I've read some great recommendations here about hair color. Thanks for all the great responses! This question is for those familiar with the product, Color Fix by Jherri Redding. 1. Is this the best product for removing hair color while doing the least amount of damage? 2. After I use color fix ( I don't use the processing lotion ), the hair color I use aftewards always darkens to an almost black shade. I recently had this problem, stripped the color again, and used Ion permanent hair color crème in light golden brown with a 40 vol developer and it didn't look black, but it's still dark. Although, my roots and underneath areas are lighter. My question is: once this has faded, is there a way to lighten my hair to a medium golden brown without stripping it again? And, if I do color fix it again, or even if I don't, what are some things I can do to make sure I don't go too dark? Thanks!!

Some bransd dye darker than others, in such cases, these store bought brands only need to be taken one more shade lighter. Always dye at least one shade lighter than what you want. I know that the garnier brands are a little dark, but nutrisse is only a little dark, so maybe one would need to take two shades or one in a half (if possible from one's target). Some clairol products go on dark as well, but not all since there are so many. L'image goes on dark, but, I believe, is one of the best dyes. To you, I would recommend a semi-perm first, just to test the color out. Try Clairol Natural Instincts. Use exactly one shade down from your natural hair color. It is important not to leave it on for too long! If it says 10 minutes, try 8, and only give yourself like two minutes for application. It seems like your hair needs somewhat of a break, so a demi-perm would be good. Once you have found your color in this, and your hair has healed go for, maybe L'oreal Excellence (?) or a brand that is not known for going darker, so you can feel more confident in the color you are about to use. Don't worry, I was in your same spot, if you do have lighter coming through, that is good. Just liven it up with a tint like natural instincts, it should not lighten but appear lighter until you actually do lighten up.
p.s. None of the above applies if you have grey hair. I would go like three shades lighter if I had a lot of grey, and I believe this is what is recommended (two if you don't have too too much grey)

One more thing I forgot to suggest: stick with ash tones for now, for a natural look, and maybe get highlights later in gold, once you have got a good base.