I just switched to organic shampoo and conditioner a few weeks ago and am loving the results so far. Before the switch, I used to be a huge fan of Pantene and Herbal Essences. The author is right about the oily texture at first, but my hair feels much smoother and healthier than it did when I was using "regular" hair products, and frizz is a thing of the past. I even notice less split ends. I wish all shampoos and conditioners were made without sulfates or parabens.

You don't have to spend a lot of money on your shampoo or use organic products.  I've used suave for years, and yes I do self-dye my hair.  My hair is healthy, I don't have split ends and I do have to style it everyday.  My hair is shiny without being greasy and I get compliments all the time.  I also don't have to use styling products on my hair (which is nice since I break out from them).  Just $1.29 a bottle for cheap suave shampoo and conditioner, is all it takes.

Whole Foods has their own brand of shampoo and conditioner, called 365.  They are organic and as cheap as Suave.

I recently had my hair colored in two tones at a hairstylists school and I was pleased with the results and happy to spend half the usually price.  When I first started going gray I thought I could do the job myself with home products but it absolutely ruined my hair and I would never do that again.  

I have more grey than brunette now.  I have dyed my long hair for years.  Dye the entire head with enough to cover the first time.  (have help if possible) After that only dye the roots.  Don't wash daily. If possible, go 2 or 3 days, this is better all around, for your hair health and for the color. Look for the color enhancer shampoos on sale and use them. If brunette add strong coffee to your shampoo once a week between dying.  Keep ends trimmed .

I was hoping that I wold see a post where the home hair coloring could really work and save lots of money, since the salons are very costly and tipping costs.

I have more grey by the temples and some areas of the crown of my head...I have seen the commercials for home coloring, like Loreal, etc., touting that it's easy and looks gorgeous when done...home dye jobs look just like that...non professional and harsh...does anyone have suggestions to make a level 6 in hair color at the salons, look more natural doing it at home??

I dyed my hair at home, for the most part, for 15 years until I became disabled with a bad back.  I had several salon visits, and my colorist was fantastic, but it took too long and was expensive.  I asked for the "formula" and mixed my own and had my daughter apply to my roots only.  The cost went from $85 (including cut & style) to about $3.00 per episode, and I could be doing things around the house while it was processing.  

When I first started to dye my hair (in my mid-30's) I would use HALF of a kit about every 6 weeks.  Towards the end of the 15 years, we were doing the roots every two weeks.

I let the gray grow in and it's BEAUTIFUL!  My hair is very healthy, just a little longer then shoulder length, and so much easier for ME to deal with myself.  I use Pantane Pro V Silver Expressions and my hair shines and looks great.  I don't use conditioner (don't tell the marketing Gods)  I've had lots of compliments on the color (and the courage it took).  I was the only gray haired woman at my 35th HS reunion. Didn't bother me a bit.