Red hair advice please

[ishouldcoco]

I have red hair and I want to go brown. I tried a salon dye but it will not cover the red. I am unhappy as within my first wash it went down to my base colour red. (Ok I got a refund and won't be going back) Their dyes contain PPD and high peroxide.
I am tempted to buy a home dye but worried the peroxide in them will lighten the roots this tends to be the problem.
Has anyone tried any good at home dyes? I want to go brown but not so dark I look washed out.

[lesmilne]

Do not use a box!!! If you have to do it at home, then go to Sallys and check out Clairol colors. If you are a natural red head, you will need an ash formulation to counteract the red/copper color. Green tones in color neutralize red tones and blue tones counteract and neutralize orange. Hopefully, someone there can help you choose. You probably need a 20 vol. developer. 10 is for deposit only and semi-perm haircolor. It does not open up the cuticle like 20 will for you. You need the cuticle opened for longer lasting results.

Deep condition a day or two before you color. If your color is fading super-fast, it's probably your shampoo/conditioner. Pantene is famous for being one to strip haircolor right out! I strongly suggest you get a color care shampoo. For drug store brands, try the new L'Oreal Ever Pure line or the John Frieda Brilliant Brunette line. Both are carried at Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.

Good Luck!

[ishouldcoco]

I will have to investiagte further before any kind of commitment. Thanks for the tips:-)