My mom's a licensed beautician and gets her supplies from the local Sally Beauty Supply.

When I was younger and playing with hair colors, I'd typically buy the box stuff from super market shelves. It didn't matter if it faded or grew out because I didn't want blue or red hair permanently.

I'm a natural brunette and started to get gray hairs at 21 years. Now when I want my hair colored, I pick up Clairol Professional Gray Busters from Sally Beauty and my mom does my hair. It's only about $6 a bottle and lasts quite awhile. My roots start to show long before it fades.

Good luck!