multi-colored hair!

Hi there!  Well, I'm here looking for a little advice.  First, let me start by saying that I "think" my natural color is about a light to medium brown.  I've dyed my hair for so many years that I honestly forgot my natural color.  Anyways, to make a long story short, a year or so ago I put a semi-perm color on my hair, and it turned BLACK!  Well, my hair had another darker color already on it, but bleach was underneath.  Guess that was the problem.  I went to the salon and had a very rude man burn the heck out of my scalp, and I actually got a nice color out of the deal--a pretty reddish tone.  The trouble is, I honestly can't afford to go back to that salon.  My friends little sister put some highlights in at the beginning of September.  I liked it ok, but now I feel like I have a lot of colors in my hair with the old reddish color, the regrowth, and the highlights.  I had Redken Shades EQ put in my hair during the summer, and I loved the way my hair felt.  It was fairly affordable, too.  The only problem is, she used Cherry Cola, and it turned out pretty dark.  My ends still have some of that color in it.  I'd like to get a light brownish red color---does anyone have experience with Shades EQ, and know if there is a way someone can even out what I have?  Thanks so much!  This is my first time posting here, and I appreciate this help!