Can you help with hair dye please?

[TheOneWithTheHair]

I need to dye my hair to cover grey and I have no idea which brands are good or work well.

Also what are your tips for success?

I use loreal preference but my grey hair is quite stubborn so have to colour it every four weeks. i am only 35 too

Thanks Knitted. I could cope with every 4 weeks.

I went to the supermarket and was completely bewildered by it all.
Does hair type matter and is it easy?

Hair type doesnt matter. its pretty easy to do. what colour is ur hair?

Dark brown. I had it done at the hair dresser and nearly choked on the price. There's no way I can afford that every time but at 36 I'm not ready to grow old gracefully.

My tip is go lighter colour than what you think - can always dye it darker but once it is dark very very hard to get out.

I now no longer dye it after a witch look a like incident, I just suck up the price now. Am 27 and have grey, not loads but enough to want to dye it.

at witch look a like.

My hair is almost black so I'm not worried about going very dark. I'm just fed up of looking like Cruella Deville!!

I agree with giraffes, don't pick a dark brown, they always are too dark. Go for a medium or light brown. Most dyes are the same, I don't like the new Oli one though. I usually buy whats on offer.

When you are doing it put vaseline around your hairline to stop drips.

Ok thanks. I'll go lighter and see how it goes. I'll also use Vaseline.

One more question. If I did it this afternoon, will it be ok for tonight when I go out?

Yes it will

Vaseline is a great tip coco. And do the top of your ears as well if you are as cack-handed as I am!

My tips are for the sake of your sanity when cleaning the bathroom after hair dye apocalypse. Don't get hair dye on shower curtains if you can help it, it is a pain, and try not to get it in to the grout of your bathroom tiles! Also, when you have finished your excellent dye job, don't flick your hair back like a Timotei advert and get hair dye splattered in a nice trail across the ceiling! Gah!

Oops BeQuick. I'll be sure to keep it under control.

I dont use vaseline but use baby wipes to get any excess dye off ears, forehead, arms, etc. I also use an old top just for doing my hair so it doesnt matter if dye gets on it (easier than trying to keep a towel wrapped round your shoulders). I put towels on the floor in the bathroom and apply the dye at the mirror over the bathroom sink. I have recently used Olia and Feria and thought they were both ok.

Showercap is good and if your hair is very long sometimes you need to use 2 boxes

An old tshirt is a good idea. Two boxes?

Ok thus is starting to sound like a serious operation. Does it really get everywhere. The adverts just show some kind of controllable mouse.

my hair is below my shoulders and is thick but i can still get away with just using 1 box. I am not that messy but do have to check walls and doors after applying as I once got a blob of mousse on the white bathroom door that was a bugger to get off again.

I only use one box and i have long hair. Doesnt get that messy if u are careful. just watch your carpet and new towels if dying near them. Agree with a lighter shade than normal. my hair is medium brown so always use lightest brown. it will be fine for tonight. i always make sure once i have dyed my hair if i get any on my skin wipe off with cleanser or toner rather than wait until its time to wash the dye off your hair as it cud slightly stain your skin, which does come off eventually but not a good look if u are out tonight.

i also liked the nice and easy range by loreal.

Right, I ended up going with L'Oreal Casting Creme Gloss because it was on offer. I'm doing it some time this afternoon and I'll report back.

Vaseline and old t-shirt at the ready!

Thank you for all your help. :)

Is it too late to suggest that you cover the exposed areas of tile/grout with cling film to protect them from any splashes and make clearing up easy?
Hope it goes well.

I use a pedestal bath mat instead of a towel round my neck as it fits perfectly. And YY to the vaseline on forehead, ears, neck, arms etc

I use an old dressing gown so I don't have to pull it over my head. Naked underneath .

Well it's done!

I managed not to dye the bathroom or my face thanks to all of your tips. :)

I'm pleased with the results. Not all the grey is gone but most of it and what's left is toned down somehow. Love the colour.

Definitely better value for money.

Yay! Glad it turned out well

well done. you will get better with practise.