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Going from a raven-haired diva to a brunette bombshell is absolutely achievable. Going lighter can be tricky, but if you're only aiming for a totally realistic dark brown you can do it and have it turn out beautifully. Just remember that a dark brown can have a variety of undertones so know exactly what you want so you get the shade you desire.
What Products to Use
To get from black to dark brown you'll have to climb up the color-level scale three levels. That's totally doable if you've got the right goods. Get to your local beauty supply store and grab a neutral level four hair color and a 30-volume developer. That 30-volume developer will have the power to lift you a total of three levels in one step.
Getting the Right Tone
The underlying pigment of a level four hair color is red/orange. If you want a warm, dark brown you'll need to choose a warm-based level four color to mix with your neutral level-four base color. On the other hand, if you're a cool cat and you want no warmth in your brown whatsoever, then you need to grab a blue (ash) based level four color to mix with the neutral base. The ash will nix the reds and oranges in the underlying pigment and give you the cool color you want.
How to Do It
Don some gloves to protect your hands from staining and mix your colors and developer. If you're mixing in a warm or ash color with your level four base use half of each. Mix the color and developer up really well to banish any lumps. Begin the application a 1/2 inch away from the roots and 2 inches away from the ends. Once that's done go back and do the roots and ends. Let that sit on for 30 minutes before rinsing out so it can lift you up to that perfect brunette shade, baby.
Maintenance
The deeper the color the less light it will reflect on its own. Avoid a bad case of the dull-color-blues by pumping up the shine factor in your hair. A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, rinsed off in cool water, will lock in moisture and seal up your hair's cuticle. Once your hair is styled, mist your hair with a spray-on shine enhancer. These amazing products make your hair so shiny people will darn near be able to use your hair as a mirror.
