Hair's the Scoop

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Heading out of town for the weekend? Celebrity stylist Jeanie Syfu shares her top tips for hassle-free hair:

Styles should always look effortless.
Done is sexy, but undone is sexier. So stay away from styles that are too sleek. The hair should look soft versus sculpted. You don’t want to leave the house worrying whether it will stay or not. Keep it very simple and just a bit tousled, which is perfect for the beach. If you are pulling your hair back, use your fingers versus a brush to give it more of a casual look. If pieces fall out, don’t worry so much about having the hair perfectly in place. Finally, before heading out for your vacay make sure that your meet with your stylist to get a really good cut that pretty much styles on its own. A good stylist should be able to work with you and give you something that complements your natural hair texture—curly or straight.

Pack the right products.
Elastics are good to have because it is a simple way to tame fly-aways and control frizziness. You can use the elastics to pull your hair into a low bun, which will keep the hair smooth and allow your blow out to last longer, especially if you aren’t the type of person to wash your hair every day. For those with straighter hair, try using elastics to create beachy waves. Do this by parting hair down the middle and twisting both sides into high buns and securing with elastics. Let the hair set with a volume mousse and finger through for a tousled finish.

Keep in mind that pomade or a finishing cream like the TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Smoothing Creme can help with enhancing the texture, and shielding the hair from humidity depending on your hair type. Also, skip the heavy hair spray and go for a lighter mist, such as the Tres Two Ultra Fine Mist Hair Spray, which gives the hair more movement.

Condition, condition, condition.
When you are at the pool or beach, put conditioner in your hair and put it back in a ponytail or braid it. Doing this will protect the hair from the harshness of the chlorine or sea salt. You should always use conditioner even if your hair is fine or on the oily side to protect the hair from the sun’s harmful rays which can cause breakage. Consider it an easy nourishing treatment.

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According to reports, "one-third of women [in the U.K.] would prefer to eat less than cut their beauty spending."

Of course, this study was conducted before the world economy took a tumble. Whether you're residing in a prestigious penthouse or living with multiple roommates in a suburb somewhere, the current state of things has likely changed the way you spend your beauty funds.

Lucky for our locks, however, cutting costs doesn't have to mean sacrificing style or hair health. Swapping products, at-home treatments, and extending salon-styled 'dos are all great ways to be frugally fabulous.

See below for links to some of my favorite tips and tricks from top celebrity stylists:

> Edward Tricomi shows us how to achieve a salon-style blow-out at home.
> Straightening ethnic hair has never been easier, thanks to Ted Gibson.
> Sally Hershberger discusses why budget-friendly haircare products are where it's at.
> Ace at-home hair color with tips and techniques from Rita Hazan.
> Jeanie Syfu explains how to achieve a red carpet-worthy updo for under $10.
> A MIZANI expert shares his secrets for long-lasting curls.