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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

hairdressers aibu

17 replies

wouldpoisonbesobad · 05/08/2017 10:28

To cut a long story short I have long grey/ dull hair which is dyed blonde. I have been worried about lamb/mutton scenario (am in late 50s) but always have it worn up in a bun so looks okay.
Anyway, to have roots done every 5 weeks cost £50. I have a friend whose hair always looks good and she is doing hers out of a box. My hairdresser seems to think that I should not risk using a box as mine is such a nice colour. Would I be unreasonable to risk using a box because if it all went wrong I would have to go back to smug hairdresser cap in hand and ask her to put it right. £50 is a lot of money that I really cant afford but to be honest I feel that nice hair is the only thing in my favour at the moment. WWYD

OP posts:
Loungepants · 05/08/2017 10:31

Do it out of a box. Of course your hairdresser doesn't want you to risk it - they will lose out on £50 every few weeks. What's the worst that could happen?

londonista · 05/08/2017 10:35

Box all the way. My hairdresser suggests I come in twice a year for him to correct the over colouring, but between that box is fine. He even gives me tips on how to do it - roots for 20 mins then rest of the colour applied to whole head and leave for another 10 mins. Works a charm.

stevie69 · 05/08/2017 10:37

Hey OP, I'm no expert on hair (I shave my head to avoid having to worry about it). However, I'd just like to reassure you re the lamb/mutton scenario.

We covered this at my WeightWatchers class recently. The theme for the evening was all about ageing gracefully. The other members all decided that graceful was the way to go. I disagreed. Group leader to me: 'But Stevie, surely you don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb?' Me: 'Why ever not? The alternative is looking like mutton dressed as mutton!'

Be whatever you want to be Grin

Sorry, I can't advise on the hair. It's been so long since I grew mine to any sort of length. Hope you resolve it though.

S xx

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 05/08/2017 10:37

What's the worst that could happen?
Well you could end up patchy, over processed, unsatisfactory results.
Which might take more time and money for your hairdresser to sort out.

How long does a box colour stay on? 20-30 minutes?
How long does your hairdresser take to apply the dye and let it work? Longer I'll bet.

If you have lovely hair and you value it , why risk it?

I've used box dyes but my hair is 2"-3" long so if it goes Pete Tong, I can remedy it.

AnnieOH1 · 05/08/2017 10:38

Box dyes today are leaps and bounds ahead of the horror shows they were in the 90's even the cheap ones.

As you've got this thought in your head I would maybe look at one of the more expensive ones and a root touch up kit so you don't need them as often. Don't forget a toning shampoo and to condition well. (I use pro-voke touch of silver and I'll also use a leave in conditioner too)

Your hairdresser probably doesn't want to lose your business so may be open to negotiation on her prices and intervals with you going longer between appointments.

Kidsarekarma · 05/08/2017 10:41

The only reason I go to a hairdresser to have my roots done is because I found it difficult and messy to do it myself.
But I used to find that box dyes gave a more intense colour, took better and didn't fade as quickly as salon colours Confused

londonista · 05/08/2017 11:09

Has anyone tried L'Oreal magic retouch? I use it often for a quick fix - I was extremely dubious but it is awesome.

Basically it's a spray on temporary root cover-up. I know I know but honestly reserve judgment until you've tried it. Brilliant quick fix.

Alicia555 · 05/08/2017 11:12

Bleach is bleach whether it's done at the salon or at home, it's still a damaging chemical. If you're careful with the application or know someone who can help you with the back there's absolutely no reason you cannot do it yourself for a huge saving.

KungFuPandaWorksOut16 · 05/08/2017 11:15

Hairdresser here Grin

If you follow the directions perfectly you honestly can't mess up. You can tell who hasn't done as the instructions directed when they come in and act really surprised why their hair is falling out in clumps or it's 3 or 4 different shades.

I would still recommend going in and having your hair cut though from time to time.

Genghi · 05/08/2017 12:33

My advice is going to be pretty much the opposite of everyone here: if you enjoy going to the hairdresser, consider it a treatx then as long as you can afford to pay her why should you stop? Just because your mate uses a box doesn't mean you have to. Enjoy your life!

deary · 05/08/2017 12:39

I am rubbish at applying box colour and as my hair is very (prematurely grey), I don't consider getting my roots done professionally that much of a luxury. Maybe say to the hairdresser that it is costing more than you would like? Maybe a junior or trainee could apply the colour? Do you need it cut every time? Skip the blow dry and go home with it wet and do it yourself.
My roots cost about £28, the cut is about £20 and the blow dry is another £15. The hairdresser might be happy to look at other options to keep your business.

Alternatively- look at hairdressing colleges or mobile hairdressers, they might be cheaper options.

KC225 · 05/08/2017 12:55

I moved, one hairdresser in town. Think greying net curtain in the Windows and she wanted from 36.00 for a 7 year old boy. My neighbour paid 45.00 for a dry cut. Could not bring myself to ask how much a colour was like you 50 quid root job almost every 5 to 6 weeks. I started using boxes and it was saying mistake, I ended up with dull flat over dyed hair. Having said that my hair is dark and blonde maybe a little more forgiving. I am now in the process of growing it out and using root cover up powder on between trips back home and the services of a sympathetic hairdresser

Lucisky · 05/08/2017 13:05

I have my hair dyed blonde as it is a horrible salt and pepper grey. Couldn't care less what people think. I have tried the box ones in the past, and I found it very difficult to do the bits I couldn't see at the back, so ended up with a shit result. However, my hairdresser only charges 37 quid for a colour, possibly because I live in a rural area and the hairdresser is in the next village. I know it's a lot more expensive in the towns. I enjoy the chance to sit and browse mags with a cuppa too, total peace!

BlurryFace · 05/08/2017 13:05

Boxed dyes are pretty good, though if your hair is very thick or long it's best to get two and a friend to help you get all of it. Do it when the bathroom needs a scrub, because it'll need it afterwards. Smear Vaseline round your hairline so it doesn't dye your skin/peach fuzz.

BlurryFace · 05/08/2017 13:06

*two boxes of hair dye

YouRat · 05/08/2017 13:08

I'm 39 (colouring hair for about 20 years)and always used a box and highlights from a box too. I have had many compliments even from hairdressers how great it looks. Especially as I've done it myself. OP why don't you try it out once. See the results then decide if you're happy with it.

Original poster
wouldpoisonbesobad · 07/08/2017 14:23

Thank you for all the good advice. I have decided to go to hairdressers and have hair done but explain that it might be the last time. I hadn't realized that the colour and blow dry each had their own price. So I am going to suggest that I dry it at home as I only live two minutes away. If not I will give the boxes a go.
Thanks again x

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