What's the best DYO hair color/dye?

[Anonymous]

I've been coloring my hair myself since I can no longer afford the upkeep at a salon, but I haven't been thrilled with the results I'm getting from Loreal Excellence Creme. I liked it the first few times, but now it's looking dull and flat. Are there any out there that look professional, or at least leave your hair shiny and healthy looking?

[Anonymous]

I use Natural Instincts every month, because it doesn't show the roots. It gradually washes out. You won't be able to lighten your hair, however.

[Anonymous]

it's a little pricey for DIY, but I love the Frederic Fekkai home coloring kits. It's $30 (sephora) but the color is amazing and it lasts! No fading between color. It also comes with a bowl and brush, which makes for a more professional application. I, too, had to give up the $80 single process coloring at the salon, and have been extremely happy with the Frederic Fekkai. I recently bought one of the root touch up kits, Nice & Easy, I think, and instantly I knew I made a mistake. It made my gray hair gold, even though I bought a dark brown color.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for the tip on Frederic Fekkai -- I think I will try it. How often do you need to use it, and do they sell touch up kits as opposed to buying the $30 kit every time? I've used Natural Instincts before, and it just doesn't cover my gray very well. I don't have ton, but I have a very stubborn patch right in the front that is very visible and so annoying.

[Anonymous]

PP here - I use the Frederic Fekkai kit about every 3-4 months - the color stays, does not fade, but my gray hairs along my hairline become more noticeable about then. I too have a "skunk patch" at one temple that requires regular maintenance. I don't know if they have a touch up kit - that would be great. My experience with Nice & Easy touch up kit was not great - turned my gray hair a bronzy-brown color.

[Anonymous]

One more thing. The level 1 dyes probably won't lighten your hair, but they also will NOT cover the greys. Greys need a stronger dye.

[Anonymous]

do you have a friend that works in salons because if yo do you can go to davisoon or something like that and use the pprofessional tints like majirel from loreal it is thick and covers gray and its super good you leave it on for like 35 or 40 mins

[Anonymous]

I bought a mixing bowl and brush from Sally Beauty Supply and now my color is a lot more even. (Just using Natural Instincts, but I have tons of hair and could never get it all with the squeeze bottle applicator.)

[Anonymous]

PP, I can relate. Tonight I have to fix the patches I missed last night.

[Anonymous]

I have been using Feria with a lot of success for a few years now. I have natural black hair with lots and lots of gray, and my gray hairs are very color resistant. Feria is the only DIY hair color I've tried that has actually covered the grays. I also like that it gives a more three dimensional color to my hair. Some of the others I've tired, like L'Oreal Natural Match (which I had very high hopes for) and Garnier, seemed pretty dull and flat to me. Plus they turned my gray hairs an ugly yellowish, bronze-y color. Yuck!