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Coloring hair at home

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MichelleCarmen

MichelleCarmen

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Does anyone color their hair themself? It''s been years and years since I dyed my hair myself (way back in high school), but am contemplating it again. Whenever I go into the salon, they always dye it super dark and once it was so dark and I was so pale at the time, I ended up looking goth! I had to go to a wedding like that.
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Anyway, family is getting together for a memorial and I''d like to revamp my current mousy hair for something subtle but flattering. . . I''m wondering which home kits aren''t too risky. I just want to warm my hair NOT turn it shades darker.

Should I just go to a salon and get highlights instead?
 
Hmmmm, my experiences have been different than SDL's. I have found that home products and salon colorings both look and last about the same. I have fading with each (it's pretty much unavoidable), and one is not better or worse than the other. In fact, one of my best friends is a hair stylist and she says she is very impressed with the quality of the drug store products on the market today.

Anyway, after MANY YEARS of getting my hair professionally colored and highlighted I have been doing it at home for the last few years. Well, actually, DD does mine and I do hers. We experiment with different colors and shades, we even highlight and lowlight (via foils)... and we always really like what we end up with. We have become quite proficient, if I do say so myself!
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We used drugstore products at first, but recently we went to a hair supply store and bought our products there (cheaper! plus the bleach products are stronger than what is in the drugstore products).

But for all you want to do, (jazz up your basic natural hair color), I absolutely think you could get what you want from the drugstore and do it yourself. Just pick a name brand, L'oreal, Clairol, etc., and read the box!

One thing I would suggest is pick a shade LIGHTER than you think you would want. My experience has been that the colors (drug store and professional) seem to come out darker than expected. For example, my natural hair color is what I would call a medium soft brown, but to match it I have to use a medium ash BLONDE hair color. "Medium browns" make my hair very dark, like a coffee color. This may not be your experience, this could just be my hair... but I thought I'd pass it along.

If you get your hair way too dark the first time you get brave and try it at home, you would likely get discouraged, and that would be a shame! So my humble advice
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would be to try a lighter color at first, keep track of what you use... and play around a little. It's really quite fun, and DD and I save each other a BUNDLE OF $$$ !!!!
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I've only done at home stuff, so I can't compare it to the salon. I prefer the semi-permanent stuff (level 2, 28 washes). I think Natural Instincts is the one I usually get. I like it because by the time my hair grows much, its started fading, so I never really get roots showing.

I totally agree with Lynn B about going lighter than you think you should! I ended up with hair much darker and redder than I expected last time I dyed it. The box tells you not to wash your hair for 24 hours, but I washed mine with Dawn dishsoap (I didn't have Prell shampoo, the other recommended thing to remove dye) about 6 times within 8 or 12 hours of dying it, and it toned the color down alot, and within a week of normal shampooing, it was want I wanted. So even if you mess it up, its generally fixable.

So, I would get a color close to your natural color, just a warmer shade, and do it at least a week or two before your big event. If you have time to do a trial a few months in advance, that might be good. I would also make sure you have someone there to help point out any spots you may miss on the back of your head, so you are sure to get the color everywhere.

I wouldn't recommend the level 1 (7-10 washes), as I think it tends to look more artificial and washes out quickly, or the level 3 (permanent) as your stuck with it if you don't like it. I've been happy with the level 2, it usually takes the color about 2 months to completely come out of my hair. Your experiences may vary, of course.
 
I have had very good luck with the home stuff. I have used many colors and prefer l''oreal the most. Try to pick something fairly close to your natural hair color and lighter than you think you want.

As for fading, the three best preserve colors are as follows. Keep your hair out of the sun; the UV rays fade the color. Because of my fair skin I don''t sun bathe and I wear hats, so that goes a long way to preserving my color.
Heat raises the scales on the outside of hair, exposing the color within so it fades faster and it also damages the hair so avoiding styling products that use heat will help.
Cold water. At the end of the shower, rinse your hair in cold water. It sounds unpleasant, but it causes the scales to lay flat which holds in the color, keeps the hair strong and makes it shinnier.
 
Okay, thanks gals. I''ll go ahead and pick something out this week and dye it when my husband can watch my younger son.

The memorial is set for about a month from now (still working on an exact date), so there is enough time to fix any mess ups I may have! The worst that could happen is that it turns green. In my early 20s my best friend turned my hair green and I refused to talk to her for a month!!! lol
 
Haha, I had green hair once, too... and it was an expensive salon job!

The green sometimes come from a color that is too ashy... but my friend the hairstylist says that most hair colors nowadays use a violet base, rather than a green base, for helping to eliminate that problem. So I wouldn''t worry about that too much!

If you tend to go brassy, which some hair just seems prone to do, using an ash color will help. Also, using those purple deeply pigmented shampoos will help keep hair from going brassy, too.

You really can''t screw it up too bad, so don''t worry. Honestly, just about everything is totally *fixable*!
 
I got my hair highlighted for a couple years and got frustrated at the constant expense of keeping it up, plus it never came out just how I wanted. I decided to use Natural Instincts to cover up the highlights. It worked pretty well! In fact, it is supposed to be temporary, but it was darker than the highlight color, so it''s been fairly permanent.

I don''t trust myself to do anything complex though, so if I was changing color drastically or doing highlights I would go to a salon.
 
I''ve colored my own for more than 15 years now, and it''s a piece of cake.

I use the beauty supply house line of products, and I find them to hold up as well as the salon products in terms of fading/wear.
 
Date: 5/12/2008 3:06:34 PM
Author: Allison D.
I've colored my own for more than 15 years now, and it's a piece of cake.

I use the beauty supply house line of products, and I find them to hold up as well as the salon products in terms of fading/wear.
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Ditto Alj. I have also used a L'Oreal blonde for many years, it works great. Also that is always best, to choose a colour one shade lighter than your target colour, for example, if you want your hair a light brown, pick a dark blonde. I am so used to doing my colour now, it is just part of my overall ' maintenance!' Also I do around my hairline and parting every 2 weeks to blend in the bits I can see, then do the whole head once a month, this keeps the colour even to minimise the appearance of regrowth.
 
Thanks again!

Today I checked out the shades for all the semi-permanent and found a few I like, but I''m going to visit Target first to see if there are better colors there. The shades that seemed prettiest are the brown with a hint of honey and the ones with the hint of red.

We''re going to a charity event later this week, so it''d probably be better if I wait until after that to possibly screw up my hair! lol I''ll post before and after shots when I take the plunge this weekend.
 
MC,
I have highlighted my hair probably about 50 times. I usually use a cap highlighting kit from a drugstore. I have dyed it probably about 100 times myself. My stylist has had to fix it about 3 times because I was afraid I'd mess it up even worse. I obviously love to experiment with my hair color, but luckily you'd never be able to tell because I take super good care of my hair(besides dyeing it).

My natural color is a light brown with honey highlights from the sun.

A year ago I decided that I didn't want any warmth in my hair anymore (I'd been dyeing it espresso for a long time, and it would wash out the brown to leave the red) because it had faded to my natural color-only with a lot of red in it. Well it had grown out about an inch. I decided the best plan of action was to bleach it as white as possible, and then dyeing it very close to my natural color. Well. I ended up looking like Leeloo from the Fifth element. Seriously, yellow on the roots, and orange everywhere else. I immediately went to Sally Beauty Supply and bought violet toner, and called my hair stylist. I set up an appointment for the next day and I used the toner to make it all yellow instead of mostly orange (which worked!). And luckily the next day I got it colored to my natural color-which ended up being a bit too light, and washed out even lighter. But it was still better than orange, and it was a natural color at least. Since then I've only dyed from where the natural color roots are, to the ends, letting the natural color grow back in.

One thing I have noticed about salon color versus drugstore color is that my hair gets less fried when I get it done in the salon-even after I've done my best to fry it.

I promised BF, my mom, my friends and my stylist (24 years!) that I wouldn't do it myself anymore.

So, I say, be overly cautious, and have a salon's number handy. Also-try a golden shade before you do a "warm" tone-because when the "warm" stuff washes out-it leaves the red, and often that's not the result you want.

Here's an image of what Freke's hair looked like a year ago for 24 hours (certainly not quite as bright, but the effect was certainly the same):

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I''ve been dying my hair a medium-dark brown for many years now. I used L''Oreal Feiria (drugstore and salon formulas) for a long time... it''s a bit more transparent than some more permanent colors and let whatever fake or natural highlights you have show through. It does fade over time though, and it turns out that the auburn I was using fades more quickly than other shades (red has large molecules, according to my hairdresser). So I''m using a more permanent clairol formula now... the downside is that it''s more obvious when the roots grow in. *sigh* I also add my own subtle highlights, just using a lighter color in a formula with bleach in it and foil. It takes some time but the highlights last a long time, so it''s worth it.

I love the cost savings -- a two-step color job like I like, with touch-ups, would cost quite a bit at the salon. And really, I think it looks as good as most standard (read: reasonably priced) salon jobs, and better than many. I did make one or two mistakes along the way, however... like the time I ended up with almost purple hair!
 
Date: 5/12/2008 6:56:23 PM
Author: MC
Today I checked out the shades for all the semi-permanent and found a few I like, but I''m going to visit Target first to see if there are better colors there. The shades that seemed prettiest are the brown with a hint of honey and the ones with the hint of red.
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My hair is kind of a mousey dark blonde/light brown color, and I used the Spiced Tea because I wanted a hint of red. Holy way too much red! If you go with that one (or something similar), your hair better be way darker than mine was, or leave it on for way less time (I think I did the higher end of the recommended time)!

I''d probably vote for a honey brown shade--the reds can be a little unpredictable. Good luck and can''t wait to see pictures!
 
Like laine, I also use the Clairol Natural Instincts semi-permanent stuff. I only do my roots because my hair is really dark so it''s obvious when the whites start to come in. I use Nutmeg and it matches my hair exactly. I agree with trying a lighter shade and doing semi-permanent. Good luck, let us know how it turns out!
 
I have colored my hair at home a few times. I usually use Loreal Feria in a cherry chocolate color, but I can not remember the name of it. I have to say, it is very very easy as long as you don''t do highlights.

It comes with gloves but I suggest you use a stronger/tighter pair as I always get the color and water in the inside of the gloves and it is a pain to remove the stain. The gloves they come with are always too loose.

Also, if you have longish hair, invest in one of those really big hair clips to hold your hair up once the color is applied.

Lastly, cover up your bathroom floor and sink and be careful not to move it too much or squeeze it too hard when applying as I accidently did that and I got spots all over the bathroom floor, sink and walls.

Anyway, good luck!
 
Freke - my hair ended up like that too. Same hair style and all. Luckily I was young enough to pull it off for the few days it took to get it fixed! Now, there is no way since I''m 35. The moms at my son''s school would NOT approve.
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Laine - spiced tea is one of the two colors I picked out, but just wasn''t sure so I held off. It''s such a hard decision and also, the BIG deal is making sure the colors don''t clash with clothes I''ll be wearing in spring, like pinks and light blues! Gotta find a forgiving shade.
 
Date: 5/14/2008 1:10:04 PM
Author: MC
Laine - spiced tea is one of the two colors I picked out, but just wasn''t sure so I held off. It''s such a hard decision and also, the BIG deal is making sure the colors don''t clash with clothes I''ll be wearing in spring, like pinks and light blues! Gotta find a forgiving shade.
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If your hair is more of a medium brown, spiced tea would probably be fine, it was just too much on my lighter hair. And the clashing thing hadn''t crossed my mind, until I put on a magenta colored shirt which looked absolutely awful! Glad you thought about it in advance!
 
Hi, I will add my 2cents. I colored my hair for years at home. Off and on, doing different colors, semi perm color, permanent color ect ect. In between I would go to a salon and have something new done as well. Always went back to home coloring as I thought I could do just as well. Than the two color box kit came out. All over one color and than the hi-lights all in one box! I was in luv with home color as this added so much dimension.
THAN I started going grey and I was having to color every 4 weeks as I hated my roots to show, plus as I am aging the color seems to fade so much easier and by the time the 4 weeks rolled around I was really wanting to color because it had faded so much and gotten brassy and just not looking very nice. So I bit the bullet and went back to a salon. However, I have found the most wonderful hairstylist ever! She has so much vision for color. She keeps up on all the new color trends and takes classes on it all the time to keep up and fresh with all the new ways to do color on people. I can now go almost 10 weeks before I need to color, PLUS it does not fade like the box colors did. She plays with my color and last time I did 4 different colors between the peek a boo in the back , all over color and two different highlights. She can face frame highlights and low lights unlike anyone else I have ever gone to...........I just luv her!!!!!! I have long layerd hair. Last time I went in to have my hair touched up I came in and she told me...I have been dreaming about your hair you know...I know the perfect highlight color to use today. hehehehehehehe Man I felt like I was being oh so pampered. I also told her this next winter i want to go dark ...maybe a choc color with high lights...she said she has already been thinking that as well and has some color called truffle something or other that she has thought would look great on me.....
I figured out cost between home and salon and.........I am spending about 30 bucks more each time I color having it done by my hairstylist than doing it on my own. Pus it''s so much more fun going to the salon....however if it were not for my grey. I would most likely still be doing the 2 color box. Finding a good hairstylist though is half the battle as well. I have been to some doozies over the years. I am so so so thankful I finally found Amy.....

okay in conclusion, if you want to do it at home. Do not go more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural and I recommend the two color kit.Loreal has this.... All over color and than some great highlights to add some fun. DO not be afraid of the highlights. When you put them on, the highlighted hair will rest on the parts of your hair you are not highlighting but don''t worry . It will not lighten that part as well. I had great luck with those kits. I just got bored because there are not as many selections as in a salon...Just do small sections for the highlights. Keep them even by putting them in the same place on both sides of your head. Start at the back and work your way around. Of coarse this is after you do the full color first...Good luck and let us know what you decide!!!!!! Have fun!
 
For all over color, I've been known to do my own. :) DO pick one shade lighter than you think, and as long as you're not trying to make a significant change (like if you're a light brown, don't go deep auburn), you'll be fine. I swear by Natural Instincts. Also, rinse out until the water is really clear and still use an old towel for a day or two.
 
Okay, gals. I bought Navajo Brown by Natural Instincts - semi-permanent. Light warm brownish with a hint of red (or at least the box LOOKS that color) It''s called another shade. I''m going to dye it monday as tonight we''re going into a hot tub and I''m afraid the chemicals may mess with the hair color.
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Looks like a great color! Take before and after pics for us.
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Date: 5/17/2008 1:46:51 PM
Author: MC
Okay, gals. I bought Navajo Brown by Natural Instincts - semi-permanent. Light warm brownish with a hint of red (or at least the box LOOKS that color) It''s called another shade. I''m going to dye it monday as tonight we''re going into a hot tub and I''m afraid the chemicals may mess with the hair color.
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So where are those after pictures? Hmmm?


I have used only semi-permanent L''oreal Color Spa. I''m a brunette, and I usually choose a warmer, lighter brown than my own color. This really works well for me, turning out like ''real hair'' with shade variations instead of that dreaded flat one-color look.
 
Date: 5/21/2008 7:20:09 PM
Author: HollyS

So where are those after pictures? Hmmm?


I have used only semi-permanent L''oreal Color Spa. I''m a brunette, and I usually choose a warmer, lighter brown than my own color. This really works well for me, turning out like ''real hair'' with shade variations instead of that dreaded flat one-color look.
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hehehe I know. The two boxes are still sitting on my counter next to my sink. . . lol Things keep coming up which give me a good excuse just to wait a few days longer.
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(oh and the color is navajo bronze - had the name wrong)

When you dye your hair with a lighter shade, does it permantely lighten your hair to an extent?


Oh, question for everyone: how long after you dye your hair do you wait to wear jewelry again? I''m afraid of the dye rubbing off on my necklace. Sometimes I wait a few weeks.
 
The excess colour should be out of your hair easily by the first if not the second wash :)
 
My semi-permanent choice (Color Spa) will lighten my hair slightly, and mine stays a bit longer than the usual 20+ shampoos because I shampoo immediately before (you aren''t supposed to) and let it stay on 20-25 minutes instead of 15. I don''t recommend this for everyone or every color; it just works best for me. Excess rinses out right away, and jewelry shouldn''t be a problem.
 
I''ve colored at home and had it done in a salon and the color stays FOREVER both ways. I''m not sure if it''s because my hair is naturally curly but it seems like the color I dye it turns into my new "natural." I''ve never gone lighter, though.

I usually wait 2-3 washes before I wear necklaces or use nice towels, but it really probably would be fine after the first or second wash.

Good luck!
 
Hi gals,

Thanks again for all your comments. I finally bit the bullet and dyed my hair. The color is wonderful. It''s a dark brown with reddish color in it. It turned out 10X better than the salon and after this, I do not think I''d again pay $70+ to get my hair done, when I can buy two boxes of dye for under $20.

Of course, the downside is the mess. During the cleanup I only missed one streak of dye, so the house I''m selling has a hairdye streak on the bathroom cabinet!!!! Luckily it blends into the wood grain so it won''t be a deal breaker.
 
Pics?
 
Here is a photo. Not the best of shots, but I just took the photo here a second ago while my husband was out of the room. He''d think I was insane if he caught me photographing my hair!

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Date: 5/30/2008 8:11:44 PM
Author: MC
Hi gals,


Thanks again for all your comments. I finally bit the bullet and dyed my hair. The color is wonderful. It's a dark brown with reddish color in it. It turned out 10X better than the salon and after this, I do not think I'd again pay $70+ to get my hair done, when I can buy two boxes of dye for under $20.


Of course, the downside is the mess. During the cleanup I only missed one streak of dye, so the house I'm selling has a hairdye streak on the bathroom cabinet!!!! Luckily it blends into the wood grain so it won't be a deal breaker.
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Try mixing some cigarette ash (if you know anyone that smokes) and some water to make a paste and see if that will take it off I know it is the easiest way to get dye stains off your skin.


ETA the colour looks fantastic :)
 
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