Rule of thumb when dying hair

Ok, So I have dark brown hair...usually i highlight it with carmel highlights, b/c its the only color that shows up and blonde just looks horrible...but lately I'm hating the color of my hair...I would love to go a little lighter...is there a rule of thumb with going from dark to light? I don't want to go too crazy, maybe just a few shades? I'm totally clueless with this, I've never dyed my hair before.
TIA

Re: Rule of thumb when dying hair

Always try to get something that is in the same tone as your natural hair.

So, I have blonde hair, but I have golden tones. No matter what color I get, the stylest puts gold tones in the color.

You say your highlights are carmel, so I'm thinking you have gold tones too. I would go with a golden dark blond. Or a light brown.

Re: Rule of thumb when dying hair

I've heard go no more than 2 shades lighter if you are doing it yourself.

I have dark hair, I went to light & it came out a little orangey.