INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Mulch will keep the soil moist and helps nurture your plants while they adjust to the soil. Heavier mulches (like gorilla hair mulch and shredded wood or rock) are preferable in rain gardens to prevent them from floating away. A 2-3 inch (5-7.6 centimeters) layer covering the topsoil is preferred. After the second year, mulching is unnecessary but can be continued for aesthetic purposes. During the first few years or in periods of severe drought, you will need to water your garden in addition to the runoff it receives. Water your garden with about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 centimeters) per week. After several years, your plants will have fully established root systems and need less care. From then onward, only water your garden if it has not rained for 10 days (or if you notice signs of underwatering). Signs of overwatering: brown or yellowing leaves, plant blisters or lesions, and grey, slimy roots. Signs of underwatering: stunted growth, dry soil, wilting plants, and dry, discolored leaves. For the first few years, your garden will be vulnerable to weeds so monitor your garden regularly. Remove weeds from the root to avoid regrowth. Once or twice a month is ideal to keep your plants healthy. After several years, your garden should be strong enough to handle itself beyond the occasional weed. Once a week, enter your rain garden and look for garden erosion or unhealthy plants. If any trash has washed into your rain garden, remove it along with any invading weeds. Check your garden several days after rain storms to make sure no standing water remains. If your rain garden has standing water for several days, your plants may become overhydrated. Add more organic mulch and topsoil to your rain garden to elevate the area and absorb the water quickly. If your rain garden is under a downspout, make sure to clean your gutters regularly so that water can reach the plants.

SUMMARY: Add mulch to your garden for the first two years. Water your plants regularly, especially in dry spells. Weed your garden regularly. Inspect your garden often.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Part of the reason that balayage is so popular is that it doesn't require touch-up trips to the salon; it will grow out very naturally. Keep an eye on the color and simply repeat the process whenever you think your color needs a pick-me-up, every 2-3 months. You can even let your balayage go longer and transition it to an ombre look. To keep your highlights looking fresh, opt for a color-correcting shampoo and conditioner combo that won't fade your dye prematurely. Using products made for dyed hair will also keep your highlights from getting dark or brassy. If you have have naturally blonde hair, keep your highlights from turning brassy or yellow by using a purple shampoo or spray once or twice a week. However, don't use it too often, as it can give your hair a purple tint. Even the small amount of hair dye used in balayage can dry out your strands, leaving them stiff and hard to style. To keep your hair healthy, apply a hydrating hair mask once a week. You can buy a hair mask at a beauty store or online, or make your own. To make keep your hair healthy and moisturized, rinse and wash it with cool or lukewarm water instead of hot water, which can strip moisture. It's also best to shower every other day or once every few days; washing your hair too often can make it dry and brittle.

SUMMARY:
Repeat your balayage process when your hair needs more color. Wash with a color-correcting, low-sulfate shampoo and conditioner. Apply a hair mask once a week to hydrate your strands. Shower every other day with lukewarm water.