It’s never good news when a traffic court judge orders you to get SR 22 Insurance. While this form of insurance itself may be only $15 to $25, the impact of being insured as a high risk driver can cause some serious financial hardships. This is because there are a variety of expenses that can occur as a result of needing this specialized form of auto insurance.

SR 22 Insurance Is Not Really Insurance

In actuality, calling an SR 22 certification “insurance” is something of a misnomer. This is because it doesn’t work like insurance at all. Although it’s issued by an insurance company who files one for you with the department of motor vehicles, it does not work like regular insurance.

By definition an insurance policy is paying a small amount of money for a large amount of financial protection. In the event of an accident, an insurance company will pay the cost of injuries and property damage as long as you have been paying your premiums and are eligible to make a claim.

In contrast, SR 22 insurance does not work like this in any way With SR 22 insurance, you are really just getting a Certificate of Financial Responsibility. This is state-mandated proof that you’re carrying regular car insurance, but it is not proof of insurance by itself and it is only valid if you also have active liability coverage.

When Do You Need SR 22 Insurance?

You will need to get SR 22 Insurance under the following circumstances:

1. You have been sent to a traffic court after a driving violation or collision because you were driving without any car insurance.

2. You have a long string of traffic violations which were accumulated over a short period of time. For instance, you may be ordered to get SR 22 insurance by a traffic court judge if you have had large number of speeding tickets within a few months.

3. You’re in a collision and have a preexisting DUI or DWI.

SR 22 Insurance Costs

In some cases, SR22 policy costs and rates can be more of a financial inconvenience than a serious punitive liability. At other times, it can become highly expensive. It really depends under the circumstances you were required to get this certification.

If you get SR-22 insurance because you have accumulated a large number of speeding tickets within a short time, then your expenses are the cost of the certification and paying a little more for your car insurance.

However, if you get SR-22 insurance because you have been involved in an accident while carrying a preexisting DUI (Driving Under the Influence) then your costs can add up very quickly. This is because state laws take drunk driving violations very seriously. Alcohol-related driving accidents cost the general public about $114.3 billion per annum. Worse still, are the numbers of fatalities. Statistically, a motorist is killed by a drunk driver every 30 minutes.

Consequently, if you get an SR 22 Insurance related to a DUI, you are looking at a lot of incidental costs, as well.

·  You may have to get an ignition interlock system. This costs $200 to be installed in your car and an $80 a month maintenance fee.

·  You may also have to pay the costs associated with attorney fees, court costs, and bail fees. This can range from $1,000 to $3,000.

·  You may have to pay for a compulsory drunk driving education program, which will set you back a farther $1,500 to $2,500 in costs.

·  You may have to pay $250 reinstatement fees.

·  Your car insurance will probably more than double.

Financial and Non-financial Costs

An SR 22 insurance is a penalty for violating certain traffic laws. There are financial and non-financial costs involved. Financially, there is the cost of having to pay more insurance for as long as three years even if you become a safe and reliable driver. Non-financial costs can be the difficulty in getting car insurance or the the cost of possibly losing your job if you can’t go to work because of SR insurance related to a DUI.

Often homeowners are ready to purchase a new roof based on design and looks without considering other important factors. Roofs can have flat, low, moderate or steep pitches, which determine suitable roofing materials for the job. For example, many materials are not suitable for flat or low roofs because of the lack of pitch and drainage qualities. While other varieties work better for moderate or steep roofs. You should learn about the pros and cons of the most common roofing materials for family homes before making any decisions.

Roofing Systems

Typical roofing systems range between low sloping roofs to steep roofs. Low sloping roofing materials are generally weatherproof and water impermeable. They are designed to handle slopes of 14 degrees or less. Water shedding materials are used when installing moderate to steep roofs that exceed 14 degrees or more.

Flat Roofs

Tar and gravel roofing, also known as built-up roofs, are traditionally used for flat roofs. These consist of several layers of waterproof materials, which are laid between a layer of river stone and hot tar. Tar and gravel roofs are inexpensive and fire retardant, which might be a good choice for you. However, installation is very messy and smelly, and roofs often require strengthening because of the weight.

Rubber membrane roofs are specifically designed for flat roofs. They are durable and resist sunlight damage. However, these materials absorb significant amounts of heat in warmer climates, which could increase air-conditioning bills.

Low Roofs

Metal roofing is primarily used on low or steep roofing. You’ll enjoy the long-lasting qualities and color choices. These roofs can be made of copper, aluminum or steel. Copper roofs can be left unfinished, and they will eventually turn green patina with aging. Some people may prefer painted finishes that come in numerous colors. Roofs are also available as shingles or sheets. Metal roofing absorbs less heat than other materials like asphalt, and it’s ideal for low to steep roofs.

According to Braun’s Roofing, a company that has been Houston’s roof repair expert since 1987, asphalt shingles are one of the lightest and popular types of roofing materials used on homes. These common shingles are composed of fiberglass, asphalt and contain a mineral granule coating. Unfortunately, asphalt shingles are not environmentally friendly, and they are not as durable as other roofing choices. However, they cost far less than clay, slate and metal roofing systems. They offer fair wind and fire resistance and are most effective on low, moderate and even steep roofs.

Moderate Roofs

Clay tile roofs come in a variety of natural clay colors. However, they are somewhat brittle, but they do last for years with very little maintenance. Clay tiles may require reinforcement framing, and they are perfect on homes with moderate to steep roofs.

According to Braun’s Roofing (www.roofrepairsinhouston.com), plastic polymer shakes can be made to look like slate or wood, and they are much lighter. These are molded from plastic polymer materials, and they last for years. Their low maintenance and lightweight qualities make them an ideal solution for moderately pitched roofs or even those that are very steep.

Concrete tiles are composed of sand and Portland cement. Homeowners may choose from a slate, wood or clay tile appearance. Roofs made from concrete tiles usually require reinforcing. These are long lasting, fire resistant and require very little maintenance. These tiles are best used with moderate to steep pitches.

Wood shingles provide a pleasing appearance, and they work well for moderate to very steep roofs. The shingles are typically constructed of redwood or cedar. However, they have a short lifespan and unless they are treated, they offer poor resistance to fire.

Steep Roofs

Homeowners with very steep roofs should consider a slate rock roof. These natural materials are expensive, but they are fire and wind resistant, in addition to being durable. Slate roofs offer a unique, natural appearance, but most roofs will need reinforcing to handle the weight of the stone.

Besides choosing a roofing material that enhances your home and fits your budget, consider the roofing qualities. Some materials stand up to high winds and fire better than others. Alternatively, you may be in the market for longer lasting materials, low maintenance or an inexpensive roof.

We’ve talked before about video games and your childrens’ development. Today we’re going to talk about movies…more specifically, those big budget, action oriented, superhero movies that have been so popular for the last few years.

Kid Friendly?

One thing that has been so great about the recent uptick in superhero fandoms is how many of them take pains to create kid friendly versions of these heroes and their storylines. Many of the franchises gracing the silver screens today have older cartoon and animated shows that appeal to younger viewers. There are also kid-friendly books out there. Many parents use these books to help get their more screen oriented children interested in reading.

The problem is that there aren’t a lot of middle-grade crossovers. There are books and games and cartoons for the very young kids but there isn’t much out there for the older kids who aren’t yet able to get into these PG-13s on their own. What do you do about them? Should you, for example, allow your third or fourth grader to watch the Iron Man trilogy? There are so many adult themes in there (alcoholism, warfare and even promiscuity! That Tony Stark really gets around)!

This is largely a judgment call. You know your kids and what they can handle best–even better than they do at this age. If you think they can handle what happens on screen in a healthy way, then by all means, have fun with your kids at the movies this summer. If you’re not sure, here are some things that you should consider before you pony up the cash for tickets and snacks.

Violence

One of the hardest things to gauge with these epic superhero movies is the violence in them. This is because usually our heroes are battling bigger than life bad guys. We are taught throughout the whole movie not to empathize with the bad guys or the armies they command. Even so, these movies often show a large amount of collateral violence that nobody seems to mind or even notice. For example, in the first Avengers movie, Manhattan is essentially levelled, resulting in the loss of what must be thousands of lives and nobody blinks. How do you usually address this with your kids? You don’t want to gloss over it like the movie does but you don’t want to scare your kids either.

Sexuality

Most of the “good guys” in superhero movies are sex positive people. Tony Stark is downright slutty in the first movie. Seeing people sleep around isn’t the huge deal that it used to be but it might lead to some difficult questions from your kids. More problematic is the use of sex as a manipulative tool. It is a common trope for the prettiest female character to don sexy clothing and use her “feminine wiles” to excite their male targets as a means of exploiting them. This is harder to explain and not something most parents will want their children to internalize as acceptable behavior.

Language

One of the best things about superhero movies is that they are usually PG-13, which means they are limited to a single eff-bomb and the language is usually relatively benign as far as swearing goes. The larger issue is how the characters banter and the conversations they have. Many of these movies have undercurrents of homophobia, sexism and even racism. This doesn’t mean the movies can’t still be fun, but you probably don’t want your kids repeating a lot of what they hear over the course of one of these movies.

So what do you do? Your kids have probably already seen the trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron and gotten excited about it. Do you take them to see it? How do you figure that out?

The best way to decide whether or not you should let your kids see a movie is to see the movie yourself first. You are the best judge of what your kids can and cannot handle. Seeing the movie yourself is the best way to gauge that.

Another good way, especially if your budget is limited, is to ask friends who know you and your kids what they have thought of the movie. They will be able to help you figure out what you (and your kids) will likely think of the movie when/if you attend.

Finally remember: a healthy conversation before and after the movie is always a good idea. It’s a great time to remind your kids that these movies are fictional and there aren’t big bad aliens waiting to take over their planet. It’s also a great way to talk calmly about any problematic moments in the film that raised your eyebrows.

There is no hard or fast rule about whether or not children of certain ages should see certain movies. You know your kids. You know what’s best. Trust your instincts!

Packing the family in the car and setting off for a week-long road trip is an experience of a lifetime. On a road trip, the destination isn’t the goal. The real memories are made on the journey there. America is a great country and full of incredible things to see. The Northeast feels like an entirely different country from the Southwest. It’s that different feel that makes the Southwest the perfect location for a family road trip.

The Southwest is loaded with amazing culture and sights that you can’t find elsewhere in the country. Sure it has long, barren stretches of road as well, but there are plenty of ways to make family road trips fun when the landscape becomes dull. Though, if you plan your trip well, downtime will be minimal.

The Mother Road

Good old Route 66 makes for a great road trip. Stretching nearly 2,500 miles, it covers 8 states and provides a broad overview of the Midwest and Southwest. While no longer an official U.S. highway, the road still exists in its entirety and is lined with both history and new sights to see.

Naturally, you don’t have to traverse the entire highway. Most families don’t have the patience for a 2,500 mile road trip; however, just by covering the middle sections – Oklahoma to Arizona – you get a great taste of the Southwest.

Oklahoma

Not sure what to do in Oklahoma? You may be surprised to find that the state is filled with fun family activities. About an hour south of Oklahoma City is Chickasaw Country. Drawing from its deep Native American roots, this part of the state is home to the Chickasaw Cultural Center as well as an array of art and history attractions. This area is also home to the Arbuckle Mountains where you can swim Turner Falls or take a zip line tour.

Texas

Route 66 only has a short stint in Texas and misses out on much of this great state, but this stretch of the road is home to a number of historic motels and gas stations that were in operation during the peak of the highway’s operation. As you see places like the Tower Station and Vega motel, you and your family can reflect on the past and talk about why the highway was so popular. Don’t just tell you kids about the great migration west during the dust bowl, show them what those travelers saw. Show them where they stopped for gas and to sleep.

New Mexico

If you’re willing to take a detour a couple hours north of Albuquerque, your family can visit what is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited areas in North America. The Taos Pueblo has been inhabited continuously for over 1,000 years. Archaeological evidence shows that it may have been inhabited as far back as 3,000 B.C. That’s even before the great pyramids in Egypt were built. The area is rich with history.

Like Texas, the route heading west is filled with old landmarks like Bowlin’s Old Crater Trading Post in Bluewater and El Rancho Hotel in Gallup. Places like these provide a really interesting viewport to the past.

Arizona

The route through Arizona is a stone’s throw from some of the nation’s most incredible national parks. The first that you’ll come across is Petrified Forest National Park. This area is home to perfectly preserved trees that lived 225 million years ago. Just north of here is the Painted Desert.

As you continue west, you’ll reach the heart of the state, Flagstaff, Arizona. Turn north from here and you’ll arrive at the Grand Canyon. One of the most well-known natural wonders of the world, you can’t pass up the opportunity to see this with your family.

The Road Goes On

From here, you could continue west or loop back and see the northern edge of the Southwest where the dry desert gives way to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. No matter your path, there will always be new sights to see.

Whether you follow this itinerary or another doesn’t matter. A road trip is about seeing new things and making memories as a family.

Investing in jewelry is quite different from investing in stocks, or even precious metals such as gold and silver. Unlike other luxury items such as clothes, shoes, cars, televisions, phones, computers, etc., jewelry does not eventually break down. Jewelry is a luxury item that never loses its value. In fact, jewelry will retain and even increase in value over time. Pricescope, a premier diamond and jewelry community, offers several reasons why investing in jewelry can be profitable. For one, there is a relatively less cost to selling an expensive piece of jewelry since the value rises as the seller’s margins come down. This is similar to real estate, except houses are replaced with diamonds and gems. Jewelry is a portable aspect of wealth, which is a plus for those who do not trust banks and would rather have their high-valued items with them.

What are the First Steps in Investing in Jewelry?

First, it’s important to find a reputable and honest jeweler who provides authentic pieces of jewelry. In addition to their authenticity and sterling reputation, they should also provide fair prices. The Houston Gold Exchange is a great place to find affordable engagement rings and custom jewelry. How to choose a professional jewelry appraiser, courtesy of Palagems.com, can assist with choosing the right questions to ask a potential jeweler. Also, The American Jewelry Institute offers appraisal and advice for buyers.

When is the Right Time to Invest in Jewelry?

One of the most important rules of investing is to buy when the market drops and sell when the market rises. According to Winship Wealth Partners, a financial planning and investment management firm, understanding the “buy low, sell high” strategy is the key to gaining wealth. This strategy holds true for jewelry as much as it does for stocks. As the gold and silver market drops, buying these pieces at a lower price than usual will help you avoid having to buy extras, such as precious stones. Pieces made from high grades of metal purity are the best types to invest in. They tend to retain their value longer and, when the market rises, they are worth more money. For other precious stones such as diamonds, the same rule of thumb should be used. If the cut is better, the value is higher.

What Types of Jewelry are Best for Investments?

Loose jewelry is easier to sell, so it’s beneficial to buy whenever possible. An example of loose jewelry is a diamond that a jeweler never set in a piece of jewelry.  The Diamond Registry, the world’s most comprehensive diamond information and pricing platform, offers a guide on loose diamond education. The International Gem Society (IGS) gives some great tips on investing in gems, including having gems re-cut, polished, set, etc. to increase their market value. If you don’t possess the expertise in gemology, a list of recommended supplies and suppliers that may be able to increase the market value of gems are available through IGS.

How to Find the Worth of the Jewelry

According to Houston Gold Exchange (www.houstongoldexchange.com), getting jewelry appraised for insurance purposes as well as re-sell value is something that is essential to the jewelry investment process. Appraisals should be conducted every two years by qualified appraiser. Make sure to use an appraiser who does not buy or sell diamonds, as they are more likely to give an unbiased opinion, according to Forbes. A good appraiser will help identify market trends and can give a potential resale value.

In short, investigating selling options, having a realistic approach to selling, and being emotionally ready to sell will help close in on the reselling process.

Showerheads don’t often strike people as a particularly important purchase, but taking the time to make sure you pick up a model which is right for you is well worth the effort. Doing so means that you can customize your showering experience, lets you add features which you might otherwise have neglected to consider, and could save unnecessary maintenance in the future.

Fixed or Detachable?

You probably already have a good idea of whether you want a fixed showerhead or one which can be detached, but it’s still worth taking a few minutes to consider the pros and cons of each one. Detachable models tend to look a little less glamourous, but they’re usually essential if you have small children, or if you have pets you need to clean in your bath. Fixed showerheads are often more stylish, and since they’re simpler they’re also usually a bit cheaper. Of course, you do lose flexibility.

Rainfall or Standard?

Rainfall showerheads are extremely fashionable right now, as they easily give your bathroom an air of luxury, and many people prefer their gentle spray to the thinner streams which often come from standard models. However, they’re also non-adjustable, and you’ll always need to get your hair wet – unless you don a shower cap – since the water comes directly from above.

Kids or Adults?

If you’re going to have children regularly using your shower, it might be a good idea to pick up a showerhead which has an inbuilt anti-scald mechanism. These will automatically restrict the flow of water when it becomes too hot. Other options include installing an anti-scald valve, but this often means having to go in behind the wall.

Hard Water or Normal Water?

Do you know whether you’re living in a hard water area? If you are, it’s definitely something to take into account when you’re buying a showerhead. Plastic heads are preferable, since they’re far less prone to becoming clogged up with minerals. Metal models aren’t so lucky, and buying one often means committing to frequent de-scaling. However, some newer all-metal showerheads are coated with Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD), which helps alleviate the problem.

Showerheads are never the most important thing you’ll buy for your home, but it still makes sense to consider all of the options. Ask yourself these questions, and then find your perfect model.

Image by: chaim zvi

We all know that moving homes can be one of the most stressful things that the average person goes through. One of the best ways to help reduce some of the stress that comes with moving home is to use the services of a professional removal company.

There are many good companies all over the country, so you will need to find one that is fairly local to you, and also offers a high level of service to their customers. With the advent of technology and the internet, this job can be made very easy.

Searching for Removal Companies

If you use a search engine and search for removal companies, the results that you get may not necessarily show companies that are close to you. When you do a search, be specific with the area, such as searching for house removals services in Peterborough.

The results that this will give you are going to show companies much closer to your chosen area, which could help you to save some money on your moving costs. You often find that if a company charges you for the distance travelled, the clock does not start when they leave your home, but rather when they leave their depot.

Find as many different companies that are as close to your area as you can. Then you will need contact them to find out about their services, and to also get a quote.

Comparing Companies and Quotes

When you have a list of companies that are within your local area, you will need to speak to them all individually. There are certain questions that you should ask them in order to try and gauge which company you are going to use when you move.

•    Are you a member of the British Association of Removers?

•    What training do your workers receive?

•    Will you pack up all of the contents and also unpack?

•    Is there anything that cannot be moved?

•    Do you need to survey my home to provide a quote?

•    How much time will the move take on average?

•    How much will the move cost?

•    What level of insurance do you offer?

When you have answers to all of the above questions, you should be able to make an informed decision as to which companies you would prefer to use. All you have to do then is choose which company to use!

Choosing the Best Removal Company

Many people will make a decision solely based on the overall cost, which is not always the best. Of course, the cost is an important factor that needs to be considered, but you should also choose a company that offers a professional level of service.

Insurance is also important as accidents can happen, so you will want to make sure that if the unfortunate does happen, your possessions are going to be fully covered. Most reputable companies will not offer you a quote until they have surveyed your home unless you know the estimated volume of all of your possessions.

When you have weighed up all of these factors you should be able to make a choice as to which company to use. Then all you need to do is sit back and relax on the day of your move as all of your belongings are packed up and transported to your new home. All you need to do is put your feet up and enjoy a brew. You might want to offer one to the workers as well if they have not packed the kettle up!

Yoga can be a fantastic way to add social, mental and physical fulfilment to your life. One of the brilliant things about this popular fitness hobby is that is can be suitable for anyone, whether you’re young, old, pregnant, or even ill. It can be gently practised or performed more strenuously, depending on your fitness and skill level. Whatever your approach, there are many benefits of yoga to be enjoyed.

Weight Loss

Yoga doesn’t burn calories the same way intensive cardio does, but it can still reduce your excess energy levels, which will assist in weight loss, particularly if used in conjunction with a healthy diet. Don’t forget that you can’t use activity alone to lose weight; diet is a huge factor. Use both to see positive results.

Although weight loss over time is certainly a viable benefit of regularly practising yoga, this isn’t the main focus of this type of exercise. If losing weight quickly is your key motivator, consider attending a weight loss retreat like Chi of Life, where yoga is combined with other activities and dietary training.

Strengthening Your Core

An underlying principle and goal of a healthy weight loss exercise regime is achieving a strong and healthy core. One of the fastest ways to do this is through yoga. The positions in yoga are built around strengthening the muscles around the spine. Having a stronger and more flexible core prepares your body for more rigorous exercise and can help prevent any injury that might put you out of action.

Not only does a strong core help with muscular problems, but it also aids in digestive issues too. This is particularly good when trying to improve digestion for weight loss. It also causes your muscles to lengthen and tighten, giving you a leaner appearance.

Adding Positivity

Yoga isn’t just about fitness and improving your core. It’s also about giving you an opportunity to meditate and have some peaceful moments in a chaotic and stressful world. Yoga encourages peace and tranquillity through deep breathing and focused body movements. It is a great way to put aside any stresses in your life and focus on one thing only, even if it’s just for half an hour.

Social Benefits

One of the huge perks of any class-based physical activity like yoga is the social experience. It’s a great way to meet new, like-minded people who you can socialise with before and after class. Socialising is another added perk to an activity already full of advantages!

Pain Relief

Specific poses in yoga can help reduce pain associated with everything from digestive issues to headaches to poor posture. If you’re suffering from any of these issues, be sure to give yoga a go!

For all of the reasons outlined above – and more – yoga is a fantastic way to improve your life and lose some weight. Combining excersises like yoga and cardio and adding more fresh vegetables and fruit into your diet will set you on your way to losing those extra kilos and leading a healthier and more fulfilling life. Have you found yoga to be a good addition to your lifestyle? Share your experience in the comments below.

Back injuries are one of the most commonly occurring injuries in the home, especially those resulting from playing with your children. There are many ways that a back injury can occur during simple horseplay, especially when parents are not really on their guard against injury. When children are older and of course weigh more, parents are more likely to be aware of the risk associated with lifting and carrying them during play, but a back injury can be sustained even when playing with very young, and very lightweight, child.

Importance of Playing with your Child

This is not to suggest that playing with your child should be avoided due to the risk of back injury. Most child development experts recommend regular play with your child because it has numerous short-term and long-term benefits. It has long been known that this kind of activity develops your child’s motor skills and adds to their continued health. Additionally, this kind of physical play fosters bonding with the parent and supplies the tactile connection that a child thrives on. The interplay with children is generally enjoyable for the parent as well, providing moments of fun and laughter that become lasting memories of a child’s early years.

Tips on Preventing Back Injury During Child Play

To ensure that play with your child stays fun and doesn’t become an activity that threatens the health of your back, there are a few things you can do to keep things safe. Some of these suggestions might seem like overkill, but back injuries are no laughing matter, and once incurred, they tend to persist for very long, uncomfortable periods of time.

According to Laser Health Spa (www.laserhealthspa.net), if you happen to be lifting the child during play, make sure you stand close to him or her and bend at the knees, not at the waist, because all the strain of lifting is immediately transferred to your back in such a posture. When holding the child for any amount of time, be sure to keep him/her close to your body — as opposed to holding at arm’s length — to minimize strain on the back. Ideally, every time you lift, hold, or carry your child, you should stop and think for a few seconds to make yourself aware of the potential dangers.

Prior to playing with your child, it’s a good idea to warm up by doing some stretching. The muscles in your back can easily become tightened just through normal, daily activities, and when there’s a sudden strain or stress applied to tightened muscles, a pulled muscle is one possible—and common –result. Golfers are well aware of this, since their sport places tremendous strain on the back, so all golfers will warm up their backs prior to practice or actual play.

Be especially mindful of horseplay with older and heavier children, because the risk of injury increases with the weight of the child. For instance, ‘playing horsie’ with the child riding on your back might have been cute and fun at age 4 or 5, but at older ages there is a much greater possibility of injury because of the increased weight.

Of course, maintaining an ideal body weight is always a good tip for avoiding back strain, but even at less than ideal weight, exercising the abdominal muscles is a great way to relieve additional strain on the back. If this kind of exercise is done on a regular basis, a parent can be much better prepared for unexpected stresses placed on the back during child play.

This article was contributed on behalf of Laser Health Spa, your number one choice when looking for alternative treatments for neck pain. Check out their website today and see how they can help you! 

With a hair care industry that tops $19 billion each year, according to Business Wire, it’s no wonder you feel you’re spending a fortune to maintain your locks. From haircuts to products like shampoo and gel, your expenses can quickly add up. The good news is you don’t have to shell out a lot of dough to look good. In an industry where hair care product sales within salons comprise 15 percent of all revenue in this country, you can find alternatives to hair care that won’t break the bank. Here are some tips on how you can lower the costs of your beauty routine without sacrificing quality.

Get Egg in Your Hair

Natural food products like eggs can be tremendous for your hair. This is because the egg yolk provides natural protein that strengthens the hair shaft, making for a low-cost hair moisturizer, says Woman’s Day. Additionally, egg whites feature oil-fighting enzymes that keep bacteria at bay. If you’ve got oily hair, go for the egg whites. Got dry locks? Go with the yolks. To prepare, apply the egg (approximately a half cup) to your head right after a shower. Rinse after 15 minutes using shampoo and cool water, never hot.

Lemons can Fight Dandruff

A mixture of lemon juice and olive oil can ward off those annoying white flakes, a result of stress, diet, genetics and even your local climate. The acidity in lemons balances the pH of your scalp and olive oil provides a natural moisturizing agent.

Awesome Avocado

If you have frizzy hair, no worries! Cut an avocado in half, mix up the contents, and massage it on your scalp. After 15 minutes or so, rinse it out. You will be amazed at how cuddly your curls are.

Natural Elements

According to Amy’s Skin Care (www.amyshouston.com), if you still cling to store-bought products, there are many affordable options out there. You just have to know which ones to look for. Keep an eye out for hair care products that have natural ingredients such as sheá, aloe, coconut and cocoa butter. Coconut milk shampoo, for instance, is a great moisturizer with a soothing scent that will leave your hair smelling fresh, says Elle. Another low-cost option is avocado butter that comes in a convenient tube for less than $10.

It’s easy to strip the oil from your hair when you over-style and shampoo every single day. Give your hair a rest in between by only washing every other day. Just by shampooing a few times a week instead of seven, you can save on the amount of product you have to buy.

When it comes to expensive treatments — shampoos, conditioners, mousses and gels — taking a frugal approach to hair care can be easy. You just have to get creative and not be afraid to try new things. Hit your local drug store to peruse the options available to you. By comparing prices and ingredients, you can settle on the best hair care products for your type of hair — whether dry and brittle or straight and oily. Affordable hair care treatments work just as well as the top of the line stuff, keeping more money in your wallet and your hair looking great. To complement your low-cost hair regimen, consider affordable laser hair removal as well!