2 unrelated questions: shard populations and bright hair dye for elves?

[Saria of Atl]

hello all,

first question: which shard is the most active/populated? (mostly PVM). I am returning to UO after a 5 year lapse; so, indeed I expected changes. I did not expect such a population decline, however. I am on the Atlantic shard and it is a ghost town compared to what it once was! granted, I also do not have the newest expansion pack, so perhaps everyone is in the new Ter Mur land? any suggestions for a more "happening" shard is greatly appreciated.

second question: I am of the elf race and intent to stay that way for some time. is it possible for elves to use "bright hair dye"? specifically, the hair color on the paper doll in the middle of the picture below. if not, are there any other options for elf hair color besides what a 50gp bottle of hair dye will get you?

any other advice for a returning player (tamer/mage) is greatly appreciated. thank you in advance!

 

[Basara]

Atlantic is still the most populated western shard (can't vouch for the asian shards)

As for hair colors, there are some special hair dyes that drop as loot on the Melisande peerless (that was introduced in Mondain's Legacy). You might remember those, since 5 years ago would have been during the first year of that expansion. I've not used the hair color NPC since AoS.

 

[Saria of Atl]

thank you for your reply. I do remember that now; it is slowly coming back to me. do you happen to know if these Melisande hair dyes can be used by elves?
also, if I dye my hair, then change my hair style, do I lose my hair color?

 

[Basara]

They can be used by elves.

I'm not sure about the hair style.