Dyeing my hair black for the first time, should I get it done at a salon?

[SapphireSeptember]

Just that really. I've wanted to dye my hair black since I was 12 (before I even knew what Goth was.) 17 years later and I've decided I really am going to do it. My hair is dark brown already, so it wouldn't be that much of a change, and I have pale skin with pink undertones. I think I can pull it off (she says.) But I was thinking if I get it done professionally it'll look better than if I do it myself.

I've dyed my hair black myself before. Personally don't think it looks any different than having it done in a salon. Dark box colours are always so soft anyway and much cheaper!

If you’re dying it black I wouldn’t bother going to a salon. However, I would recommend you get a semi-permanent colour first (I think Casting Creme Gloss is semi-perm). See how it looks first and then go for permanent.

I have similar colouring to you and once dyed my hair black. OMG it was horrific, so harsh and gothic, I stripped it out ASAP! But maybe it will look incredible on you op, I hope so!

Exactly what paint said. I did it and I looked like I had a dead raven on my head. Try it first with something GUARANTEED to wash Out!

I also hate my black hair. Mine always turned browny at the roots and it was a bastard to remove

Hated!*

MrsWooster at the dead raven comment!

Thanks for your input peeps. I'll try and find a temporary black dye and go from there. I have visions of looking as gorgeous as Amy Lee, knowing my luck I'll end up looking like Professor Snape. I'm going to London on Thursday, I'll scour the shops and update you on what I (hopefully) find, and see if it works. And hopefully it won't ruin my hair.

Be careful with black dye as there is an ingredient that some people have severe allergies too, even if they use the same brand every 3 months, it can just flare up out of nowhere!

I think it's worth looking at the colour tone just below the black- I use L'Oréal casting darkest brown which looks black but doesn't have the same harshness. You can always go darker. Go for it though, I love mine so much more black than brown.

I went with blue black when I dyed mine black, as I have almost transparent skin and was a bit worried it would look aging and a bit like Lego hair. The blue tone in it made it shimmery and it did look really good, but my bathroom hated me and when I got bored and wanted to change it, I had to go for the chop to get rid so I could go bright red. (It's Smurf blue at the minute)

Yes go for the one just a shade darker than black, sometimes it’s called natural black or darkest brown. Naturally ‘black’ hair does have some brown to it, that’s why pure black dyes look unnatural (unless that’s the look you’re going for). I used to always dye black but as I’ve got older I find darker brown shades more flattering. Why not go dark brown first and then darker each time if you feel you want to.

I use black box dyes and my hairdresser told me not to use the LIVE ones because they strip your hair whilst whilst colouring it so double the damage

I dyed my hair black recently after being light blonde all my life.
Wanted to do it for years but had lots of folk saying no it wont suit you, you're too pale etc etc

Well...i love it!! Wish id done it sooner!

Had it done at a salon for the first dye as my hair was bleached.
Have since done it again with a box dye though and its fine.
I used the garnier in liqorice.