Although I used to get it professionally done, this is extremely pricey for one with hair as long as mine ($200-$300 for a cut and color). Also, with the amount of time that it takes to be in the salon, a good 2-3 hours for a cut and color, I would rather do it myself at home so that I can do other things around the house while I’m waiting for the color to absorb.

I go to my local Sally’s Beauty Supply store to get what I need.

My hair color has faded from the sun. It’s like an orangish color. It’s not that bad but it’s winter and I want to go darker. My roots are also about 2 inches out. I almost resorted to black but decided against it. Just couldn’t do it.

I color my hair like every 2-3 months. Not very often because it’s quite a lot of chemicals. I don’t have any gray but I hate my original dark boring brownish-black hair. I’m really a red head at heart and want to do a dark red that is very similar to my usual CHERRY BLACK.

Typically, I buy Wella hair coloring products but this time, the Manager at Sally’s recommended that I try using a Clairol Professional dark brown semi-permanent (instead of permanent) color that will coat the already warm tone that I have. That way, I still have the red but much darker. Sure, why not? Let’s try something new. It’s the only way to find out.

At home, these are the items I will need to do my at-home hair coloring.

The mixing bottle. The color. The developer. A old T-shirt you don’t care about. Intense conditioner. A comb. Gloves.

Lucy has graciously agreed to be photographer to document this.

BEFORE

When you dye your hair, it is recommended that it is done when your hair has not been washed first. My hair has been under a hat all day and true to “before” pictures, I’m looking hideous. Hopefully, this will make the “after” look all the more amazing.

FIRST

I’m not confused, I’m just trying not to spill any of this on me or the floor.

This particular Clairol Professional color requires equal parts of color and developer.

SECOND

There is no real rhyme or reason as to how I apply the color. I basically work in layers, massaging the color thoroughly into my hair with my fingers. I also continuously comb (Make sure your hair is combed out thoroughly or this will HURT!) through my hair that I just applied the color to so that I can make sure it’s coated and even spread.

It looks (and sounds) like I’m squirting ketchup all over my head.

I’m am by NO MEANS a professional. This is a very messy job so try not to squirt this stuff everywhere. It may stain but not if you wipe it up quickly.

So, Clairol seems to have less color than my Wella. Crap! I’m scraping everything I can get out of the bottle.

THIRD

After a thorough combing to make sure the color is spread evenly, I put my hair up in a bun. Now it’s time to wait…45 minutes.

THE FINALE

After you wash all the color out of your hair, apply conditioner thoroughly or your hair is going to be super dry.

The final result.

Here’s the BEFORE/AFTER.

I’d say that’s QUITE an improvement.

I really like this color. Will have to remember this one.

All it took was my time and $6.75 for the color and developer. I’d say that’s pretty DAMN good for a new hair-coloring.

-Jane, Non-professional At-home Hair Colorist

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