Never dyed my hair...

[Cretaceous]

...even though I'm fast approaching 50. I'd like to start now. I've got some grey clumps and streaks, but my original colour is quite dark brown.

I popped into our local hairdressers today to book an appointment, and almost fainted at the cost. Is it possible to do it at home? How do you know what dye to chose? Do you do it in the shower, or does it dye your body too? How do you clean the towel afterwards? How does it work? Or should I just go to the hairdressers? (Don't think I could justify the cost, though)

Help, I need some advice. Thank you.

i dye mine regularly, its been a case of trial and error with hairdye (never had a bad experience just the fact that some dont cover as good). i use garnier nutriesse at the moment because i have white hairs (dont get them grey) and it covers them very good. i have a towel i use for drying my hair after i have dyed it because it will stain occasionally. i also have an old vest top and jogging bottoms i use just in case. i stand over the bath (sink's a bit too small in case is splashes) and do it that way. then i make sure the bath is cleaned properly afterwards.

Thank you - that's really helpful. I'll have a browse in Tesco tomorrow, and maybe take the plunge.