I also use Loreal. Last time I used Med. reddish brown, well it was red! I called cust. service toll free # and they sent me a $10 coupon for another. I got Med. brown this time and used it today. It is dark brown, almost black! I grew the gray color out before this, and it was 50/50 salt and pepper, pretty well distributed throughout. I got compliments, but at 59, I think I looked too old! So, I feel better when I color. May have to spend money on hair color in a shop next time.