I haven’t seen my original head of hair since I was 12-years-old! It all started when I really became a hardcore Madonna fan. I was in awe at how she constantly changed up her look and seemed to have a different persona every season. I was too square to become a punk, and I didn’t necessarily want to be weird, but I did want to be different. Hair color was how I started to express myself! Of course, as a 12-year-old, my mom wouldn’t let me do anything permanent. So, I got my start with a product called Pazzaz — temporary hair color that was age appropriate. As I aged, however, I desired more of a permanent color. Enter in L’Oréal in my teens; I was dark brown, bright red and auburn.

Now that I am a tad older, I am feeling more adventurous and L’Oréal is still the ONLY hair color in my arsenal. This time around I decided to try the Healthy Look Crème Gloss Color ($9.99) and Touch-On Highlights ($13.99). I wanted to bump the color up a notch! And go BLONDER! The Healthy Gloss Color is a great option if you are sensitive to color. This brand has an exclusive conditioning molecule built right into the dye to help counteract dullness. Healthy Look Crème Gloss Color is also the first at-home hair color to feature royal jelly in its after conditioner. There are multiple glossy colors to choose from. No ammonia, so hair is soft and not stripped. Grays are softly blended away, and, best of all, an only 10-minute development time!

Before

First, I had to do my base color. Since I was short on time and always decide to do things impulsively, I opted for the 10-minute hair color. The shade was Dark Golden Blonde 7G. I have colored my hair so many times that I can do it in my sleep. Next, I mixed the developer and color. Then applied it to my hair. Wait 10-minutes and voilà! I have a lovely shade of coppery blond.

After

I did like the touch and feel of my hair. The product claimed to do exactly what it said it would. I wanted to make my hair a little lighter, so I decided to apply the Touch-On Highlights. I had been VERY afraid up until now to do anything that would make my hair lighter — I have a tendency to look like the Heat Miser — however, this product made me look more like Princess Diana.

The product came with a finger applicator — with bristles on the end — to comb the color through. It came with a mixing well, bleaching powder and developer. When mixed, the product turned blue so you could see exactly where you were applying. I will admit, I had trouble with the finger comb, even though my hair is short now, I kept losing it in my hair. Overall, the product worked really well. I was so happy with the results; I may never have to go to the salon again!

I seriously think my hair looks as good as it did when I spent all that money in the salon! Oh, and one more thing… I didn’t forget to set my look with the L’Oréal Elnett Hairspray! ($12.99) No hair should be considered “done” until you set it with this brushable spray! Another stellar product from L’Oréal!.

So, tell me… Are you going to take the at-home hair color plunge?

– Erin Sutera, senior writer and makeup artist

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