I want to die my hair an auburny colour but don't know how! Any advice?

[MickeyMouseHasGrownUpACow]

I have mousey browny, blondy hair with a gingerish tone. I am very fair skinned with freckles and have dark brown eyes.

Since I was about 17 I have coloured my hair blonde, first with 'Sun-In' and latterly with highlights at the hairdressers. I dread to think how much I've spent on bloody highlights and how many magazines I've perused with my hair foiled up!

For the first time in 20 years I am my natural colour and I like the gingerish tone so I am planning to go a nice auburn colour. But I haven't got a clue where to start.

Any tips would be gratefully received on how to choose a good colour, whether to choose a temporary or permanent colour, what kit to use, what to do or should I go to the hairdresser.

Thanks in advance!

[Love2Dance]

I guess going to a hairdresser you'd get good advice about colour, but if you live near any afro hair shops (they are the only ones who seem to have lots of wigs unless you can go to a specialist shop) you could try on the wigs to get an idea.

Have you thought about Henna? Supposedly semi-permanent but doesn't wash out so I class it as permanent. Worth researching it as it is a commitment. I mention it as I was at school with a girl with your sort of colouring. She used to henna her hair and it looked fab, a beautiful deep auburn colour that didn't look obviously dyed.

Have a look at: www.hennaforhair.com/

It has lots of tips and advice. My tips would be to only use pure body art quality henna and to do a deep moisturising treatment after rinsing henna out. No harsh chemicals and cheaper than the hairdresser...

[MickeyMouseHasGrownUpACow]

Thanks. I hadn't thought of henna. Do lush sell it?

[Love2Dance]

I don't know about Lush. Most over the counter Henna packs are not body art quality which can be a bit difficult to get hold of unless you have a good Indian/Asian shop nearby.

I used to get mine off the internet from Henna Boy: www.henna-boy.co.uk/henna-powders. The Jamila Henna is nice, but they vary.

[MickeyMouseHasGrownUpACow]

Thanks. Anyone any experience of say Nice and Easy?