Anyone use Clairol Natural Instincts hair dye?

[Willow]

I bought their color, Midnight Black, I believe it was called.
Non permanent hair color.
My natural color is dark brown.
I dyed my hair a few days before hallloween, and my hair is still jet black.
That's about... oh, I'd say 35+ shampoos, probably more. And my hair is still black.
I HATE it.
I thought the color would have faded away by now, but no such luck.
If anyone has used Natural Instincts, any color, did the color last this long for you?

Also, does anyone know if I can get the color professionally removed?
Would a colorist be able to strip the black?

I really, really want to be a brunette again!!!

[Sherbet]

I haven't dyed my hair in years, but I think that's the brand I used... my hair is light brown and I dyed it Auburn, non-permanent, and hints of the color lasted a very long time, much longer than the box said. I liked it though, so that was good. I'm pretty sure you can get the color stripped, but I'd hesitate because I'd worry about that damaging my hair. *shrug* hope it fades soon or that you can get it stripped successfully.

[Willow]

Thanks Sherbert

I actually just talked to a Clairol rep, and she said that color I used is designed to wash out in about 28 shampoos. ...lovely.
Of course then she talked about Clairol lightening products I could try.
However upon some research, I found that Head and Shoulders apparently fades color jobs...? I won't be back to a brunette by this evening, but hey It's worth a shot.

Also, my sister used to work as a rep. at a salon... *duh*
Why didn't I think to ask her?!
I've read different stories about color stripping; some say it has severely damaged their hair, and others say it has not. So I guess it depends on the individual and their hair type.

[darcerin]

Try something called "Color Oops". It's supposed to get dye jobs out of your hair.

[Willow]

Originally Posted by darcerin

Try something called "Color Oops". It's supposed to get dye jobs out of your hair.

Thanks Darc, I'll look for that.

[Pikabubba]

You still can't get that out? LOL

There are many many techniques of stripping color out.

First off, because of the fall weather, your hair was most likely more dry than usual and more porous so the color was absorbed into your follicles more. This happens a lot too if you go too long in between haircuts.

There are many things you can try. The easiest is using a cheap shampoo. Cheap shampoos have a higher alcohol content and isn't good for colored hair, therefore good for stripping out haircolor.
Next is a clarifying shampoo. Of course both ways will take a few washings.
You can use color removers but they can make your hair end up blotchy and uneven and half the time you end up at a salon getting it fixed anyway.
Stripping your hair at a salon doesn't always mean dump bleach on your head. There are lighteners now that are more gentle than they used to be. They'd probably have to lighten it and then color over it to brunette to get the best results since trying to remove color won't give back your original hair color.
It's not impossible to get the color out but my honest recommendation if you want it to look *right* is to go to a salon to get it fixed by an experienced colorist (not someone that just graduated hair school). Senior stylist

[thebeth]

I've used it before. Actually I just did and my hair is dark right now. They do last for a while. It isn't "temporary," it's "semi-permanent" it does take a while to change back

[Willow]

Originally Posted by Pikabubba

It's not impossible to get the color out but my honest recommendation if you want it to look *right* is to go to a salon to get it fixed by an experienced colorist (not someone that just graduated hair school). Senior stylist

Oh, yes I know.
I will definitely be going to a pro!!

Originally Posted by thebeth

It isn't "temporary," it's "semi-permanent" it does take a while to change back

On the box I bought it said 'non permanent'
I spoke to a rep today and she said the one I bought is a 'washes out in 28 shampoos' temporary dye.
But Clairol is better quality, so I guess it's going to last longer anyways... the black dye I bought last Halloween, was really cheap and washed out in about 10 shampoos.

[Sherbet]

Originally Posted by Willow

the black dye I bought last Halloween, was really cheap and washed out in about 10 shampoos.

That can be fun though... cause maybe you really just want a temporary change. 10 days is perfect for experimenting.

[Crazy Kat Lady]

Try liquid Tide or Cheer (or any strong detergent), I had this recommended to me several years ago by a Clairol rep when my hair came out way too dark. A good clarifying shampoo might help too. My color always washes out too fast, but that's because I use red shades which don't seem to take as well.