Please forgive if this post isn't allowed because it's not about food. However, you all are the age group I need to ask the question.

I have been coloring my gray for about 15 years. Last year I went to permanent color. I am trying to save some money - so, instead of going to the salon I want to try and color it myself.

Do any of you color your hair. What products do you recommend.

Thanks.

Hi BeverlyJoy... Funny you asked,because just colored last night!!I have colored my hair for about 13 years.....I'm 34 and I started turning gray at about 16..it didn't start getting bad till I was about 19 and then I started getting real self consious about it.. so I tried temporary and it does say something if I remember correctly about only covering 80 % or if your more than 80% it won't work...temp didn't work for me...didn't cover a dad blasted one seemed like!!...so I went permanent.....gray is my family curse I suppose and I hate it..and I always dread doing it especially now having a toddler that I have to strap in the stroller if he's not conveniently sleeping when I do the dreaded deed,but I'm just not ready to go gray just yet...I think I'm still too young to be as gray as my sis who is 56 years old!!LOL But anyway...I use herball essences...in a pink box...# 23 my hair isn't naturally blonde,kinda light brown to a dish water blonde maybe,it's been so long I really kinda forgot my natural color!!...but this color is nice on my hair and I like it..I've thought about going darker,but it seems like it makes me look pale...with this color,I guess my hair is about the color of jennifer anistons,until it fades to a lighter blonde..but I color anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks,my hair grows really fast so it seems like my roots are already showing by the end of 2 weeks after I color..I think this time it had been exactly 3 weeks and next week be Thanksgiving..I thought I'd go ahead and get it over with!!LOL But I hope I could help..oh yeah my hair color also comes with this awesome conditioner that makes your hair so soft...I think alot of people have there's made or mixed custom at those beauty salon stores that sell to the public...I've never been in one even though we have one..but herbal essences is like 7 bucks at wally world and I figure I can't beat that with a stick!!sorry to reply for so long,but I'm a talker!!LOL

Hello there.... I am 64, have been using color changing products since I was 16. Do the math!! I love L'Oreal. You will find the kits at Walmart with everything you need. Sally has the individual color. If you by the color alone mix it with equal amounts of 20 volume creme developer. Make sure you put it on the roots first. Try not to damage the ends too much.
I have also visited cosmetology schools to get my work done. They do good work for a fraction of the cost.
I once received a card from my husband which read that he would love me through all the colors.
Happy coloring.

I use a level-2 colorant, but I only have about 25% gray. It's Natural Instincts brand. There are many do-it-yourself kits, and sometimes the women who work in the cosmetics area of stores like CVS can help you decide which one to try. If you go to Sally Beauty Supply they definitely can tell you everything you need to know.

Jay

I use Natural Instincts, too. It has a great conditioner that really smooths my hair. I use the one that washes out in about 6 weeks, but I leave it on longer so it is more permanent. I am about due to go to a more permanent dye, too. I am getting more and more grey and my natural color has faded to a dull, dark brown.
Sheri

I color my hair and have for a while. I use the L'Oreal products in the pink box (sorry I can't remember the brand). I have average dark/dirty blonde hair, and I use Dark Golden Brown on my hair and love the way it looks.

I color once every 6 weeks or so. It's a messy process, but not that hard once you get it down. The worst part is sitting around for 30 mins with the color in my hair, remembering not to lean my head back against the sofa.

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I think about doing this sometimes. Do you do your whole head every time, or just the roots? I'd be staying the same color, just covering gray. Medium brown hair.

With hair as short as mine, it's hard not to do my whole head. But I do apply to the roots and massage it in lightly. The box says leave it for 25-30 mins, so I leave the roots part in for the first 20 mins and then sort of scrunch it around the rest of my hair and leave that for the last 10. You have to cover all of your hair at some point, or the difference between the bright new color and the faded older color is kinda obvious. It's like reverse roots.

If it get streaky down the rest of my hair, that's fine ... I figure the difference in tones makes it look more natural anyway.

The I make sure to use the deep conditioner they provide and to deep condition it at lease once more before the next treatment. And, about once a week I sleep with coconut oil in my hair help keep it shiny and smooth.

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Thanks everyone ! I got some L'Oreal Excellence - and it worked out well!

Oh the memories! I coloured for 40 years and then decided enough was enough and I let it grow out. The growing out was SOOO painful and slow I never want to go through that again.

I told my little nieces (30 somethings) that I've always wanted to be a blond and now I'm platinum. They love the attitude!

Turns out I'm silver grey.......it's really a lovely colour and a good surprise. Now I'm in the process of letting it grow out to all one length at earlob length just for something fresher looking. I know some don't ever want to be grey but I had a Grandson getting married and decided it was time to look like "Granny of the Groom"...........I'm 65 and not a bit sorry to have this new look. (I wear different colour clothing now too......it's a fresh new world!)

I've colored for the last 35 years. After deciding not to spend all that money at the salon, I've been using Nice N Easy for many many years. I mix a light and medium ash blonde and my light brown (mostly gray now!) hair lightens up well.