Dying dark brown hair lighter?

[Sallystyle]

I have dark brown hair with a hint of red in it.

I want to go lighter but don't want to go to the salon.

Is it possible to dye it lighter without having to bleach it first? If so, what shade should I go for?

[WetDog]

If it's very dark brown, you'll probably need to pre-lighten it to get it more than a few shades lighter.

If you're only going for a few shades, then bear in mind you'll need to pick a blonde colour (say a dark blonde) to give it the lift you'll need. Don't pick the colour you're aiming for, it won't lighten your hair enough - this is what makes it a bit hit and miss if you're doing it yourself.

[WetDog]

Don't forget to do a strand test first btw. What kind of condition is your hair in? Have you dyed it before?

If it's got red in it that makes it a bit harder if you don't want it to turn gingery or brassy.

[southeastastra]

eek in my experience you need to go to an experienced colourist

if you try to do it yourself it will turn out orange

trufact

[Sallystyle]

oK. I think I will go to the salon at some point

I have been dying my hair red for years but it has all grown out now.

Thank you.

[OhThisIsJustGrape]

Eeek, see my thread I just started about hairdresser turning my hair ginger!

I actually paid to have the colour taken from dark to light and it still went horribly wrong

I would say don't attempt it yourself but I kind of wish I had now!

[HaveAGoodDay]

Don't go to a salon, they'll fook it up!

If you want to lighten it a couple of shades get the lightest blonde shade in clairol nice n easy. Ash based if you don't want and red/gingery tones. Golden if you want red/golden tones. I'm very anti-salon at the moment!!!

[jan13]

i just messed my hair up yesterday. i went from dark ash blonde with highlights and tried to go light ash blonde. it went an uneven colour with a green tint. i went to sallys to get advice and they said they couldn't give advice and to get a salon to do it. i wish id never messed with it, this is the first time ive tried to do blonde myself and there seems to be just too many things that can go wrong.

[ZZZenagain]

how light do you want to go?