[fizeek]

I haven't colored my hair for about 4 weeks. It is a very faded red color and my natural is the infamous "dishwater blonde" I plan on going maybe a shade or 2 darker, but I'm not sure how to get as much red out as possible. Most people agree that the ash neutralizes the red, but I guess the real ? is should I use a stripper. I always go to my stylist, but my hubby has been laid off for 3 months!!!

[Perito]

If you don't use a color remover (as opposed to a "stripper") like ColorFix, Color Oops, or Color Zap, your final color will probably be too red. However, I can only guess without seeing a picture. I'd recommend using one of the above color removers. Don't use Effasol (a stripper). That will over-damage your hair.

[fizeek]

Yeah, I figured. I guess I should rephrase the "stripping" part. I'm actually looking into the Loreal color remover since most on here has had fairly good results.

[Perito]

L'Oreal makes Color Zap and Effasol. They work exactly opposite of each other. As I said, I strongly recommend against Effasol.

[fizeek]

Great! Thanks a bunch. Believe me, If I could, I wouldn't be cheating on my stylist :)

[fizeek]

K I ended up using the color fix. I applied it twice and it really did a good job putting me at almost a strawberry blonde. I used 25lift and Clairol 4A and 7A one being a chesnut brown (undertones green) and a medium ash blonde. To my surprise, it damned near got me back to my natural color. I must say I am pretty proud of myself!!!

[Perito]

Congratulations.