Please help a hair-dyeing virgin

[NoNickname]

I have never dyed my hair (OK, I lie, I did use a Shaders 'N Toners or two when I was about 15!)

I'm forty now and the grey is beginning to show up much more obviously these days, and I am thinking about dyeing it. But I know nothing about hair dye!

I don't think I want a permanent dye - I don't think I need it yet, and cannot quite face dyeing it regularly and frequently.

What are the "washes out after x washes" dyes like? Do they work to cover the grey? Do they result in nasty grey roots in four weeks' time?

Can anyone help please? (BTW, I have mid to dark brown hair).

No, you need permanent dye to cover the grey, welcome to the club. You can do it with a box yourself (one you buy at supermarket) or your hairdresser might put a box on for you if you ask or you can have a few colours put in and it costs about £60.

Thanks SecondhandRose - but boo hoo, I was hoping that I wouldn't have to take the plunge yet

You're lucky you've got to 40, you've got off lightly!

Try a wash out rinse first. You apply it the same way so gives you an idea what to expect with a permanent one. There are some that last around 24 washes which is quite a long time really. And don't leave it in too long. They often come out darker than you think.

Try a semi-permanent colour first. It will fade gradually so the regrowth line won't be so obvious as with a permanent colour. You can pick up a tinting brush and bowl in the chemist, which makes it easier to apply the colour evenly (or get someone to help).

Thanks all - any suggestions of which brands are the best? And which to definitely avoid?