We’re really embracing “natural” beauty these days…and I’m here for it. Back when I did a lot of bridal makeup, I was known as the makeup artist who didn’t care whether or not you wore makeup every day. Not great for the brand, but it’s #truth.

While I whole-heartedly believe in a solid skincare routine so you can feel confident with or without all the makeups, I draw the line at hair. [This has nothing to do with the natural hair debate. I’m discussing what works for me. You do you.]

I have very straight, slippery hair that lays completely flat. It takes a great cut, several hair products, and custom color to achieve this mane.

My hair is naturally dark brown. Since I’m in my mid-thirties I’ve noticed a few grays so I get the roots done every eight weeks, and use a touch-up spray in between. In that regard, I’m fairly low-maintenance.

If, however, you’re someone with a totally different hair color than what naturally grows out of your head, have highlights, or in any other way get it regularly, professionally done, you’re hurting for your stylist right about now. Or maybe, like me, you’re due for a trim. Either way, I have a few tricks that will help you maintain your locks until the glorious doors of our salons reopen.

Dos and Don’ts

Hair Color

IF you can wait, wait. Your stylist has hundreds, maybe thousands of hours mixing high-quality pigments to create your perfect color that won’t make your hair fall out. I understand if you can’t or if it’s not in the budget, so here are some alternate options.

Root Spray

I thankfully have back stock of my beloved Rita Hazan touch up spray because it seems to (understandably) be sold out everywhere. I ventured out for my weekly errands and found plenty of this L’Oreal spray at Target, so I’m happy to give it a try.

You simply spray it where and when you need it, and I’ve never had an issue with it running.

Touch Up Color

This line, dpHUE, was created by a hair stylist who doesn’t want you to skip on professional color but understands when you might need something in a pinch. I’m not a fan of permanent hair color, but this is my go-to if absolutely necessary.

Enhancing Your Color

Maybe you just feel a little lackluster? Try a color-enhancing shampoo or a gloss - available all over the place - to perk up your color and leave your hair ultra shiny.

Every time I use this shampoo, I get so many compliments. It’s a great option that really makes a difference with little effort!

Color Wow

I don’t have highlights, but have seen amazing results from this little powder called Color Wow. Although it’s meant to cover grays, so you purchase a powder that matches your hair, I’ve seen several stylists demonstrate how you can choose a lighter hue to give yourself damage-free, temporary highlights. Here’s a great video showing you how:

Cutting Hair

Just don’t.

As someone who used to cut her husband’s hair for years (because he’s in the Navy, hates it short, and didn’t really care how it looked), I’m telling you there’s a huge difference between an at-home cut and a real one. He now gets a regular cut and it not only looks amazing but he feels confident.

Keep It Healthy

I’m due for my cut, but am taking care of my scalp and ends with a weekly deep clean and mask, respectively.

I enjoy the Kevin Murphy Maxi Wash to deep-clean dead skin and product buildup from my scalp without stripping my hair or my color, and like to follow up with my Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! mask just on the lengths of my hair.

It’s a little treatment I can do at home, every week, that helps me feel like I’m doing something for the long-term health of my hair.

No Heat

Another way to save your hair is reduce heat styling. Of course you can let your hair air dry, but, again, I look like a wet puppy (not in a cute way) unless I really pump my hair full of products. So I just try to wash it less often.

Everyone has their favorite dry shampoo, so I won’t try to sell you on this one. I’ll just tell you that out of the DOZENS I’ve tried, this is the only one that leaves my hair feeling clean, adds body, doesn’t knock you over with the scent, and allows you to use it day after day without a ton of chalky buildup. Also, even though it’s a white powder, it’s so fine that it doesn’t show up in my dark hair.

I like to add it in at night or before a workout, let it settle, then massage it in and brush it out. It might not give you a “perfect hair day,” but it certainly comes close.

Alternate Options

If you’re not down for any of the above suggestions but still feel the need to do something, maybe try one of these fixer-uppers.

Accessories and Styling

I’m not fully on the hair accessories train, but I can get behind these.

Headbands

Headbands are especially great on air-dried or day-five hair. I like to add a little curl to the front then pop in one of these bad boys. While some are stupid expensive, there are pretty options even on Amazon.

Hats

I never wore hats until I became an adult, but now have a rack of hats on rotation. From baseball caps to fedoras, there’s something for everyone that can not only mask roots but also elevate your look. If you want to slowly break into the trend, try wearing a folded scarf or bandanna.

Try a Hairstyle

While my hair is typically long and straight, it’s fun to mix it up sometimes. Pinterest is full of ideas, but I rotate between a messy, high bun/low bun/low side bun/pigtail braids/one braid to the side.

Just Wait It Out

…or maybe you want to do nothing. That's truly an awesome option and there will be zero judgment here. However, maybe try to support your local salon while they’re closed.

Buy Products

My salon (shout out Stylists @ North in Old Town Alexandria, VA!) is offering curbside pickup if you call ahead, and they just opened an online store; check to see if your salon does the same. You can purchase gift cards now to give as birthday/anniversary/holiday gifts later - my sweet husband did this and I have a facial waiting for me whenever I’m able to go.

Ask About Packages

See if your salon will allow you to, for example, purchase three services and give you the fourth free. Or five highlighting sessions with a 10% discount. Anything along those lines so the salon can continue to pay rent and be there when we’re all allowed outside again.

Spread the Word

We’re in an unbelievably scary and uncertain time, and I think we’re all pinching our pennies a little harder right now. One way you can absolutely support your local salon, and small businesses in general, is to pimp the crap out of them online.

Enjoying your favorite hair product from your local salon? Add it to your Instagram stories, tag them, and hashtag #shoplocal. Leave a positive Yelp, Google or Facebook review. Tell your friends. Publicly brag on them any way you can so they stay visible.

As a small business myself, I would really appreciate it if you gave me a shout out - no one will know whether you do or don’t except the folks receiving the testimonial, but this will really help me right now! I’d like to be a part of the Sephora Squad so I can bring your more detailed posts, discounts and giveaways.

And so…

I’ve spoken with some who don’t care what they look like right now, understandably, but it is still important to maintain the health of your scalp and hair until our stylists can lovingly care for us again! And when you look good you feel good, #science, so you have permission to go full glam just for yourself.