Haircolor at home...developer and product ??s

[momof2gr8kids]

About 6 weeks ago, I colored my hair using ION creme in medium reddish brown and 20 developer. I liked the results, but it did seem to pull a bit darker than the swatch. My hair is normally a dark brown (I think...see pic). It's almost root touch up time, and since I wanted a bit lighter, I thought I'd try the light red brown and do an all over color change instead of a touch up. Would 20 developer do it for me, or should I use 30? Also, like everyone here said, the red did fade rather quickly. Does anyone have any shampoo/conditioner recommendations to help me maintain the red? Thanks in advance....here are my pics.

My natural color

The day after I colored with ION medium red brown/20 dev

Now, 6+ weeks later

 

[Aquilah]

Well, you might run into a problem of that which is lighter becoming even lighter, and then having darker roots. I'd try to stick with what you were using. Or, go back to something about your natural color. Then give your hair a slight break, and try again using a higher developer. Red is a hard, hard color to keep! I wish it wasn't so! You can try John Frieda's Radiant Red (shampoo, conditioner, etc), or even any of the color-saving shampoos like L'Oreal Color Vive.

 

[Dragonfly]

i'm not knowledgeable to advise but I wanted you to know the ION med red, 2nd photo is a fantastic colour for you.

 

[momof2gr8kids]

Thanks! I guess I'll stick with what I have for a while. How soon would you say it would be ok to lighten/recolor? Or is that something that should be left for the pros?

I don't want to make any stupid mistakes....done enough of that. As it is, I have to go back to the salon tomorrow to get my cut fixed. My usual stylist is on maternity leave

and the girl who did it this time made it all choppy. I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt and see what I could do with it once I styled it at home, but it's not working out. I can't really explain what's wrong with it, but it just doesn't lay right like it does after my regular stylist cuts it.....argghhh!

 

[Aquilah]

Originally Posted by momof2gr8kids /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks! I guess I'll stick with what I have for a while. How soon would you say it would be ok to lighten/recolor? Or is that something that should be left for the pros?
I don't want to make any stupid mistakes....done enough of that. As it is, I have to go back to the salon tomorrow to get my cut fixed. My usual stylist is on maternity leave

and the girl who did it this time made it all choppy. I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt and see what I could do with it once I styled it at home, but it's not working out. I can't really explain what's wrong with it, but it just doesn't lay right like it does after my regular stylist cuts it.....argghhh!

Well, if you color it back to the natural color, I would wait about 4-6 weeks. Then go to a salon (if it's affordable for you), and have it done professionally. I've found it's harder to go lighter at home with the very best of results. If you can find a pic of the color you're looking for, I'd take it with you to show the stylist.