Dyeing It

So, changing hair colour always brings up the debate about DIY or go to a salon.  Here's my take on both:

1)  The Salon

Pros:  First of all, the professionals can stop you from dyeing your hair some weird colour that doesn't work for you.  This is more important than you may realize, since DIY can lead to weird weird colours.

Second, they use better products that are more likely to colour your hair successfully.  Still, dyeing your black hair blue is prone to failure.  Also, their dyes won't damage your hair as much as DIY can.

Third, their technique is likely to be better than your own.  Therefore, you are more likely to have even colour all around.

Cons:  The cost.  Most salons charge around $80 for colour and cut.  Since a haircut costs around $30-40, the colour costs $40-50.  But remember, if you have long hair the salon reserves the right to charge more.

2) Do It Yourself

Pros:  The cost.  A box of dye costs $10 at your local drugstore, as low as $5 on sale or with a coupon.  You can then dye your hair in the convenience of your own home.

Cons:  Unless you have someone else to do it for you, you could fail epically while applying dye to the back of your head.  Also, the cheaper dye usually doesn't work well on black hair if you leave it in for the recommended time.  You can leave it in longer for better results, but it will also do way more damage to your hair.

Some final thoughts:

• Don't change your hair colour by more than two shades.  If you're going lighter, it won't work without bleach.  And when the roots grow out, you'll want to strangle yourself.
• If you DIY, buy L'Oreal.  Or was it Clairol... one of them is better for your hair.
• Make sure your hair is in good condition before dyeing it--weak hair absorbs dye unevenly.
• Use deep-cleansing shampoo two days before dyeing to get out all of the build-up in your hair.
• Don't become one of those blondorexics.  It's easy to get addicted to dyeing your hair to get rid of the roots, but by dyeing already-dyed hair you're just making it drier.