First time coloring my own hair...

At 45 years old, I am cursed with gray hair. Ugh. I can't stand it. I definitely do not feel old. Not one bit. Yet, my hair tells a very different story.

Usually, once I notice the gray I waste no tome calling my hairdresser Carrie so she can work her magic and make those ugly gray hairs disappear.

For whatever, the last time I called, Carrie was not able to get me on her calendar anytime soon. I figured sooner or later an appointment would open up. So, I waited. Too long. My gray hair had become so obvious that my students were telling me I looked old. Not what I want to hear.

So, I decided to take matters in my own hands.

I went to the store and must have spent 45 minutes looking at all the different, overwhelming choices in hair dye products. I finally chose one by L'Oreal {Superior Preference, Medium Golden Brown}, and before I could chicken out, paid for it.

Getting up the guts to actually go through with the coloring took more time. That box of hair color sat on my bathroom counter for a few days before I decided to take the plunge.

I read the instructions {three times}, and then I {very nervously} applied the smelly dye to my hair. I set my timer for 30 minutes and waited.

During that 30 minute wait, I started to get extremely nervous. {I almost washed the dye out of my hair immediately.} self-doubt gnawed away at me.  What if my hair turned orange? What if the color fried my hair so badly that I'd have to cut all my hair off? And the worst fear- what if it didn't work and my hair was still gray?

At the ding of the timer, I rinsed the color and applied the conditioner that came with the kit. I wrapped my hair in a towel right away, too afraid to look at my hair just yet.  {I was absolutely certain I'd end up looking like a freak!}

Once I finally removed the towel and dried my hair, I looked in the mirror. I have to admit, I was pretty darn pleased with myself.

No orange. No damage. No gray.   Success!

It goes without saying, I am extremely relieved that this worked out.  Even so, I am not too sure I will try it again.  I think it might be best to leave this sort of thing to someone who knows what they are doing.  Who knows?  I might change my mind.  Maybe I will even try a different color next time.  Or not.