What is the best hair dye brand for dark hair?

What is the best brand of hair dye for dying red hair?

• I've never dyed my hair before, so I'm a little apprehensive and worried I'll mess everything up. I'm REALLY new at this. My hair is like a light brown/dirty blonde color, and it's pretty healthy. I almost never straighten it(the most I do is blow dry), and usually I just let it air dry. I want to dye it a bright red(think Ariel from The Little Mermaid). I'd like to get a dye from the store, because I really can not afford to go to a salon. I heard Sally's sold good hair dye, but that store isn't available in Canada. Or not that I know of. So what I'd like to know is: -What brand of hair dye will take the longest to fade/is the best for my hair? -Will I have to bleach my hair beforehand(I've heard that if you dye it an auburn color beforehand that helps...)? -What can I do to slow down the fading(how often to wash it, products, etc.)? Thanks!

• Answer:

  In my opinion directions is the best and has a good selection of colours. It's semi perm so there is fading, but what I do to slow the process is mix a bit of the dye with conditioner, leave for ten mins and wash off. Try to use luke warm/cold water when washing your hair. If you want the best result bleaching beforehand is advised just make sure you leave it to rest before going red and do some hair masks to help your hair out :) I get mine off ebay, 4 pots for about £10, just searching directions and loads of options will come up! Make sure you use gloves though, it stains :p Good luck! :)