By Betsy Vereckey -- AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — If you're like many other Americans watching their spending, the recession might have affected your grooming routine.
Tighter credit, rising unemployment and higher interest rates all have shoppers scaling back on discretionary spending, but you don't have to spend a lot to look your best.
Celebrity hairdresser Ted Gibson, who has styled starlets Angelina Jolie, Renee Zellweger and Anne Hathaway, says all it takes is a willingness to look around and get creative.
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"I think that's what it's really about in this economy," says Gibson, who just launched a hair care line in Target that costs between $14.99 and $26.
There are ways to spend less and look perfectly groomed that don't entail a trip to the salon for expensive highlights or dropping by the department store for pricey designer fragrances. Here are a few ideas:
1. GET CREATIVE: You'd be amazed what a little epsom salt or baking soda can accomplish.
For a gentle facial, mix a half-teaspoon of epsom salt with your facial cleanser to exfoliate your skin. You can even add 2 cups of epsom salt for a relaxing soak in your bathtub.
Need fresh breath, but don't want to spend a lot on mouthwash? Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to half a glass of water: swish, spit and rinse.
Gibson says you can even sprinkle a little bit of baby powder on your scalp to soak up oil, and you won't need to shampoo as often.
