I would like to have my natural hair color for my wedding in July.  My current color (all semi-permenants) is only slightly darker and slightly warmer than my natural color.  The last time I used a semi-permanent was mid November.  The colors are close enough, that I don't have obvious roots, but my roots are darker and more reddish than my roots, and the longer my hair gets, the more obvious the difference between them becomes.

The last time I spoke with my stylist about returning to my natural color, she said that there are many ways we could approach it.  She says it is possible to lighten slightly with semi-permanent color, but it would probably have to be done more than once before the wedding.  She also said that she could use a low-amonium permanent color once.  She said that the semi-permanent is less damaging to my hair, but that it is more difficult to get a perfect color match.  She said that my hair is in really good condition and that the permanent color might be a good option for me, even though she doesn't usually reccomend it.

I feel like I have too many choices!  I could leave my hair be, but then I'll always have some differences in color, unless I cut over 15" off.  I could do semi-permanents with the understanding that it may not turn out the exact shade I want or I can go for the permanent which is more damaging, but if the color is correct, I'll never need to color again (that is my goal).

Any advice?

A carefully applied permanent color would not do major damage to your hair if only used once.  If you have confidence in your stylist that she can match your natural color, I'd go for it and know that I wouldn't have to worry any longer. 

I have a similar problem as it relates to covering gray. I have had my hair hilighted twice to help blend the gray and of course with regrowth there is no end in sight and I am going to end up with fried hair if I don't come up with a solution. I refuse to be gray as I am only 41 and it really doesn't work for me at all. I am toying with the idea of using permanent haircolor to return my hair to its natural color, a med-dk brown and just have my roots done every so often to minimize the damage. If anybody has any ideas for me along these lines please let me know. My hair is in great shape right now and I don't want to ruin it.

Hi Amanda!  Have you thought about henna or senna,depending on what your natural color is or what color you want it to be?  This would cause far less damage and is actually good for your hair.  You could check out Catherine's site www.mehandi.com to get a lot of info.
I love Ojon deep treatment or Ouidad deep treatment.  Even Jessie Curl puts out great conditioners that are more natural without the chemicals and cones.

I use henna and indigo.  It covers my silver grey and you do need to either do the roots or whole head again.  Nothing is permanent.  As your grows;the roots start to show.  So either ya leave it or ya color it,whether it's henna/indigo or semi-permanent or whatever!  I actually combine henna and indigo together (100g henna and 200 g indigo) and I like the very dark brown I get.  I'd like dark brown or black,but given I have very light skin,the dark might be a bit harsh.