Help! Looks ravaged by illness - budget fixes, please?

[Resurgam]

I'm recovering from a serious illness and am just starting to take an interest in my appearance again following several months of treatment.

I recently got my colours done as a treat, which was a real boost and has helped me sort out my wardrobe - make-up sorting is next. But I've been sad to see the toll ill-health has taken on my looks, particularly my hair and teeth.

I'm on a low income at the moment (ssp) so I'd be really grateful if anyone can help out with suggestions on how to fix the following on a budget:

Hair - it's long-ish and I've got in the habit of mostly wearing it tied back. I could probably do with a re-style but even when I'm well I CBA with spending ages on blowdrying etc, so any new look would have to be low maintenance.

Colour-wise I'm naturally a mousy-blonde and have had highlights for years. Sadly I've gone massively grey in the past few months, so am now sporting a grim combo of streaky grey and mouse roots with grown-out and faded blonde and caramel lights

I've been tempted to just whack a semi-permanent on the whole lot (and even went as far as buying a box of golden brown home-dye as I fancy a change and would like to go darker and warmer), but am I just making a big rod for my own back if I do this?

Teeth - let me start by saying I am extremely dental phobic at the best of times. My dentist is lovely but very expensive, and the last time I saw him (before my diagnosis) he was pretty adamant (in the nicest possible way) that I'd have to see the hygienist. As the root of my phobia started with frightening and painful "treatment" at the hands of a sadistic hygienist, I haven't been back since

But my teeth are now stained as a result of the medication I've been taking. They make me not want to smile. Can I insist that he just cleans them cosmetically for me without messing around with my gums? I really can't face seeing the hygienist at the moment as I'm still too fragile to cope with much physical (or mental!) pain.

Also I don't have the mega-bucks needed to embark on a series of gum-cleaning visits, even if I felt mentally tough enough to deal with it. Can anyone recommend a one-off cosmetic dental treatment which doesn't break the bank? I'm prepared to go to a different practice if it's just a one-off.

TIA everyone and sorry this is so long.

Good to hear you are recovering. I'm not great at advice but wondered if you'd tried crest strips for your teeth? You can buy them on the intranet just be careful if your illness has damaged the enamel and they can make your teeth a bit sensitive. I used them recently and I was pleased with the results, not quite a hollywood smile but a few shades lighter. A good dentist should be able to recommend treatment.

I would go for a consultation at a hairdressers for your hair as most of the good ones do it for free! See what they say, or ask around for a good hairdresser who does home visits. I would be a bit careful with home colourants but if you do, go for a semi-permanent.

Most of all take good care of yourself and keep getting better.

I would recommend oil cleansing. That is mega cheap and its really restored my skin - looking ropey post baby. A tiny bottle of Marrocan Oil at 12 gbp will last ages and that has made a big improvement to my hair. I have unruly frizzy bits and grey strands and the oil just seems to hide that really well (for 2 days anyway and you have to blow dry properly). I use a Loreal Recital permanent every 3-4 months and its good but then I don't have any hi-lights and I always use the same colour. Hope you continue to get better :)

For your hair see if any salons or local colleges need models. You can get a professional colour & cut & blow dry at a fraction of the cost.
A tinted moisturiser will give a nice glow to your skin. If you can find a facial illuminator/ highlighter mix a small amount with foundation or tinted moisturiser to boost the skin.

Use a lengthening mascara & some lipstick with a shine.

Once a week do a conditioning treatment on your hair & a face mask.

If it's cancer you've been through, have you seen this? They have workshops all over the country and should be able to help you feel better. Glad to hear you're recovering.