I have dark brown hair and have decided it needs some lightening up. I want to do highlights in it. What are the pitfalls, or do's and dont's for highlighting dark hair? Is there any kit or brand that you think is better than another?

I have done highlighting on my daughters hair, but she is dark blond to start with, so for her hair it's pretty easy. I'm just not sure about starting with my dark hair. Kind of fearful that I'll end up with orange stripes or something equally odd.