Money-Saving Tips From A Beauty School Director

John Doucette, Director of Student Salons at Empire Beauty School (www.empire.edu) is here to answer your most pressing beauty questions. Today he is talking about how to save money and not compromise your hair color and beauty regimen in the process.

How can I maintain salon services for longer lasting results?

* The secret to maintaining hair color is to treat it with extra care during the first 72 hours. Using a high alkaline shampoo will result in the immediate loss of a good deal of the tonal value. Instead, shampoo with a pH balanced professional product that is specifically developed for color treated hair.

* There’s nothing you can do to make your hair stop growing after a trim, but many people do not realize that just about any stylist will offer quick touch-ups on things like bangs, bobs or neck hair for free.

* Manicures are probably the quickest salon service to fade, but they will last longer with a top coat that is formulated to resist chipping. Use rubber gloves when doing dishes, and try to treat nails gently.

* If saving money is the goal, a great overall tip is to go for discounted beauty services at your local beauty school. Student salons at Empire Beauty School have seen big increases in traffic across the country as more people look for ways to save without sacrificing trims, touch-ups and spa services.

What beauty products are worth splurging on and which are worth bargain-hunting for?

* Some things are truly worth splurging on, such as skin care products for the face and hair care products -- you will definitely see the difference.

* But not everything has to be top quality. For a product like body lotion, all you need is some moisture – rocket science is not necessary here!

* Most makeup and nail color products can be worth bargain hunting for. Especially for those who like to change their style and experiment with the latest colors, drug store brands should suffice. But I would recommend going for a quality product when it comes to concealer and foundation, which can be difficult to match to the skin.