Hi all;) Question about semi-permanent color..is it damaging?? I know it is to some extent, of course..but, I am wondering..I now have shoulder length hair, chin length in the front..it is very blond, highlights over a base color which is about 2-3 shades lighter than my natural color..Should I do a semi-permanent color which is close to my dark natural color and let it grow out from there?? Also..about blow-drying..is it still ok to fluff with a cool or slightly warm air?? It's the hot air that damages it, right??

Any advice would be much appreciated!!     s

Hi BB!! Tx for the tips..You are right about needing to keep re-doing the semi. I was kind of hoping for a slightly lighter version of my natural color..one of my friends who is a stylist and owns his own salon said if I wanted to keep it a few shades lighter than my natural hair color, there are ways do to so without being overly damaging..I have to keep investigating this. I am terrified of it being too dark for my coloring..I went and tried on a wig today, which would be my natural color..and it was way too dark for me. I wonder, over the 13 years of all the bleach, color and recent extensions..would it be so bad to ONLY use a base color (maybe a gloss or a semi) to get my roots a few shades lighter without touching anything else?? hmmm.. I mean, that's a heck of a lot less than I have put it through.. What do you suggest for a girl who's just totally set on having her base a couple shades lighter?? (and no henna..I used it once, and never again!!)

**s

Hi AngelSpun, on the enneagran, I'd say you are absolutely a type 1. They have a need to make sure that they are perfect, perfectly follwing the "rules and regulations" and must make sure that everyone else follows them as well.

On the other hand, the Ultimate Guide is a great tool.

Obviously, if a person was to do the bleaching and crimping and extending they will never get to their goals..but, I have noticed there are some pretty minimally damaging ways to slightly lighten or darken your hair.

In closing, it is pretty challenging for women, since the hair is something that changes your whole look..it is normal to want to explore all the options, at the same time, once you get into an idea or a habit, it is quite challening to change.

I think counseling is an interesting concept or idea, but that is a personal decision that each woman should decide for themselves. It may be your own personal experience or opinion that counseling has helped you with your hair in the past, but that is not for every woman to do so.

Respectfully. ~s