Anonymous
06/19/2025 09:25
Subject: Box dye OK?
A PP who uses Natural Instincts regularly here - I’ve never had problems with mess. I have an inexpensive short robe I use pretty much only for hair dying and it has a few drops stained on it but that’s about it. I use a shower cap while the dye is in and when time is up I rinse in the shower. Anyone with mess issues might consider a dedicated robe/Tshirt/towel etc.
Anonymous
06/19/2025 08:23
Subject: Box dye OK?
Anonymous wrote:How did you guys decide what brand to use? Or are they all essentially the same? --OP
I buy Madison Reed, and do it at home. I'm not spending that much money on dying my hair. I'm 54, so I have a fair amount of gray.
Anonymous
06/19/2025 08:20
Subject: Box dye OK?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I think I will try the demi permanent and see how it goes! My grays are “stragglers” so if I can cover even half of them I think I’ll be in good shape! —Op
This is the way. Trying to completely cover them is a mistake because there are only two ways to totally eradicate gray hair and both are not advisable to do at home:
- Dye your hair the same color as your natural color, using permanent dye, then adding highlights and low lights so the color isn't too flat and unnatural looking and it mask grays as they grow in (good for brunettes who don't want to go lighter)
- Two process bleach and tone, either highlights or full depending on how many grays you have (good for blondes or brunettes okay with going lighter)
These are both time consuming, difficult, and very pricy in this area. Total cost can vary because it depends on how often you need to touch it up, which depends on growth speed and your coloring and haircare habits and a few other things. But generally you are talking about a couple thousand dollars a year, minimum, to make this look really good.
12 boxes of demi permanent dye and some diligence with application (which gets easier and more effective with practice) is certainly worth a try! I've been doing it for 3 years and very happy with results, I plan to keep it up until it starts looking questionable and then finally make the call on whether I want to upgrade to something more high maintenance or just go gray (I'm only 46, I'm just not ready yet).
What are some good demipermanent ones to try? How hard is it to actually match your hair color (or at least come close)
Anonymous
06/18/2025 20:22
Subject: Box dye OK?
Anonymous wrote:I think I will try the demi permanent and see how it goes! My grays are “stragglers” so if I can cover even half of them I think I’ll be in good shape! —Op
This is the way. Trying to completely cover them is a mistake because there are only two ways to totally eradicate gray hair and both are not advisable to do at home:
- Dye your hair the same color as your natural color, using permanent dye, then adding highlights and low lights so the color isn't too flat and unnatural looking and it mask grays as they grow in (good for brunettes who don't want to go lighter)
- Two process bleach and tone, either highlights or full depending on how many grays you have (good for blondes or brunettes okay with going lighter)
These are both time consuming, difficult, and very pricy in this area. Total cost can vary because it depends on how often you need to touch it up, which depends on growth speed and your coloring and haircare habits and a few other things. But generally you are talking about a couple thousand dollars a year, minimum, to make this look really good.
12 boxes of demi permanent dye and some diligence with application (which gets easier and more effective with practice) is certainly worth a try! I've been doing it for 3 years and very happy with results, I plan to keep it up until it starts looking questionable and then finally make the call on whether I want to upgrade to something more high maintenance or just go gray (I'm only 46, I'm just not ready yet).
Anonymous
06/18/2025 20:13
Subject: Box dye OK?
Anonymous wrote:I have dark brown hair and want to just cover a few grays. Is this a scenario where trying a box dye at home would be OK? I know the recommendation is usually to go to a salon but I assume that will cost $$$ even though what I want is really simple compared to people lightening their hair or doing highlights or balayage.
Sure. Same thing, at 95% less price.
Most salons are all waaaaay overpriced. They cater to the rich and extravagant people, or those who simply lack financial sense.
Anonymous
06/18/2025 20:11
Subject: Box dye OK?
I think I will try the demi permanent and see how it goes! My grays are “stragglers” so if I can cover even half of them I think I’ll be in good shape! —Op
Anonymous
06/18/2025 20:03
Subject: Box dye OK?
I use NaturTint (from Whole Foods - though you can also get it cheaper online) for my hair, because my super short hair grows very fast and I need to color every month to cover the new growth gray.
It is a box dye in a gel and does not dry out my hair. I keep 15 minutes longer than what is recommended to completely cover all grays. I am at least 70% gray.
I have a all white bathroom - white rugs, white towels etc. I basically remove all rugs, Wear a black t-shirt, smear vaseline at my hair line, ears, forhead etc, apply and wear a shower cap to keep every thing contained.
I wash by sitting outside the tub with my head inside the tub. I rest my face on a thick towel and use a hand held sprayer to completely rinse out the color. No mess at all. Just don't be in a hurry and wash carefully. That's all.
My hairdresser cannot believe that I do such a great job of coloring my hair. You just have to take your time with it, and work in a grid faishon. Also, you can line the floor with newspaper or a disposable table cloth if you have any concern.
I cannot pay 100s of dollars for coloring my hair, if I can do it for $10.
It is a box dye in a gel and does not dry out my hair. I keep 15 minutes longer than what is recommended to completely cover all grays. I am at least 70% gray.
I have a all white bathroom - white rugs, white towels etc. I basically remove all rugs, Wear a black t-shirt, smear vaseline at my hair line, ears, forhead etc, apply and wear a shower cap to keep every thing contained.
I wash by sitting outside the tub with my head inside the tub. I rest my face on a thick towel and use a hand held sprayer to completely rinse out the color. No mess at all. Just don't be in a hurry and wash carefully. That's all.
My hairdresser cannot believe that I do such a great job of coloring my hair. You just have to take your time with it, and work in a grid faishon. Also, you can line the floor with newspaper or a disposable table cloth if you have any concern.
I cannot pay 100s of dollars for coloring my hair, if I can do it for $10.