patchy directions lilac 😞

Pastels often come out a bit patchy, a second application may help. It may be that your base isn't perfectly even or has differing porosities which a pastel shade will emphasise. If you have darker yellow areas they may not be light enough for Lilac.
I have never had much luck with Directions Lilac though, I prefer to mix my own pastel shades. You can make a similar Lilac shade with Neon Blue, lots of conditioner and a dab of Flamingo Pink. I have had the best results and much longer lasting pastels from diluting Special effects Deep Purple and Blue Velvet, you can make any shade of pastel purple from these two dyes and they last for ages. Directions Lilac faded to blue after one CO wash for me.

Thats good to know, thanks. I think ill use something different next time. Ive seen other pastel lilacs like the loreal one, are they any good ?

I've not used it, but it's unlikely the Loreal one is any good, especially if it's one of their toning conditioners. Much better to mix your own as Wicked Pixie suggests.

I haven't used it either, but it looks super pale so likely to be even more finicky than Directions Lilac. You need a more heavily pigmented dye to get even coverage.

Yeah good points. I'll stick to the original suggestion then 😁  thanks guys.