Kolours Caravan: Oriental Ruby

I am a bit of a redhead again. How did this happen? Well, I was shopping around Robinsons craving sugar when I saw a Kolours caravan smack dab in the center of the mall. I was hesitant to try it but friend S encouraged me to try Oriental Ruby, their newest, reddest shade ever.

Process:
1. Buy the dye. One box was P250, I was vacillating between 1 and 2 boxes for my long hair. I finally decided on 1 box since I didn't know how it was going to turn up and it could be made to fit.
2. Fill up an info sheet and waiver. Theoretically, you should go for a patch test 48 hours before the actual event EVERYTIME you try a dye on. I was banking on the fact that I used to use this brand a few years ago without any adverse effects (my hair didn't color well though, which is why I gave up on it years back). Also, on a side note, how come no box dyes ever come with a patch for patch testing?
3. Application. Mine had to be done in 2 steps since my roots weren't dyed but my ends were. Cling wrap and a blow dryer were used. Since I didn't have a watch, I have no idea how much time I spent there.
4. Shampoo, condition and blowdry. Not a relaxing experience, but worth it to see my new hair for the first time!
5. Tip. Always tip, guys :)

Yays

• Inexpensive: salon applications are way more expensive.
• Good application: You can still see the junction between virgin and treated hair  up close but it blends relatively well
• Red! (not like the picture, but with red-copper tones) It's a big difference from Kolours' usual rich browns.

Nays

• Needed a blowdryer for the color to show (not for stubborn hair like mine, if it's for home use unless you're very patient or very experienced: I would never get this result on my own).

I'm very satisfied with it. Since red hair is hard to maintain, I won't feel too bad once it starts fading (though I might change my mind if it turns orange). I wouldn't buy this if I had to put it on my own because it's way too much effort for my hair type (it needs a lot of peroxide for a color to show up properly). However, I might be tempted to buy again if I were not the one doing the application (2 boxes will probably be needed next time). I'd actually recommend this product to those with hair that dyes easily and don't want to spend on a bubble dye (I've tried a few of their other shades and was particularly fond of Zen Auburn years back).

I'll see how this color holds up in a few weeks.