HELP!! 1ST Time Ever Coloring Hair--Scared and Don't know what to Buy??

[princess crazy]

OK I don't even know where to start

I have come to the conclusion that it is finally time and I don't even know where to start!? I have NEVER colored my hair before and after 43 years of not having to I really don't want to start. But, as my DD says--you really need to quit pulling the greys--it's time mom!

Like I said I've never colored it before and the closest I ever came was a few bad highlights when I was a teen that a hairdresser did that didn't turn out to great. I have dark brown hair and some would probably say that I don't need to yet but it's especially starting to get bad around the top of my bang area where the hair is shorter. The rest is shoulder length and is more easily hidden except when I want to pull my hair back or up into a ponytail and that is really starting to bother me so I don't pull it back anymore.

I definitely don't want to go to a hairdresser because of the money and want to be able to do it myself but I am scared I'm going to mess it up!

My biggest concern in doing it myself is ...and my DD agrees with this...is how will I have the natural highlights that I currently have in my hair if I'm coloring it with one color?? I don't have really noticable natural highlights but they are there and I am afraid after coloring it it just won't look close to the same. Does this make sense??

Also, I have no clue as to what brand/type of coloring to use?? I definitely want something easy but I also don't want to have to color it all the time. What is the average that most color lasts?? Also is there any coloring that is better than any other for not staining your skin or is this just something you have to be really careful about??

Or, would it be better to try one of those wash in wash out type colors for the first time??

Any help and encouragement you hair colorers out there could give me would be greatly appreciated as I need to get this hair in shape before a trip to the world in a few months Thanks!


BTW--Target has their Clairol Perfect 10 hair color on sale this week and it says Allure gave it the Best of Bueaty Award for the best single-process hair color---Anyone have any experience with this particular brand---would it be good for a first timer??

 

[JenniJ]

 

[SalandJeff]

I have had my hair highlighted, then switched to colored, at the hairdresser for years. I started to color it myself because it is just too expensive. I usually use either L'Oreal Preference and Garnier Fructese.

You will not get highlights doing it yourself with a single process. Once the color starts to wash out, your own highlight will come through again. If you have a Sally Beauty Supply near you, I think they will help you with choosing a color, etc.

I will say that I hate doing it! It is one of my least favorite chores.

Good luck!

 

[hambirg]

My hair is fairly light blonde and I used to highlight it myself for years using the old Frost and Tip. . .but at 43 I decided I needed to cover my grays. . .even though with the light blonde they weren't terribly bad, but I could see them. I like Garnier Fructis box 100. I used another brand once. .. I think it was Clairol Nice and Easy, and it really fried my hair. My daughter colors her's a really nice, dark brunette. It is actually Natural Instincts Neutral Black #36. It always turns out really nice and her hair doesn't seem damaged at all. It's not a fake black look either. . .just a nice, rich, dark brunette.

I know it can be scary. . .I was a little freaked out at first too. But then my daughter was coloring her hair something different, it seemed like every month, so I just took the plunge. The only thing I would say is stay close to your natural color. . .or go darker. If your hair is brown you don't want to try and go lighter at home and end up with orange hair.

 

[njcarita]

just subbing because this so relevant to me....
I am almost 46 and have never colored my hair ( well actually once when i was 21 as fluke)..... My hair is jet black still....
my plan of action is to have my hair dresser do highlights once the grey starts to rear its ugly head to camo it... op have u tried highlights first??

but than start coloring my hair on my own when the highlights are not enough...

 

[kacaju]

OK I don't even know where to start

I have come to the conclusion that it is finally time and I don't even know where to start!? I have NEVER colored my hair before and after 43 years of not having to I really don't want to start. But, as my DD says--you really need to quit pulling the greys--it's time mom!

Like I said I've never colored it before and the closest I ever came was a few bad highlights when I was a teen that a hairdresser did that didn't turn out to great. I have dark brown hair and some would probably say that I don't need to yet but it's especially starting to get bad around the top of my bang area where the hair is shorter. The rest is shoulder length and is more easily hidden except when I want to pull my hair back or up into a ponytail and that is really starting to bother me so I don't pull it back anymore.

I definitely don't want to go to a hairdresser because of the money and want to be able to do it myself but I am scared I'm going to mess it up!

My biggest concern in doing it myself is ...and my DD agrees with this...is how will I have the natural highlights that I currently have in my hair if I'm coloring it with one color?? I don't have really noticable natural highlights but they are there and I am afraid after coloring it it just won't look close to the same. Does this make sense??

Also, I have no clue as to what brand/type of coloring to use?? I definitely want something easy but I also don't want to have to color it all the time. What is the average that most color lasts?? Also is there any coloring that is better than any other for not staining your skin or is this just something you have to be really careful about??

Or, would it be better to try one of those wash in wash out type colors for the first time??

Any help and encouragement you hair colorers out there could give me would be greatly appreciated as I need to get this hair in shape before a trip to the world in a few months Thanks!


BTW--Target has their Clairol Perfect 10 hair color on sale this week and it says Allure gave it the Best of Bueaty Award for the best single-process hair color---Anyone have any experience with this particular brand---would it be good for a first timer??

Good luck!! I am also 43 and never had colored my hair. At this point, like you I have gray hair and while my dd14 teases me about it, I have no plans on coloring it at this time.

I have no time to worry about keeping the color up. I cannot stand (no offense to anyone) when women do not keep up on the color and have the gray stripe at their part.
To me, that looks so much worse then gray hair. Like I said, this is just me, I do not want to be a slave to my hair.
I know I will have no time to keep the color up, so far now I will keep my own color and not worry about going gray. If, once I really go gray, I don't like it I may change my mind.

 

[LSUmom4kids]

My choice is Loreal Preference. I love their conditioner too! I use a little every time I shampoo; when it's gone, it's usually time to color again! It is a chore, but it gets easier each time! My husband wants me to "embrace my gray"!; I say "NO WAY"!

Another tip: go to a Sally's Beauty Supply and buy a plastic "cape" that velcros by the neck. I've had mine for years! I've never ruined any of my bathroom towels. If it drips on the cape, wipe it off with a tissue or paper towel! Easy!

 

[lisaross]

honestly its pretty easy...especially if u have medium to dark brown hair like me. I like Clairol - usually buy which ever is on sale...Buy a medium brown color - i don't like to buy "dark" as it makes my hair to hard looking..but anyway just follow the directions - wait the time and wash off - just a bit messy...use an old towel!

OK I don't even know where to start

I have come to the conclusion that it is finally time and I don't even know where to start!? I have NEVER colored my hair before and after 43 years of not having to I really don't want to start. But, as my DD says--you really need to quit pulling the greys--it's time mom!

Like I said I've never colored it before and the closest I ever came was a few bad highlights when I was a teen that a hairdresser did that didn't turn out to great. I have dark brown hair and some would probably say that I don't need to yet but it's especially starting to get bad around the top of my bang area where the hair is shorter. The rest is shoulder length and is more easily hidden except when I want to pull my hair back or up into a ponytail and that is really starting to bother me so I don't pull it back anymore.

I definitely don't want to go to a hairdresser because of the money and want to be able to do it myself but I am scared I'm going to mess it up!

My biggest concern in doing it myself is ...and my DD agrees with this...is how will I have the natural highlights that I currently have in my hair if I'm coloring it with one color?? I don't have really noticable natural highlights but they are there and I am afraid after coloring it it just won't look close to the same. Does this make sense??

Also, I have no clue as to what brand/type of coloring to use?? I definitely want something easy but I also don't want to have to color it all the time. What is the average that most color lasts?? Also is there any coloring that is better than any other for not staining your skin or is this just something you have to be really careful about??

Or, would it be better to try one of those wash in wash out type colors for the first time??

Any help and encouragement you hair colorers out there could give me would be greatly appreciated as I need to get this hair in shape before a trip to the world in a few months Thanks!


BTW--Target has their Clairol Perfect 10 hair color on sale this week and it says Allure gave it the Best of Bueaty Award for the best single-process hair color---Anyone have any experience with this particular brand---would it be good for a first timer??

 

[amylynne01]

I know you said you don't want to get it professionally done, but IMO it is worth it. From what I understand, home coloring does not last as long as a pro job, and it is actually worse for your hair than a pro doing it. If you use a shampoo for color treated hair, it will hold longer too.

I have way too much hair that I would need 2 boxes and 2 sets of hands to get it done properly. Plus I get 2 hours of alone time, so that's a plus for me.

 

[ACS228]

If you have never colored your hair before, I reccommend trying one of the semi-permanent- washes out in 28 days colors. I find that it dosen't completely cover the gray hair but kind of blends it in so it looks like highlights. It makes the hair really shiny and it washes out gradually so you don't get "roots" showing after a few weeks. If you don't like the way it looks, just wait a month and try something else. Also from my personal experience, the semi-permanent colors don't stain the skin so clean up is easy. Try to match your natural color but if you find your hair is in between two colors, pick the lighter one.

 

[Tinkerbell3014]

If you have never colored your hair before, I reccommend trying one of the semi-permanent- washes out in 28 days colors. I find that it dosen't completely cover the gray hair but kind of blends it in so it looks like highlights. It makes the hair really shiny and it washes out gradually so you don't get "roots" showing after a few weeks. If you don't like the way it looks, just wait a month and try something else. Also from my personal experience, the semi-permanent colors don't stain the skin so clean up is easy. Try to match your natural color but if you find your hair is in between two colors, pick the lighter one.

I agree with this. I have been coloring myself for years...way too young with too much gray to not color. I have long thick hair and it took a long time to learn the best way to color it myself. I have tried many brands. The one I like best is Loreal Excellance Cream. It seems to cover the gray and it is less messy to use. I also agree with pp that you should get a shampoo for color treated hair. Good luck.

 

[Shyvioletisme]

. From what I understand, home coloring does not last as long as a pro job, and it is actually worse for your hair than a pro doing it.

by any chance were you told this by your stylist?? If so, it seems to just be their way of trying to keep you coming because it is not true.
You can go to Sally's and purchase the exact same color that the salons use for a fraction of the cost if you want. But in general coloring at home or getting color at the salon are not any worse than each other.

OP...I tend to only use Loreal color(and with that mostly feria)...I've never had good results with Clairol and I've been coloring my hair for almost 17 years, but it never hurts to try. Some color just doesn't do well on certain people's hair. But...if you are looking for highlights, Loreal has a box brand that here runs about $13.00 that you can do highlights with. (couleur experte) It has some really nice shades and the highlights aren't too bold. Good luck with whatever you do. I maybe get color at the salon once a year and then do it myself the rest of the year at home(I have to color about once a month because my hair grows really fast, so you can see how expensive that would be if I went to the salon all the time.)

 

[Emme]

If you have never colored your hair before, I reccommend trying one of the semi-permanent- washes out in 28 days colors. I find that it dosen't completely cover the gray hair but kind of blends it in so it looks like highlights. It makes the hair really shiny and it washes out gradually so you don't get "roots" showing after a few weeks. If you don't like the way it looks, just wait a month and try something else. Also from my personal experience, the semi-permanent colors don't stain the skin so clean up is easy. Try to match your natural color but if you find your hair is in between two colors, pick the lighter one.

I couldn't agree more! I just colored my hair this past July for the first time (I'm 45). I used Clairol Natural Instincts and loved it!! My hair felt great and looked great and NO ROOTS!

 

[amylynne01]

by any chance were you told this by your stylist?? If so, it seems to just be their way of trying to keep you coming because it is not true.
You can go to Sally's and purchase the exact same color that the salons use for a fraction of the cost if you want. But in general coloring at home or getting color at the salon are not any worse than each other.

Nope!

I don't splurge on anything for myself except the occasional Starbucks when we hit Target and getting my hair done professionally. I know that my hair will look 10x better if I get it done by someone else than if I try to attempt it at home. I am not a hair stylist, so I don't try.

 

[clutter]

I have light brown/dark blonde hair. When I decided to do it on my own, my stylist (and my former colorist) applauded me. She told me to use a Level 8 color. Within that, there is a choice for 8G (golden) or 8A (ash), but stuck with plain level 8 (medium). I've found that my highlights come back fairly quickly if I'm in the sun (soccer games, etc.). I don't wear my hair with a straight part, more lifted off the face without a part, so my roots aren't as obvious. But I do agree with a PP that said that you need to watch the roots. For years, I refused to color because I commuted on the Metro. And when you're riding down an escalator towards a platform FULL of people, you really really see how many people color their hair!

That said, I use Preference by L'Oreal (I started because that's what my sister uses, and we have the same hair type). However, once you get going, I know a few women that use the root touch-up with great success.

 

[icalum]

I am 38. I have medium to dark brown hair that I have been coloring for about 8 years. I had it done once at a salon but it was so expensive. I think with brown hair, it is easy to get good results with do it yourself hair colors. I have tried many colors (mostly because they were on sale). Now I use Perfect 10 as you mentioned about every 2 months. It is not at all harsh. Just don't leave it on too long or your hair will get too dark. Then, in between colorings, when some roots start to show, I use the Nice and Easy root touch up. It is quick and easy and allows me to just cover the roots at the part and temples, where I need coverage. Even if your hair looks monochromatic right after you color it, that will wear off in about a week. I think you would be satisfied with the results from Perfect 10.

 

[princess crazy]

Thanks so much for all the replies!!

I think since I am dreading starting this and am really scared as what to do I am leaning toward the wash in 28 day color. Is Natural Instincts one of these brands??

Anyway, I don't have alot of greys--mostly why it bothers me is they seem to be more prevelant in my bang area but underneath where they are growing in new of course...and then when I go to comb and style my bang because they are shorter hair..( the rest of my hair is all straight fairly thick with no layers).. the greys up there seem to show up more because they are not so hidden and then....I have the awful habit of pulling them out and now my DD is giving me a hard time and telling me that I am losing hair up there because I'm pulling them out too much.

She's probably right and I definitely don't want to permanentely loose any hair on the top by continuing to do this so hence it's time to start coloring.

So, would the semi permanent work well for my bang area??---and would I have to use it again before a month passed?? I definitely don't want to have roots showing---I hate that too when I see people who let it go-----exactly why I didn't want to have to start this because I know once I do I will be doing it from now on.

If I do decide to try the semi permanent what are the brands that are available and if anyone has experience what are the best of those brands??

Thanks again everyone and sorry for all the ???'s--Can't you tell I'm nervous and totally dreading this??

 

[Angela0917]

Hello! I'm a hairstylist, and I think you'll be fine coloring your own hair. Just don't go more than a shade or 2 different than your natural. A semi permanant probably will not cover your greys very well. As someone else on here posted, don't go to Sally's and buy haircolor, it's too tricky to formulate and pick the right color without any color background. Most hairsalons do not use haircolor that is sold at Sallys, and if they do it's probably a cheaper kind of salon. The better quality haircolors can only be bought with a cosmo license. Boxed colors are not as good as going to a salon because at the salon your hairstylist will only use the highest level of color and developer that is needed, and boxed colors has higher levels for a "one size fits all" kind of outcome. But I can totally see you wanting to save money on that because it can be quite expensive. So just stick close to your natural, and have a good conditioner to use afterward!

 

[disneymarie]

OK I don't even know where to start

I have come to the conclusion that it is finally time and I don't even know where to start!? I have NEVER colored my hair before and after 43 years of not having to I really don't want to start. But, as my DD says--you really need to quit pulling the greys--it's time mom!

Like I said I've never colored it before and the closest I ever came was a few bad highlights when I was a teen that a hairdresser did that didn't turn out to great. I have dark brown hair and some would probably say that I don't need to yet but it's especially starting to get bad around the top of my bang area where the hair is shorter. The rest is shoulder length and is more easily hidden except when I want to pull my hair back or up into a ponytail and that is really starting to bother me so I don't pull it back anymore.

I definitely don't want to go to a hairdresser because of the money and want to be able to do it myself but I am scared I'm going to mess it up!

My biggest concern in doing it myself is ...and my DD agrees with this...is how will I have the natural highlights that I currently have in my hair if I'm coloring it with one color?? I don't have really noticable natural highlights but they are there and I am afraid after coloring it it just won't look close to the same. Does this make sense??

Also, I have no clue as to what brand/type of coloring to use?? I definitely want something easy but I also don't want to have to color it all the time. What is the average that most color lasts?? Also is there any coloring that is better than any other for not staining your skin or is this just something you have to be really careful about??

Or, would it be better to try one of those wash in wash out type colors for the first time??

Any help and encouragement you hair colorers out there could give me would be greatly appreciated as I need to get this hair in shape before a trip to the world in a few months Thanks!


BTW--Target has their Clairol Perfect 10 hair color on sale this week and it says Allure gave it the Best of Bueaty Award for the best single-process hair color---Anyone have any experience with this particular brand---would it be good for a first timer??

If you are a med brn, I would try the Clairol 10, and get it a shade lighter, the lt brn. stay away from the ash base, they will drab. I am not sure too, but if you take a brn and a second with med gold blnd, then have two uses.

I think a straight color is just too drab, as a retired colorist I used a lot of mixtures, to get 1/2 shades, the just right one.
You can always go drker, but if you ar matching up to med brn and you are med brn, it will be soooo drk and you will not be happy, and unable to lighten it. You can not lift color with color.

 

[Taja]

OP, how quickly does your hair grow? If it grows fast, you won't want to use permanent colour--you'll have a serious line of demarcation very quickly! *LOL*

My hair is light brown with red and gold highlights--and a seriously good crop of white these days. The semi-permanent works best for hair that isn't solid grey or white. I would suggest using a colour that's a shade or two lighter than your natural colour--you can go darker with future colourings, if you choose. Just be sure to keep it in the same family--if your highlights lean toward gold, go in that direction; a red-base if they're reddish, and ash if they lean toward very neutral (usually more appropriate for blondes).

I use Clairol Natural Instincts, because my hair does grow very fast, in Medium Golden Blonde (I think they call it Sunflower--or something like that). Except for one little streak of white--that I actually like!--it blends my white into the other colours. I do have to touch it up about every four weeks--occasionally three weeks if I need to look particularly good for an event.

My hair is very thick and worn in layers--think mid-1970s, but shorter! I totally get what you're saying about your bangs!

BTW, I'm officially a senior citizen, according to AARP! That's 50+!