Coloring your hair at home? LA Times points out that as more of us are pinching pennies these days it is less likely a $220 color at the salon is still making it into the monthly budget. Depending on how often you need color it can really get expensive. While coloring you hair at home can be cost-effective, here are some tips to make it a little less risky:

First, find out if you have a warm or cool complexion. Lisa Evans, senior colorist at Salon Mario Russo in New York, in an LA Times article, says you're probably warm if you have golden, olive or dark skin, and women with fair skin and light eyes are generally cool. Evans says warmer tones should looks for shades that have words in their descriptions such as bronze, auburn or gold. For cool tones, stick with ash blonds or cool browns. Some companies evens state right on the box if it is cool or warm-toned product.

David Dawson, senior colorist at Tom Brophy Salon in Beverly Hills, says to stick with a shade that is within 1-2 tones of your natural color. He says if you do not like the results go to a professional- don’t keep dying and try to fix at home.

A couple other things to note- always follow instructions and don’t try to be too daring. Unless you have it down to a science I think highlights and low-lights should be done professionally. I have seen some seriously spotted hair come out of one of those highlight-cap situations! Also- protect your bathroom, dye usually looks like conditioner, but when it develops it can stain walls, tiles, towels… you name it!

While you are on your own at the store, clairol.com offers and interactive feature that could help you pick the right shade. You may want to do your homework first!