Advice needed on hair colouring (merged)

marrowgirl

I'd probably start with a semi permanent, so if it isn't how you'd like it you don't have so long to wait til its back to normal.
For permanent colours, I've always got on well with L'oreal, although i've just tried a John Freida one which worked out well too. the L'oreal ones with the two colours in are good because you don't get a block of colour (red box) but are more expensive.
If you do a strand test you can work out how long it takes to get the colour you want too.
I've been colouring my hair for years and it's no hassle once you've got the hang of it.:D

itzmee

I recently used a L'oreal home colour (first time in years) but I didn't realise that it was permanent rather than semi-permanent as I just looked at the price (quite cheap at round a fiver) and the colour - Castile, which is a type of rich auburn. I didn't bother with a strand test but put it straight on and panicked for the next 20 minutes in case it didn't work out properly. Luckily it turned out brilliantly and I've had loads of compliments on the colour. Go for it.

suki1964

You cant go wrong with Loreal or Clairal imo as long as you do a skin test first.

Buy a tinting brush so you can bring the dye right to your hair line ( and use to do roots if grey is a problem) but basically home kits are massage on, wait the allotted time and rinse off - done

shopaholic.lady

home dies are good but dont expect it to be the excat colour you want straight away !! a lot of people assume that they colour it once and it will be the colour of the box but some times it can take a few applications to get the colour you want..make sure you do a skin test first !! best to be safe then sorry !!

eviebee

I use Boots Botanics semi-permanent dye and the colour is really nice and lasts quite a while. One thing i would recommend if you have mid-length to long is buying two bottles - the last thing you want is to run out halfway through application!

brokeinwales

I've dyed my own hair for many years and now almost prefer doing it myself to having it done at the hairdressers. I definetely back up the advice to start with a semi-permanent. They're much easier to use and kinder to your hair. Dying an auburny-brownish colour should be pretty straightforward to do at home - it's only really going lighter than your current colour that needs to be done professionally.

I've recently started using a dye called Naturtint, which I get from Holland & Barrett - seems to be pretty good, and it hasn't got nasties like parabens and ammonia in. I use one called "Mahogany" which is a sort of dark red. Be prepared to play around with development times the first few times you use it. It claims to be permanent but actually needs topping up every eight weeks or so.

Good tip for home dying is to cover your ears and hairline with vaseline - it'll help prevent you ending up with dyed skin.

Whatever you do, steer clear of anything involving red henna (people often think because it's natural it's a great idea - it's actually one of the most damaging things you can put on your hair. My hairdresser winces when anyone even mentions it!) - it'll turn your hair into a dry frizzy mess and your bathroom into a disaster zone!

Afitos

Hi,

Has anyone ever dyed their own hair over salon highlights?

I have been blond for years but carn't afford it anymore and was thinking that I would go back to my natural(ish!) brown. Can I put a brown dye over my bleached highlights? Some of it is really light .

I would be grateful for any advice

Sally

BOBS

Morning .... I have put dark brown permenant dye over caramel foils and it worked perfectly ... I am naturally dark brown and covered really well. I was advised not to use a colour with Ash in the title ... not sure why but wouldnt be using a light colour anyway.

Afitos

Hi,

Thanks. I think I will go for a medium brown.

Carn't really remember what my natural colour is ! I have had blonde colour for over 25 years!

just a bit nervous in case it goes green or something!

glowgirl_2

Colours with the word ash in have less red tones, so its really personal preferance, I am a fan of nice n easy, fab at covering grey and the colour seems to stay true for a bit longer than other brands, I have probably tried most of them, I usually choose a colour one or two shades lighter than I acually want as they always seem to turn out slightly darker then you would anticipate.