Calling all who dare dye their own hair

[Whippet75]

I am trying to save money this year. One of my main expensive outgoings is for colouring my hair. I've got a few grey hairs and like to keep my hair dark brown. Any advice on doing it at home would be greatly received as I haven't got a clue.

I do mine at home. Worked out what colour my natural hair is in Majirel, bought the colour & a bottle of developer on eBay, along with a measuring cup, mixing bowl & brush. Really easy and I can mix up exactly how much I want for when I want to just touch up etc.

Have you ever tried colour effects at Superdrug? It’s a wash in temporary colour. Can’t speak for the brown as I use the red but I find it life changing for keeping hair vibrant and shiny. It’s only a couple of pounds so I would definitely recommend it!

ladyvox does the shampoo you mentioned cover greys?

I buy Nutrisse or something similar from the local chemist. My advice is to do a patch test. I occasionally have an allergic reaction, I guess the ingredients change.

The 10 minute ones from Superdrug own range are very good. Do the patch test first though because people are more prone to allergic reactions to brown dyes. I've done mine loads and they always turn out nice, not patchy or anything.

Another vote for Nutrisse, I only dye my hair at home and it’s the only one I’ve found that covers my grey. I stock up when it’s on offer. Never happy when the colours done at the hairdresser, much prefer to do it myself.

@Orchidflower1 I haven’t (yet) had greys to cover, but a review on it says it does cover greys- check it out here. You can select the brown from the drop down menu. I honestly cannot overstate how lovely it is. They say to leave on for 5-20 mins, I like to leave it for half an hour twice a month and my hair looks AMAZING afterwards. Defo suggesting picking it up, it’s so cheap it’s worth a go IMO.

www.superdrug.com/Hair/Hair-Colourants/Hair-Toner/Superdrug-Colour-Effects-Wash-In-Wash-Out-Rich-Red-6-4/p/751851

I usually use Nice and Easy as they do the colour I like, and have never had a problem. Have even had hairdressers comment on the colour of my hair saying it looks like my natural colour and assuming it was done professionally so it must look ok! WRT tips, I always put a bit of conditioner all round my hairline, back of my neck and tops of my ears to stop my skin getting accidentally coloured!

John frieda foam is really good for getting a nice even coverage

Yep Superdrug own brand dyes all the way for me. Two for £7, can’t beat it.

Make sure you get every single hair, down the nape of the neck and round the hairline, and baby hairs. Hang over the bath or sink and completely saturate the hair and give it a really good rub in so as not to end up with patches.

I second LadyVox, I use the red Superdrug colour effects and it does a good job of blending in my grey hairs, although I don't have too many!

Poundlound does a good set with hair dye brushes in it. As good as ones a lot more expensive. I just rinse them out each time and they last ages. (Much better than the ones you get with the dyes.)

Yes been doing it for years, so easy and cheap. I buy whichever one is on offer at boots.

I've always done mine at home. Using Nutrisse lately. Going to switch to Josh Wood colour and give it a go. I hear good things.

I bleach and dye my hair at home. It involves strong arms, clingfilm and hairdryers

I use a light ash blonde, either Nutrisse or Nice and Easy.
Open a window for ventilation. Wear old clothes and get a towel you don't mind wrecking. Use the gloves. Section your hair to ensure it's evenly spread.
If it's too ashy (ie a bit blue/ purple) you can get it back to blond again using conditioner mixed with lemon juice!! Top tip there. Saved my ass a few times.

I had my hairdresser colour match me, then bought the professional colour from Sally’s. I use Koleston. I mix a two colours with peroxide, and like PP have a tint bowl, brush etc. The dye is more expensive than box colours but in my experience works better and lasts better.

It's Superdrug semi permanent for me! Best hair colour ever! I use it as a treatment so leave it on longer if hair needs a boost (don't rely on that but it works for me). Does anyone know who actually makes the Superdrug hair colours, as in the manufacturer?

Superdrug 10 minute permanent medium brown. Been using it for years and it's fab.

i do my own. £6 a box from supermarkets. think it's L'oreal or a Garneir one, can't remember. The colour is plum and I'm regularly complimented on the colour

Thank you all, some great advice. Will be in Superdrug tomorrow I think.

MadisonMontgomery I’m interested in whether you find the Marijel colours are very warm? I’ve had the Inoa in the past & loved it (I prefer a very ashy brown as my hair already has a lot of warmth which I hate!!). Although new hairdresser says that Inoa tends to have a lot of warmth??! Do you find it easy to mix & apply yourself? I’ve used Nice & Easy in the past but hairdressers always pick up that I’ve ‘boxed’ coloured!!

I use the majirel colours from Sally's and buy the bleach then mix myself. Have been doing it for years - I find it's better for my hair than the box dyes and it lasts longer :-)

Nestle boycotter here. I use boots own dark brown semi permanent on my roots to cover grey. Very easy to use, nice colour. Lasts well.