What I like to do (for all over color at least, I let the pros deal with the complicated stuff) is buy professional hair color online (for cheap) and activators as well. Basically for all over color (and good grey coverage) you mix 2 oz of the color with 2 oz of the activator and so on.. so 4oz color = 4 oz activator. Use a bowl and brush (cheap at sallys or online) I like Mastey personally because it is ammonia-free and safe to leave on stubborn grey hair for a little longer than 45 mins without heat. Anyway, you should leave the color on 45 mins. Initially it may be more expensive than buying at home color, but the creme activator you get is pretty big and can be used more than once. The color on this site is 7.99 and the activator is 5.99 (you would use 20 vol). It's a very cheap way to get professional color results. Make sure to use a good post color conditioner treatment to lock in the color. Here is the website for Pro Salon Products (where I get my color): http://www.prosalonproducts.com/Default.asp Here is a link that might be useful: INEXPENSIVE PRO SALON COLOR

This may be my answer to dark spots (aka, age spots) on the backs of my hands. I've tried so many creams over the years I could have bought a couple of laser machines with the $$ I spent. I've heard of Hand Spa but cannot find a salon that has one. I think that may be laser, but I'm not sure.

Curls may have been out of style for a while now, perms, not so much. It is sad that they are associated with older women, I say this because, the're a lot of sad looking straight dos out there right now. I have been a licensed hairdresser for 30 years, 12 of which I owned a salon, I no longer practice, but I know a little about hair. Just because something is in style doesn't mean it will work for your hair and perms can be a great fix for stringy(as my mother used to say) hair. I get so tired of seeing women of all ages trying to wear the new bob with the back layered up really high, it just looks awful on thin flat hair and does not flatter most people. It is true however the older you get, you can use a little softness. Classic wavy bobs are very flattering. Good luck with your perm.

I stopped at 52 - now 54 and while the sides are turning it is still dark underneath. As I was getting my hair done for thanksgiving I decided that I could better use that $200 for other things - that I would really enjoy ( I hated the time and $$ I spent on getting it colored) My hairdresser was not happy about my decision but I am thrilled. I did just let it grow out - and I am the first one to admit my hair is better for it. It looks and feels so much better and fuller. It is grey, not white which I think makes many women look older. I don't understand why you couldn't just let it grow out - does anyone think that everyone else can't tell you color your hair. You and get a semi permanaent color put on - it will wash out. But that way you can wait until it is at a length you can cut it to - or not.. as we get older your hair color should lighten it looks more natural -