reddish-browns and golden brown shades. All color shampoos will add just a touch of color and the shine will help your hair look healthy for your approaching event.

You must also remember to choose a daily shampoo for color treated hair if you are presently using hair color. These products will have less detergent in the product than most have for normal hair. And don’t forget the conditioner to help retain the moisture in the hair shaft, which will give added daily shine.

Note: This product shampoos out with one shampoo unless your hair is very porous. If your hair is dry on the ends you might see more deposit in this area, but it can be shampooed out with a second shampoo. So don’t worry if you might have chosen the wrong shade the first time, removal is just a shampoo away. You can also mix two shades to create the exact shade you are looking for.

2)  Semi-Permanent Colorants

Semi-Permanent hair color products also come in many different shades to blend with your natural hair color or your color treated hair. These are especially good if you’re starting to gray. They hide a multitude of hair problems and will add even more shine than the above color shampoos. Most are sold in beauty supply stores and the color service is done in almost every professional hair salon. The good news is they are also being sold in the drugstores now. They are listed under Glosses.

For better coverage you should shampoo your hair first and then apply a semi-permanent colorant over damp to dry hair. Most are processed for 20-30 minutes then rinsed out. They last about 8 shampoos if you’re using a good shampoo.

Note: If you need help at the last minute this product will deposit a bit of a glow to dull hair color, even if it’s only left on for 10 minutes and rinsed out. If your hair has just been shampooed the day before without a lot of hair product coating the hair shaft this product can be used without shampooing before. Simply lightly shampoo after, and please don’t forget to condition.

The Last Word

All hair color looks better with moisture… treatments and conditioners help retain the overall moisture.