Hi I'm new here, I have very problematic hair, its very thick and very black and doesnt take color easily.

Last year I had my hair highlighted because I had failed to successfully color my hair at home, ( i mean my hair showed no signs of having been colored) Now, that my highlights have grown out i'd like to try coloring my hair at home again, so does anyone know of a good brand or color to try? I mean my hair is soooo thick and black that some hair dyes don't affect it at all. :-/

So if anyone has my kind of hair and would like to share their products (what worked/ hasn't worked and how best to use them?) I'd appreciate it very much! :)

Welcome to the board, Bob! I have Asian hair too and I've tried a few different brands of dye--Hydrience, Garnier 100% Color, Ferria, Herbal Essences(sp). Out of all of them I've found that Clairol's Herbal Essences(sp) showed up the best on my hair. The red shades made a noticable change in my color. Can't speak for the other colors, though.

Henna might be another option. I haven't tried it myself, but here's a couple of links you can check out. Mehandi and Henna for Hair.

HTH!

Hi Bob!

What are you trying to accomplish with the dye?  I ask because some people with very black hair are trying to make it darker with a blue tint.  Some want a purple or red tint.  Others are trying to highlight the hair to have golden streaks.

Each of these would require different methods and types of dyes.  Also helpful, would be knowling the length of your hair and how concerned you are with the general condition of your hair after doing this.  

I'm trying to achieve a shade that will lighten my hair a shade but with a more reddish-brown tone. The one juri described sounds great, if u could get the color name or number that'd be great! thanks a lot for ur help guys! ;D

My hair's a little longer than shoulder length, and my hair seems to be in good condition, i'm not really worried about breakage because its never happend before. Thanks again.

I went on to clairol's website and discovered that they changed the product lineup and got rid of one of the shades I had used.  >:( Anyway, I was able to find two of the three: Radient Ruby--deep red--and Plush Plum--more of a burgundy, I think. I don't remember which shade showed up the best, but you can look at the site and decide which color you like best. When I was dyeing my hair red I was going for a deep red color, and I know you're looking for a red-brown color so you might want to try a different shade from what I listed.

Forgot to say this, since Herbal Essences is a permanent dye, it will dry your hair.

ETA: Depending on how thick your hair is, it might be a good idea of have a second box of dye on hand. When I had shoulder length hair, I barely had enough dye towards the end.

Hi Bob, Welcome!

I have pitch black asian hair too.  But I go to a salon to get my hair done.  My hairdresser uses Redken Double Lights to lighten the color.  It lightens your hair up to four levels using one process so it's gentler on your hair.  (Usually, to color dark hair it's a two-step process - bleach, then color.)

Here are some pics that show the color:
my natural color
my hair on 2-step process
my hair on Double Lights (only the top half  - above the light part)
Double Lights, in the sun

Good luck with your hair!

Cynde