A quick bang trim instantly breathes new life into your haircut. Providing that you don't have blunt, Anna Wintour-type bangs, which require waaay too much precision for a novice, you can easily do a quick touch-up yourself. Keep in mind that wispy bangs will yield the best results.

To get started you'll need a comb and a sharp pair of straight-edged mustache or eyebrow scissors. Because wet hair stretches, always work when it's dry so that you can gauge the true length as you trim. Before you begin, gather your hair back in a ponytail to isolate your bangs and then separate only the section that falls between the arches of your eyebrows. Trimming inside this area will give you the most natural-looking results. First, comb half inch sections straight down against your head, and grab the ends between two fingers so that less than an inch is sticking out from the bottom. Next, holding the scissors vertically (this helps maintain the fringy effect), snip into the hairs until you've taken a quarter of an inch off the bottom. Repeat this in sections until you’ve trimmed all of the hair you've isolated and reached a desired length.

Root Touch Up

If you color your hair, like me, overgrown roots are probably high on your list of most annoying beauty issues. A quickie touch-up at home can shave a few weeks off of your next color appointment while making a big impact on your overall look. Get yourself an at-home color kit designed especially for roots and brush it onto dry hair 10 minutes before hopping in the shower. For best results, ask your colorist to help you choose the right shade.

Mini Facial

If you've ever splurged for a professional facial and on the way home — while catching a glimpse of your glowing complexion in the rear view mirror — fantasized about having the time and money to repeat the process every week for the rest of your life, you're not alone. Thankfully you can give yourself a mini-version for a fraction of the price:

Step 1: Wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser like Born to Be Mild face & body cleanser.  Blot dry.

Step 2: Slather on a microdermabrasion cream — like Physical Chemistry facial microdermabrasion + multiacid chemical peel — and slowly massage it into your skin in a circular motion for a minute or so. For best results, spend at least one minute on each section of your face (cheeks, forehead, chin, nose and neck).

Step 3: Apply your favorite mask — clay-based ones work best on oily complexions, while creamy versions will calm, hydrate and soften dry skin—and sit for 10 minutes. Try Ain't Misbehavin' intensive skin-correcting sulfur acne mask with phytosphingosine.

Step 4: Rinse off mask, pat skin dry, and moisturize immediately (freshly scrubbed skin is extra absorbent).

By Cindy Fedida
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

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The information provided is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal or other professional advice.