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Suddenly, I feel like Napoleon Bonaparte! You see, growing older is no walk in the park! I'm at that stage in my life where the "gray army" is gathering force and I'm preparing for battle! I'm starting to notice some gray hairs popping in along my part and they're driving me BONKERS! I definitely don't want those suckers to take over my entire head...so, what do I do? Do I take the next step and begin dyeing my hair with permanent color? I've tried Clairol's Natural Instincts, but it's only temporary color and it washes out fairly quickly. However, the thought of putting color on my hair and possibly altering it PERMANENTLY terrifies me! I definitely don't want "helmet hair"! I'm so afraid I'll end up looking something like this...minus all the ear studs, of course! 
So, should I stick with the semi-permanent hair color or take the plunge and go permanent? I have some friends who color their own hair and it looks great! Do I risk doing it myself, for the sake of saving a buck, or should I only trust my hair stylist for the job? Have YOU ever had a bad experience with hair color? Do you color your own hair at home? Come on, ladies (and gents!)...I'm DYEING to know!
"Gray hair is a blessing-ask any bald man."~Author Unknown
39 visits from friends:
LOL ... that orange head scared me at first.
Girl, I have never dyed my hair. I have it highlighted and I have some gray hair too. Mostly around my temples. Sigh.
Whatever you decide -- I expect pictures!! :o)
Love ya!
Beth
I have dyed my hair many times ... I started with the wash out until I felt more comfortable. I do think there is something to be said for a good professional job!
Um, not to step on any toes but my intention is not to go gray for a long, long time! We (that's me and my hair dresser) highlight and color. There's a brunette and a blonde mixture going on. It looks natural...I think. I know others who do it themselves and have had great luck. My advice is follow the directions. I tried it myself one time. Didn't believe the instuctions about how long to leave it on and I washed it out too soon. It came out kind of orangey. Not like the picture though. :)
I am scared of bottled colors myself... I go to a salon.... it can be expensive, but my husband even said, if it makes you happy, cut back in other places.. so that's what I do.
I had another hair dresser (she was my brother's ex girlfriend) who ordered color that they use & I'd dye it at home that way - but over the counter products - never used them...
I heard they are pretty good though anymore...
I've done it myself at home just for fun. It works fine if you follow the directions.
What about getting highlights in your hair? That way it's not such a drastic change all at once.
April, you are too funny. Somehow I think you will NEVAH look like that picture!
I've done both......I used a product called Casting (a semi permanent) for several years, and it looks very natural. It was suppposed to only color the gray. Now I get highlights and will keep doing that as long as I can. Yes, some of the gray shows, but the highlights make it all better. Somehow. :)
suzanne
would the semi-permanent hair color be the same as the permanent? if it looks great, i don't see why not!
HA! This brought back so many memories of when I was younger.
I don't dye my hair now and I have said when I start getting more grays (I have quite a few but my hair is already various colors naturally)I would NOT dye it and just go gray gracefully.
My memories- when we were first married John wanted to highlight my hair...instead of pulling hair through every other hole in the cap he pulled it through every. hole! I turned a total blond!! It was funny!!
Oh I forgot to say...if it really bothers you I would use the bottle and do it yourself. I have several friends who do and it looks fine!
I went to a really nice salon last fall and spent waaaaay too much money, but the highlights, lowlights, and color were really, really good. I tried doing it myself after that, and it wasn't so good. But, I'm blonde/light brown, and it can be hard to make that work. I do think you'd like highlights; it's amazing how they can brighten up your look! And, you don't have the skunk stripe if you decide to let it grow out. Good luck!
I am terrible at doing it myself...so off to the salon I go every 6 weeks! I've been gray for sooo long (even some in my 20's)...thanks Grandma!! ;-)
Good Luck!
Kim
LOL! April... that picture is terrifying with the orange, but whatever you decide I know will be great. You are gorgeous as long as you're not spiked with orange, pink, lime green, or purple! ;-)
XO,
Sheila :-)
TAKE THE PLUNGE!! Nothing is totally permanent - if you don't love it, change it! And you know you will love it more than gray! Going to a professional might ease some of the beginner anxiety but once you get over that - you'll be trying it at home, too! Just be sure to share the pictures!!
LOL!!! Awe that color in the pic has never happened to me...gosh I never had to have much done to my hair but a cut every so many weeks but as I got older and saw I wanted to try some new things I went to a profressional...well when prices started going way high in my opinion I started doing them myself. I do go to a hairdresser when I want it highlighted but lately I have been using the kind from Walmart...just did mine last weekend...it really is easy and as long as you follow directions you should not have a problem...I did go with a color that is about my color but has three different tones so it makes it look natural...try it it really is simple to use and easy to do...I do go and get mine done by a profressional once a year about like I get in a tanning bed....but now that is a different story...
Whatever you choose please share while you do it and make sure you put on button up shirt...first time I did it I forgot to wear a button up shirt....now I wear an old tshirt....because the dye does get on your top...and also when making up the dye...it looks lighter when you mix it but actually when it stays on your hair it will darken up...don't be scared it will be that color either....good luck!
I've done my own some, but think it's about time to actually go get it professionally done.
I get mine done professionally but when my mom & dad move here (IF they ever retire and move here) she will do mine. She did hers for many, many years so I have no problem with her dyeing my hair.
I think maybe go with highlights I have done both at home and the salon. Good luck just be careful not to go to dark.
I have dyed my hair a few times (at home) and was happy with the results... if I were to do it again however, I think I would go to the salon. That orange hair is something else!!
April, I started getting mine professionally colored a few years ago. This was after a bad "do-it-myself" experience where I ended up with orange streaks and a swollen scalp! I have them color it back to my normal dark color and get some lighter brown highlights so that it doesn't look like a helmet.
Give it a try, though. And of course post photos.
I have used both and gone to get my hair colored. I prefer the box. Not only is it cheaper, there are a couple really great options! Try Clairol's Perfect 10. It really works in 10 minutes and the color is GREAT!!
I am a bottled brunette! lol I too have the wonderful gene of premature graying (thanks, mom!).
I use the permanent color in the box. I get an earful each time I get my hair cut with my stylist but she says it's a great color! :)
Keep us updated.
Hi April
I get my highlights done at the salon. I would make a real mess of it if I did it myself. I keep getting a few grey hairs here and there but I keep pulling them out!
Thanks for your e-mail. We really love that song.
Lindsay
x
I'll be anxious to know what you decide! I've reached those crossroads myself and have graying temples. I've been considering starting off w/ highlights and then gaining courage from there.
I started to get gray in my part around 21- I've been dying ever since- semi permanent, permanent, high lights- they all come out eventually. The gray will lose the color more quickly since there isn't any pigment for the color to hold on to. When I was pregnant it drove me crazy. I had great skin and hair but I had this big spot of gray- right up front...nice.
Too funny. I thought that was you for a second and I wanted to scream at the computer.. OH NO!!
I've dyed my hair before and had some luck with it.. just start out with a color that's not totally different then what you got..
You can try it and if it doesn't work out, then you can always go the professional route..
I used to color my own hair - not difficult - however, after a while I got sick and tired of doing it, so last year I just went natural, and it really looks great! I've gotten a lot of compliments on it, and I love not having to worry about dying before the tell tale roots appear!
I think you are perfect just the way you are my friend.
April. My sweet April.
Research.
Find a friend who you really enjoy their color.
Ask them where they go.
Get it done by someone.
It looks like you have really healthy good hair; you will be fine.
Don't let the gray army take you over.
Don't be afraid. It's hair.
Hair is meant to be creative; a form of expressing yourself.
Loose the semi-permanent.
It's time, sweet April. It's time.
.mac :)
When my time comes (and it comes earlier for redheads than other colors) I will certainly trust my stylist!
I use L'Oreal Preference and have for years. I follow the directions. It's permanent and turns our beautifully each time. I've never had a problem. Just buy one shade lighter than your natural hair color and GO FOR IT!
Girlfriend, dye yo hair but go to a professional. You won’t regret it if you go to a pro. Do not do it yourself!!!! I lost my hair virginity years ago and I must say I haven’t regretted it at all.
I refuse to show my gray. Except when I get lazy and don't color for a while. But I do color, I do it myself and it turns out great!
It's not like we have the same hair texture my friend...but if you really want to know, I've done it myself and have had it done professional. For me...pro is the only way to go....lol!
I've colored my hair for years and honestly? I'm really great at it, lol! I used to have it done but after I got divorced I couldn't afford it.
I LOVE L'Oreal's Preference!!! It's incredible! Good luck!
I've had my hair colored professionally for years--a weave with highlights and I love it, would never go back. I will never get a tummy tuck, but I have said NO to gray! I suggest professional first so you get a good look. You can always get brave enough to do it yourself!
Well my first time hair coloring will be coming up soon.
I'm thinking for my birthday in August. Yikes! I'm scared....:)
Maybe I'll try highlights first.
I have never dyed my hair or put any kind of coloring in it. So I am of no help!
I would definitely go to a hair salon. I think it looks WAY more natural than if you do it yourself. I don't worry about saving a buck when it comes to my hair. And I always get a few highlights so it doesn't look so fake : )
In my professional opinion, I would recommend that you see your hair stylist and she can tell you what would be best for your particular needs! Permanent color doesn't have to be damaging to your hair. Professional color is much better quality and there really is a big difference in professional products and OTC hair color.
There are lots of options for camouflaging the gray. You could try a few dark blonde highlights just to hide the gray or go with an all over color to completely cover...the possibilities are endless and definitely worth discussing with a licensed cosmetologist!!
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