The simple way to dye darker hair at home, without professional help (and without bleach), is to avoid doing any major and drastic changes. According to hairstylists, there are no ways to avoid using bleach if you are going to go from dark to blond. However, you can dye your hair darker or experiment with different tones at home, safely and effectively (via Byrdie). There are dozens of products on the market catered to darker shades and that are easy-to-use from the comfort of your own home. 

Hairstylists also suggest using either semi or demi permanent hair dyes to make sure your hair stays healthy, and recommend only using permanent if you are trying to cover 50% of grey or your existing color (via Byrdie). Semi and demi permanent colors last anywhere from six to 24 washes, but are also easier to re-dye later down the road should you decide you want to switch up your color again. Experts suggest that switching up your darker hair can be fun, such as going from warmer shades to cooler shades or adding a pop of color like violets, blues, or reds to your existing hair color. 

For those who are also looking to experiment with colors before actually reaching for the dye box, there are hair chalks and even daily hair colors/hair makeup that can be used to test out a new look. This way, you know before you decide to dye!