I just colored my hair yesterday for the first time with a "professional" hair color. I used Ion Color Brilliance from Sally's -
http://www.sallybeauty.com/shop/1410/305499.
I picked it because the ingredients list included Castor oil and wheat germ protein. And it has less ammonia than some of the other brands. Plus the display at Sally's had better info. And then, there are tons of raves on MUA about this hair color system.
I used the creme instead of the liquid because reviews (again on MUA) said it was easier and less messy to apply. No drips with the creme. True – it was just like applying relaxer.
I have very fine hair that's texlaxed and colored. So my ends can get dry and break easily. I used the Neutral Protein Filler before coloring.
http://www.sallybeauty.com/shop/product.asp?pf_id=636200&dept_id=1480 I washed my hair first, towel dried, applied about 2oz of the Protein Filler, sat for 20 mins under the heat cap and then let it air dry.
I used their Sensitive Scalp 20 Developer (bought the small bottle and used about half). Mixing it is really easy – it’s a 1:1 ratio. So one tube of color to 2oz of Developer. And from there you can get creative depending on what you’re going for. Higher developer for lighter colors, lower for darker. I used 2 tubes of color exactly for my shoulder length hair and I was really just re-touching my roots.
I processed for exactly 30 mins (next time I think I may go for 35). I shampooed with the Ion Color Protection Shampoo, and then the Ion Color Solutions Color Defense. And then I used a light protein post-treatment, and then a long moisturizing conditioning treatment with some oils added.
It took awhile mainly because I was being extra cautious. But I’m happy with the end result. I think I matched my existing color very well (I used their Medium Copper Brown – which is a little bit lighter than my natural and gives me subtle reddish tones). My grey is nicely covered too.
They have a very extensive site with a great chart to help you pick the right color and developer combination.
http://www.ioncolorbrilliance.com/products.asp.
