A dirty little secret is that some of us can only go three to four weeks before touching up our gray roots. Granted, there are women whose gray grows in symmetrically, in just the right area, creating a sophisticated, mature look. But for many of us, those nasty grays appear wiry and unruly, transforming us from hot to hag overnight.
There have been many times I’ve passed rows of boxed hair color in the drug store. They’re tempting, with their convenience and reasonable cost. Do we really need to spend time and money on professional salon color?
The gap between professional color and the box is narrowing, says Judy Rambert, vice president of education and research at Pivot Point International in Chicago. Boxed color has improved over the years mainly because manufacturers of salon products are using their knowledge to improve boxed color. Manufacturers are also helping consumers choose color by displaying color charts in drug stores and allowing you to touch and feel the porosity of various products.
The gap between professional color and the box is narrowing.
“A seasoned hair colorist used to be able to tell the difference in someone walking down the street,” says Rambert. “Boxed jobs didn’t have as rich a color as salon jobs, with a much narrower choice of colors. But today, there’s not much difference in chemical ingredients in boxed vs. salon products.”
The difference is in the service rather than the product. Salon professionals have been trained to determine what color and product you need depending on your hair’s condition, says Rambert. “They know when to use one product for re-growth and when to use another on the remaining previously colored hair to add shine and deposit pigment.” That’s more difficult to do at home.
The salon professional will avoid applying color repeatedly to the same hair strand. The more you apply color to the hair, the more porous the hair becomes, and the faster the color will fade.
Our hair is not the same color across the entire head, either. Some women have more gray on top of the head than in the back. You can’t see these subtle difference at home, regardless of how many mirrors you have.
In case you’re worried that boxed hair color is carcinogenic, fear not. “There have been many studies but there’s no conclusive evidence that has caused any manufacturers to pull color off the shelves,” says Rambert. If you’re still concerned, avoid applying color directly on your scalp. A salon professional is obviously better able to isolate strands so the product doesn’t touch the scalp.
Manufacturers of salon products recognize that our hair changes as we age. For many women, hair becomes not just gray but translucent and drier, because there’s not as much natural oil being secreted. Ultimately, says Rambert, “Getting the color you want is about where you’re starting, where you want to go and the color you choose.”
Professional hypochondriacs: Do you prefer salon color or DIY? Let us know!
Research by The Professional Hypochondriac’s intern, Jenny Schaye, a senior majoring in communications at the University of Illinois – Champaign Urbana.
69 Comments
I have only recently started getting my gray’s painted out by my hair stylist. She does a great job, but yes, I am seeing that I need to have it done probably every 4-5 weeks! That’s too soon for me to keep going in, but I can’t imagine ever using boxed myself. I’m too chicken! I will save it for the professionals.
As a professional stylist, I would never reccomend boxed color. I cannot even count how many clients I’ve had that come in for me to fix box color oopsies. Yes the price of boxed color is reasonable and oh so tempting in our recession caused diy mentality. But what good is a 10 dollar box when you have to go have it professionally fixed and pay for a color correction (usually ranging from 150-300 pending on salon). Boxed color is also unpredictable and may turn out uneven along the hair strand pending on porosity or (even more disappointing) not even the color shown on the front. For the financial weary clients I reccomend rebooking for a retouch no later than 6 weeks and use a color pen or mascara in between. They come in an array of colors and are not damaging to the hair.
I have gone to salon who charge a couple of hundred and have had to have redone over and over so how can you say professional better then buying from a beauty supply or box
They are the same, no big secret. sorry. I have the schooling.
I have the schooling too. They are way different in the amount of ammonia! Professional color uses less ammonia saving the intergrity of the hair.. Leaving it healthier, more managable and able to be colored more often. Box color slowly damages the hair and it is always working! If you put another box color on over it.. The original will start reprocessing all over again, giving darker than expected and sometimes uneven results. It is also harder to pull out of the hair when lightening.
There are box dyes with no ammonia now-a-days though, no?
Goodness…. When someone in my chair asks me about the difference or has used box color…. I could talk for sooo long. There is so much factual information on why box color is horrible. I’ve seens lots of people get a license and go through school..and still yet , I’d never let them touch my hair. Unfortunately not much is being learned about haircolor in Cosmo School.
What about metallic salts? How about the inability to properly close the cuticle after a box color resulting in even MORE damage. Hoffific porosity!
Do a search…. it’s out there even if you werent taught properly. Box colors contain superfluous amounts of pigment and developer. What does that mean for you? Well, the pigment we are referring to is the pigment necessary for all PERMANENT hair color, PPD, also known as p- phenylenediamine, and many other derivatives that are just as harmful. Unfortunately, box color has an excessive amount of PPDs, causing an increase in allergies, as more and more individuals are dying their hair. hair dye Allergies are on the rise, causing unsightly reactions and in some cases, fatality. What’s worse? You may not be allergic to PPD this time, but with continued high exposure to this chemical you can become sensitive at any time! It is advised to seek out a permanent hair color line with low PPD and no derivatives, so that likelihood for an allergic reaction is significantly decreased
Think its a bit much? it’s true .. people can die bc theyd rather save a couple bucks
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Personally I’ve went to salons to get my hair colored and it never turns out the way I want it to and yet I still spend over an hour in the salon and spending a lot of money, for something I do not like either. I have been using box dye for years now and every time I try and go back to the salon it’s the wrong color again. The price is a benefit, but it is actually the color I want. I’ve only had to accidents when dying my hair, but that was my fault because I didn’t strip the color from my hair before going a totally different color. I’ve done my friends hair numerous times and they always love the way it turns out.
chelsy,
sounds like you never used your customer power and let the hairstylist know that you weren’t satisfied. in these cases, you were at fault for not expressing your distaste for the color-job.
You can tell your stylist you were happy with the color an cross your fingers tat they won’t insult you because you did, sometimes even if you say so doesn’t mean they really even care. I’ve been to many high end salons who take the easy way out of giving you what they want an not what you the customer wants, yet I still go to a salon because id rather have someone else who’s a so called prodessional do my hair rather then me getting stressed out trying to do it.
I am a professional stylist and would obviously recommend the salon used colours. However I work Mobile so it doesn’t always have to be that you pay salon prices. Chelsey and Rena you should definitely change your hairdresser . Having your hair coloured should always be a dealt with in a professional and friendly way.
Always tell you hairdresser if your not quite happy with your shade it may take a couple of visits to get the colour exactly right , but we have so many colour variety’s to choose from , and can mix them, that we should be able to get the colour exactly as you want.
If you are in Dorset England and looking for Mobile Hairdresser in Wimborne vist my site and make an appointment im sure I can get the colour you want.
People who say you should always get your hair done at a salon are stylists who just want to make money. I’ve colored my hair plenty of times at home and it looks great. Here’s the secret… you don’t have to buy “in the box” hair color at the drug store – if you want professional results at home, just look online for pro hair coloring brands like Redken, Matrix, and CHI to name a few. The professional brands do contain better pigment and provide more even toning and shine, for superior color. Just type “buy professional hair color” into an online search and some sites will come up. You can also look at Ebay, and your local Sally Beauty Supply as well.
Wow. I am a professional stylist and your first sentence of your reply is absolutely insulting. I went to school to become a hair stylist, and it is a job I am absolutely passionate about. I’m not here just to make money. I am here to make someone feel great about themselves while making them look and feel beautiful. I am so sick of being bashed professionally and people make it sound like stylists are just on this earth to squeeze the pennies out of your wallets. Good luck buying your “professional” color on eBay. Hopefully you never come across a tube that is expired and turns your hair the wrong color. Would hate for you to go to a salon where you have to pay someone to do their job. People who complain that their hair is never the color they want, need to speak up and tell their stylists. We aren’t mind readers. Bring in a picture.
I live in the Us, truly speaking after spending thousands of money, trying tens salons I came to DIY! The average cost for coloring my hair is $300, $150 for touch up. I was never completely happy with the color I got. Once I even cried at the salon because I did not like the color, but the manager told that I’ve signed the paper so I MUST pay. Can you imagine 300 for what I did not like??????
i’ve been a professional stylist for 12 years and let me start by saying i think the clients buying store bought color is ridiculous! the fact that the board of cosmetology makes me go through 2000 hours of school just so these people can buy the color in the store is atrocious . You don’t see medical supplies readily available to perform solo surgery at the grocery store , and you are not legally available to start building things without a permit and inspections , why is it available to buy these in the stores ? I have a friend who is a scientist/hairdresser who developed a hair color line called d’shaw , the courts use him in color cases gone bad , i can’t believe the things that can go wrong ! 2nd and 3rd degree chemical burns are a possibility !!!! someone i know bought a store bought chemical relaxer and received 2nd degree burns over his head and you people think it’s the same as the salon ??? wow !!!! your wrong we are the ones with the schooling ! and , as much as you might be able to do your own hair many times with success it’s the one time things go wrong that you don’t have the education or the experience to deal with ! if you choose to do this on your own and get burnt don’t say i told you so …and i don’t feel bad for you as you probably deserve it .Store bought color is very unpredictable and as it’s true the market seems like they are comparable they are not ! you have to have a license to buy professional anything ! i would not recommend buying color from ebay or the web as it could have been in the sun for 2 years for all you know . THese things have a shelf life and if they are tampered with they can oxidize and become totally useless . but hey , don’t listen to me what do i know ? i’ve only done my job professionally for 12 years .
Wow, you really just compared someone using in boxed dyes at home to performing surgical procedures. Drug stores do have medical supplies that consumers can use at home that they have deemed safe for consumer use, as they have done for in home boxed dyes.
You would think after 2000 hours of schooling that your grammar would be much better….
We’re only talking about hair dye out of the box. You didn’t read the article?? Its not the 70′s anymore so dont blow things out of proportions
Hair dye is not the same as medical supplies. You learned to color hair. That is it. You did not go through as much schooling as a doctor!! The two are not related AT ALL. You do not even have to take chemistry to color hair. As far as I am concerned I have more knowledgeable about hair dye than you! Do you even know HOW it works? I highly doubt it. I like the salon because most people there are good at knowing what looks good. I do not have the time to always be in style or know what is in. The stylists can provide that. That doesn’t mean the average person cannot apply hair color – because they absolutely can. Lets not mistake beauty school for any type of degree.
I’m sorry, but this opinion is not bias. If you weren’t a stylist, would you have such an opinion? And just because you went to school, doesn’t mean we HAVE to go to you and spend hundreds of dollars. Not everyone has that luxury unfortunately. And its not the same as medicine. Dying your hair is NOT A NECESSITY.
I agree with you, Cabookie, not everyone has the luxury of spending hundreds of dollars for a dye job that will last 3-6 weeks, if that much. Plus you have to give up several hours of your time each session. I’ve never had a botched hair color job. The only time I was disappointed ever, was when I had to pay someone to color or cut my hair, of which I never liked their work + I had to pay good $$ on top of that. Like the article says, boxed colors are getting more practical, useful with many, many choices from brands, formulas & colors.
I can’t afford to go to a salon on a regular basis, much less all the time, I just had mine done, professionally for the first time in my life, in my mid 50′s. Money always has better places to go, like bills & luxuries such as gas for the car, or groceries. Not much left for extravagances such as hair salons. We aren’t all blessed with rich paychecks/hubbies.
You are comparing hair coloring to surgery? Really?!? I also know someone who had her hair colored/bleached AT A SALON and they burned her head so bad that her hair fell out and now she is permanently, partially BALD. Because she had signed a form, she was unable to sue for damages either. She will never be the same.
Personally i have found many salon workers to be careless and detached. They are on their feet all day, bored with their 8 hour jobs, and longing to go home, so no surprise there. I’ve received as many bad dye jobs as good ones. I’ve had to tell them from time to time that i didn’t want the dye left on my scalp more than 10 minutes because it starts to feel like my scalp is burning, and most of the time i get an argument/debate about the benefits of leaving it in longer. So this crock about salons being safer is,well, just a CROCK of you-know-what.
You’re right. I’m a professional stylist as well. And it’s a lot to be said as to how hair products are handled and stored. It’s all fine and good until the client walks in and I have to undo the mess they have made of their hair color because of lack of knowledge of how the coloring process works or because of an inferior product. It’s a lot more time consuming, difficult, and expensive to correct color than to do it correctly the first time. Another thing that most people don’t realize either is the fact that hair swatches, be it professional or otherwise, is done on white hair. There is no way to get a 100% true color match to those swatches. If anyone says or thinks they can then they’re lying or dreaming. We, the professionals, will always be here, waiting in the wings to correct your mistakes. Good luck.
All I can say is this, as someone who has been a hair professional for almost a decade, If you are happy with your home color, good I’m genuinely happy for you, keep on doing what you’re doing. But, as the previous poster mentioned, we go to school for this. I am a LICENSED professional. I went to school and studied chemistry, anatomy and many aspects of history. If you mess up your hair I am the one who fixes it. To say that anyone can do this is complete fallacy. Don’t any of you treat professionals with disdain. If you go to a salon and you aren’t happy, perhaps someone didn’t do a thorough enough consultation or perhaps you described what you wanted in terms your professional couldn’t understand, Other professionals you know what I am talking about. The point is, If you aren’t happy speak up, bring pictures tell us what you don’t want. Don’t say, ” You’re the preofessional” and expect us to read your mind. I’ve had way to many pumpkin haired, over processed, jacked up do it yourself cuts to belive that my prfession is obsolete.
you go to schooling!? LOL Whatever its a 1 yr course at a community college….Its not rocket science!!
Ha ha love your comment !!!
Lol! Right??
If its not rocket science by some actual salon quality color and try doing someone’s hair
Kim, even after showing my hairstylist (when I actually was able to splurge) a picture of the cut I wanted, he still cut it the way he wanted, way too short and after also telling him (in September, 2012) that I wanted to be able to have an updo for a March wedding, coming up in less than 2 weeks, I still won’t have the length I need for an updo, so I have to improvise for my “mother of the bride” moment. Not to worry, it’s all about the bride, anyway, it’s just that I specifically told him, (and showed him a pic) that I wanted an updo for March wedding, he still cut it way shorter than I wanted. I cried when I got home and took a scarf to work to wear over it, because I was so disappointed in the cut!!! Why do they do what they want?!?!
I’m 32 years old and started coloring my hair when I was 12. Yes my mother let me put “sun-in” in my hair at age 12. It progressed from there, but because we were poor growing up, I had no choice but to use store bought box color. Needless to say, I found that store box color and probably on some level my application ruined my hair for a time- I had to pretty much chop my hair off and let it grow in naturally for 3 years before it was not so fried. And box color makes me feel like I have to color my hair more frequently. That might be in my head but I swear it fades faster than from the salon. I had used boxed colors for about 10 or more years and while I never had a huge mistake or anything crazy, I finally decided that I’m worth spending the money on and I’m going to the salon. It is well worth it. Mind you I only get my hair colored 4 times per year and 2 of those times I get a 25% off discount on my color service (yes, I do have gray hair, have had it since I was 20, but my colorist knows how to hide it for me so that when it grows back in, it blends like highlights). So perhaps for people who need their hair colored every six weeks, this might not be the best option, but there really really really is a difference. I’m not a stylist so I’m not making any money off of this, I’m a regular consumer like everyone else and I feel that the quality is much better from a salon. Also, I know that my color comes up fast (as does my stylist whom I have been going to for 6 years) and I also know that I need a toner on my hair after the color. I don’t know what toner she uses or anything that she does but when she does my hair it is perfect and worth the $150 +/- (depends on if I get all over color or highlights, but this includes tip for cut/color/style). I would never ever ever go back to using box color again. Even when I was laid off, I made sure I set aside money each week to afford my hair cut/color when it was due. The professionals really do know what they are doing. If price is really the issue, then maybe go to a salon school or find a good professional that works at a less expensive salon (they do exist, but you have to look for them). And always speak up if you don’t like your new ‘do, they will fix it for you, they want you to be happy. At least my hair dresser does. That is why I keep going back to her.
Calm down Rees. Jeez.
Rees please stop comparing yourself to a doctor…I’ve done both for many years. For the past 7 years have mostly been doing it at home. Never had an issue. Never burnt myself. If why we are talking about is just simply dying your hair then big deal, a monkey could do it themselves..I agree that things like relaxing your hair etc should be done at a salon but toning or dying your hair can be done without training. Just an FYI to everyone, I also wouldn’t recommend buying from eBay but I can definitely recommend buying from a professional supply shop like Sally’s or a place like that…they’re basically the same place that stylists get their supplies from just at a little higher of a cost (I know as my girlfriends sister told me and she’s a hairdresser a city over). Oh and Rees, the 2000 hours worth of school you went through wasn’t just for color. Like you said it was for Cosmetology, not an entire course on color or spelling/vocab evidentially
key word being basically. meaning its not the same. and i went to school for 2500 hours and it was ALL ABOUT HAIR. and yes sallys is better then going to a grocery store, but salons DO NOT order there supllys from sallys. they order them from the companys them selves.the color may come out beautiful but theres underlaying damage. essentially the damage builds up till youy nd up with a frizzy nasty mess. professional colors are full of conditionrs and other things to keep it healthy, box dye is straight chemical going on to your hair.
I’m sure glad I didn’t spend the 2000-2500 hours to go to school like all these “professional hairdressers” on here have. Otherwise, my spelling and grammar would be atrocious.
You want us to trust you putting chemicals near our face and eyes, but can’t even use proper grammar.
I will never ever again use boxed hair color. I did for years and it finally caught up to me and totally ruined my hair. It was so unhealthy. I went to a salon and had them do it and I’ve been going there ever since 8 years now. Took a little while to get my hair back in shape but it is healthier then ever now! I love it!! I love my hairdresser she’s the best and its only 50 dollars which is not expensive. Definently affordable and i usually get color or highlights. You just have to find the right hairdresser and they will take care of you. Yea it’s def better to let a professional do your hair. Like I said, I did mine myself for years with boxed color and at first it looked fine but after awhile it turns into a disaster. Very limp and dull just lifeless. Mine actually started falling out in clumps.
If salon color is better then why does mine turn out better when I, do it myself??
I went to the salon to get my hair dyed once and I spent way more than I should have. The stylist didn’t use enough dye at all! She underestimated the amount of hair I have. I have really thick and long hair that costs a lot to dye. I live in as small town with I salons and a barber shop so I’ve for slim pickings. I have no choice but to use box dye. I don’t use it often and I let my hair fade a lot before I dye again. Only question I had was if I should dye the same colour and same brand each time or if I should change it up and it might be less harsh on my hair.
I do agree that hair color typically comes out better from a salon. (I’ve definitely had “oops” moments, though!) But . . . now that I’m 40 and need to touch up grays every 3 weeks, there is just no way I can afford the salon. In my case, it’s a cost-benefit situation and the box color works well enough. I think most of us respect your expertise, Rees, but when salons honestly think it’s ok to charge $150 and up to color hair, you have to respect our inability and/or unwillingness to pay that kind of $$.
I used to always use a box color, but I have trouble doing just the roots. So, every now and then I try to go to a friend who does hair… a “professional” and every time, the first time it’s GREAT! I love it, get exactly what I want… but when I go back she ALWAYS seems to try to match what it’s faded to, rather than give me what I originally asked for… so one time I came away with bozo hair… and this last time I went from Dark Brown to red. REALLY?!?! Is that what professionals are trained to do? If I come in for dark brown hair… and then I come back for a root touch up… does that mean that any stylist would try to match the faded color rather than doing what I wanted? I’m just curious. I think I’m going back to the box. Will train my niece how to do the touch ups for me since I can’t see the back of my head! LOL! But, seriously, I’d like to know what y’all are trained to do with touchups…
I have tried and tested everything from the most expensive salons with colour experts,right down to the least expensive boxed colours. Everyone is different in respect of what suits them. In my case, I have decided the most vibrant natural looking shade on my hair,which also makes it look silky and shiny,is from a top of the range box. I use a brown shade,which,due to my natural colour which is majority brown with a little grey in some areas,turns out a beautiful shade of chestnut brown with some highlights where the grey takes the colour in a slightly different way. I love it and will always stick with my boxes now. My hair has never been in such good condition. I also love the conditioner provided. It works wonders!
I would mention the name of the boxed brand & shade but it’s now my little secret! Lol.
LOL…yea don’t tell anyone cuz then so many women will be after it that they will jack the price up due to demand!
Rees More-
You’re comment isn’t helpful at all. Now, you say people who have problems with box dye deserve it? Wow! I wouldn’t want you as my hairdresser, especially if you would have the nerve to say that to me, a paying customer. Obviously all those hours in schooling didn’t teach you hospitality!
Anyway, I’m eighteen years old and I have been going to the salon the last couple of years. I started, however, with box dye. I can’t say which is better because it seems to all depend on the salon. I prefer Regis, but after starting college, the cost is something I just can not keep up with. My concern was whether or not box dye really did that much harm to your hair, and I guess since I haven’t been colored so long and extensively, I haven’t had the opportunity to experience the negative effects. Lauren, your comment has helped me!
If you are torn between boxed color or the salon, why not try a combination of both? Try Green Box, the Un Salon of Hair Color. It is completely organic, professional color that you can apply at home. You can come into our salon to do a free consultation and we can custom formulate a hair color that will come out right THE FIRST TIME. Can’t make it into the salon? I can do a hair analysis over Skype and then ship your Green Box to you. It’s only $19.95 for professional, organic color. visit http://www.bananatreesalon.com for more information.
everytime when I go to a salon to get my hair done the color never comes out right, I buy it myself and I have my freind put in my hair color, so I would say it comes out better when I buy it and do it my self
I spent on average $150-200 per visit for coloring over the years at several salons. I only had one colorist that I thought really delivered a beautiful enhanced yet natural looking color that justified the price. The others were mainly just normal but nothing special to at least three occasions it looked so unnatural or far off what I asked for that I complained. I am a person who rarely complains as well. I’ve paid $200 for hair that had chunks of strong lines of change from one color to another when I had asked for a natural warm brown. I was told it would take a next visit and then the color would even out! I once complained because what should have been brown looked black and yes they said they would fix it for free but they were obviously not happy and the fixing was an ordeal of many extra hours stripping my hair to an orange color and redoing it to something that still wasn’t what I hoped it would look like. Another time what was described to me as would be subtle red highlights turned out as a strong very unnatural freaky red color. So yes, you may make mistakes but so do the expensive stylists. They just bubble about how great the color came out in hopes you’ll be confused enough to buy it.
With the frequent touchups needed now for the gray I started coloring at home with box brands. The results are not the perfect multi-dimensional dream color that the one colorist I had achieved but on par with the results of the several other colorists I paid hundreds a pop to color my hair. It’s evenly colored, relatively natural looking, and since I have the gray those strands take color different and become like highlights for dimension. I would say stick to the higher end brands and do some research on coloring. Already colored hair won’t take color the same as unprocessed for example. Go lighter shade than you think you want as well, especially with medium brown to darker hair. Medium brown color comes out more dark brown on me for example. It’s also easier to change it if you think the color is too light than if you think it came out too dark. Staying within a shade or two of your current color is less risky and easier to get reliable results too. There is a wealth of information out there. Most of these products won’t hurt your skin or cause burns as some posts allege, I think some people posting have a vested interest in scaring people off doing it themselves. Some people may have allergies or extreme sensitivity, that’s why they have you do a spot test in the instructions. Most won’t have any problems. You should still get regular cuts and remember to pamper your treated hair with conditioning or it will look tatty and not classy. I spend a bit more on going in for blowouts too since I do more own color and think I get more bang for my buck so to speak this way. My color looks overall same to better (considering it’s consistent all over, not orange, nor black as opposed to after a few salon visits) than it did after salon colorings. Color does fade but so did salon color. I am sure I will make a mistake and get a poorer result at some point as well but it can be fixed either by myself or a salon if needed. So far I am not going for anything drastic which is less risky if you are doing it at home and I think there is nothing wrong with doing it yourself.
Eliza, i find your comments to be among the most helpful, balanced, and sane here. Thank you.
I always box color my hair, and I like getting the temporary ones so I can make changes when I want. I’ve never had a problem, but I always go for the better brands. I’ve never had an issue, my mom is 62, and she does her own hair, and her hair looks as beautiful and youthful as it’s always been.
Just saw this blog. I’m jumping in. I am lucky enough to have a stylist who is willing to apply box color to my hair. She charges me $10. I know she would prefer to use the salon product, but she also understands that I am an underpaid school teacher and just can’t afford the cost every 6 weeks. I think the application is a big part of the success of the color. I’ve found a product that I like and I stick with it. It always looks great. I also use drug store shampoo (sulfate) free on my hair and wash it daily.
Adriana…don’t tell people your professional hairstylist charges you outside of a salon.She can get in trouble for charging for a chemical that’s not in a salon.I personally don’t get it but just tell people you “donate or tip” her.”
Oh, and if you think being a hairstylist is so easy then okay.But when I went to Cosmo school why did my class start with 25 girls and only 9 pass? Because it is more than what meets the eye.But if it is so easy then why not cut it yourself to if you think you’re such a “pro” at hair color.
It sounds to me like the woman was only charging for the service, not the actual box color. Maybe Adriana bought and brought it along herself. But yea, i agree with the advice to watch out and to just refer to it is as a tip.
I am a hairstylist.If you are happy with box color then that is fine.I understand the “unable to afford” salon prices.But when a customer sits in my chair wanting a hair color service I can tell they previously used boxed color by the look (no shine) and the feel.Most people who use box color at home do not know that when applying color we don’t always recommend pulling it through the ends everytime…esp with box because it “builds up”.You should rotate.Do all over then next just do roots and rotate again.As some commented above, bring in a picture of what you want and be thorough.BUT we aren’t miracle workers.Not every single person has the same type of hair (density, porosity…ect) so no…you aren’t going to walk out with the hair off the picture.And to be honest, being a hairstylist is not as easy as everyone sees.You need to know so much before you just apply a chemical to someone’s head!
But that is the way that salon coloring left my hair after a few weeks too! The shine from coloring, whether it is boxed or salon, fades within a few weeks. then everyone gets the “hag” look. Also, what brand of boxed color did your customers use? Maybe that is a factor?
I’ve had my hair dyed every shade of natural colours and a few unnaturals as well (deep burgundies that never truly sprouted from a human head, crayon red, electric blue . . .) Few of these have been done by salons. I’ve also been at it for nearly two decades now. The last time I went to a salon for colour, I had foils done, and that was a good chunk of money that I really didn’t have to spend.
Since that day, I’ve found a perfect box dye that looks wonderful on me, and I know quite well how to maximize the best results from it on my hair (let the roots grow to ½ an inch minimum, let the natural oils coat the hair before dyeing, etc.)
Stylists are great . . . if you can afford them. But getting up in a tizzy because someone opts for box dye over salon work . . . that just runs customers off. We have our reasons, leave it be.
Besides, too many salons have tried to push me to going for an ash tone, and that would make me look like a corpse (I should know, my natural hair colour is ashy). I don’t want to trust someone who doesn’t grasp that I may in fact know what I’m talking about for what colours look good on me.
I’m having a major issue with salons- that’s why I’m on this site… I was always confused why people would ever buy boxed hair dye! But I’ve had the worst experiences with salons and yesterday was by far the worst. I have long light brown hair with highlights and wanted a solid beige med blonde.. The colourist didn’t think solid was a good option so she did foils… Now I have highlights like look like gray hair and they look like stripes, opposite of a solid look- I even showed a picture.
I’ve always gone to top salons, I even use to go to two different salons- one for colour and another one for cut. I just don’t know what to do! I don’t want to complain because I told her I trusted her with her professional opinion and if I try and touch it up it will damage even more since all the pigment has been striped from my hair. I might just have to do it myself!
Oh my goodness. My sincere condolences to you. Sounds like a nightmare. Sure hope you find/found the right place to help. I wonder if a beauty college/instructional school would be able to help you, as they have licensed instructors who might know more than a salon stylist.
Not every area has one though.
So here’s the thing, there are many people who are opting for DIY hair color. As a result, salon stylists are losing out on money they would otherwise be making. That is pretty much what Rees Moore mentioned when saying she finds it ridiculous they sell dyes for the public to buy. I have been doing my hair myself since high school (coloring, not cutting). My hair is not yet straw and I have not had the need to run to a salon to fix anything I’ve done. If you choose to tackle a DIY project, the first thing you should do is make sure your doing it right. I try to use products that work with my hair. The Victoria Secret brand has led really good results for me (and apparently my brother who I found out was stealing some of mine). Whenever you dye your hair make sure you follow up with hydrating and color safe shampoos and conditioners. If your sticking to colors around you natural color you’ll be perfectly fine.
I am now undergoing a lightening process. I’m going to try highlighting from a box that has had very good reviews. I just recently dyed my hair a bit lighter (top is a bit lighter than the ends but it came out just fine and my hair isn’t dried out or frizzy etc). However, I understand that lightening hair will be a process and not a one time thing. This is similar to a salon though and cheaper. Once more the important thing is staying careful with what you do. If your comfortable doing it at home and its working out by all means go ahead. If you have the money and prefer a salon, the knock yourself out.
I am a 33 year old African American female who has been dying my hair since I was 14. I started off using box color and my clolr alway came out looking great. There was only 1 time where it seemed a little blotchy but not too bad. My favorite colors to play around with are blondes, coppers and reds. I am from NYC but moved to Denver last year. My NYC hair dresser used to dye my hair to perfection but only charged me $65 for a color, wash, wrap, trim and style. Not bad. I move out here and people want to charge me $150-$200 for the same thing that I have been getting for 10 yers. One stylist told me because my hair is dark brown right now that she would have to bleach my hair to get it red. NOPE! I called my hair dresser back home and she said that chic is an idiot. another one told me that she would have to charge me extra becasue I have ethnic hair and the color might not work on my hair…really?! Funny, my hair dresser in NYC is white and she does just fine.
I feel like I’m on my own and HAVE to go back to the box because of prices and ridiculous rumors. It’s been awhile and I’m honestly not sue about coloring my own hair again. Or…I will have to make an appointment next time I go home.
Only 20% of Hairstylists continue their education out of Beauty School. That means 80% of Hairstylists are utilizing their knowledge of the “basics” only.
I’d recommend finding a Certified Colorist in your area. Redken has phenomenal haircolors, as well as ammonia-free haircolor now, so I’d look for a Redken Certified Colorist.
Here’s the website guys: http://www.redken.com/salon-services/haircolor/
Type in your zip code and after you click GO, make sure “Certified Colorist” is checked and find a salon close to you.
These people had to take a VERY intense test to get certified, so you will most likely have wonderful success going to someone like this.
Hope this helps
Christina from Exton PA
my little song for this article:
teehee
lucky me
i get my hair done for free
(my mom was a hair dresser
I’ve been dying my hair since I was about 14. And in my experiences the box dye has always turned out on top. There was one time it turned out bad but I knew the reason and fixed it. Every time I’ve gone to the salon they want to over charge me and never do what I want. I remember getting highlights once and I had to go back twice because they messed up. Don’t get me wrong I respect professionals and love when they can get my hair perfect. But I don’t have the time or luxury to get it done at those prices. I stick to box dye and my hair is doing great, even the hairstylists comment on how healthy my hair is.
I do have a secret that keeps it healthy. But that’s mine to keep. Haha. But I will stick to box dye because I feel it doesn’t do major damage nor have had many incidents. But I think whatever suits your needs and preference is your decision. No ones trying to insult the professionals, we just simple prefer box or we can’t afford it. No offence to anyone is intended.
I’ve used box dye for many years with no mishaps thankfully. Seems a lot of people are afraid to go DIY but I am the other way. I would like to try having colour done professionally but am afraid that it won’t turn out like I want (having my hair cut in salon rarely turns out like I want, maybe I can’t communicate what I want properly or maybe stylist just always thinks they know best). Also afraid that if it turns out great I will have to pay to have it re-done every 6 weeks. I can’t afford the kind of money it costs for salon colour maintenance. The box dye I use has no ammonia and while it does dry out the ends a bit, you can keep them trimmed and use a good conditioner and it’s fine.
Maybe a hairdresser will answer a question for me? I have been having my hair dyed professionally for about a year. She always does just the roots, but now it has been over 6 months since any color was put on the length of my hair, and its all washed out and dull. The last two times I have been there I have mentioned it to her, and she says just wait for summer for it to lighten up. I am paying her to lighten it so that I have summer hair all year. Can anybody tell me at what point I should expect the whole hair to be done and not have this dull, wash out look?
Barbara, without knowing what kind of color service you are recieving, I would ask your stylist for a shine or a glaze to bring shine back to your hair. If your stylist is using a level 9 or higher with over a 20 volume developer she is wise not to take the color to the ends. Sulfate-free shampoo and conditioners help keep your hair in great condition and use good styling products. They help protect your hair from heat damage and seal in the shine. Hope this helps.
As a cosmetologist I am really disappointed by the attitudes of many people in this profession. The client comes first. No matter how brilliant or experienced a professional you may be, you will never know a client as well as they know themselves. This is why listening to your client and taking them seriously is essential. As a professional you are there to help them in every way you can to achieve THEIR goal, not to make their decisions for them based on the assumption that you know best. I’ve been really impressed by the comments left by women who have independently sought out and achieved the results they wanted for their hair. Any stylist who discourages people from doing this is simply protecting their own vested interests. Incorrect usage is what damages hair, whether it is salon or box color. We are here to help, not dictate.
I’ve used box color and had it done in the salon. I was trying to go from blonde to red and was unsatisfied with my stylists, so used box. However, when I decided to back to back to blonde, I knew better and went back to my stylist so that she gradually get my hair back to its natural color. I still lighten my hair because it is not as blonde as it used to be, but generally use the box. My stylist has always been complimentary of the color and never made me feel bad for using the box. And I am thinking about going to more of a brown with a few highlights and I will definitely be using my stylist for that!
Professionals don’t apply color too often to the same strand of hair? How in heck do they manage that? I have yet to see a professional applying hair color strand by strand. I have used boxed hair color and have had my hair professionally colored requesting the same color. Both last without fading the same amount of time (ie. not long). Both look the same with the exception that you know what you’re getting with a boxed color and you have to take a chance that a professional will give you the color you want. I have never had a color disaster with a boxed color and I have had several color disasters courtesy of the professionals. There’s a wide range of skill among the professionals. As in every profession, there’s a small percentage who are highly skilled, a larger number who have mediocre skills, and a percentage who are grossly incompetent. Having a license is no measure of skill. Anyone who goes to a beauty supply store can buy the same products the professionals use. In fact, you can buy the identical product that you get in the box. Bottom line: baring stylist incompetence, the ONLY difference is whether you want to spend the extra money (a lot extra) to have someone apply the color or you want to save the money and do it yourself.
I am so disgusted with the attitude of hairdressers who treat thier customers like they are idiots. Many people can’t afford to go to the stylist. My hair admittedly looks better when I get highlights and color from the salon. However, with kids, work, and a hectic schedule it is just not cost beneficial. I just got lectured by my stylist for over an hour about the low grade products I have been using and how they have been damaging my hair. I felt awful and will never go back. She tried to sell me expensive product but it was not sulfate free. She said sulfate free did not exist and she is a professional! She used crappy product in my hair when trying to comb through (I do not have problems) and yanked at my hair with a disgusted look, blaming the color I put in. I tried to tell her what I use and she kept dismissing it, saying she was not a fan. What I use IS $40 for a small bottle and I have no problems and hair looks healthy (silk infusion). I thought being a hairdresser was about so much more than coloring hair. Pampering people, making them feel good and giving them helpful advice without being a judgemental jerk!
I have my hair foiled and am looking to do now with drug store color any suggestions. I have light blonde… roots coming in and some gray. HELP!
Ok I’ll try to be natural ground here. I just graduated from cosmetology school and I actually am pro box color. To a degree. Box color is ok, the ones coming out nowadays are just as good in quality as professional color. When I would get my hair done in school, with my teachers help it would almost never come out the way I wanted it. My teachers would always say imply color was fine the way it was but when I protested I wanted the change they’d do it and it’d come out not the way I desire. It’s true some stylists mess up, maybe purposefully, but that’s where you as a consumer come in and find a stylist that works right for you. I have a stylist I go to an whatever I ask for she does perfectly. And it took me awhile to find her. Keep going to salons to find that one person who does what you want and not what they want. As for box color when I use it myself I’d almost always get what I want. Teachers would yell at me Nd I never, still don’t understand why. With both colors(box and professional) my hair would feel the same, but one would give me more positive results than the other. In that respect tho somethings need to be done by professionals in my opinion such as highlights, ombrés, bleaching, going from blonde to dark, dark to blonde. Anything super drastic. But if your just refreshing your color or changing a shade (slightly) then it’s your choice to use box or professional. But again remember if you go to a professional show us what you want, telling simply isn’t enough detail. Pictures are best, and if you don’t get what you want, let us know, demand refunds etc, and change stylists until you find the stylist who will give you what you want.
Sorry for the jumble of words. Hope you can understand what I’m saying which in simple terms, to each their own. I personally see nothing wrong with box color, and nothing superior with professional color