Yes...You can tell the difference between professional hair color done in the salon verses the dreaded box color!! (insert evil music) First, the obvious, the artistry alone sets the standard. Creative artistic color placement that compliments your haircut can not be duplicated in  your bathroom. Box colors are usual drab, drying and not consistent in manufacturing.  Who knows what you will be getting. Do you even know the color theory behind what you have, what you want, and how to get there? That pretty picture on the box...Im gonna guess she went to the salon. The ph level for hair products and chemicals are very important. You want a ph level that is for the human head. Professional salon products guarantee safe natural ingredients.  Lead which is a "natural" can be found in store box colors. Please, choose a healthier, prettier option. Color corrections are very expensive and timely. It can take several visits to your salon before you get your hair looking and feeling great again. If it is a expense issue, consult with me about options for maintaing your look on a budget.  Box colors will cost you more in the long run.

Alaska is well known for its beauty and natural resources. Copper, iron, chlorine,lime and arsenic are abundant in and around your water systems. Many of us have home filtration systems or water softeners. Limiting the amount of elements we are exposed to but still exposed never the less. My worst case scenario of mineral build up was a lovely woman from Homer Alaska. The mineral build up in her hair was so extensive  i had to consider the chemistry of mixing elements that were built up in her hair with the product i was about to use for her color correction. I offer a professional in salon treatment. This was done several times to her hair but the minerals were so in bedded even a clear gloss created a greenish brown stain.  It was a hairstylist nightmare. Another mineral treatment and the phantom color would go away.  Unfortunately  this was not going to be a one time fix.  i was able to remove some build up and I glazed her hair to tone out the uneven brassy tones. I sent her home with Malibu Hard Water wellness shampoo,conditioner and Actives package which will eliminate brassiness & discoloration, purifies & moisturizes, restores volume & radiant shine.  
Swimmers this is a excellent product for you as well. It is a must to use it every time your hair is exposed to pool water. Chlorine leaves to hair feeling like wire and turns blondes into greens! Malibu Swimmers Shampoo is excellent. My experience with it has been a successful one.