Need your advice!!

You all know, I'm 62 yrs old, and yes, I color my hair, myself. I've been buying colorfast shampoo, and conditioner, at the salon where I get my hair cut, but it is outrageously, expensive. Do any of you know, is it really necessary to use special shampoo, and conditioner for colored hair? Does it really help keep it longer, or can I get the same effect, from regular. Maybe you know of cheaper colorfast stuff?? I'd really appreciate your input. Thanks, guys!

Sharon, I would try the colorfast shampoo and conditioner that they sell in drug stores. If that doesn't seem to work as well then you can always go back to the expensive stuff. I do use salon shampoo, but hardly ever the color care kind (even though I color my hair). I have my nail tech license so I get the shampoo at cost. If not, I would be buying the drugstore kind cause I'm cheap lol. Amy

Yeah, I'm cheap, too!~So what you're saying, is you don't think using colorfast shampoo, is necessary? That's what I kind of think, too. I used Pert, and would like to just use it again. It's like the experts say, you don't have to shampoo twice, to get your hair clean. Once is enough! Thanks, honey!

I lighten my hair, so it doesn't tend to fade as much. With coloring it darker you *may* need to use a colorfast shampoo, but I would try one of the cheap kinds from walmart or where ever to see if they work as good as the salon kind.

Ok, thanks, Amy!

Hi Sharon, I do think the colorfast shampoo does keep your color looking fresh longer, do you have a Walmart near you? If so, they are selling professional products in their in-store salons that are at reduced rates over what you would buy at the salon. Check it out. I am lucky, my youngest daughter is a former beautician and she still does her mom's hair even tho she is a Director of Information Services in a large MN corporation and makes mega bucks, bless her heart....It's expensive to be gorgeous, but you sure look good!!!! Take care. Mary

Thanks so much, Mary! We have a Walmart, but it has no salon. I will check out the cheaper store, ones, though.

Sharon, I buy Consumer Reports and all sorts of other magazines, and they say that there is no appreciable difference in the fancy brand shampoos and the cheaper store brands. My salon always pushes products on me, and I think they are finally getting the message that I am not buying it there. One idea is to go lighter with your coloring, if you have any grey. It would be fun anyway!

Thanks, hon. I tried lighter, this last summer, but it really made me look washed out! I'm a bit pale, and the darkerbrown, is my natural color, and makes my dark eyes pop, and a little blush makes me look, like I've not left this earth, yet! ha I'll try the cheaper store brands, of colorfast shampoo, and conditioner.

Hi Sharon, As a former Cosmetologist to help preserve your color I would advise using a colorfast shampoo, it doesnt have to be one from the salon. I would also suggest if possible to refrain from shampooing your hair daily. If you do switch pay attention to how your hair is performing for you, if the color is not lasting as long and it's looking dull maybe the expensive one is better for your hair. Another suggestion would be to alternate between the expensive one and the cheaper one. The stylists in salons are usually required to try to push the products their salon sells. I use an Aveda salon however I tried the products and didnt like them at all and I let my stylist know so she doesnt even bring it up anymore. I personally am a big fan of Matrix products however I use other stuff too like Victoria's Secret (love the smell), and I have WalMart products too like Aussie, Clairol and Suave. Hope this helps...