Help...need To Dye Hair at Home

I've used a couple of the drugstore brands to good result. But I always went for the temporary (6 wks) kind. I'm not sure if they would cover your dyed/greys evenly.

Have you tried asking your stylist? I'm sure she'd be helpful, especially if you explain and promise to come back when you can. They usually have a lot of helpful ideas to save money on hair.

Hi M.
sorry to hear your husband got laid off :(
As for the grey hair and covering it. First, you may want to ask your stylist her oppinion. I have a lot of grey too, and my stylist who knows I dye my hair some of the time to save money told me that "C" formulas wk to cover grey. If you ever look at a color box it will have letters on it. Now, I use a natural based color by NATURTINT << you can usually get this is a healthfood store, it's not like HENNA which doesnt actually cover GREY hair , this stuff actually does. I "used" to be a blonde but since I'm fair skinned I can usually go from blonde to lighter browns with a shade of red. I use 5C.. I have found that it covers quite nicely, the only thing is.. when I do it myself, I don't get all the highlights. but otherwise, it covers nicely and is about 15 bucks. it's worth a try. follow the instructions on the box. Naturtint doesn't have many of the harsh chemicals that regular dyes have.
Additionally, DEF check with your stylist she can tell you what spectrum of color (a,b,c, d or f) will wk on GREY hair..
it can be tricky to color.

good luck

Hi M. - I am also letting my salon highlights/lowlights (weave) grow out, but my color was permanent, so I cannot use an over the counter hair dye over it or I could have a disaster on top of my head! I called the Clairol advice line, and they advised me to go back to my stylist and have her change my color to an all-over color that would work with one of their hair color shades. I choose not to go back and in the meanwhile I have used John Frieda Color Glazes quite well. They are not a dye or even a rinse, just a temporary glaze or wash of color that blends grays and helps to make my growing out natural portion on top blend with the rest of my hair. I use Brilliant Brunette Color Glaze Chestnut to Espresso (Walgreeens) and had to order online the Amber to Maple color which is not longer carried in stores (blends my blonde salon highlights well). I combine both. Good luck -I am sure you will find a way that works for you until the economy/jobs begin to grow, and spending money at the salon is in all of our budgets again. Also, please visit my mom-based businesses: www.referralco-op.com www.findgreenhere.com www.valleytravelconnections.com
I am a medical transcriptionist but also am building a XanGo business and more and more people are giving networking/referral marketing with XanGo a second look when they see the compensation plan and my personal system (referral co-op) to make the XanGo Comp plan work for you with very little out of pocket expense and building a business fast. I invite you and your husband to take a look and contact me to discuss over a cup of coffee!
Sincerely, V. Garnese Wishing you and your loved ones happy holidays, and a healthy and prosperous future!

Hi M.,
I read your question and I understand the financial situation, and you are trying to save money. The home hair color kits are relatively easy to use for most. There will be some difficulty if you are trying to achieve the same look that you were getting at the salon. There are highlighting kits available as well. Loreal has one on the market that seems easy to use. Being that your hair color is fairly light, you should be able to produce a highlighted effect with some help from a girlfriend or your husband. I am a licensed cosmetologist, but I've used many of the lines available to the consumer. The biggest difference is the price and the actual application of the color. While I empathize with the financial situation, my other suggestion to use is look for a cosmetology school that offers color services or even modeling for a salon.
I know that this is difficult, and maybe that isn't the answer you are looking for, but I hope this will help a little. I have had clients who needed to scale back their services in between, etc., but I did advise them on what products they could use from the "kits." Conceivably, you can color your hair, but there will always be a degree of complexity that comes with coloring. There will always be a contradiction to the rule that is taught in color theory. It has happened to me in the salon and while coloring my own hair. You need to decide whether or not you want to continue the "highlighted" look or you want to go lighter or darker. When you have made that decision, you can go forward with the selection of color. My only strong advice to you is this: don't go any more than 2 shades lighter or darker than your natural color if you are coloring one shade. Most kits have a 800 number for technical advice as well. If you want to do the highlighting kits, just follow all the directions. I believe there might even be a website for instructions if you need it. These are all factors you need to consider before you color. I could be completely wrong, and your color could turn up perfect the way you want it. (That is best case scenario) Just make sure you know what you look you are trying to achieve before you begin. I wish you luck, and if you have any questions- please don't hesitate to write.
I have read all the responses; and I commend all the ladies who said to go talk with your stylist. She might be able to advise you on what you can use. It can't hurt to ask, right? Let me know how it turns out! Good luck and happy holidays.
J. A.

I use Natural Instincts by Clairol after doing my own research on the web. The only thing I don't like about it is that my grays are very resistant to color and the color doesn't last as long as indicated on the box. Very nice color and conditioner.

Regards,
V.

Try San Jose City College beauty school. They might be able to do everything at a fraction of the cost. There are teachers watching over the students and the work is great. However, it does take a little longer to have the work done and the hours they're open for business are limited.

I just did my own hair at home and was very successful! And not only did I do it myself, but it came out pretty good! I really like Couleur Experte by L'Oreal. You can go on their website and get lots of different ideas and advice for the right color and kit. This particular kit, has both, in one. All over color and highlights!! I love it. I've used it serveral times now and I've never been disappointed. One special note: If you have long hair, buy 2 kits! They cost @ $14.00 each! Good Luck!

Hi M..

If I had the same hair dresser for 18 years I would go back to her and tell her the situation and see if she would help you with it. Or if she would do your hair for cost plus a tip.
I always do my own using natural instincts (Walmart)
its messy but worth the price.

Good Luck!
C.

First I must say please dont let people who make judgements on your choosing to continue coloring your hair make you feel guilty or badly. Now that being said most woman will agree if a little thing like hair color or makeup, shaving your legs ect, makes you feel better about yourself during an obviously stressful time, you go girl!!!!

Enough of that I have been using Clairol Root touch up. Because I have also highlighted for years and have three blended colors, I have been using 3 colors of the touch up. As your hairdresser does, just alternate the colors trying not to blend them. Hair always colors better dirty, I think it helps stay separated to assure a better out come. It only last two maybe three week for my hair (because I am white in places, too many places :))but my bbf uses it and it lasts her 5 weeks or longer if she stretches it. I buy it at Target and Longs when it's on sale. It's like 5 or 6 dollars.

I believe a woman named Kristin responded and said she is a hairdresser and told you to speak to your h/d directly, I thought that was very good advise and hope you take it. Good luck and good hair to you. :)

Hi M.,

I have always had great results with Clairol's Natural Instincts. It is a temporary color that covers grey and roots while picking up highlights. I hope this helps.

Hi M.,

I am a hairdresser and do not recommend doing your own hair.You will pay more to have a hairdresser fix your mistake then to have it done professionally to begin with. I fix home jobs all the time.

You are not able to purchase the same products that we use as a professional and it does not come out the same.

Good luck.

Happy Holidays.

N. Marie

Hi M.,

As a hairdresser, here's my advice...talk to your hairdresser. You obviously have a well established relationship with her and she deserves to know what's going on. She is also the best person to tell you what to use over-the-counter. She knows your hair and how it takes color. Just be up front and ask her directly for her advice. I'm always happy to oblige a client with suggestions of how to "do it themselves" when money gets tight. I want them to come back when times get better! AND, if you just wing it and mess it up - it's going to cost you 3-4 times as much to have your hairdresser do a color correction. When our hair looks good - we feel good!! Please just talk to her!

M.,

Go back to your hairdresser and tell her your situation. See what you two can work out. I would not do it at home by yourself until you know what your doing. You should find out what colors she used on your hair because that will have a direct effect on how your color turns out. Sometimes the colors from the boxes can have drastic results with the chemistry from your hair. Just be careful~ If you do decide to do it at home, get a level 1 (6-12 washes) to see if you like the color then you can get a semi-permanent or permanent if you really like it. I like Clairol and Natural Instincts.

Take care,

Molly

Hi M.,

I made the switch to home hair dye "Preference by Loreal" and it looks totally natural. I used to spend a fortune on getting my hair dyed and highlighted, but my hair is actually in better condition now that I'm no longer highlighting it. The color is medium brown and it looks great, covers my grays and still leaves subtle highlights. I use Clairol touch-up in medium brown for those pesky gray hairs that pop up after 3 weeks. You only need to do the full hair color 2-3 times a year. Touch-up in between. Good luck.

"my husband just got laid from his job"...wow that sounds like a way more serious issue than hair dye! LMAO!!!!

really though....my question....have you considered quitting dyeing your hair and letting all your grays grow out to show your natural hair?