Novice and just dyed my hair red - what should I have done/should I do next time?

[LRDtheFeministDragon]

My hair is usually dark brown, never dyed it before but fancied it. I know I should have come here and researched it (and I did post here very vaguely a few months ago but chickened out of doing anything). Anyway, it was Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color in 'Vibrant Red'. DH did it for me and, on the plus side, my ears and neck are not red ... on the minus side, it is a wee bit, erm, uneven!

I was wondering, if that colour rings bells for you, do you know what'd give me a richer, less purply-red? I am really bad at matching the colours on the packets to what they do on my hair. Or should I bite the bullet and go get it done properly at the hairdresser's?

I thought I'd have a really strong reaction of like or dislike, and I'm just a bit 'meh' to be honest! How do you ensure you're really happy with the result?

If it's uneven it' s usually because you don't have enough dye to cover all of your hair properly. Long or thick hair can need 2 packs. Did you comb it through as well?

Ah, I didn't comb it! It didn't say to ... I will try next time. I thought DH would do it better than me as he'd be able to see better, but TBH, I think I'll do it myself next time. My hair isn't that long, but he did only use about 2/3 of the bottle, so it could well be that.

Thank you!

No prob, I have really thick hair, so need loads of dye. You do the roots first and when it's all coated you gently comb it through. If you have a flat brush it's better to paint it onto each chunk of hair, that's what my hairdresser does. Well done for not getting a red neck though!

Thanks tunnel. Looking at it this morning, oh dear, it realy is quite patchy!

natasha - so I can just plonk more dye on top, then?

Btw, do you think if I went to the hairdresser I'd be able to pick a better colour than I can from home kits, or would the hairdresser just be, erm, less cack-handed in applying it?

Thanks!

1. to remove the colour use Colour B4 available at boots and superdrug. follow instructions carefully, especially rinsing times and not to use a 2-part colour for 1 week. This will remove all the dye.

1. I suggest that as you do not normally colour your hair that you use a semi- rather than a permanent colour. this will last 21 washes max. that way you get an idea of what you like. once you know you can find a similar colour in permanent.

1. it really is hard to pick a colour. not least of all because they do not come out the same on everyone.

1. for even colour, unless you have fairly short hair (collar length or shorter), you need 2 packets. You need to use a comb to ensure even distribution.

1. Yes, you can plonk more dye on top. but try to get it even, and it needs to be the same colour. put a different colour on top, and however even it is it will still look patchy.

Thanks so much. I have put another pack of dye on and I am so much happier with it now! I think I should have let it develop for longer (I did 25 minutes but the pack said leave it longer if your hair is hard to dye, and I guess mine is!). It's a much richer colour now - and even!

I really appreciate the advice - and about hairdressers vs. home.