To Cut/Color or Not?

[fleurinc]

Hi all!

I've been having some serious hair issues lately...I feel like I need to do *something* because some days it looks great (I think?) and others a ratty mess. I've been growing my hair out from chin length for about 4 years and have gone with long layers and occasionally cutting a side bang. I have been considering adding some highlights to mix it up...I live in a metropolitan area where an amazing colorist lives and while it's expensive, quality is worth it to me.

highlights I'm considering:
http://www.beautysnob.com/images2008/jennifer_aniston300x400.jpg

http://all4women.co.za/thumbnail.php?file=photos/giselebalayage_608089054.jpg&size=article_large

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:fE5WxFdSgwL_2M:http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss1/mezo3000/giselle-hair-jpg.jpg&t=1

I also just purchased the new L'oreal Everstrong shampoo & conditioner after 2 straight years of Aubrey Organics. I'll keep using Aubrey but I needed a switch, my hair was just too dry and icky...anyone tried this L'oreal line?

My goal is to get to waist this year which I think will happen even with a trim or two. That's the longest I want to go so I figure a few highlights won't do much harm since I'm about 4-5 inches from there. I attached a picture of me and a few of the color I'd like my highlights to be...let me know what you think! Also if you think it looks bad and I should cut it I appreciate ANY suggestions :)

Me :p
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y240/Four_Girls/photo-1.jpg

[Kathie]

Your hair looks great! Awesome length and waves.

These highlights you've chosen are quite a bit lighter than your natural color. While they are very pretty you may 1) get a bit of a shock and 2) you will need to deal with up-keep.

My advice would be highlights- just not so blond. This will mean less damage to your hair and they'll be easier to deal with if you decide you don't like them.

But in saying that I like your hair at the moment!!

[TinaDenali]

Your hair looks great! Awesome length and waves.

These highlights you've chosen are quite a bit lighter than your natural color. While they are very pretty you may 1) get a bit of a shock and 2) you will need to deal with up-keep.

My advice would be highlights- just not so blond. This will mean less damage to your hair and they'll be easier to deal with if you decide you don't like them.

But in saying that I like your hair at the moment!!

I agree :)

Doing that thick of highlights that blonde will mean that you will have to KEEP doing it until you decide you don't want to anymore and then at that point you'll have to dye your hair all one color again.

If you want some highlights I'd suggest doing just the crown in some caramel or something - not light blonde.

Also, this forum has some great resources on honey lightening here:
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=148

I hope that helps!

ETA: And WOW !!! your hair looks fantastic. My dream.

[UltraBella]

I say go for it ! It's a very pretty look and I think it would be super fun. I am naturally dark blonde but I have a tendency to color my hair copper-brown and add light blonde highlights. My hair is at hip and I don't have split ends or damage and I have been coloring for a LONG time. I get regular trims, which really help. Worst case scenario, you decide the blonde is not for you sometime down the road and you deposit color over your highlights. Highlights take color very easily, so even a Demi color would do the trick and you wouldn't have the damage that a permanent color might give you.
If you have been having that nagging feeling that it's time for a change, then you are ready. Have fun with it ! Enjoy the hair you have or it's not worth having :)

[UltraBella]

I *swear* I didn't double post ....... I just hate that ! Lol.

[fleurinc]

@Kathie I think I will start gradual and just see if I like it...no use spending a ton of money to become blonde if I'm not 100% sure about it!

@TinaDenali thank you for the compliment! sometimes I just need an objective opinion because while I LOVE long hair I don't want to keep it if it's ratty or unkempt looking...will definitely check out that link, I've never even heard of honey coloring before. Might be the perfect compromise for me right now :)

@UltraBella WOW your hair is gorgeous! It looks really healthy too so that's encouraging since you color it. I definitely want to ENJOY my new length by spicing it up a bit, I've had the same color for 5+ years and it's time for something different.

I also really like the look of balayage highlights which are painted on your hair instead of foil...it's also more subtle. Maybe I'll start there :)

http://dtangled.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/image003.jpg?w=500&h=548