I need some advice on home dying my hair

[Agincourt]

I have started to go grey and I really cannot afford to get my hair dyed at the hairdressers, though I will get it cut after I have dyed it...But I don't know where to start. I have only coloured it once in 34 years and that was done in a salon and tbh I didn't like it. So, where do i start?

What brand is best?
Is it best to try and match my natural hair colour that isn't grey to the box?
are any better for sensitive souls like me?
what else do i need to know?

I was going to post the same question. Someone commented on my greys from a foot away at the weekend (thanks tactful dad), I think that means the time has come. I haven't dyed my hair since it was purple then black at 16.

I used to use Boots own semi perm, but I got the colour coding from my hairdresser - I now use the Lush Henna which is great as is natural, but a faff to apply

I have found John Frieda foam to be great. I would go for the lightest shade that is close to your own colour,so if your hair is medium brown - I would probably go for light brown). Dark brown shades always seem to come out black.

can you buy john frieda foam from the supermarket?

I am dark blonde atm but I don't wantt o go too light, but I will just look slightly lighter.

Rilla, i am glad it just isn't me. I keep putting it off but it's making me feel old and dowdy

www.johnfrieda.co.uk/homecolour/precision-foam-colour/shades.aspx

hmm I can't work out what i am. It's hard to match up to a computer!

If in doubt, always go lighter than you think you need. I've never used a dye that hasn't turned out darker than I expected.

I use l'Oreal Casting semi-permanent btw, and I find it effective and easy to use.

I like Garnier, but it doesn't give 100% grey coverage. Having said that the one they use at the salon doesn't cover all my greys either.

If you have never coloured you hair before I would suggest you stick to a shade as close to your own as you can get, perhaps slightly lighter.

Also you say that you intend to do the colour before you have it cut, I think that is a big no-no. Especially if you are having layers.

is it better to get it cut first then?

I am a complete novice I don't know whether I am brave enough to post a pic up of myself for you to help me match

Some good tips on the colour side.

On the practical side:
I sit in my pants in the bathroom with an old towel around my shoulders.
Clock for timing the colour.
Book to read whilst waiting.
Babywipes for cleaning around hairline and ears (and any splats on floor etc).

Good luck

I always have the cut first. If you have layers cut in it may be a shock to the system if you did not get a nice ever coverage all over... i/e block of your old colour coming through.

Don't worry about it, if you stick to something close to your own colour, but slightly lighter, you will be absolutely fine. Once you have done it you will not look back.

Goodluck.

oh thank you. You are all great :)

I am not dealing very well with this getting older lark. I honestly feel ancient compared to my peers as I had my children young and they are haven't even had any yet and then joy of joys, i am the first to go grey not suprising really, but ggrr

The foam, always the foam! Much easier. I found the John Frieda didn't cover my greys very well but the Nice and Easy one does the job really well.

I have just been asked for ID in asda so i think i ought to stop moaning :o