HAIR Color Help

[iLander]

I need some recommendations from ladies that color their hair. What brand do you use, which ones last and which don't?

Why doesn't the box color ever look like my final hair color? Ever?

Those little hair swatches that you see in the store don't match my results either.

I usually use Garnier Nutrisse, but it comes out a bit darker and redder than the box promises. I don't get any tones or highlights either. The color seems to hold fairly well, and I'll probably try that again, unless I hear about something better.

I tried the new Nice n Easy foam, but that smelled like a toxic waste dump on my head, and the grey spots are coming back after only a couple of days! Never again. Also, not a color match to anything.

So, anybody getting really good results? I only have a couple of small patches of grey around the temples, but it's enough that I want to cover it. I'd like some tones, instead of one flat color, any suggestions there?

 

[mayerling]

I'd be quite interested to hear about this too.

I recently decided to start colouring my hair (at home as I can't afford salons every month), as I'm 29 and most of my hair is already gray
Highlights just don't seem to work any more. The last time I got them done was four months ago and most of the gray is already showing

 

[soocool]

Initially when I started to color my hair I spent over $70 at the salon and to tell you the truth, the color job was lousy (faded in less than 3 weeks) and since my hair grows in very quickly I would need touch ups every 3 weeks and at $70 a pop + tip it wasn't worth it. I tried home haircolors and loved one that Clairol discontinued then went onto to Feria which left my hair feeling great, but after a while and coloring my hair every 3 weeks it started to dry out.

What I use now: Wella Color Charm Demi-Permanent (I get it at Sally's). It is actually a long lasting demi permanent with no lift. That is ok since I am just trying to hide the grays and let me tell you if I don't touch up for 4 weeks the color fades a little but the only gray that shows are at the roots. I pay around $4.00 pertube and get 2 uses (+ developer is about $4.00 as well and get 4 uses). It does not dry out my hair and makes the grays look like highlights that never go back to gray. I have now been using the Wella Color Charm for about 4 years and even got my sister to switch over since it is so easy (I found that if I use the dryer on low when I have the color in my hair makes the color even richer - I am looking into getting a regulat salon type hairdryer instead)

This is a link to the Sally's site. If you happen to be a beauty supply store they have actual (about 8 inch) hair swatches in the store so you can see what color would be good for you. http://www.sallybeauty.com/Demi-Haircolor/SBS-800369,default,pd.html

 

[luv2sparkle]

I color my hair at home, but I use Redken Color gels which is a professional color. My daughter buys it for me, but I do believe
you can buy it on the internet. I use a 20 volume developer and it is mixed at a 1:1 ratio. For my whole head of re-touch (significant
rootage) I mix 2 oz of color and 2 oz of developer and a couple drops of Redken thickener so it doesn't drip, and put it in a bottle.
Every two weeks I just do my part and around my face and I mix about two Tablespoons of color in a bowl and use a brush.

I would find a stylist that uses Redken and find a color you like, and will tell you what it is. She may sell you the color, but if not
you can buy it on the internet.

The stuff you buy at the drugstore has always seemed really strong to me. I would guess they use a stronger developer to make sure
the color takes on all types of hair. My hair is fine in texture and I was never happy with the results.

When my daughter buys the color for me it is about $5.50 for a bottle of 2.oz (I mix two colors), but I think on the internet
its about 7.50.

Many stylists today realize people can't come as often as they once did. They would prefer to keep you as a client when you can come,
than loose you altogether. My daughter works in a high end salon in Palm Desert where they get a lot of snowbirds, so she always
tells people what she uses. My stylist that I have been going to for 20 years, won't tell me. But that has always been her policy, so
I never asked, but I heard her telling her daughter what to mix for my color. I had been pretty close before that. I go to see
her every other month mostly and she does the color, cut and weave. I wouldn't try to do the highlights myself. She doesn't use just
a bleach to strip but a color mix to give me the blond I want. Her technique is different than my daughters and I just like it better.

 

[Andelain]

I use Clairol Natural Instincts. It's supposed to be semi-permanent, but lasts really well on my hair. I have a trick that makes it look so natural I've even fooled stylists into thinking it wasn't colored. I use two colors just a shade apart, but very close to my natural color. I put the darker shade at the roots and down the length of the hair underneath, then the lighter color on the hair that gets the sun on it, so it looks like natural shading. It takes a bit longer to do, but is so worth it.

BTW, if your hair is short enough not to need two bottles then just mix half of the coloring agebt with half of the developer and save the other half unmixed.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

LOL, I can answer some of these questions!

1. The color on the swatch doesn't look like the final result because the hair used for the swatch is bleached and boiled, yours is not! They remove color from the hair, boil it to soften the strands, and then fill it back up to reach the final swatch color. Believe me when I say that aren't doing kitchen-beautician stuff aka as one process box color. Same thing with the commercials. Those "tones and highlights" are actually tones and highlights. While they may use the product they are pumping, a colorist is performing the service and using foils, lighteners and pigments.

2. There is no "one size fits all" box color. Some of the professional lines, like Loreal, have at home products they mimic after their salon quality stuff to a certain degree...but it's never the same. Which, is fairly ironic, because professional stuff costs like $4.00 a bottle for the pigment and maybe $15.00 for a jug of developer.

3. Box color is actually crazy complicated, and there is nothing about it that even I can relate to and I used to color hair for a living. The first you need to know is if you want a cool, warm or neutral color, that should be listed on the box. The lower the number on the box, the dark the hair will be (10=brightest blond, 1=darkest black). Pigment on top of pigment goes darker, never lighter...so don't ever, ever, ever try to pick up a "lighter" color and think you're going to achieve that result. If you are ever going to go lighter, then you need to strip your hair with a shampoo cap and that's a mess...so just go to the salon for that.

4. It's always a good rule of thumb to go 1-2 shades lighter than you want when coloring at home. Better you should reapply then get stuck with inky black hair when you really want a chocolate brown.

5. All brands are sort of created equal. I don't know your hair texture or the condition of your hair, so I can't recommend one being a better fit than another...but I would say that buying a gloss or glaze for post-color application is a great idea. It's exactly the same process as hair color, it's just a clear gloss as opposed to pigment. This seals the hair cuticle which can delay fading a bit and will make your hair super shiny and glossy and healthy looking.

6. When touching up at home, don't pull the color all the way thru the ends until the last 5 minutes. This what I did in the salon to marry a touch up with older color and refresh the ends.

7. This may sound crazy, but color responds really well to humidity and heat. It gets deeper into the hair strands and saturates better. Put a bag over your head when you're coloring. Because most people don't have a hood dryer at home, you can use a shower cap or in a pinch a regular plastic shopping back ripped up the side so it doesn't cover your face and kill you. This will help lock the natural heat from your heat from escaping and speed up the process!

8. The longer you leave color on, the darker it's going to be. DO THE STRAND TEST. I know people think this is a waste of time...but it's not. It will help you nail down the perfect equation for getting the right color.

Hope that helped!!

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I color my hair at home, but I use Redken Color gels which is a professional color. My daughter buys it for me, but I do believe
you can buy it on the internet. I use a 20 volume developer and it is mixed at a 1:1 ratio. For my whole head of re-touch (significant
rootage) I mix 2 oz of color and 2 oz of developer and a couple drops of Redken thickener so it doesn't drip, and put it in a bottle.
Every two weeks I just do my part and around my face and I mix about two Tablespoons of color in a bowl and use a brush.

I would find a stylist that uses Redken and find a color you like, and will tell you what it is. She may sell you the color, but if not
you can buy it on the internet.

The stuff you buy at the drugstore has always seemed really strong to me. I would guess they use a stronger developer to make sure
the color takes on all types of hair. My hair is fine in texture and I was never happy with the results.

When my daughter buys the color for me it is about $5.50 for a bottle of 2.oz (I mix two colors), but I think on the internet
its about 7.50.

Many stylists today realize people can't come as often as they once did. They would prefer to keep you as a client when you can come,
than loose you altogether. My daughter works in a high end salon in Palm Desert where they get a lot of snowbirds, so she always
tells people what she uses. My stylist that I have been going to for 20 years, won't tell me. But that has always been her policy, so
I never asked, but I heard her telling her daughter what to mix for my color. I had been pretty close before that. I go to see
her every other month mostly and she does the color, cut and weave. I wouldn't try to do the highlights myself. She doesn't use just
a bleach to strip but a color mix to give me the blond I want. Her technique is different than my daughters and I just like it better.

Most drugstore brands use 20dev...it's a good universal developer to cover grey. I personally always liked 10 best.

 

[mayerling]

LOL, I can answer some of these questions!

DO THE STRAND TEST. I know people think this is a waste of time...but it's not. It will help you nail down the perfect equation for getting the right color.

Hope that helped!!

That's a great idea! I hadn't thought of that.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I also wanted to say...and I didn't know if this was allowed before...but I'm going on the limb, because really I don't feel comfortable pumping boxed hair color. I walked away was like "UH, I can't believe I just did that...I never recommend that to anyone!"

There are places online where you can buy professional Redken hair color and do your own hair at home. I used this color in salon and I love it...it leaves your hair feeling amazing and looking beautiful and it's easy to use.

I would be more than happy to recommend a color, I know the numbers and letters are like pig Latin. If you're going to spend the money on color, get the good stuff...we're not talking much more than box color and the results are so, so worth it!

 

[iLander]

I also wanted to say...and I didn't know if this was allowed before...but I'm going on the limb, because really I don't feel comfortable pumping boxed hair color. I walked away was like "UH, I can't believe I just did that...I never recommend that to anyone!"

There are places online where you can buy professional Redken hair color and do your own hair at home. I used this color in salon and I love it...it leaves your hair feeling amazing and looking beautiful and it's easy to use.

I would be more than happy to recommend a color, I know the numbers and letters are like pig Latin. If you're going to spend the money on color, get the good stuff...we're not talking much more than box color and the results are so, so worth it!

I would love a color recommendation! I have blue eyes, medium complexion. If we were still doing seasons, I would be a spring; I look good in bluish pinks. So I guess my skin has a blue undertone? I have medium brown hair on top and darker brown hair underneath.

I would like to look like this person: http://thebeautystop.com/ask-jane-cool-or-warm/ (see pic) Kate Walsh from Grey’s Anatomy.

Instead, I look like this chick, which is completely unnatural looking to me: http://www.fashionclothingtoday.com/hair-styles/auburn-hair/ First girl, with the too-much eyeliner.

ETA: I will purchase whichever Redkin color you point me to. I actually hate salons, I don't like people hovering around my head, it makes me nervous. I only get my hair cut twice a year, if my DD drags me, because I hate it so much. So home color is all I'm willing to do. I did a salon highlight once and it about made me insane, and took over 2 hours. I actually don't let them shampoo me, because it, for some reason, makes me really mad. Psycho, I know, but I wanted to explain it's not a money issue.

 

[soocool]

iLander, I have the same haircolor as Kate Walsh does in the pic. I love that color!

 

[mayerling]

I also wanted to say...and I didn't know if this was allowed before...but I'm going on the limb, because really I don't feel comfortable pumping boxed hair color. I walked away was like "UH, I can't believe I just did that...I never recommend that to anyone!"

There are places online where you can buy professional Redken hair color and do your own hair at home. I used this color in salon and I love it...it leaves your hair feeling amazing and looking beautiful and it's easy to use.

I would be more than happy to recommend a color, I know the numbers and letters are like pig Latin. If you're going to spend the money on color, get the good stuff...we're not talking much more than box color and the results are so, so worth it!

I'd love a recommendation too! I have blue eyes, and fair skin (not nordic but still fair), and I'd like something like this:

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.style-hair-magazine.com/image-files/largeblondehaircolor3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.style-hair-magazine.com/blonde-hair-style.html&h=458&w=393&sz=62&tbnid=qJ_vPMKz4ZdlhM:&tbnh=128&tbnw=110&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dash%2Bblonde&zoom=1&q=ash+blonde&usg=__NyTxxs9vdV1u3tDEf0zb2bM3tDU=&sa=X&ei=PGB2TZH_JoHPhAfassCSBw&ved=0CCkQ9QEwAQ

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I use Clairol Natural Instincts. It's supposed to be semi-permanent, but lasts really well on my hair. I have a trick that makes it look so natural I've even fooled stylists into thinking it wasn't colored. I use two colors just a shade apart, but very close to my natural color. I put the darker shade at the roots and down the length of the hair underneath, then the lighter color on the hair that gets the sun on it, so it looks like natural shading. It takes a bit longer to do, but is so worth it.

BTW, if your hair is short enough not to need two bottles then just mix half of the coloring agebt with half of the developer and save the other half unmixed.

I also use Clairol Natural Instincts. It lasts a long time and surprisingly my hair turned out exactly like shown on the box. I think the trick is to find a matching shade, NOT looking for a color you'd like your hair to look. Like adding a hint of red when you're hair normally doesn't have any. Also, after years of trying to warm up my hair, I gave into the fact that it's an ashy color and chose such a shade and it prevented any weird side-effects of attemtping to go against what my natural hair shade is.

(Oh, and I ALWAYS buy two boxes...my hair currently is a bob style just above my shoulders and still needs two boxes!)

And, like many others, I've spent tons on professional coloring and NEVER has it turned out good. Once it turned out black and I picked out a black dress for an event we were attending and ended up looking goth. lol

 

[Italiahaircolor]

AHHH my computer ate my reply...

Hi iLander,

I totally understand what you're saying. Ashlee Simpson (2nd picture) is a very in-your-face auburn, whereas Kate Walsh is a little more of a subtle cinnamon auburn in that picture. For that, if you had virgin hair I would totally put you with a Redken Colorgels 6CB using 10vol developer. 6CB is described as a dark copper/cognac and it's gorgeous. It would turn a little deeper than the swatch with my developer selection, but would give you great depth and variation.

Now, with that said, the problems arises when you take into consideration that where you are (AS) is darker than where you want to be (KW). If you were in my chair at the salon, not a problem, I would strip the color one or two shade and tone you back to 6CB. At home this creates an issue. In salon, removing hair color is a science, but a practiced one. We can remove color using a shampoo cap (bleach and shampoo) or a straight strip (bleach under the dryer). At home, this isn't a good idea, people fail more often then they succeed and it can get really ugly. We're talking chemical haircuts. Not to mention that it wouldn't straight 6CB anymore, I'd be formulating and mixing to create the look but filling and giving your hair back a base....it's all very complicated.

I would maybe try a purifying shampoo at home. Sometimes this works as a gentle stripper. I can't promise anything, I don't know how much color you have on your hair right now. But, it may be worth a try.

I would hate to say "go for it" and then it turns out darker than what you want and you're like "oh, that IHC is such a B****". But, if the purifying works, give a strand test a try. If you're still off the mark, then go to the salon. I know it sucks, I'm right there with you...but going from dark to light with red in the mix is never an easy fix and I would be remiss to tell you otherwise.

Link to the color:

http://shopping.yahoo.com/hair-color/redken--brand/blonde--color/

 

[Italiahaircolor]

I also wanted to say...and I didn't know if this was allowed before...but I'm going on the limb, because really I don't feel comfortable pumping boxed hair color. I walked away was like "UH, I can't believe I just did that...I never recommend that to anyone!"

There are places online where you can buy professional Redken hair color and do your own hair at home. I used this color in salon and I love it...it leaves your hair feeling amazing and looking beautiful and it's easy to use.

I would be more than happy to recommend a color, I know the numbers and letters are like pig Latin. If you're going to spend the money on color, get the good stuff...we're not talking much more than box color and the results are so, so worth it!

I'd love a recommendation too! I have blue eyes, and fair skin (not nordic but still fair), and I'd like something like this:

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.style-hair-magazine.com/image-files/largeblondehaircolor3.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.style-hair-magazine.com/blonde-hair-style.html&h=458&w=393&sz=62&tbnid=qJ_vPMKz4ZdlhM:&tbnh=128&tbnw=110&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dash%2Bblonde&zoom=1&q=ash+blonde&usg=__NyTxxs9vdV1u3tDEf0zb2bM3tDU=&sa=X&ei=PGB2TZH_JoHPhAfassCSBw&ved=0CCkQ9QEwAQ

Hi!

That picture is of a girl with A LOT of highlights, not an all over color. What is current hair color?

 

[sparkle-magpie]

I second the Wella Color Charm recommendation. In the States you can find it at Sally's Beauty. The reds you can leave on a little longer than the box recommends, the dye particles of red dye are smaller and therefore fade faster. You might consider getting 2 boxes if your hair is longer than shoulder length.

 

[SandyCheeks]

Initially when I started to color my hair I spent over $70 at the salon and to tell you the truth, the color job was lousy (faded in less than 3 weeks) and since my hair grows in very quickly I would need touch ups every 3 weeks and at $70 a pop + tip it wasn't worth it. I tried home haircolors and loved one that Clairol discontinued then went onto to Feria which left my hair feeling great, but after a while and coloring my hair every 3 weeks it started to dry out.

What I use now: Wella Color Charm Demi-Permanent (I get it at Sally's). It is actually a long lasting demi permanent with no lift. That is ok since I am just trying to hide the grays and let me tell you if I don't touch up for 4 weeks the color fades a little but the only gray that shows are at the roots. I pay around $4.00 pertube and get 2 uses (+ developer is about $4.00 as well and get 4 uses). It does not dry out my hair and makes the grays look like highlights that never go back to gray. I have now been using the Wella Color Charm for about 4 years and even got my sister to switch over since it is so easy (I found that if I use the dryer on low when I have the color in my hair makes the color even richer - I am looking into getting a regulat salon type hairdryer instead)

This is a link to the Sally's site. If you happen to be a beauty supply store they have actual (about 8 inch) hair swatches in the store so you can see what color would be good for you. http://www.sallybeauty.com/Demi-Haircolor/SBS-800369,default,pd.html

SoolCool and Sparkle Magpie can you point out what developer to use with the Wella Color Charm Demi-Permanent? Is it this one?

http://www.sallybeauty.com/Color-Charm-Developer/SBS-800278,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH
or this one?
http://www.sallybeauty.com/Wella--Clear-Developer/SBS-800294,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH

Are the directions pretty simple? I'm always on a hunt for a good at home color job. It costs about $150 for a cut and color around my area, crazy! I do as much at home as possible. I cut my 3 kids hair too, I just can't justify $15-16 per child when I can easily offer a lollipop to keep them still and do a quick trim in the back yard.

 

[mayerling]

Hi!

That picture is of a girl with A LOT of highlights, not an all over color. What is current hair color?

I tried posting a pic of my natural hair colour but it looks darker in the pictures and I don't want to give you the wrong impression. I also can't think of anyone that has that colour hair. Imagine, if you will, a dark blond or really light brown, that has some natural highlights in it. I know this isn't very helpful but, really, anything that's on the dark blond side should be ok.

Since I haven't done it before, I know there will be a period of experimentation and trying to figure out what I like. For the moment I want to stick with dark blonde as I want to look as natural as possible for my wedding. After the wedding, I am going brown. I've always loved brown hair (real brown not light) at chin length. I can't wait!

 

[mayerling]

Are the directions pretty simple? I'm always on a hunt for a good at home color job. It costs about $150 for a cut and color around my area, crazy! I do as much at home as possible. I cut my 3 kids hair too, I just can't justify $15-16 per child when I can easily offer a lollipop to keep them still and do a quick trim in the back yard.

I'm looking for easy directions as well. I live in a country with no family or close friends around so I'm looking for something that would be easy to do by myself - somehow I don't see FI volunteering to help...

 

[soocool]

Initially when I started to color my hair I spent over $70 at the salon and to tell you the truth, the color job was lousy (faded in less than 3 weeks) and since my hair grows in very quickly I would need touch ups every 3 weeks and at $70 a pop + tip it wasn't worth it. I tried home haircolors and loved one that Clairol discontinued then went onto to Feria which left my hair feeling great, but after a while and coloring my hair every 3 weeks it started to dry out.

What I use now: Wella Color Charm Demi-Permanent (I get it at Sally's). It is actually a long lasting demi permanent with no lift. That is ok since I am just trying to hide the grays and let me tell you if I don't touch up for 4 weeks the color fades a little but the only gray that shows are at the roots. I pay around $4.00 pertube and get 2 uses (+ developer is about $4.00 as well and get 4 uses). It does not dry out my hair and makes the grays look like highlights that never go back to gray. I have now been using the Wella Color Charm for about 4 years and even got my sister to switch over since it is so easy (I found that if I use the dryer on low when I have the color in my hair makes the color even richer - I am looking into getting a regulat salon type hairdryer instead)

This is a link to the Sally's site. If you happen to be a beauty supply store they have actual (about 8 inch) hair swatches in the store so you can see what color would be good for you. http://www.sallybeauty.com/Demi-Haircolor/SBS-800369,default,pd.html

SoolCool and Sparkle Magpie can you point out what developer to use with the Wella Color Charm Demi-Permanent? Is it this one?

http://www.sallybeauty.com/Color-Charm-Developer/SBS-800278,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH
or this one?
http://www.sallybeauty.com/Wella--Clear-Developer/SBS-800294,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH

Are the directions pretty simple? I'm always on a hunt for a good at home color job. It costs about $150 for a cut and color around my area, crazy! I do as much at home as possible. I cut my 3 kids hair too, I just can't justify $15-16 per child when I can easily offer a lollipop to keep them still and do a quick trim in the back yard.

This is the developer for the demi permanent : http://www.sallybeauty.com/Demi-Haircolor/SBS-800369,default,pd.html

It also comes in a 16 oz bottle.

Wella makes the Color Charm in a demi permanent and also a permanent. My sister and I and even DD use the demi-permanent. DD actually uses one shade lighter than her own hair and it gives her hair incredible shine and keeps the multiple tones she has in her hair.It just makes the tones richer (like a glazing). She uses it once every few months.

I use the Dark Sand (I included link for color chart below) because it most closely matches my haircolor and turns my grays into beautiful highlights. It doe not lighten my hair, but I guess if you use a darker one it maight not wash out too easily - I don't know).

Each tube of color is 2 ounces. For me I mix 1 ounce of color (the tube marks off each .5 ounce) with 2 ounces of developer. (You will need to get a bottle applicator and some latex gloves - also from Sally's). My hair is medium texture and was a little longer than chin length. It is now a short choppy shag). DD has hair mid back and uses all 2 ounces of color with 4 ounces of developer. Since she doesn't do a retouch she just applies it to all her hair at one time.

Processing time is 20 minutes, 15 with heat. I use heat on mine (See what Italia says about this) The instructions are on the inside of the box. So 1 tube lasts me for 2 colorings.


Also, I found a color chart online and they have additional instructions (I wash my hair the day before and apply to dry hair)
http://www.marlobeauty.com/pdfs/wellademi.pdf
I also follow uo with a Feria conditioner http://www.sallybeauty.com/color-moisturizing-treatment/LOREAL40,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH (I fell in love with it when I used Feria a few years back) and use the conditioner once a week

 

[soocool]

I just wanted to add that I put the demi permanent on totally dry hair (wash the day or night before) because it seems to take to the grays much better than if my hair were towel dried.

 

[sparkle-magpie]

I use the color charm developer. It isn't drippy, so that's a plus for me

 

[soocool]

Sandy Cheeks, oops! This is the developer for the Color Charm Demi Permanent (it is called an activating lotion)

http://www.sallybeauty.com/activating-lotion/WELLA9,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH

 

[Dee*Jay]

LOL, I can answer some of these questions!

3. Box color is actually crazy complicated, and there is nothing about it that even I can relate to and I used to color hair for a living. The first you need to know is if you want a cool, warm or neutral color, that should be listed on the box. The lower the number on the box, the dark the hair will be (10=brightest blond, 1=darkest black). Pigment on top of pigment goes darker, never lighter...so don't ever, ever, ever try to pick up a "lighter" color and think you're going to achieve that result. If you are ever going to go lighter, then you need to strip your hair with a shampoo cap and that's a mess...so just go to the salon for that.

I actually just tried the Garnier HerbaShine with bamboo extract and my hair did turn out lighter... ??? I am not complaining, because I did want to lighten/brighten it up a bit, but I was surprised it worked... and I wonder if it's going to turn into something weird as it washes out???

 

[violet3]

I use Clairol Natural Instincts. It's supposed to be semi-permanent, but lasts really well on my hair. I have a trick that makes it look so natural I've even fooled stylists into thinking it wasn't colored. I use two colors just a shade apart, but very close to my natural color. I put the darker shade at the roots and down the length of the hair underneath, then the lighter color on the hair that gets the sun on it, so it looks like natural shading. It takes a bit longer to do, but is so worth it.

BTW, if your hair is short enough not to need two bottles then just mix half of the coloring agebt with half of the developer and save the other half unmixed.

I also use Clairol Natural Instincts. It lasts a long time and surprisingly my hair turned out exactly like shown on the box. I think the trick is to find a matching shade, NOT looking for a color you'd like your hair to look. Like adding a hint of red when you're hair normally doesn't have any. Also, after years of trying to warm up my hair, I gave into the fact that it's an ashy color and chose such a shade and it prevented any weird side-effects of attemtping to go against what my natural hair shade is.

(Oh, and I ALWAYS buy two boxes...my hair currently is a bob style just above my shoulders and still needs two boxes!)

And, like many others, I've spent tons on professional coloring and NEVER has it turned out good. Once it turned out black and I picked out a black dress for an event we were attending and ended up looking goth. lol

Ditto the two ladies above - I also use Clairol Natural Instincts - it seems to be the only semi permanent color you can find in the drug stores. I like it because typically it glosses over your natural color, but because it's not permanent it does leave my lighter highlights in the front lighter than the rest. They have some really nice brown colors that i like - but i'm light brown. I really like navajo bronze (has a little red and is a warm color) and cinnamon stick (medium brown/auburn). I did find that when i used the warm colors it worked out better than when i used a "neutral" color, which took away my highlights and made my hair all one color.

 

[mayerling]

What's the difference between permanent and semi-permanent?

 

[violet3]

According to my hair dresser, semi permanent just coats the hair over top of your natural color - then it washes out over time. As I understand it, permanent color removes some of your natural color before depositing the permanent color over top. It also doesn't wash out, but grows out where you can see the roots.

 

[mayerling]

According to my hair dresser, semi permanent just coats the hair over top of your natural color - then it washes out over time. As I understand it, permanent color removes some of your natural color before depositing the permanent color over top. It also doesn't wash out, but grows out where you can see the roots.

So does it destroy the hair when it removes some of the natural colour?

 

[Andelain]

According to my hair dresser, semi permanent just coats the hair over top of your natural color - then it washes out over time. As I understand it, permanent color removes some of your natural color before depositing the permanent color over top. It also doesn't wash out, but grows out where you can see the roots.

The semi-permanent that I use doesn't wash out completely. Although it'll wash out all the way down to the sandy blonde color my hair naturally is, even if I use a darker color, it never shows the gray again no matter how long I go between applications. It also doesn't screw my hair up like the permanent ones do when they strip the color from my hair. I haven't used anythiing else in my hair in over 15 years and never will again.

 

[SandyCheeks]

Sandy Cheeks, oops! This is the developer for the Color Charm Demi Permanent (it is called an activating lotion)

http://www.sallybeauty.com/activating-lotion/WELLA9,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH

Awesome! I'm going to the local Sally store and look this stuff up. Now I assume that you need to purchase an applicator bottle too?

http://www.sallybeauty.com/color-applicator-bottle/SBS-800850,default,pd.html?cm_vc=UPSELL