Hair dye advice for a novice

[Reastie]

The grey has got too much for me, I need to do something about it and quick.

I've never dyed my hair in my life though! My long term plan is to get it done in the hairdressers, but I'd like to dip my toe in the hair dye water with a home kit in the hope it will work well enough to last a while to save some pennies from going to the hairdresser but have no idea where to start. I don't want to go permanent in case it all goes pear shaped, so assuming I want a semi permanent.

Any advice or recommendations? My hair is very thick and quite frizzy. It's brown but with a red auburn tint. I want it to look natural. I went to boots and looked at the hair dye aisle but got scared off by all of the brands and choices and colours. I need help! Thinking of going to the chemist this afternoon if anyone sees this to reply before I set out.

If you can afford to go to a hairdresser then do that first! Ask friends or local online forums for recommendations. The first visit may just be a chat and a skin test to make sure you don't have allergies. My hairdresser has always given me good, personalised advice on home dye kits, too, and they have worked well. Go to the pros first time and ask about home kits for next time if you want to save some money. Good luck!

Erk, problem Is I'm off on holiday on Friday and really wanted to do it before then so I don't look to grey in the holiday photos.

Base gives good advice as a first time user.

I'm an old hand at home hair dye. I have hair similar to yours and like the casting range and use amber which is a subtle reddish brown. It lasts a while and I leave it on for max time in the
instructions to cover greys.

Make sure you do a patch test as its the first time using home hair dye and I like to run vaseline round my hair line so I don't accidentally dye my forehead/neck/ears red!

Sorry meant to add its the casting gloss one i use which is a semi permanent

Good tip re Vaseline thanks.

How long before use do you have to do the patch test? Looked up casting and the chestnut one looks nice...

Well I am just as last minute on these things so won't lecture. :) Would a cut and style be enough to get you through the holiday feeling good?? You need to do a skin test even with a home kit, so that's 24 hours gone. And the potential for it to go wrong on grey, thick, frizzy hair is kinda high. I am sure someone more knowledgable about your hair type will be along soon. I understand your desperation, though, I really do.

Ok, looks like I'll be grey for the holiday then :( a cut will make it worse as the grey will be more obvious.

Out of interest, how long does a colour take at hairdresser? I have an appointment at the end of the month for a cut, wonder if I can add colour to it.

Colour takes a lot longer so always book for a colour. If you want the colour done on the same day as the cut, make a quick appointment a couple days beforehand for a chat and a skin test. That should only take 10 minutes and I would hope would not be charged. Home hair dye is great and much cheaper so be sure to get lots of product recommendations.

If you are stuck for time what about doing a super conditioning treatment? I find that sorts my hair out temporarily and makes it less frizz prone. I like the Aussie one

How about using one of the nice n easy 8 wash dyes? I found these worked really well on first greys and are incredibly gentle. Pretty much impossible to get it wrong with these! Lots of different colours to choose from but make sure you leave it on at least 40mins for good grey coverage.
Make sure you pick up the right one though as the packaging for the semi permanent and permanent ones are very similar to the 8 wash ones.
Superdrug usually sell them, but it's been a while since I've seen them in Boots.
www.amazon.co.uk/Clairol-Nicen-Easy-Loving-Permanent/dp/B001RYWFCY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428503142&sr=8-1&keywords=nice+easy+loving+care

Don't worry about it going wrong. If you choose a colour the same (or very close) to your natural colour it will be great. I've always dyed my hair myself and I should never have bothered with the semi-permanents.

All the main brands work well and are mostly non-drip, it's as easy as shampooing, ther is even one that is a foam. Over time you'll find your fave colour.

I would say - go and buy a colour like your natural colour, one of the main brands and 'just do it'. You'll love it and your hair will feel in amazing condition. Make sure you have an old towel handy, remove any fabric items from the bathroom (in case of a spillage).

You'll never look back!

Thanks. Does semi permanent make your hair more dry and frizzy or glossy and shiny? (Please be the latter!). I might buy one tomorrow morning, test it and then go for it Friday mornging straight before holiday,

I wash my hair every day so if it goes wrong, and 8 wash one won't last long.

All (good quality) hair dye makes hair glossy and feel great. The permanent ones come with amazing conditioner too. Enjoy!