Have you dyed your hair on your own? Your Hair experiences

[Panina]

It has been 6 weeks since I had my roots touched up. I had over an inch grow in. I wanted to see if my grey was the same all around my head so I let it grow in to see the color.

I have been a blonde naturally since I was born. My growing in color hasn’t changed much in the last 10 years. My sideburns to my middle ear is grey as is the tip of my head about one inch, the rest of the sides are blonde and the back of my head has a few grey hairs but mostly a darker brown. Never understood why it got so dark. I envy those who have salt and pepper or silver grey hair. Just one mix throughout my hair and I would have let it grow completely out. Not so lucky.

I ordered hair dye from Clairol, a touch up. Then I decided I never used it and was afraid of an allergic reaction so ordered Loreal that I used years ago as I know no reaction. When it came I decided no as it always made me more red. Then I ordered just for men because I use it for my blonde eyebrows go get them light brown and I get no reaction. You guessed right, I didn’t use it because even though I purchased the l blonde color it still is a big unknown what color would happen. All these boxes will eventually go to goodwill.

I know the brand and formula used by my beautician so I set out to buy it online. It was sold out everywhere and then one day I got lucky and it was in stock. Finally I was going to do it, so I got my other half to help, mixed it, put in on and within a few minute I washed it off as the chemical smell was too much for me. Amazingly it still deposited some color.

I began thinking maybe I didn’t mix it right. I used a scale for one to one measurement. I still had a half a tube so today I opened my back door, put a paper mask on and mixed it this time using a cup for one to one measurement.

This time I did it myself and I was fine and it covered my roots. The only problem was the longest part of my hair is lighter. If I had more product I could put it through the ends. Actually it looks a little like a process that costs a lot that my daughter does where the bottom part of her hair is made lighter on purpose. Maybe I am trendy.

I have my appointment set with my beautician on May 21 and Just got an email that they expect to reopening on May 22 and please be patient as they have hundreds of calls to make to reschedule. My guess is I won’t be able to get an appointment until July if I am lucky.

I naturally have wavy curly hair, different like the color in different parts of my head. I usually use a topical process to smooth it as without it my hair would fall out in clumps. Now will be the time to see if that still happens. It is now more then half way back to my wavy curly. I actually prefer it and hope it doesn’t fall out now.

 

[Luanne]

I have only tried to color my own hair once. It was right after I graduated high school and I used a product called Summer Blonde (or similar). I ended up a lovely shade of orange. That was the last time I attempted it.

I schedule appointments months out. I have one for May and I might be able to make that one. If not, there is always the one scheduled for June.

 

[VacationForever]

I have been doing root touch up for the last 20 years. My hair had been professionally colored and highlighted for about 30 years now and I only stopped going to the salon to do my highlight and cut for maybe 2 years now. I have very dark brown to black hair and mix Clairol 4R and 4 (Dark brown with a slightly reddish golden tint) for root touch-up. I use a different box for highlighting which is alot more work then root touch-up. I also cut my own hair using mirrors and hairdresser's scissors.

 

[Panina]

I have been doing root touch up for the last 20 years. My hair had been professionally colored and highlighted for about 30 years now and I only stopped going to the salon to do my highlight and cut for maybe 2 years now. I have very dark brown to black hair and mix Clairol 4R and 4 (Dark brown with a slightly reddish golden tint) for root touch-up. I use a different box for highlighting which is alot more work then root touch-up. I also cut my own hair using mirrors and hairdresser's very sharp scissors.

If I go back to my wavy curls I will need a great professional cut to keep it looking good. I know my beautician can do it. I saw her work on a client for a few months who grew in her curly hair and ultimately it was fabulous. By the time I go to her I will have it very long so she has lots to work with.

If you remember last time I had my roots done I posted. I had no blow out and I went home to wash it out and I was charged $110. It really pissed me how expensive it got. Blowing it out would have cost $36 more.

So the bright side of this virus is I will probably keep dying my own hair, good chance I won’t do the Brazilian topical anymore, just will be cutting my hair At the salon. Lots of money saved to do other things with. I wonder how many other people will stop doing as much at the beautician as they figured out how to do it as good.

 

[VacationForever]

If I go back to my wavy curls I will need a great professional cut to keep it looking good. I know my beautician can do it. I saw her work on a client for a few months who grew in her curly hair and ultimately it was fabulous. By the time I go to her I will have it very long so she has lots to work with.

If you remember last time I had my roots done I posted. I had no blow out and I went home to wash it out and I was charged $110. It really pissed me how expensive it got. Blowing it out would have cost $36 more.

So the bright side of this virus is I will probably keep dying my own hair, good chance I won’t do the Brazilian topical anymore, just will be cutting my hair At the salon. Lots of money saved to do other things with. I wonder how many other people will stop doing as much at the beautician as they figured out how to do it as good.

The thing is that I cut my hair the way I like it. I had a hairdresser which I really liked back in California but have yet to find someone who would do what I asked for. I think more people will learn how to cut or color their hair and after COVID, the demand for hair salon services will be down.

 

[Luanne]

Okay, I'll put it out there. I am NOT going to learn to color and cut my own hair. I don't want to. I haven't heard any of my friends, or family, that plan to do their own hair after this is over either.

 

[Panina]

Okay, I'll put it out there. I am NOT going to learn to color and cut my own hair. I don't want to. I haven't heard any of my friends, or family, that plan to do their own hair after this is over either.

I never planned to either, at $110 every three weeks that pushed me. Now if I can find someone who uses the brand dye I like who charges a reasonable price I might not do it.

It amazes me in NYC it costs me less to dye my hair then it does in SC.

 

[Luanne]

I never planned to either, at $110 every three weeks that pushed me. Now if I can find someone who uses the brand dye I like who charges a reasonable price I might not do it.

It amazes me in NYC it costs me less to dye my hair then it does in SC.

I pay more than that, but for every four weeks, but to me it's worth it. There are lots of other things I don't spend money on.

 

[JanT]

I've dyed my own hair forever - but I'm a simple girl and use L'Oreal Preference 6G. I don't bother to do root touch up - I just dye all of it again every time I do it. My hair is dark brown and 6G covers it all up in one great shade so I never can tell any difference at the root line. Every once in awhile if I can't get 6G I'll grab something else that is a little lighter and it seems to cover fairly well and gives it a little bit of sun-kissed look all over. I typically dye my hair every 3 months or when the grey begins to show at the roots.

The one thing I would never even try is to cut my own hair. I tried to cut my bangs when I was about 20 - OMG!!! Worst nightmare ever and I've had a stylist do it ever since.

 

[DeniseM]

I ordered a root touchup kit - I'm only doing my hairline and my part. I've used this kind of kit several times in the past. It's easy, but I find that the amount of time that the suggest that you leave the color on is way too short. My hairdresser says this is because they are afraid people will leave it on too long. My hair dresser leaves the color on about 20 min, so that's what I do at home, too.

 

[elaine]

Yep. L’Oréal or preference 8 1/2A light ash blonde for 30 years. Sometimes I streak it with the comb attachment. Other times I make 5 parts and glob it on. Always looks good.
I don’t have the time to sit for hours at a salon Plus it cost me $10. I was blonde Until 12 and lighter brown now, so maybe since it’s so close that’s why the “bottle blonde” looks fine. But must use an Ash color or I’d looks like LucilleBall.

 

[rapmarks]

Almost ready to take the big step. Underneath it all, my hair has turned white. I have at least an inch plus of grow out already I may just take the big step and go ahead and join the rest of the white haired seniors.

 

[nomoretslt]

Almost ready to take the big step. Underneath it all, my hair has turned white. I have at least an inch plus of grow outa day I may just take the big step and go ahead and join the rest of the white haired seniors.

I took the big step about 4 years ago. It took a good 2 years to grow out, and my hairdresser put lowlights in every few months so I wouldn’t have skunk hair. I’m silver except for the back of my head close to the nape...it’s still mostly brown. My hair is soft, smooth and healthy. I get many compliments. I just need to make sure I have on eye makeup so I don’t look washed out. Also try to wear bright and/or colorful tops. It is really freeing!

@Panina i used to color my own hair too. It didn’t come out as nice as when I used to have it done professionally but it was getting expensive!

 

[Theiggy]

I have only done my own root touch up in desperate situations- this pandemic being one of them. I think DeniseM must be right I didn’t leave it on long enough bc it didn’t cover at all. I spend a fortune on my hair but that’s bc I refuse to be a skunk head. I know my colorist/ stylist is going to have her work cut out for her when she reopens. My hair looks like crap now. I will definitely be going back to the salon.


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[TravelTime]

I have not had my hair done since January. My gray roots have grown out at least 2 inches since then. Luckily they seem to blend okay with the blonde highlights. When SIP is over, going to the hairdresser will be a priority. I have colored and cut my hair in the past and I can guarantee you, I am better off waiting until I can see a hairdresser.

 

[Snazzylass]

If I go back to my wavy curls I will need a great professional cut to keep it looking good. I know my beautician can do it. I saw her work on a client for a few months who grew in her curly hair and ultimately it was fabulous. By the time I go to her I will have it very long so she has lots to work with.

If you remember last time I had my roots done I posted. I had no blow out and I went home to wash it out and I was charged $110. It really pissed me how expensive it got. Blowing it out would have cost $36 more.

So the bright side of this virus is I will probably keep dying my own hair, good chance I won’t do the Brazilian topical anymore, just will be cutting my hair At the salon. Lots of money saved to do other things with. I wonder how many other people will stop doing as much at the beautician as they figured out how to do it as good.

Lots of real life discussions about this. I'm not sure how, but sister got her hair cut last Saturday. I'm happy for her. Right before the quarantine, I gave up on salons. Maybe not forever, but I drove over to Sally's and bought a pair of shears. Then I walked into the Target next door and bought some highlight. My sister and I would share a box years ago. It's only in the last few years that I've had it done in the salon on occasion. My hair still blondes on its own, but the bleach gives it more tooth and makes it easier to style. And, it blends in my "tinsel."
So, I've been trimming my hair a bit and letting it grow out. I envision myself in a French twist or a bun and never cutting it again. We will see!

 

[Iggyearl]

I guess guys don't color their hair at a salon much. Me? I have "worn" hair for 29 years. I go every 4 weeks for a haircut on the sides, and a reattachment of the top. I miss Gretchen so much and I think of the guys who are very self conscious about their looks do also. I have "done" my own hair replacement twice since the SIP order. My real hair hasn't grown much as I am on chemotherapy. (lucky me) However it is a royal pain to cut off the top, clean the adhesive, and put it back on correctly. And, once you put it on, the adhesive doesn't allow for movement. I am 2 for 2 so far. I just pray that we get back to normal soon so I can see Gretchen and get it done right.

 

[easyrider]

Yes I did. It turned orange in Las Vegas. Swore I was never going to try again. Last winter I did try again. It was Just For Men Control x shampoo. It did work but it took over a week. The gray was toned down. But......... the stuff turned my fingernails dark gray. So I decided it is too much effort.

Bill

 

[stmartinfan]

I did one of those "sun highlights" kits back when I was in college - big mistake! So when I started to turn gray before 40, I went for professional coloring. My hair grows very fast, so I did a color and cut at least every 4 weeks for years, starting to add more blond highlights to my light brown hair as I got older. I worked in a field where "youth" was important, so going gray during my 40s and 50s wasn't an option. Finally in my 60s when I was retired, I decided I was tired of the routine and grew my hair out, with my stylist bleaching out most of the color that was beyond the new growth. After a few months, I got the odd color combination grown out, and now have mostly white hair that is made softer with a lot of blond highlights done with semi permanent color, so it fades out and doesn't need touching as quickly. It's gotten pretty white now and I'm looking forward to professional highlights and cut, but I'm very thankful I'm not dealing with the white roots I would have had!

 

[rhonda]

I think I already mentioned this in an earlier thread. Please forgive the repeat. I've been coloring my own hair with a natural henna product for years. During the shelter-at-home period, I've returned to cutting my own hair, too. I will likely return to Super Cuts for a style ... but for now, the hair is in good shape and not looking too bad!

 

[Sandi Bo]

I dyed mine on Friday, targetting the growth. Meh. Still trying to convince myself I like it. My daughter said it's better than gray, lol. At first she didn't notice until I pointed it out, tipped my head in the sunlight, then she said "oh yeah, I see it's a different color" and the better than gray comment. If I can tweak it just a bit I'd like to continue to do it myself. I am terrible about getting to salon, anyways, would love to do just a little better at doing it myself. I have a friend who does all kinds of stuff, bleach it first, dye it red, then black. And uses pre-conditioners and clarifiers. She offered to help me with mine (when this is over). But all that is more than I want to do (I just want an easy out of the box solution), hoping to figure it out. I did cut my husbands hair a couple weeks ago, that went well and I'll probably keep doing that. Never would I do mine, cutting my girls bangs when they were little did not go well. We do a family zoom, after I did my husbands, several others in the family did (one BIL said no way). Some of these quarantine things have been fun.

 

[Patri]

Yep. L’Oréal or preference 8 1/2A light ash blonde for 30 years. Sometimes I streak it with the comb attachment. Other times I make 5 parts and glob it on. Always looks good.

Me too. I've been coloring my hair at least that long. It is short, so I just do everything, no streaking. I trim around the ears as necessary now, but will leave the cutting to the professionals. My guy will scold me whenever I get in, but no one else is close enough to me now to see the flaws!

 

[Sugarcubesea]

This is my project for this weekend...It's been 16 weeks since my hair was colored. The day of my 8 week visit was the day our state got shut down. I purchased some hair dye. I goggled what was the best and came up with Natural Instincts by Clairol. I want to do it this week so if its bad when our stay home order is lifted on May 15th I do not look so bad going into the office.

My hair and bangs look oh so bad and it in turn makes me feel bad ugh

 

[Panina]

This is my project for this weekend...It's been 16 weeks since my hair was colored. The day of my 8 week visit was the day our state got shut down. I purchased some hair dye. I goggled what was the best and came up with Natural Instincts by Clairol. I want to do it this week so if its bad when our stay home order is lifted on May 15th I do not look so bad going into the office.

My hair and bangs look oh so bad and it in turn makes me feel bad ugh

I know the feeling. My hair, not looking good, is so long but I will not risk cutting it. I know how to do my bangs as my beautician showed me how. My hair looking good always makes me feel better.

 

[klpca]

I've been dealing with gray hair since my late 20's so I have lots of experience both with DIY and the salon. When my hair is done professionally it is perfect. At home it isn't. Brassy color is usually the problem (although as someone suggested on another thread the ash color is better to prevent that) but my gray is very stubborn and doesn't really take the color well. I've even had occasional trouble at the salon, but usually it takes just fine when Lisa does it.

To get me through until I can see Lisa, I am using the spray-on root touch up, which I usually keep in hand for in between appointments. It feels a little weird on my hair but looks fine. I wash my hair every other day and I am only using the spray if I am going to the office or on a zoom call. Otherwise my family will just have to look at my roots. I'm afraid of running out and it's been tough to find the spray in stock. I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/Everpro-Gray...touch+up+spray&qid=1588166976&s=beauty&sr=1-2 (but in a different color which is now sold out of course). I have also used the L'Oreal brand. Both work well for what they do. Make sure to read the reviews regarding color. For my color, reviews suggested that it was a bit dark and go up to one shade lighter. I did and the color was a perfect match.

I used to avoid having my hair done at the salon until I met Lisa. I am in and out in an hour, and she does both root color and either highlights or lowlights, plus a cut every month. She is very efficient. She even cuts my husband's hair while I am sitting under the dryer, setting the color. It looks very natural which is what I want. I don't keep it a big secret but there are still people who are shocked to find out that I color my hair. If I didn't color it I would be completely white, not even gray. I'm just not ready to go there as I am still in my 50's. I have no plans to stop coloring my hair and I can't wait to see Lisa again!

At this point though, what I miss most is my manicurist. I think that I may have the best manicurist in San Diego. My nails look amazing when she does them - I get compliments all the time. I get gels every two weeks (or at least I did, lol) and they never peel off - in fact removing the gel after a month when the quarantine started took me hours, spread over a few days. Marilyn is another one who is efficient - my manicures take 45 minutes and she is so gentle with everything that my nails are always healthy. Seeing Marilyn and Lisa are the first things that I want to do after quarantine!