Best at-home hair dye?

[ComeAlongPond]

Sorry, I'm sure this must have been done to death.

I have light brown hair and I'd like to go darker, can't afford to get it done at a salon.

Are there any DIY kits that are particularly good?

I have used Nice and Easy, Garnier Nutrisse, Olia, L'Oreal Feria and they have all been ok. I have also used the John Frieda foam ones and they were easy to apply (the JF ones are expensive so I only ever bought them when they were half price)

I generally use L'Oreal and have never had a bad result, John Freida left me with a bad colour hanging around for weeks.

What about Nice & Easy wash out - lasts six washes and if you like the colour you can get the same shade Nice and Easy in a permanent colour.
Have you thought about modelling for a local salon to get your colour done cheaply?

The wash out is a good idea, might give that a go in case it goes horribly wrong!

Good idea about the modelling too, though they are all very posh and expensive round here so they might not be up for it. Do you just ring them up and ask?

Thanks for the tips everyone. Are any of them particularly easy/tricky to use?

I use Lloreal Casting - which is temporary. I think its meant to be around 30 washes, cant remember.
There are hundreds of lovely glossy browns to choose from, its really easy to apply and the conditioner that comes with it is amazing.

I use it to cover a few wee grey hairs, now i am old! - but to be honest I think i would do it anyway.

I could never afford salon hair dying.