I used to colour my own, but started to get hairdresser to do it about 5 years ago. The colour looks much more natural and fades well. Had to change hairdresser about a year or so ago because it was getting far too expensive (Ł60) plus one or two other reasons. I now go to a girl who works for herself out of one of the salons, she only charges Ł30 for a cut and colour and if anything, I'm happier with the results. Not just because of the price, people have complimented the colour.
Don't know what I'll do when I retire though - perhaps go grey gracefully!