Want to dye my hair... suggestions?

I love my hair to be dark but it is almost summer so idk if i should keep my natural color (medium ashy brown) with highlights, or use John Freida or Sun It spray to lighten it a bit...? Does the blonde lightening spray from john frieda work for brunettes? my profile picture is not my natural hair color ;; and i do not want to go red! did it before and regretted it so damn much ;; so should i get highlights or what? any hair color suggestions and brans of hair color to use? btw, my hair cannot keep dye very well so i want something effective.