My hair rarely gets a touch-up because (a) I don’t have time to go to the salon or (b) I don’t have money to go to the salon or (c) I’m intimidated by home hair coloring experience. A few weeks ago I told you about eSalon – a website that offers custom-mixed haircolor. I took the plunge and placed an order. Avoid stewing in the aisle to figure out my haircolor? Having the color mixed just for me and shipped right to my door? No-brainer. Gotta try it. A couple of days after I submitted my order, I received a phone call from eSalon. The stylist wanted to confirm my color request. Apparently I submitted two different photos that had subtle differences in color, so she asked me which one was closer to my natural color. Really? A real person took the time to call and double-check my request? Color me impressed. Two days later my order arrived on my front porch; it had been shipped 2-day priority mail. And hey!! I didn’t have to go to the store!! This weekend I broke out the box and got down to business.
The first order for haircolor was $10 plus $4.95 shipping. I added a few extras to my order including shampoo, conditioner, and some other goodies. My total bill was around $37. At my salon, that will get me a cut without a style. Already, I’m feeling pretty good about this!! The box from eSalon was wowza-big.
It actually arrived in two different boxes but I think that was because I ordered a few extras (the leave-in conditioner and added gloss). I bought the extra Coloring Tools Kit and was glad that I did. I needed the clips, timer, and brush — didn’t end up using the bowl. It was a one-time thing so now I”ll have those for future color sessions. Now, before you get all squeamish about so many products, let me ask you this. Can you pour the contents of Bottle 1 into Bottle 2? Then shake Bottle 2? Can you squirt some goop from Bottle 2 onto your head, rub it around as if you’re shampooing your hair, and then rinse off after a few minutes? If so, YOU CAN COLOR YOUR HAIR AT HOME.
I started with lots of gray right at the crown and hairline. Although there are also gray hairs spread throughout the rest of my mane, these are the biggest problem areas for me.
It was especially helpful that the process starts with dry, unwashed hair. I rolled right out of bed and just started coloring my hair. How easy was that?! I could do this after work sometime, or maybe just before heading out the door for a night with my friends. Some readers expressed concern that you wouldn’t have enough color to do long hair. Rest assured that there is MORE than enough included. Crystal Gayle could have colored her hair with me and we would have had enough. The bottle was very generously sized! At first I noticed that strong smell that comes with hair coloring, but it really faded fast. In fact, my husband came in afterwards and didn’t even notice it. He has the nose of a bloodhound so that’s a pretty good sign that no one will be able to smell your hair color after your rinse it out.
I got a little bit of color on my forehead and freaked out a little bit. Then I remembered that eSalon sent some cream to help lift off the color. It wiped off in seconds. Now, if you don’t have this cream (or you run out) you can use some moisturizer. In fact, I highly suggest that you put some moisturizer or day cream on your entire face before starting. This way, if a bit of color lands on your face you can wash it off in the shower and the color will rinse away, too. The process finished with showering and rinsing out the color well.
The instructions that were sent in the box were probably the EASIEST I’ve ever seen. Everything was step-by-step and had the exact products that were sent. The instructions were personalized for my order. They even put “Don’t skip this step!” on the last step, as if they knew me (because I’m always looking for a shortcut).
The entire process from start to finish took me about 45 minutes. That includes at least 20 minutes of wait time in between processing. The next time I do this, it will be even shorter because I will know the drill. I went with a color that was a bit lighter and it ended up looking just right. My complaint with the boxed color from the drugstore is that it always looks flat and dull. My eSalon box included some gloss that added some serious shine. Also, there are lovely undertones to this color that make it clearly stand out from the typical home color. It has a multi-dimensional effect that I typically only get from spending the big bucks in the salon chair.
Dress: Monroe and Main block party sheath
So go for it! Give eSalon a try! Coloring your hair at home is easy and so affordable. This is your chance to try a different look or just cover up those pesky grays. I’m really pleased with how mine turned out. In fact, I’ve already signed up for the regular shipments so that I don’t have to worry about it. The color will just be waiting for me in 6 weeks!
When we were outside later, my daughter said, “Mom, you still have some gray in your hair.” I was alarmed and a bit annoyed with myself for missing some. Then she said, “Oh!! No, it’s not gray. Your hair is just shiny!!” Now THAT I can handle.
(I was not compensated in any way for this post. I just wanted to share a great service with you. The post does contain my referral link.)
Looks great. I am always afraid to color my own hair. I have dark hair like yours and sometimes the ends get too saturated. you did a great job!
Thanks Jenn!
Love your new color. Looks very cute on you!
Thanks! I might go even a tad lighter next time. This was still quite dark even though I did Golden Brown.
I have heard a lot of great stuff about this program, and I am an avid hair colorer (at home.) You really can’t beat those prices so I am definitely going to give it a try!
Let me know what you think of it. I can’t wait to see what color you try!
I have been getting quite a few gray hairs lately myself. It looks like you did a fabulous job!
Your hair looks great! I don’t color my hair any longer. I’ve made peace with my grey
I will get there someday but for now…….
Ok your hair looks great! I think eSalon is worth a try. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Cheryl! It was fun to try something new.
That sounds fun – you can get anything online nowadays, it seems! Glad it turned out okay (more than okay, actually!) for you. 🙂
I finally attempted to color my hair at home recently. My mom or best friend have always colors my hair for me. While I don’t use box dyes (I’m lucky to have a stash of professional colors) it still was a bit stressful doing my own hair but it felt so good once I did it.
WOOHOO NO MORE GRAYS!
Oh I always am in the same predicament! I never have the money for the salon but don’t trust most at home products. I’ll definitely have to check this out, thanks!
Your hair is so pretty. I’d love to try coloring my own since I’ve never done this.
That actually looks easy!
I love eSalon! I have used their dye a few times! It works perfect!
my hubby helps me color my hair. I need it now as a matter of fact. 🙂
I’m glad it worked for you! I color my own hair every few months, well mostly just tone it. And like a previous poster said, my hubby helps me too. =)
This sounds like the perfect solution for those who touch up their hair at home.
I always color my hair at home. I only ever had it done once at a salon and they messed it up.
WOW your hair looks great–you did a beautiful job!! I always go to the salon to get mine done–its my me time–but this is good to know in case I’m pressed 🙂
Your hair looks fabulous! I have colored my hair at home for several years and am pleased with the results.
Coloring your hair at home instead of going to the salon is a great way to save money. You’re hair looks great, thanks for sharing this review.
My daughter colored her hair at home yesterday and was wishing she had followed your moisturizer on face beforehand. Remember to do your ears, too. Hair color always tend to goop up around them.
While all those tools and products look scary, it’s nice to have the options to buy them. The clips and special tools can really help some people. I like how esalon works so well with you. It looks great!