Going Gray In This Economy? Forget It

(NAPSI)-In this job market, gray definitely isn't the new black--at least when it comes to women's hair.

"When you're competing for a job with someone who's 10 years younger or 20 years younger than you are, being gray is the equivalent of wearing a necklace that says '57,'" Charla Krupp, author of the book "How Not to Look Old," has bluntly observed. "Would you do that? You have to convey the message that you're still in the game."

You won't be alone. About 55 percent of women color their hair at least occasionally. According to Margaret Voelker-Ferrier of the University of Cincinnati, who specializes in studying aging trends, "Society is changing but it hasn't gotten to the point that older, gray-haired women are considered distinguished looking."

How to deal with that without paying hundreds of dollars, however, has become almost an obsession among many women. Here's what experts say are the savviest ways to keep the gray away if you're in frugality mode:

• Do Your Own Coloring--Try an at-home hair dye or highlights.

• Make It Last--Sulfate-free shampoos are known for making color last and for keeping hair shinier and healthier in general. One favorite: The new VitaminShampoo line, which is also at the forefront of the "superfruits" trend. Superfruits are a category of fruits that have been called "the future of healthy living." They're rich in vitamins and antioxidants, according to studies conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture, and nutritionists, medical researchers and other scientists are taking them very seriously.

Shampoo "flavors" such as pomegranate blackberry, noni berry lemongrass and acai berry guava are made with high-potency fruits, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. The fruits come from around the world, including Tahiti and Brazil's Amazon Rain Forest.

• Find Deals--Some beauty schools will color your hair at a discount if you're willing to let a student work on you. Even better, total freebies can sometimes be found at salons holding employee-training sessions.

• Don't Hesitate To Ask--Finally, if you've lost your job and have a good relationship with your stylist, ask her to cut you a break to keep your business--especially when your situation improves. She may be happy to help you out. Just don't ask for the favor more than once.

Learn More

For more information, visit www.vitaminshampoo.com.

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A Chic Change-Transform Haircolor With Expert Tips And Quality Products

(NAPSI)-It's easier than ever to make a commitment to achieving natural-looking haircolor with long-lasting benefits. Whether looking to enhance color, cover grays or change shades, there are a variety of award-winning products available today. According to Clairol Color Director Jason Backe, "Haircolor is one of the simplest ways to achieve a total makeover-it's an artistic expression of personal beauty and a great way to invest in your look." Backe, the go-to colorist for celebrities like Anne Hathaway and Kim Raver, and CEO of ted gibson salon, shares tips on affordable, high-quality haircolor makeovers.

What is the secret to at-home haircolor?

"Spending a few extra dollars at the shelf for products with guarantees and carefully crafted shade palettes will pay off in the long run. Haircolor should always be easy to apply and give a natural-looking, long-lasting result. I like Perfect 10 by Nice 'n Easy, one of the biggest beauty breakthroughs this year and a product with the benefits women crave. Perfect 10 gives high-gloss, high-shine color and 100 percent gray coverage in just 10 minutes. The patented comb applicator allows for quick, precise application and also gives full and even root-to-tip coverage."

How can I find a product and a shade that is right for me?

"When deciding between products, I recommend the award-winners or products featuring a beauty seal of approval from magazines like Allure. You know these products have been tried and proven effective by beauty experts. Haircolor shades should enhance your skin tone and complement your eyes. The shade should be within two shades-lighter or darker-of your natural color. Cool colors work best with pink and olive complexions while golden tones shine when paired with tan skin and light eyes or medium skin and dark eyes. This is especially important during the start of the year, when skin tones tend to need a boost."

What is the best way to apply haircolor?

"I prefer haircolor with non-drip formulas and easy-to-use tools such as applicator combs or brushes. Choosing a product with these tools will save you time and give a better end result. Start application near the nape of the neck and work to the front hairline. When touching up color, apply directly to the roots, hairline and temples."

What can I do for routine haircolor upkeep?

"To care for your new look, try a maintenance product that rids the part, temple and forehead areas of roots or pesky grays. A product like Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up, a best-in-beauty winner for root coverage, gets rid of pesky roots or grays in a snap! It works in just 10 minutes, easily fitting into morning routines."

Does color-treated hair need special maintenance or treatment?

"Treat haircolor with special care-like a favorite cashmere sweater. Haircolor stays fresh and maintains radiance and shine with a notable product like Pantene Pro-V Expressions Shampoo with Liquid Crystals. The Pro-Vitamin formula with patented liquid crystal technology creates a protective layer on the hair shaft that helps repel water and condition hair to help keep vibrant color radiant.

"Achieving a beauty transformation or routine upkeep can be affordable and effortless this year by choosing award-winning, high-quality products available in stores today," says Backe.

For more information about Allure magazine's "Best of Beauty" Award Winners-Perfect 10 by Nice 'n Easy, Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up, and Pantene Pro-V Expressions-please visit www.clairol.com and www.pantene.com/expressions.

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Do You Look As Young As You Feel?

(NAPSI)-Have your 30s and 40s flown by and you don't feel different--you just look different? If so, then it's time to revitalize the first thing people notice: your hair color. Whether you're a blonde, brunette or redhead, your hair color sets the tone for your entire look. It can make you look 10 years older or 10 years younger. Family Circle's beauty director, Linda Moran Evans, says, "Women should use hair color as a tool to brighten up their entire face--if your hair color doesn't match your skin tone, you may look drab or washed out." Evans shares her expert tips for vital hair color and a vital you.

Hair Color Confidence

Revitalize your hair color by using a product that provides natural-looking, illuminating color. For your grays, Evans recommends keeping hair color looking natural by using a product that subtly blends away gray for that natural, classic look. Natural Instincts Loving Care has a gentle formula with no peroxide and no ammonia that leaves hair shinier and healthier looking than before you colored it. Added benefit--its volumizing formula will leave even fine or thinning hair looking fuller.

Moisturize!

To complement your revitalized hair color and brighten up your look, Evans recommends using products that help even out your skin tone and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, like those from Olay Definity. Since skin loses moisture and elasticity, use a lightweight foundation that is moisturizing and contains at least SPF 15. Evans says, "Give your skin at least a full minute to absorb liquid formulas, so powder won't cling to slick spots."

Brighten Up

Reconsider your hair color and makeup color choices to complement your changing skin tone. Try going a little lighter with your hair color shade to enhance your complexion. Evans recommends adding a bright, rosy lip color to soften your overall look. One option is CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lipcolor, which lasts 16 hours and has a beautiful shade range.

Stay Smooth And Silky

Nothing finishes off your look like shiny, healthy hair. Keep hair smooth and silky with a weekly deep-conditioning treatment. "Slather on the treatment and cover hair with a plastic shower cap to help it penetrate the hair to help maintain that just-colored look and feel," Evans suggests.

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