You mentioned coloring it monthly, what about cutting back to every 6 weeks to 8 weeks if you want to continue coloring. There is very little root showing at this point and it spreads the cost out over time. My stylist suggested this to cut down the cost, and it is surprising how little the roots show at especially 6 weeks, but makes a big difference cost-wise. Sometimes even with some colors the effect can be be fun at 8 -10 weeks to have your roots show. When I used to do hair shows, they would color me on purpose with roots for specific hair cuts. Some pretty cool effects, less maintenance, and less cost.