Jill,
You should try choosing an ash-based shade to help counteract the natural warmth your hair is revealing when you lighten. Another possibility is that you are trying too light of a shade. I would suggest that you first work with an ash shade, and if that doesn't help, then go one level darker. You should also try to avoid pulling the color over the ends that are already light, or you may pull a strange shade. You may want to have a professional add highlights about 3 times a year to give you a blonde on blonde effect.

My hair is going gray, but only about 50%. I always had dark hair, but my dream is to be blonde. My hairdresser says I'd have to strip all the brown dye, then strip my naturally brown hair, and then dye it blonde, and that my hair will break and fall out. Is there any way I can make my dream come true without losing my hair? Also, do I need to dye my eyebrows too? -Dreaming in Chicago, Joan R.

Joan R,
Going lighter on previously colored hair is something that will not happen over night! I will guess we are looking at a time line of 6-8 months. You and your colorist should start by lightening your hair each time you have your base color touch up. I suggest lightening the base formula 1/2 a level every retouch and you should use a gentle color remover on the ends to gradually lighten out the previous color. Once you achieve a Light Brown or Dark Blonde base try adding some highlights to give you a blonder look. Based on the information you provided, I think this will be the most realistic way to become a blonde. As you become more gray it will be easier for you to achieve a blonde look in one step, but your natural hair color being dark brown will limit the options of blonde for now. As far as eyebrows go, I don't think you should try to lighten them too much or the look becomes unbalanced. You can try applying a shade 2 levels lighter for 3 minutes to take the edge of darkeness out. Best of luck with the Blonde dream!