well... I once went to a salon.. paid like 40-45 to get it done.. and that was it.. since then I do it myself.. so the cost of getting my hair colored is what the box costs. lol.. adn I went a few shades lighter on my own.. you can do it just go slowly one shade down or maybe two... you can get your stuff at Sally´s there are some without ammonia.. very nice... or got to the W or K