I use Wella bleach and I get it at the local beauty supply. I buy my own peroxide and mix it at home. The whole thing costs me about $3.50 (you can't beat the price) and I do it once a month. Actually my beautician (who is also my neighbor) told me about this. She said why come into the shop and pay top dollar? They use Wella at her shop. It covers my gray but I don't have any solid gray areas. I have threads of gray on top and on the sides. The back is still *me* at least for now.

Edit: Kim you could do a "home frosting" on yourself. I believe it is Clairol who makes a product called "La Petit Frost." It is for highlighting small areas. My daughter has used it very successfully.