Yes go for a direct dye, that sounds like it may satisfy you and it's v good for hair+
Tips on how to lighten foundation shade?
body shop lightening drops, manic panic foundation, nyx pro finish white mixer...
if you MUST use a shampoo, Framesi dynamic blonde. I prefer to use purple toning conditioner
huge raves for artic fox! their blues are so much cleaner looking than manic panic hairdye
Tressa water color or quantum (this is at Sally’s)
KeraColor, Joico color butter, Manic Panic mixed with conditioner