Whether you wear your hair natural, relaxed, long or short, keeping your mane tamed can break the bank and eat up your free time! But for some, the price and effort to ensure your tresses stay in check is worth it. That’s why we’re introducing this brand new series to spotlight our readers’ coolest ‘dos. Do you pay a pretty penny or do you know how to handle your hair with frugality? Send your submissions to [email protected] for a chance to break down the cost of your coif.

NAME: Nasoan Sheftel-Gomes

SIGNATURE STYLE: Free and colorful curls

PRICE TAG: Between $250 and $400 every 3-4 months

OCCUPATION/PASSION PROJECT: Public interest lawyer at a non-profit legal services organization

WHY THIS HAIRSTYLE?

I chose this particular color, which is a blend of magenta and purple, because I loved the vibrancy and the saturation. I was ready for a color that was dramatic. I had it done professionally.

I change my hair color and style often, because I get bored easily, and I love the transformation that comes with it. I also color my hair, because I am not quite ready to embrace the gray. Good color makes the curls pop, too! Who knows? By the time this is published, my color may have changed! As I always say, “I like my drama in my hair, not my life!”

MOST LAWYERS HAVE TO WEAR CONSERVATIVE HAIRSTYLES. HOW DO YOU GET AWAY WITH SUCH A BOLD COLOR?

I always get a lot of attention for my hair, because it is so curly and I usually wear my curls out and free. Both my kids love it! The four-year-old loves the pink! The teenager thinks it’s cool. Mostly, folks want to know what hair products I am using to get my curls to look so full.

A lot of people say they love the color, but wouldn’t be able to get away with it at work. I am fortunate, because even though I am a lawyer, I work for an organization where there is room for free expression in one’s attire and hair. My office mate rocks a purple streak and tattoos abound!

In court, it has never been an issue—not even when I was wearing my hair in a fro-hawk with the sides shaved. I am growing my hair out, and I look forward to experimenting with new styles soon.

WHAT PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES DO YOU USE TO STYLE YOUR HAIR THIS WAY?

I have my hair trimmed every 3-4 months. I also do a color touch-up at that time. It cost between $250 and $400.

The products I use change depending on the season, length and condition of my hair. Currently, I am washing my hair with No-Poo by Devacurl and Devacurl One Condition. I also love Jane Carter Solution Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo, Jane Carter Solution Moisture Nourishing Shampoo and Jane Carter Solution Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner. After I wash my hair, I use a leave-in conditioner.

I am now using Giovanni Cosmetics Direct Leave-in Weightless Moisture Conditioner. I like it, because it doesn’t weigh my curls down. I like my hair big. I use Moroccanoil Curl Control Mousse to encourage curl definition and light hold and shine.

I also really like L’anza ColorCare Trauma Treatment leave-in conditioner. It has great slip. Additionally, I use an oil mixture of equal parts olive oil, avocado oil and almond oil for shine and moisture after I put in my leave-in. I recently started using Devacurl Styling Cream and love the way it leaves my curls feeling soft and voluptuous, but not crunchy or dry.

Follow Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond on Instagram @nanaekuawriter.