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I'm Michelle Cox -- the owner of Lipstick to Crayons. I’m also a Mom to three kids (a teen, tween and toddler), a professional writer (www.michellemcox.com) and a blogger (www.fromthemom.com). And I love to save money (and help you do the same) via frugal deals and steals, coupons and other thrifty practices. My freelance writing business allows me to enjoy the great balance of being a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom, while also making time for blogging, running (ran the Chicago Marathon twice) some amateur photography and scrapbooking. I’m a St. Louis native, although I have lived outside of the city and the state. A few of my passions are amateur photography, scrapbooking and attending kids' sporting events.

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Home Hair-coloring Experience and Giveaway

January 14th, 2010 • Related • Filed Under
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I’m a  redhead and have been since birth. As I’ve aged, however, the vibrancy of my color has faded. And then lo and behold, a few gray hairs began showing up last year. Because I chose to have my 3rd child a little later in life, I simply cannot let myself go gray. I don’t want her to feel like she has an “old mommy.” Really, this is strictly for my child and has nothing to do with vanity (wink wink).

Anyway, since money doesn’t grow on trees, I was reluctant to let my stylist color my hair. Finally, I gave in and paid $100 for semi-permanent color that looked great but only lasted about three weeks. I did it again a few months later, and was happy with the results/color but not happy with the price.

Still, I was terrified to color my hair at home. I’ve seen redheads who turned out “orange” and redheads who look like their hair is some shade of eggplant. Then, a representative from Clairol contacted me and told me about a Clairol Nice ‘n Easy “Guardian Girlfriend” campaign to help women pick their perfect color and ensure a worry-free at-home hair color experience.

Gigi (The Office’s Angela Kinsey) is the Guardian Girlfriend of the campaign and she’s all over the Clairol Web site. Also on the Web site are two things I found EXTREMELY helpful — the shade palette and the live chat. Being the nervous Nellie that I was about coloring my hair, the live chat thing was a life saver.

So, after following ALL the tips on the Web site (such as pick a color within two shades of your current color), I chose to go with  Nice ‘n Easy Natural Light Auburn. Then I read the instructions WORD FOR WORD (something I NEVER do), and then I read them again. Then, I FOLLOWED THE DIRECTIONS WORD FOR WORD (also something I NEVER do), including performing the hair swatch test and the skin patch test. While I was preparing to color my hair, I posed a few questions to the live chat folks, and quickly got answers to my questions. Again — they’re doing everything they can to help you have a successful experience.

The result: the color covered my gray, and was so close to my natural color (and so close to the color on the box) that NO ONE IN MY FAMILY noticed I had done it!! That was mildly frustrating, but I guess it’s a good thing. The best result: I saved about $90! I am very pleased, and for my next trick, I’m trying highlights.

Now for the fun part for you: One lucky Lipstick to Crayons reader will win a coupon for a free box of Clairol hair color by entering the contest below.

Giveaway Guidelines:

Visit the Nice ‘n Easy shade palette and come back here and tell me in the comment section which shade you’d like to try.

Receive additional entries by doing any/all of the following, but be sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do.

  1. Blog about this contest.
  2. Subscribe to my mailing list/RSS feed.
  3. Tweet this giveaway on Twitter (you can tweet daily if you want, but make sure you leave a comment each time you do).
  4. Favorite Lipstick to Crayons on Technorati.
  5. Stumble this post.
  6. Add Lipstick to Crayons to your blogroll or my button to your sidebar.
  7. Become a fan of Lipstick to Crayons on Facebook.

This giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. Central time Jan. 28, 2010.  Be sure to include a valid email address with each of your entries. Contest open to United States residents only. Winner will be randomly chosen via random.org and will be notified via email and announced on this post.

If winner does not claim prize by Jan. 30, 2010, she will forfeit the prize to an alternate winner.

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO PATTI, COMMENT #20.

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There Are 136 Responses So Far. »

  1. #1 Eva D on January 14, 2010:

    104 Natural Medium Golden Blonde

  2. #2 Eva D on January 14, 2010:

    I am a fan of Lipstick to Crayons on Facebook.

  3. #3 Mistie Thompson on January 14, 2010:

    Natural Lightest Caramel Brown – and do I get an extra chance for offering to provide hands-on help for your first at-home coloring experience? :-P

  4. #4 DarcyO on January 15, 2010:

    115 Natural Lightest Brown

  5. #5 lipsticktocrayons on January 15, 2010:

    You bet, Mistie. I was going to give you credit in the post, but wasn’t sure how you’d feel about being “outed” regarding your hair coloring. Some women are funny about that. I should’ve known you’d be cool with it. :)

  6. #6 Angela Bailey on January 15, 2010:

    I’m a redhead to and I’d like to try 110 Natural Light Auburn.

  7. #7 Angela Bailey on January 15, 2010:

    I subscribe via email.

  8. #8 Angela Bailey on January 15, 2010:

    Tweeted. http://twitter.com/theladya/status/7788017929

  9. #9 Carol on January 15, 2010:

    I’d love to try this shade: 118ANatural Medium Neutral Brown

  10. #10 Carol on January 15, 2010:

    email subscriber

  11. #11 Carol on January 15, 2010:

    tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/7788110361

  12. #12 Carol on January 15, 2010:

    button ceeceeblogger.blogspot.com

  13. #13 Carol on January 15, 2010:

    Favorite Lipstick to Crayons on Technorati. cdziuba

  14. #14 Carol on January 15, 2010:

    fan of Lipstick to Crayons on Facebook. Carol P Dziuba

  15. #15 Julie Cutshaw on January 15, 2010:

    main entry: I’m a gray solution user so I would like the 5G Medium Golden Brown shade, I love their hair color products and the way they give you highlights with that built in now adds such luster to your hair soft too afterwards not harsh & very nice, thanks love this giveaway its the only brand i will use.
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

  16. #16 Julie Cutshaw on January 15, 2010:

    I follow you & tweeted
    http://twitter.com/itsallnew2me/status/7789938273
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

  17. #17 Julie Cutshaw on January 15, 2010:

    I subscribe to you via email
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

  18. #18 Julie Cutshaw on January 15, 2010:

    I am a fan of yours on facebook
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

  19. #19 Patti hess on January 15, 2010:

    I noticed a few gray hairs my color I would chose is Natural 106 Natural Medium Ash Blonde

    pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
    thanks a bunch

  20. #20 Patti hess on January 15, 2010:

    I subscribe

    pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
    thanks a bunch

  21. #21 Patti hess on January 15, 2010:

    I’m a fan on Facebook

    pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
    thanks a bunch

  22. #22 Mellissa C on January 15, 2010:

    I would like Natural Light Golden Brown

  23. #23 Mellissa C on January 15, 2010:

    email subscriber

  24. #24 Kimberly on January 15, 2010:

    I usually use 110 Natural Light Auburn but am thinking of switching to 111 Natural Medium Auburn. Not much of a change but I’ll be able to tell.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

  25. #25 Kimberly on January 15, 2010:

    I’m an email subscriber!

  26. #26 Sara L. on January 15, 2010:

    Natural Medium Golden Neutral Blonde would be the one I would love to try! I’ve always been so chicken to try to color my own hair, but it would save me a ton of money!
    sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com

  27. #27 sherry a gilland on January 15, 2010:

    main entry:shade i like to try, gray solution dark brown
    sherrya1210 at yahoo dot com

  28. #28 sherry a gilland on January 15, 2010:

    I subscribe
    sherrya1210 at yahoo dot com

  29. #29 nan lara on January 15, 2010:

    i like natural dk brown

  30. #30 nan lara on January 15, 2010:

    e-mail subscriber

  31. #31 Jackie on January 15, 2010:

    The one I’d choose (which is the one I currently use) is 104 Natural Medium Golden Blonde. Thanks for the review and giveaway!

  32. #32 Jackie on January 15, 2010:

    I subscribe via email

  33. #33 Annette D on January 16, 2010:

    I like the 102Natural Light Ash Blonde.

  34. #34 Annette D on January 16, 2010:

    I am an email subscriber

  35. #35 Annette D on January 16, 2010:

    tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/status/7847962555

  36. #36 Julie Cutshaw on January 16, 2010:

    tweeted
    http://twitter.com/itsallnew2me/status/7853863166
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

  37. #37 Jen on January 17, 2010:

    Ultra Light Natural Blonde

  38. #38 Jen on January 17, 2010:

    Facebook fan (Genny Heavenly)

  39. #39 Jen on January 17, 2010:

    E-mail subscriber

  40. #40 Amber G on January 17, 2010:

    I would love to try 131 Rich Dark Brown!

  41. #41 Katie S. on January 17, 2010:

    I would love to try 114A Natural Lightest Golden Brown :)

  42. #42 Katie S. on January 17, 2010:

    I stumbled!

  43. #43 Katie S. on January 17, 2010:

    I subscribe via rss

  44. #44 Vicki Andrew on January 18, 2010:

    I’d get the Natural Light Auburn # 107
    singermagic1(at)yahoo(dot)com

  45. #45 adrienne Gordon on January 18, 2010:

    Natural Medium Golden Blonde is what i use.

  46. #46 G. L. PENROD on January 18, 2010:

    burgardy is my color

  47. #47 Cheryl on January 18, 2010:

    I’d like to try Natural Medium Ash Blonde. Thanks!

  48. #48 Jan P. on January 18, 2010:

    My choice would be Natural Light Champagne Blonde. Thanks!

  49. #49 Margaret Smith on January 18, 2010:

    I would like to try the 106Natural Medium Ash Blonde. Thanks so much.

  50. #50 Margaret Smith on January 18, 2010:

    I’m a subscriber.
    Thanks again.

  51. #51 Bacallsmom on January 18, 2010:

    I’d like to try 103B Natural Medium Champagne Blonde. I use a similar color on my hair now, but a different brand.

    bbentry at aol dot com

  52. #52 Bacallsmom on January 18, 2010:

    Your button is on my sidebar at http://bnbproductions.terapad.com/

    bbentry at aol dot com

  53. #53 Bacallsmom on January 18, 2010:

    Fan on Facebook (Susie Randle)

    bbentry at aol dot com

  54. #54 Kate on January 18, 2010:

    108Natural Reddish Blonde

  55. #55 Ms. T on January 18, 2010:

    Like to try the the Ultra Light natural blonde..

  56. #56 Kiara on January 18, 2010:

    I like the Rich Black color.
    austma7@aol.com

  57. #57 MaryBeth I on January 18, 2010:

    130 Rich Medium Reddish Brown

  58. #58 MaryBeth I on January 18, 2010:

    subscribe

  59. #59 Brittany on January 18, 2010:

    I like the Natural Medium Brown.

  60. #60 Christine on January 18, 2010:

    I like #118A Natural Medium Neutral Brown!

  61. #61 Christine on January 18, 2010:

    I am an email subscriber
    justicecw@hotmail.com

  62. #62 Christine on January 18, 2010:

    Tweeted at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/7930479619

  63. #63 Christine on January 19, 2010:

    1/19 tweet at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/7955053865

  64. #64 Vicki Wurgler on January 19, 2010:

    I’d pick the natural med golden blonde

  65. #65 Shelli Stanley on January 19, 2010:

    I’m a facebook fan.

  66. #66 vicky boackle on January 19, 2010:

    i would like yo try the 116Natural Light Neutral Brown
    .

  67. #67 Bonnie Parks on January 20, 2010:

    I would like to try #87 ultra Light Natural Blonde

  68. #68 kelly wakefield on January 20, 2010:

    I want to try 100 Natural Pale Neutral Blonde

  69. #69 Julie Cutshaw on January 20, 2010:

    tweeted
    http://twitter.com/itsallnew2me/status/8007602602
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

  70. #70 angie on January 21, 2010:

    Natural Light Caramel Brown

  71. #71 Christine on January 21, 2010:

    1/21 tweet at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/8038029881

  72. #72 Claudia on January 21, 2010:

    110 Natural Light Auburn

  73. #73 Claudia on January 21, 2010:

    I subscribe

  74. #74 Jason on January 21, 2010:

    I am a guy who has been greying since high school and I actually use the Nice and Easy color Natural Dark Brown quite a bit. Thanks for the chance

    jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

  75. #75 Jason on January 21, 2010:

    Tweeted

    http://twitter.com/parkerozgood/status/8040343535

    jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

  76. #76 Kirsty H. on January 21, 2010:

    I would love to try the 101B Natural Light Champagne Blonde. I too use this but in another brand that costs more than Nice and Easy.

  77. #77 Julie Cutshaw on January 21, 2010:

    tweeted
    http://twitter.com/itsallnew2me/status/8045037696
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

  78. #78 Stacey on January 21, 2010:

    I want to try Natural Medium Neutral Brown

  79. #79 Karen Pochodowicz on January 22, 2010:

    110Natural Light Auburn

  80. #80 Jaque on January 22, 2010:

    I think I would like to try the Medium Neutral Brown….I am a natural blonde, but have always wanted dark hair.

    Thank you. :-)

  81. #81 Julie Cutshaw on January 22, 2010:

    tweeted
    http://twitter.com/itsallnew2me/status/8079938525
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

  82. #82 Christine on January 22, 2010:

    1/22 tweet at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/8089853406

  83. #83 Christine on January 23, 2010:

    1/23 tweet at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/8117199157

  84. #84 Christine on January 24, 2010:

    1/24 tweet at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/8160283742

  85. #85 Kathy D on January 24, 2010:

    Warm golden Brown would cover some grays….

  86. #86 Kathy D on January 24, 2010:

    follow you on facebook Kathy D

  87. #87 Christine on January 25, 2010:

    1/25 tweet at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/8217270209

  88. #88 JMARIE on January 26, 2010:

    I’d like ot try Ultra Light Natural Blonde
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  89. #89 Erica C. on January 26, 2010:

    I’d like the Natural Lightest Ash Blonde. Thanks!

  90. #90 Christine on January 26, 2010:

    1/26 tweet at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/8262616573

  91. #91 Claire on January 27, 2010:

    Natural Medium Auburn

  92. #92 Nanette Olson on January 27, 2010:

    Natural Medium Golden Blonde is the color for me.

  93. #93 shawna on January 27, 2010:

    I would use 114A Natural Lightest Golden Brown.

  94. #94 Happi Shopr on January 27, 2010:

    129 Rich Medium Neutral Brown for me.

  95. #95 cassandra on January 27, 2010:

    I would like to try the 115 natural lightest brown.

  96. #96 Valeen N on January 27, 2010:

    I’d choose 110 Natural Light Auburn!

  97. #97 Julie Cutshaw on January 27, 2010:

    tweeted
    http://twitter.com/itsallnew2me/status/8306166770
    sewitupjulie at gmail dot com

  98. #98 Christine on January 27, 2010:

    1/27 tweet at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/8308057840

  99. #99 Angela Winesburg on January 27, 2010:

    I would love to try the Rich Dark Brown out, thanks!

  100. #100 electric island on January 28, 2010:

    I like #118A Natural Medium Neutral Brown!
    electricisland(at)gmail.com

  101. #101 electric island on January 28, 2010:

    Subscribed by email, electricisland(at)gmail.com

  102. #102 kristy on January 28, 2010:

    I would like to try 103Natural Light Neutral Blonde

  103. #103 Roxann on January 28, 2010:

    I would choose 122 Natural Black.

  104. #104 Sheila Hickmon on January 28, 2010:

    I would go with Natural Light Caramel Brown! Thanks!

  105. #105 Sheila Hickmon on January 28, 2010:

    I subscribe by email.

  106. #106 Sheila Hickmon on January 28, 2010:

    I’m a fan on facebook as Sheila H.

  107. #107 Angela on January 28, 2010:

    I would love to try the Natural Black.

  108. #108 dorothy l on January 28, 2010:

    no 106 natural medium ash blonde

  109. #109 Susan Smith on January 28, 2010:

    Natural Medium Carmel Brown

  110. #110 Adonia on January 28, 2010:

    I would love to try, Rich Medium Golden Brown!

  111. #111 holli on January 28, 2010:

    natural medium mahogany brown..118E

  112. #112 susan smoaks on January 28, 2010:

    i would like to try the Natural Dark Golden Blonde

  113. #113 Christine on January 28, 2010:

    1/28 tweet at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/8344166851

  114. #114 Amy D on January 28, 2010:

    i would like to try burgundy.thanks

  115. #115 Melanie on January 28, 2010:

    I’d try the Natural Dark Brown!
    Ive been wanting to go darker.

  116. #116 Ellie W. on January 28, 2010:

    I would try the 123 Natural Soft Black! I need it to cover my gray & I’m only 29! (Literally!)

  117. #117 Diane on January 28, 2010:

    I want to try Natural Medium Auburn. I want to go back to a reddish brown again!

  118. #118 kathy pease on January 28, 2010:

    id love the 114ANatural Lightest Golden Brown

  119. #119 kathy pease on January 28, 2010:

    subscriber

  120. #120 kathy pease on January 28, 2010:

    fan on facebook kathylpease

  121. #121 kathy pease on January 28, 2010:

    http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/8349526115

  122. #122 latisha depoortere on January 28, 2010:

    I like 114 Natural Light Ash Brown
    thanks.

  123. #123 latisha depoortere on January 28, 2010:

    Im a subscriber too.
    tishajean@charter.net

  124. #124 Jennifer Jozwiak on January 28, 2010:

    I’d choose 120B natural dark caramel brown.

  125. #125 Gianna on January 28, 2010:

    I’d love to try something very close to my color.. 111 Natural Medium Auburn :)

  126. #126 Rajee on January 28, 2010:

    104 Natural Medium Golden Blonde

  127. #127 Rajee on January 28, 2010:

    fb fan

  128. #128 Marcy Strahan on January 28, 2010:

    121ANatural Darkest Brown
    would be my pick!

  129. #129 Marcy Strahan on January 28, 2010:

    email subscriber

  130. #130 Marcy Strahan on January 28, 2010:

    Facebook fan!
    username: zestywonderland

  131. #131 Rajee on January 29, 2010:

    have ur button

  132. #132 Rajee on January 29, 2010:

    tweeted @momsfocus

  133. #133 Lily Kwan on January 29, 2010:

    I would like to try 122 Natural Black.

  134. #134 Lily Kwan on January 29, 2010:

    I subscribed to your mailing list.

  135. #135 Lily Kwan on January 29, 2010:

    I became your Facebook fan.

  136. #136 Christine on January 29, 2010:

    1/29 tweet at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/8391860525