Going from dark brown to light brown/reddish (dye, lighten, color)

[LQQKOUT]

Does anyone recommend how I can dye my daughters hair from dark brown (dye) to light brown-reddish color without totally turning it orange......and I rather not take her to the salon and pay hundreds of dollars.

[kaykay]

There may be a way, but sounds very risky. I would cough up the money and go to a salon or forget it...unless you and daughter are real risk-takers! I have tried to lighten my light brown hair to dark blonde (at home) and it came out very orangey-red. I don't think it can likely be done with a one-step process. I can't even imagine what could happen with darker hair.

[LQQKOUT]

Thanks- I plan on going to the salon....

[*Danielle*]

Yes, very tricky to 'lift' dark brown dye to the level you disire. I would definitly go the salon route if possible!

[RogueMom]

If you've already dyed your hair darm brown, there is no way to "lift" it by coloring over it. I suggest hi-lights.

[hart4july]

Oh yes you can and I have. I am assuming this is caucasian hair of normal type.If not, my advice will not apply. And of course you will feel worse if you mess it up than if it were your hair. But its not so hard.

Its still not cheap but here's the way I finally found that lifts but not to orange.

Use Feria Ultra light brown designed for darkest hair I think its Downtown Brown. Leave for 45 minutes.Longer than directed, sorry its true! Use on hair washed 1-2 days before and deep conditioned, but well rinsed, no products like mousse or gel. Clean and conditioned. Follow directions, esp about applying to roots last, or the heat from her scalp will overlighten her roots. Deep condition.

This will probably not lift enough, despite the pictured results. But have her rest her hair for a day or two. Next, apply a highlighting kit for dark blond highlights on dark hair, usually "pecan",I like Loreal. Mix this solution as directed and create big chunky highlights with a coloring brush about 1" from the root. They will be dyed over with red-blonde so do not get too worried. VERY LIGHTLY use a great big COMB to brush these highlights into ALL(down from roots) the hair. Once this is done, LEAVE IT!Don't comb again the hair is very fragile Pemember to leave the roots or they will go too light, its much better to have them a bit deeper and you have already lightened them Let the hair process for about 15-20 ONLY!! minutes- remember you have already lightened half way before. The hair should look gingery and pale but not blonde.
Rinse and deep condition with packaged product.

The hair will be an odd color but you have effectively LIFTED and can now tint to the color she really wants, not a brassy orange but a pure lighter red. To tint, use Natural Instincts or some other non- lifting color. Its applied to damp hair, and stays on for only 7-10 minutes and is your final glaze. She can choose her red color, and can mix in some light brown as I do.It goes over the whole head, I only leave it on 3 minutes, for a soft effect. She may want an intense color. But remember the hair is now VERY pourous.

The effect is very natural and the roots are not a crazy light red. If you paint the highlights in carefully , its a very expensive look when you overdye. It takes a LONG time, but I can say I have done it and it works. She will need to repeat the Natural Instincts as it fades but this part is not damaging, and is easy to do in the shower.

Just make sure she protects her eyes! Be careful and not distracted, as of course you are not an expert and she is your precious kid. Good luck!

[LQQKOUT]

wow thanks hart