Beauty Discussions

I'm not stylist so I probably can't help with tips or tricks. However, I used to color my own hair at home and it was a total mess plus my hair health suffered as well. My hair became really dry and damaged after using home coloring products. In my opinion, paying a salon to color my hair is totally worth the price.

Nice to have you here and starting fun threads like this! Welcome :)

I never EVER color my hair.  EVER.

What hair?? :-)  LOL

actually I usually color my hair at home. I haven't had it done in over a year at a salon.  I usually only go to salons when I decide on highlights which they can do much more efficiently and effectively than I can.  There are several ways to color your hair at home.  A recent science fair project showed that Garnier Nutri. is the one that last the longest, but I have found that it also can dry your hair out.  It also depends on what color you want to color your hair, do you have gray to cover and are looking for the closest natural match as well as are you prepared for what happens if you don't like the results (a friend called me first thing in the AM one day last week with an emergency!) it was that her hair was the color of wima flintstones.

my advice, go to the salon the first time or first couple of times to determine the color you actually want. after that do your research on a site just like this one to determine what other consumers like.  My stylist even gave me a "hint" of what I could use at home in between salons because of the costs of salon coloring (I have  a lot of hair)

No matter what, be sure to get a great conditioner with it, so your hair doesn't dry or frizz. You could even just try a glaze on your own or at the salon to get your feet wet.

Good luck and happy hair!

I used to be a Cozmo in a  few salons...retired from that because of a locking shoulder (nothing worse then doing hair and asking someone to move their head around because I am locked up lol). I also had issues in salons...as far as the prices they charge...don't get me going there.

 Anyway doing your hair at home is easy.  When you are looking at the swatches of hair keep this in mind...all of the swatches were put on blond hair so if you are looking to go darker, pick a shade or two lighter.  Also remember when you are all done (hair will we much darker when wet and it will fade a little in a week or so). 

Another tip is if you have a red or gold base to your hair (look into your eyes...do you have gold flicks? red?).  If you have gold or red flicks your hair will grab the red color real well.  I have gold flicks and so I look for light red blond, light red browns etc...

I love Loreal brand colors and I personally stay away from Clairol because for some reason my hair turns pink or pinkish.  (Oh, those bubble gum pink highlights were a hoot).

When coloring your hair it's not that messy.  I will use an old towel for around my neck and wear a old shirt and move or put paper on any rugs on the floor...ya might get a drip to drop.  If you get color on face...tint removes tint or Vaseline...do NOT rub hard!  Or before coloring...put a little line of Vaseline below your hair line and make sure it doesn't get on your hair.

Allergy test is a must!  What this is, is for testing if you have any allergies with the product 24 hours before hand.  Most don't do it, but ya never know. Get to a doctor if you have allergy issues. 

I have been coloring my hair at home for years and as my husband tells people I am a different color every week LOL (not really. I just highlight in two or more colors and it depends on how I wear my hair.  I think my fav is my fall color I do.  brown with caramel highlights (I did this two years ago and noticed as I was holding my cat "Scrappy" I had the same colors as she was lol. talk about looking like a pet) and a few blond here and there and color pick up on my skunk Grey streak that goes down the middle of my head a tad different too. Just a bit lighter then other areas.  This season I am in my blond faze and per my parents...I am to stay with blond or blond highlights. We shall see.

Mostly remember with the product you are using they all have 1-800 numbers on to call if you have questions about that product.

 If you feel any burning or a lot of tingling rinse it off ASAP with cool water.  You are having a chemical reaction!  These are all things that a stylist watches for too. 

These are mostly things to watch out for.  Have fun with your color and show it off proud.  I am going to let my niece who is in Cozmo school now do my hair...She is thinking blue, but I am taller then her and I will win on this one...gulp I hope :)

Have fun and I hope I gave you a few good tips.  If you have any more questions please let me know.  Don't forget to let us know how it goes and show off your color!

Thanks Amy

Um... I'm a guy and I color my hair using Just for Men. I do it myself at home and it can be messy. However, it's very inexpensive -- a $7 package lasts me for three coloring sessions, or about nine weeks before I have to get a new package. The darker the shade, the more likely it will stain your skin and make an obvious mess.

The color works well, though. It's natural looking and most people think I'm 10-15 years younger than I actually am. (A pretty co-worker thought I was nearly 20 years younger!) I decided to use it when I went job hunting four years ago and didn't want to look like I was on the verge of retirement. I got a very good job that pays beyond what I ever thought I'd make, so maybe the hair color was a good idea.

That's a man's view on the subject, anyway.

--Bob

It's just not fair...you guys can use this stuff and not only is it inexpensive compaired to ours, but it doesn't take as long as our hair coloring.  We have to sit there for 25-30 min...just not fair.  :) 

 

bkovacs said…

Um... I'm a guy and I color my hair using Just for Men. I do it myself at home and it can be messy. However, it's very inexpensive -- a $7 package lasts me for three coloring sessions, or about nine weeks before I have to get a new package. The darker the shade, the more likely it will stain your skin and make an obvious mess.

The color works well, though. It's natural looking and most people think I'm 10-15 years younger than I actually am. (A pretty co-worker thought I was nearly 20 years younger!) I decided to use it when I went job hunting four years ago and didn't want to look like I was on the verge of retirement. I got a very good job that pays beyond what I ever thought I'd make, so maybe the hair color was a good idea.

That's a man's view on the subject, anyway.

--Bob

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I go to Sally's Beauty Supply and get the real stuff. I don't have any problems at all with it. I haven't colored my whole head in ages but I highlight my hair and do my roots at home. I find when I have my hair done at a salon, it is never how I want it. I actually do more research and pick the best colors for me (with help of the people at Sally's who know everything).

My hair was in wonderful shape until I did the unthinkable. I had my hairdresser give me a body wave. UGH!!! It dried my hair out and dulled it. NEVER again. I had a perm for like 10 years and then I embraced my straight hair. I guess I got crazy and did the perm and now I so regret it. I blow dry it out.

But hair color? Easy. Messy...but easy. I bought a plastic hair dresser's bib and all the supplies and it works out fine for me.

I would never go blond though at home (or anywhere). Going down several shades is not an at home project!

I was where you were many years ago. I was going to the salon and then one day someone told me how easy it was to color my hair at home so I started to. It's a cinched and after I ruined one scatter rug and a shower curtain:) I have it down pat. Having said that what I do is this: I get my hair done professionally as I just did and in 3 weeks I will just do my roots. I may do my roots another time after that. I might color my entire head after that and THEN I'll go back. I get haircuts as well running me $180 with top so going 3 times a year is about all I'm willing to spend. Jo

Ok, I'm a scaredy cat.  I had dark chestnut hair mixed with dark brown and a few real red streaks and one blonde streak, used to get in a lot of trouble with the nuns in high school . . . anyway, started going gray . . . that awful yellow gray, not white or silver, but dirty looking.  So I decided to have my hair colored and matched the remaining non-gray hair which was pretty dark brown.  Eeeeek!  Way too dark.  So I decided to go red, really red . . . again at a salon, I always use the same color and it always comes out different . . . don't know what's up with that.  It doesn't really come out as red as it used to which bugs me.  I liked being a real red head!

I'm afraid to do it myself, red color can come out in funny colors (like green), when I get it done at a salon it lasts at least 2 months . . . all of my friends who do their own coloring have to do it at least every 2-3 weeks; so I think the splurge is worth it!

Hi! I have been coloring my hair by myself for 21 yrs,I have not had any problems that have been serious.DO NOT USE ANY COLOR THAT SAYS "ASH" unless you want green hair!!

My hair is wavy and a gold color with red tones. As i have gotten older, my hair has gotten darker and I really like my hair color so I color it to match how it was when I was a kid/teenager. I have it done then in between I do it myself. It is messy, but that can be contained pretty well. I have highlights a couple times a year and always have my hairdresser do that.   I find that I need a lot of conditioner and a smoothing product but that could be because my hair is wavy. 

If you want to try it, do a test strand first to see the color it will be on your hair .

I see you have already gotten some great tips, but I did want to encourage you that it is fairly simple to do at home.  The new formulas are not near as strong as they used to be (smell wise) and you will get the hang of it.  Just remember to do the test first.  I use Loreal and have had good results.  The Revlon just doesn't seem to last as long for me.

  With the extreme prices of gas, food, etc.  all ways to save money should be considered these days..  In salon hair colouring is expensive!  Try it at home.  You'll be surprised at how easy it is.  The 1st try should be done with no  interruptions. No kids, phone calls....  Take a big mirror outside ( backyard if ..possible,   basement or garage if not).  Think messy and think big.  Put old newspapers down, wear old  ready to donate clothing- or try my way,  NUDE.  Wear gloves (usually provided) .  Use a large plastic comb.  Follow instructions, apply to hair, comb thru, wrap plastic bag or shower cap (hotel ones work great), and wala! C-ya & good luck.

  With the extreme prices of gas, food, etc.  all ways to save money should be considered these days..  In salon hair colouring is expensive!  Try it at home.  You'll be surprised at how easy it is.  The 1st try should be done with no  interruptions. No kids, phone calls....  Take a big mirror outside ( backyard if ..possible,   basement or garage if not).  Think messy and think big.  Put old newspapers down, wear old  ready to donate clothing- or try my way,  NUDE.  Wear gloves (usually provided) .  Use a large plastic comb.  Follow instructions, apply to hair, comb thru, wrap plastic bag or shower cap (hotel ones work great), and wala! C-ya & good luck.

Hi! I have been home-coloring for about 30 years. I wear a work t-shirt or sweat shirt that is designated for hair coloring. If it stains, it's ok. I keep a wet paper towel handy in case I need to wipe it off my facial skin. I always keep an old hand towel handy outside the shower for after rinsing it out of my hair in case it gets in my eyes. I line my bathroom sink with newspaper so the dye doesn't stain the sink. Leave the color on for a minimum time at first to see the results. Do not use shampoo after coloring. ONLY use the conditioner that came in the box! GOOD LUCK! It saves money doing it at home!

I agree with you about the Revlon. I'd pay more for the L'Oreal, but it's worth it!

I used to color my hair at home. I have very curly, long, thick hair.  It was always such a mess.  I was also doing my roots every 4 weeks.  When I go to the salon, I touch up every 6-7 weeks.  The week or two extra does make a difference with my hair and I don't have the mess.  Also, the salon deep conditions my hair for me. I have ruined towels, curtains and clothes; no more of that for me. 

I have tried coloring my hair at home, and I find it is orth paying more for the slon to do it. My hair became dried out, the color faded quickly and was not attractive at all.

I havent colored my hair at home since college when I was "beer poor" lol. However, last time I went to the salon it cost us 170 dollars! I just can't justify that with being a stay at home mom, a child in college and the price of everything these days.

So.....I have been doing some research on the net on the how to's---this thread helped. I have long, thick hair and it will take 2 boxes most definately. I think I will have to run over to my mom's (or her come here) and she will have to help with the back.

 

Hair?

:confused:

It's super easy. If Pamela Anderson dyes her own hair, so can you. :)
But I only recommend dyeing your whole head of hair yourself but keeping the highligts to the pro's.
For all over color I like Perfect 10.
It's only 10 minutes long yet has the same outcome as any of the others which take three times longer.
As for the mess:
Make sure wear gloves.
Make sure you slather your arms, forehead, and neck with Vaseline (keeps the color from sticking on to skin).
and Make sure you drape old towels all over the bathroom and wear your "eh!" clothes which you don't mind messing up.
and Rinse in a stainless steel sink (kitchen).

Lots more prep but saves you a ton.
 

It is super easy to color your own hair.  I have been coloring mine for years!  The products are getting better and there is a large selection to choose from.  I have found that it is typically true that you get what you pay for and the more expensive products have tended to be better.  Additionally I have found that it is better to stick with one product/color once you find one you like that does well for you instead of continually trying different brands.  Also, many hairdressers will recommend brands and colors for you if they know you intend to do it yourself.

For your first time, I would recommend using a wash to get the hang of it prior to using a permanent color. 

 

I wish Elliott would. He did have to for a play he was in. He had to look 20 years younger. Seriously he did look 15 years younger but he just can't be bothered. I used to never color my hair at home and then I learned how easy it is. Now I get it professionally done (because I want highlights) when I have something special to go to or we are going away - maybe 3 times a year. Most of the times I do my roots myself. Jo

GeeGal said…
I am debating whether to stick with going to a hair salon for coloring, or start doing it myself. The salon is a big expense, but doing it myself looks a little scary. I'm not so much worried about picking the right product (e.g., I've read up on permanent versus semi-permanent), but about the mess and stains and clean-up. I know some people who've done it once and said "never again." So, two questions for discussion. (1) Are the cost savings worth the hassle? And (2) If I give it a try, any tips or tricks or advice anyone would give a first timer?    

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First of all I did make a mess the first couple of times I did it myself. If you have gray roots you want permanent. It will last longer but remember if your hair grows fast then roots will show in 2 weeks. Ok so be ready to perhaps replace your shower curtain and any scatter rugs you have;) MY TRICK is to get a non-drip formula. There are lots out on the market. I don't use Feria because it's more expensive than the others but I did after I realized I was making a mess and it won't drip. That's what you want to avoid.

Second when it is time to wash it out do not stand in the shower. You'll have a real mess so I get down on my hands and knees and rinse out the color that way - right under the faucet. Hope this helps. My hairdress is very expensive. I'll leave with a cut and color and a $150 tab - last time I just had my roots done and it was $118.00. For me it's worth it but not monthly. Jo

Lots of great advice on the boards but I can't help but put my two cents in.  I have been coloring my own hair for years, ever since I became a SAHM and couldn't justify the expense of a salon visit.  I have my husband help me put the coloring on so that I don't miss any spots.  I wear an old t-shirt and have an old towel on hand and haven't had any big messes (knock on wood).  I did have a bad experience with Garnier Fructis, which I wrote a review about.  After several washings, the color was still coming out and was getting on my pillow, sheets, and the collar of my shirts.  So if there are any brands to avoid, I definitely recommend staying away from that one.  Good luck! 

I have to share this; I've done it twice. I put the conditioner in instead of the color. I sat for 45 minutes and then wondered why color wasn't coming out in the rinsing of my hair (: I had some cream left over so I put the color in and put it in my hair. That worked BUT I got a spot on my rug. It can be seen so... have to buy another rug (: Jo (who was giving you advice!)

I do my own hair at home will not pay that price at a shop to have it done use an old towel and if you have a robe put that on instead of a shirt it is easier to take it off when you rinse your hairyou can also put the cotton pieces (it is in strips long ) around your hair line to catch any drips and rinse any off with a cotton ball with cold water and a little soap it really isn't a hard thing to do you just have to be very careful and wear the gloves do it in the bathromm near a mirror so you can see what you are doing

I have been coloring my hair at home for years! I pay a lot to get it cut and save by doing my own color. I use the Ion professional hair color from Sally's Beauty Supply. It is just so easy and cost, under ten dollars and I love that I can do it with out making an appointment.

I get the Ion Color Brilliance Cream and the Ion Sensitive Scalp developer in 10 vol. I purchased a hair color bowl and hair color ing brush  for a couple of dollars (that I have been using for years ). 

I just mix the color with the developer and put it all over my hair, really concentrating on the roots , cover it with a plastic cap and wait 45 minutes. I rinse it and apply  Ion after color conditioner and that is it.   The color is good every-time.  I am using Dark Golden Brown.  You can e-mail them from their web site and they will tell you colors to mix to make certian colors.  I did this once for Chocolate Brown.

There are lots of new people on this thread. WELCOME - it's wonderful to see you all.. Jo

I go to Sally's and buy my hair color because it's the same stuff that salons use. You can even get a Sally's card and get a discount on your purchases. I am one of the lucky one's because my step-daughter is a Cosmotologist and she puts the color on me at home (no charge), all I have to do is buy it. She has always told me that some of the boxed colors will damage and dry out your hair.

*** IF YOU DO BUY BOXED HAIR COLOR...ALWAYS OPEN THE BOX AND MAKE SURE IT IS THE COLOR THAT IS SUPPOSE TO BE IN THE BOX...BEFORE YOU BUY AND USE IT**** THIS IS WHY:

I use to color my own hair and one day at WalMart I bought a box of hair color (light ash brown). I got home and proceeded to put it on my hair and my hair just sucked up the color, but it wasn't light ash brown. My hair was black...I mean it looked like shiny coal. I looked like "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark". I looked at the bottle and on it was written (Blackest black).  The next day I had to go to a salon and have it stripped out of my hair which left me with a "Cyndi Lauper" orange color. I could deal with that better than the black.

Good luck to ya!!