I'm not a hair stylist at all, which is why I come to you all for advice!

So. I have naturally medium brown hair. I've died it a few times before, nothing drastic. My skin tone is kinda of on the lighter side. I've been wanting to go blonde for a while now. I was thinking like a honey blonde.

However, since I'm not a stylist, I don't even know if this would look good/turn out well. I would go to a salon, of course. I don't think I could ever even try something like that on my own.

If you have any suggestions, that would be great. Even if its just to tell me not to do it or to do it. =]

If you need pictures to tell for sure, send me a message and I can message them to you. It won't let me post pictures in here yet.

Thanks in advance everyone!

Hello, JayMay & welcome to LongLocks! :)

You don't need to be a stylist to know that lightening hair colour involves bleaching, which is very damaging. Over time, repeated bleaching can turn even the healthiest hair into straw.

Another thing about permanent artificial colour is that once you start, you can't stop or you'll have the dreaded ROOTS. Many of the board members here have their share of horror stories about trying to go back to their natural colour after years of dyeing. It's a nightmare. So if you're thinking about fake colour, you'd better be prepared for a lifelong commitment.

It may help to identify your reason for wanting to bleach your hair. Are you a Barbie wannabe? Envious of the blonde bombshells of Hollywood's bygone era? Are you comparing yourself to blondes that you see on a regular basis? Are you just desperate for a change in your hair? My guess is that there are probably other ways to get your fix without torturing your locks. One idea is to try clipping, pinning or wrapping fake blonde hairpieces into your style or trying on a honey blonde wig first to see if the colour even flatters you.

The biggest problem with a sudden change in hair colour is that it's usually just a matter of time before you want your natural colour back. Even if you're thrilled with the artificial colour at first.
    In all honesty, you'll probably be better off just taking better care of your natural hair and maybe trying out a new style.

Of course, it's your hair and no one here can tell you what to do with it. It just helps to be aware of the consequences before you act. The reality is that most (if not all) of the regular posters here are more into healthy, long, natural hair than dyeing and frying and salons (oh my!). So you're probably not going to get a lot of "yeah, that's a great idea!" type of responses. But the choice is ultimately yours. Best of luck, whatever you decide.

Cheers!

Thanks so much for your reply!

It gave me a lot to think about. I've been considering doing different hairstyles, but having curly doesn't really give me a lot of options. At least that I see. I've been trying to let it grow out longer, and when its long I don't have too many cuts/style options.

Which is part of the reason for considering the color change. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying since I have nothing to do with my hair I want to go drastic like that. I have plenty of other reasons as well. The lack of styles is just one of the reasons I've been looking to turn blonde.

Maybe I should do some research and see what I can find for cute cuts that flatter curly hair best. Thanks for all your help though, I appreciate it!

Hi, JayMay, and welcome to Longlocks.

I am going to take the opposite side of the question.  I have been dying my hair for years and haven't regretted it at all.  My natural color is anemic mouse brown and not all flattering to my skin tones.  I color it the darkest possible brown.  I get permanent color and a mini-trim (1/8 in.) every 4 wks.  I have very fine, wavy hair and find that the color gives my hair body.  Myhair is APL and growing.  Because I get the mini-trims and do deep conditioning treatments every other week,  I haven't had any damage, but, of course, I am not bleaching my hair.

My advice would be to find a hairdresser who knows how to handle long hair and discuss your options with her.  I also think pin-in streaks is a good idea.  I did that several years ago, usually when I was wearing an updo,  and got compliments.  I am also wondering if some of the single process lighter golden browns would satisfy your yen for golden locks.