I have really dark brown hair, almost black. I have no grey to cover yet. I want it to be reddish, not a dark unnatural looking red, not carrot top either. More of a reddish brown. It gets natural reddish hints with sun exposure. What bottle/brand should I use?

I would call Clairol or L'oreal or Garnier, or which ever brand you will be going with, and ask them. If you want more of the reddish tones to come thru, don't buy the products with "ash" in the title. The color I would suggest to you is a light brown, or even dark blonde, but, without actually seeing your hair, that's a tough call to make. Good Luck.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

Just curious, what does ash mean?

I have medium to light brown hair with some grey. I use the nice and easy #108. It is a little red the first day but after I wash it I really like it. I think I may put it on for a shorter amount of time than the directions next time. I actually have fun playing around with the colors. I haven't tried anything I really hate yet but have gotten it too light or too dark and adjust it next time. Its actually fun to see the results. Play around with it to find what you like. I am a SAHM so I don't have to go into a formal office situation either.

btw ash just means its not red. They have a scale cooler or ash to red. Most boxes will tell you how much red it contains.

My hair is normally a medium brown. I started graying very early, so I started coloring my hair. Like you, I can't afford to go to a salon every 6 weeks (and my crazy gray needs it that often). So I use Loreal Feria. Not being conceited, but it's rare that I go anywhere without someone commenting on my hair. No one can believe it's not natural! It's Auburn, and odd enough, my 16 month old baby boy has the same red hair! It's so funny to hear people comment" Oh how lucky, he got your pretty hair". I then laugh and tell them yeah, but mine comes from a box!! His dad also has brown hair, it's weird. In my opinion, the Feria last a little longer, and it's kind of shimmery.

Wanted to add, you don't want ash!! Ever!!

why not? Do you mean just the OP, or everyone??

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I have colored my hair since I was in HS (30 years or so) and so does many of my sisters, cousins, and my mom. We always did it ourselves using a variety of products. Some I found itched more, some smelled more, some left my hair more shiny....it depended on the color and the brand. Even within the same brand the color chosen could smell more than others.

Anyway...one day my aunt after dyeing her hair for over 60 years, was horrified to find she made it orange. She called:

THE CLAIROL HOT LINE, and they were wonderful. Great advice and very helpful. I also called when I made my daughter's hair strange and they solved my problem.

Clairol Expert Color Consultants are color and haircare specialists who are ready to give you haircolor advice:

Monday-Friday:

8:30 AM to 8:30 PM EST

Saturday

9 AM to 6 PM EST

USA English

1-800-CLAIROL
(1-800-252-4765)

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You want to use ash if you don't want the reddish tint in your hair.

Ash is a tone and it's not right for most people. It gives most people a weird tinge. Cool colors are not for most of us either.

You don't want to go darker than your normal hair generally speaking nor do you want to go more than one or shades lighter.

Here is some good info

Hair Color Tips:Understanding Laws Of Haircolor

Hair Color Advice - Choosing Hair Color

You might want to spring for a stylist the first time to get tips and then have her/him suggest some colors. Usually they know what is in the stores and most colors use the same numbering system.

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