Who doesn’t love a great haircut and fabulous color? The problem is I just hate sitting at a salon for the hours it takes to get those results.

I recently discovered Wing Salon in my community, and I got a lovely cut from the owner, Amie. She told me it would take 2-3 hours to get color, and I. just. couldn’t.

Instead, I grabbed a box of L’Oreal Excellence Creme at a local pharmacy. I had a little giggle when I translated the Thai name of the shade.

Check out the instructions! Good thing it’s not my first rodeo. (OK, full disclaimer: There were English instructions, too.)

It turned out a little less “sparkling dark blonde” and a little more “mahogany,” but it’ll do.