Skip the Salon and Save Big

4 of 12

Salon Service: Single-Process Root Touch-Up

DIY: Demi- or semipermanent formulas work well if you only need to blend away a few grays. "Pick one shade lighter than your current color. Apply it just to your part and hairline and leave on for half the recommended time," says Angela Cosmai, a colorist at Pierre Michel Salon, in New York City. (For serious gray coverage, use permanent color.) Need a faster root fix? Hide grays with a temporary hair-color marker.

We like: Garnier HerbaShine Color Creme with Bamboo Extract, $8; L'Oreal Paris Healthy Look Creme Gloss Color, $10; Clairol Natural Instincts Rich Color Creme, $9; Touch Back marker, $30

4 of 12