I got high- and low-lights last time but she used a semi-perm dark color and it has faded significantly. She also didn't go as dark as I had hoped (not her fault, mine for not explaining well). Now my highlights are growing out enough to where I don't like my root growth. I'm considering getting an at-home, darker brownish color just for kicks.
I used to dye my hair all the time, usually Natural Instincts or Herbal Essences - nothing too dramatic. It's been so long that I've forgotten what to even look for.
Do you have product recommendations? I don't necessarily want to go super permanent, but am open to suggestions.
(Disclaimer: yes, my doctor is ok with me coloring my hair. I've asked.)
Re: anyone color their own hair?
I use Natural Instincts. I get the same color every time (need to color it again, actually) and touch up as needed. I'm always satisfied with how it turns out! I just make sure I've coated every strand, leave it on for the recommended length of time, wash and go! I always use the permanent color but I don't see why semi- wouldn't be just as effective/easy.
I decided to use at-home color because the salon is so dang expensive and I could no longer justify the expense even though we have the cash. I mean - really. It's just hair. Haha. I never get highlights anymore because it's too high maintenance.
I'm right there with you. I hadn't had them in about five years and then suddenly this fall decided to do it again. Can't afford it, not sure why I did it in the first place. Took me FOREVER to grow out the ones I had before, so I should have known how I'd feel about it at this stage. Ugh.
I like the Garnier Nutrisse color kit. The conditioner that comes with it is amazing and I like the depth of color that I get.
I was considering highlights to get rid of the winter blahs so I'm glad you posted this to remind me that I'm too cheap to keep them up.
I always color my own hair so take this FWIW. I've had a couple stylist tell me that the stuff in the drug store is as good as what they use.
I have no fear when it comes to coloring my hair. If I don't like, I will go back and buy another box and do it the same or next day.
I have been using Hydrience lately because it's been on sale. Price is what normally determines what I will buy. I also like Nice 'n Easy. Both of these are Clairol products.
I sometimes use the L'Oreal product that has the color and the highlight all in one box. It runs about $20, but I don't think it's any better than using 2 boxes of the above mentioned.
TTC #2 since 9/09 --- mild PCOS; Endometriosis
IUI x4 = BFN
IVF = sometime in 2012
Agh, I asked my first OB and she said that she wouldn't recommend it By no means am I saying that you shouldn't do it, I think it would be ok too, but since Jake heard her say it, he's going to make it stick to it.
I was trying to get back to my original color (med. brown) because the past couple years it just keeps getting lighter and lighter everytime I color it. I have a really severe root line and I curse at it every morning while fixing my hair.
Anyway, to your original question. I used a Clairol at-home kit once and was ok with the results after a little work. It came out a little purple/red, so I had to strip it with clarifying shampoo and VO5 oil. Eventually it returned to a more normal shade. For me the hardest part was trying to choose a color. The actual application was really easy.