I have colored my hair at home for the last year due to the cost. I use Natural Instincts - different colors every couple of months just cause I like the variety. It is always different shades of brown. I love the above tip about golden. I will do that next time. When I got my hair colored here in Colorado in a salon - it was $150 before tip. I am a SAHM so that was way expensive!!! I say try it!