Ecocolors Haircolor is a permanent haircolor. The Home Kits are formulated for gray coverage.The haircolor does have the capability to lighten the hair that is not gray. ALWAYS do a strand test and an allergy test according to the kit directions before applying any new color to your entire head. When coloring brown or black hair with Ecocolors Haircolor, the brown and black hair may slightly lighten. If you have underlying warm tones, these may appear. If you do not like these warm tones, always choose an "ash" color to counter this.