Hi I'm new here, I have very problematic hair, its very thick and very black and doesnt take color easily. But I'm also sick of highlights and would like to try an all over color.
 
My hair is rather healthy and can take a permanent color. But what i'm looking for is a NATURAL reddish/brown shade that's not brassy or purple or so light that it looks fake. 
 
So if anyone has come across such a hair dye, please post and also anything else that may have worked/not worked. Thanks again.

(also, is it okay to only die the top layer of hair and not the bottom, kinda like highlights? Has anyone tried that?)

YES!!! I've tried http://www.hennaforhair.com/faq/index.html - henna  and it's completely natural. It's transparent so it "glosses over" your natural hair color. You can also do it as highlights, but the hard part is to section off your hair. Henna is not very dramatic so you might as well do your whole head.

The process is time consuming but the color lasts longer than artificial hair dye. Basic henna involves mixing body-art-quality henna powder with 1 part lemon juice, 1 part water, (in total, enough liquid to make a yogurty paste) and letting the mixture sit for 4+ hours for the color to release. Then you lightly oil your hairline, your ears, neck, put on gloves, and slop on the paste into your hair. The downside of henna is that it's very VERY MESSY. but it's natural.

Anais