Hello everyone!  

To Claude: I really enjoy reading all of your advice, etc. on this site...

I have long hair (almost tailbone length) that is professionally colored medium brown with blonde highlights and copper lowlights throughout the entire head.  My natural color is darkest brown.  Is it possible to have my colorist make the base color more of a red/auburn shade?  I don't want the base to be lighter or darker, simply redder.  Can this be done without covering over all of the highlights & lowlights and starting over from scratch?

Thanks in advance for your help.

ColorDiva first of all thank you for the nice compliments about my advice. I really appreciate the kinds words.

I would suggest that you try something that is very temporary. I know Goldwell does make a Colorance Color Styling Mousse that lasts through one or two shampoos. They have 20 shades of this mousse and it would allow you to see that red tint or a similar tint in your hair without actually having to change your haircolor and risk further damaged to your hair by undergoing another chemical process that will only stress your hair out more not to mention that the end result could be a disappointment to you...then your looking at spending more money and doing another chemical service on your hair to return to the color you had before you changed it.

Colorance Color Styling Mousse features a blend of direct pigments that temporarily stain the hair, and holding agents that provide light hold. It's applied to shampooed, towel-dried hair or directly to dry hair. Applied just like a traditional styling mousse; it is not rinsed out after application.

Just make sure if ya use this stuff ya put it on then immediately wash your hands. It stains the hair strands but it also can stain your hands if you leave it on too long. It's just mousse and I've used it on clients who want a temporary change and it's great. It also contains proteins and UV protectants that provide body and condition and strengthen the hair as well, helping to maintain good health of the hair. Ultimately I think overall health of the hair is the most important asset to the total look of someone's hair...keep it healthy because healthy hair looks great!

I have clients who do this to their hair on those days when they wanna change or different look for a special occassion and it's great. Ultimately the decision is up to you but $10 for a can of color mousse or $75 or possibly more for foils, etc...then ya might like it....ya might not.....you decide.

G'luck

Thanks Rainey73 & Claude for your responses!

Claude:  If I use the color mousse, won't it alter the color of the highlighted parts of my hair as well?  I like the tone that they currently are, and would ideally only like to make the base redder.

Thanks again! 

The mousse is definitely a more sensible (and safe) option.  I think I'll go that route...  Not to mention that the prices in my salon are pretty high!  To have my hair colored w/ highlights & lowlights cost me $250. 

Enjoy your weekend, Claude!