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!