I never dye my hair lighter colors, I don't have very good luck with that. I pay someone if I'm going lighter. But I always seem to do ok with dying it darker colors. My color right now is soft black and I can't really go wrong with that. If I miss a spot, I just go back over. I use Feria brand but my gf says that is the worst one out there for your hair. It has metallic dyes in it which are harsh I guess. But I love how Feria makes my hair shine so I don't listen to her.