Making dark brown a feisty red may be difficult without prebleaching..if your hair is stubborn..Some brunettes turn red by breathing..others need to prelighten to a dark orange before applying red haircolor. Ecocolors bright red is a beautiful shade of red but it will only lighten your hair 1-2 levels..which may not be enough if you want it to be BRIGHT AND if your hair is resistant to lift. You can send a hair swatch to Lisa at Ecocolors Salon 1860 N. Rock springs Rd #101 Atlanta Ga 30324 Be sure to include a stamped self addressed envelope and a description of the color you would like it to be. She will figure out a good formulation just for you for FREE.