from dark brown to red on my own?

hey guys!
   so, i've experimented with hair color, dyeing my hair jet black when in
high school and even getting golden blonde highlights in college. i just
graduated this past june and i went back to my original haircolor- dark
brown, maintaining it with deep conditioner and two clairol radiance
colorgloss apps since then in dark ash brown (very diluted, just to add
gloss and tame the red tones in my hair). i HATED reddish tones, which is
why i have stuck to the ashy browns.

*BIG BREATH* - okay, so now i'm a bit tired of it, although it's very shiny
and in the best condition in years. i don't think i want to try blonde again,
but i've been thinking about red. my skin is pale (like a pale beige - more
yellow than rosy) in the winter, and my italian heritage makes me very
golden if i tan in the summer. what kind of red would look good with my
skin? and how could i achieve a good red on my own? i don't really want
to go to an expensive NYC salon - but i do remember hairstylists telling
me i should try red in my hair when i've gone before. which hair color is
the best? i can go to the drugstore or ricky's or look for pro haircolor on
ebay.

has anyone out there gone from dark brown to red on their own??? any
suggestions?

THANKS!!!!   

I think going from dark brown to red is one of the easiest things to DIY hair color, and with no bleach!  I have dark dark brown (almost black) hair and I have been red for a long time, and have pale face.  I use L"oreal brands exclusively, and love them.  If you want very red hair, try the Feria brands, they have the most staying power and will lift your hair to red.  If you want a toned down but still red, try L"oreal Preference in shades RR07, intense red copper.  Check out their website to find all the L'Oreal colors and which red is good for you.

Red are also easy to get out if you don't like them, by dying a brown color on top.  Reds do fade, so I maintain my color with Matrix Earth Tones Real Red Conditioner.  Also, I dye my hair every 4-5 weeks.

Goodluck!!