As beauty addicts with an insatiable need to try anything and everything for the best hair possible, we spend a lot of time (and a pretty penny) at the salon. While nothing beats the luxury of hanging at the salon, letting pros tend to your tresses, sometimes a budget–conscious gal needs to extend the life of her treatments for as long as possible. For advice on how to make those salon results last longer, we caught up with Nick Stenson, professional hair stylist and Artistic Creative Director, JCP Salon Division for his tips on at-home hair care to stretch your treatment life (and your dollar).

Color

When it comes to long-lasting hair color, “it’s all about protection. Too many people discount the effects of sun, bad hair care products and their own heat tools!” Stenson says. To shield your hair from all of the above, use “a good color protecting shampoo and conditioner like Matrix Total Results Color Care with Fade Guard. Protect your hair from temperature extremes by never using the highest settings on your dryers and irons and shield your hair from the elements when you’re outdoors by wearing a stylish hat or colorful scarf,” he suggests.

Cut

“To maintain the best cut, aim your hair care focus on keeping the ends of your hair healthy. Start by using a good quality moisturizing shampoo and conditioner and follow up with finishing products to seal those delicate ends and give hair a polished look,” Stenson advises.

MDC Recommends: Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner and Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream.

Straightening Treatments and Perms

If you’ve had a salon treatment to alter the texture of your hair, “don’t make the mistake of washing your hair more than is necessary,” Stenson says. “Treated hair can thrive with products that contain Jojoba Oil and wheat proteins. They calm the cuticle, defrizz from root to tip and encourage longevity of your in-salon treatment,” he suggests. “A diffuser for curls, and a low heat setting on a flat iron for straightened hair help to give polished finishes.”

MDC Recommends: Sally Hershberger Pure Jojoba Waves Wave Shaper Frizz-Free Shampoo and Conditioner and Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner.

Do you have any other hair care questions for our MDC experts? Leave ‘em below in the comments!

Photos: Veer