Talk to me about permanent box dyes please

[M0reGinPlease]

I have an increasing amount of grey. I've used a couple of semi- permanent box dyes at home and they look good initially but don't last very long. Will permanent dye ruin my hair? What are the tips and tricks? So I just touch up the roots? I cannot afford to have a colour done at the salon, so need home dye advice please!

I use L'Oréal Preference or L'Oréal excellence depending on what's on offer in the shop at the time. Both offer a 'natural dark brown' colour which is lighter than my normal hair colour (it's almost black naturally) and this colour really 'lifts' it and provides really nice brunette multi tones in the light, it's not just a flat brown colour. I'm always complimented on my hair (it's straight, slightly layered and boob length) and haven't had it coloured in a salon for years. I only ever pay for a dry trim as well (£12) I'm so tight when it comes to hair maintenance lol.

I used to use the Garnier nutrisse, doesn't smell as bad as some and colours are lovely. One thing to be aware of, I find on my hair box dyes take really well, so end up darker than the box looks. I always pick one a shade or two lighter than I want to go, and it comes out about right. So maybe start lighter, you can always go darker but it's a pain to lift if you don't like the colour and I find anything too dark looks fake. There is a box product to remove permanent colours but they smell like rotten egg, it's disgusting, and if the box used any peroxide you won't get your natural colour back, it will be lightened and probably need redying.

I think hairdressers like to spread the myth that "they ruin your hair" This crosses my mind too