Hello dmx0 -- Colour 1 is really `Black`, 1b looks almost black but in certain light you can see a brown-ish tinge to it. There is no point in trying to lighten your system [1 ] to match your own lighter hair, so as you say, the best route is to colour your own `down`to match the system. I`m sure `just for men` would be ok [ I haven`t ever used it, but it`s a well-known brand] There is a salon -supplies shop in Cork city and I have bought a tube of black colour paste, and a small bottle of Creme peroxide which you mix together, apply to your hair, and wash out after about 20 minutes --the longer it`s left in, the deeper the colour. You have to be careful to keep those products out of your eyes.... they are quite strong, but, yes, you will have to colour your own to match the system ... best wishes, Paul.