Grey hair

I think you need to consider if it is worth the effort.... .how grey are you? I am 44 and 50% grey. 10 years ago when I first started to get salt and pepper it was easy to cover the grey but after you get more than 30% it is a challenge to get a color that looks natural and to keep up with those roots. I have noticed Katie Curick (morning talk show host) is quite grey. She has covered her grey completely and then added highlights over the color to give a more natural and softening effect. She also keeps her hair short which makes it easier to keep it healthy. Coloring my grey became to hard to keep up and did not look good with my skin tone.I have gone natural and added platinum highlights over my natural grey. As you grey your skin tone changes as well, and the color that used to be your natural color becomes to hard and will age you, think lighter. I have not regretted cutting mine very short and keeping make-up to a minimum. Foundation needs to be very light if any at all. But DON'T go without eye liner, mascara, and lipstick or you will risk looking like a farmer. good luck! Margie

Dear AnnSince you are using a permanent product, I suggest you go with a shade slightly lighter, rather than darker. If you end up unhappy with the darker color, for example, it is very complicated and potentially costly to correct. Also, since your hair has previously been colored, it is more porous than non-colored hair. This means it will absorb more color, so, once again, you may get into trouble with a darker shade. Remember: when it comes to permanent colors, it's easy to go darker, but much more difficult to correct a dark perm. color.As far as selecting a brand goes, I have heard that the Redken EQ brand is highly recommended.Because you are interested in doing home color, I strongly suggest you read the famous William's excellent article on hair-coloring basics (on this site, see the Articles section). It is well worth the few times you may need to read it to understand all the concepts at work here (i had to read it a few times, anyway!), but it could save you a hair disaster in the future!good luck:) silvie