[babysony]

I have never dyed my hair so it is natyrally blacl although I had copper brown streaks put in a couple of years ago, they have grown out and gone so now ii want to dye all my hair a soft brown color.

Can anyone tell me how I should do this and what products I should use?

Thanks

[Bikkit]

If your hair is that dark, the only way you are going to get it brown, is by lightening it. This can be done several ways.

The first option is progressive lighteners. These are the safest and the best for your hair, and some are even natural! Lemon juice is a good option, though perhaps a little tame for what you're looking at. There are many slow lighteners on the market, you'd just need to ask at the local beauty store for a selection. The only problem with this option is that the results are often either unnoticeable (the most likely for you) or uncertain (as it is over time, you never quite know what you're going to end up with, and can go through quite a few bad hair dyes to get what you want).

The other option is a full on bleach. I warn you, this is very damaging to the hair and it is often wise to leave this up to a hairdresser. Even most hairdressers will not bleach your entire head of hair in one go, but will gradually do it using highlights over a few weeks. If you chose to do it at home, go with a reputable brand. Also on the shopping list will be a brown hair dye and perhaps a toner, if you have some orange you want to tone down before dyeing overtop. Depending on the level of the brown you want, you may need to bleach your hair more than once, but try not to do this all in one weekend. Spread the bleaches out (if you can live with the brassy hair for a week or so) so that your hair is in much better condition when you slap the second one on.

With any of these options, your hair will be damaged. Invest in a good conditioning treatment and apply it once a week. If you bleach at home, increase this to several times a week (daily if particularly damaged). Finish up with a good trim at the salon, to get rid of all those dead ends.

Before you take the plunge and do any of these things though, take a few moments to consider the upkeep once you've achieved your desired results. If you and your bank balance can handle it, go for it! It's always a big confidence boost to make a change. If not, there are always highlights and other small ways to enhance but not overhaul your look.