Sorry to read about your hair problems. I am not a hairdresser by any means - hair challenged if anything. But I owe the state of my hair at almost 56 to not over-processing during the years. I greyed in my 20's (iron grey unfortunately - natural shade being auburn). I single processed it over the years to its natural auburn. Note that I have dry, coarse, naturally wavy, extremely thick "Irish" hair. I did not do highlights - actually hair is porous as it is due to coarseness so I appear to have highlights. What is your natural colour - can't tell from your post if it is indeed blonde. Frankly, I think at age 16 you need to give your hair serious rest. I know you won't want to hear this, but I think the best alternative is to cut your hair - as short as possible to still look feminine and to suit your face shape. The fact that your hair is thin makes over-use of the chemicals harder on your hair. I know a woman my age who also had easy access to hairdressers thoughout her life but at age 50 she was told enough was enough - perms, highlights and drastic changes in hair colour - had taken their toll and basically her hair was toast. I would hate for this to happen to you. I see 8 year old kids at the hairdressers having their hair highlighted - by my age, despite the gentler formulas available these days, hair will not be in good shape. I would start first with the haircut and then work from there. And I would steer clear of the black - if it is too start against your skin now, it will be even more so later in life - many black haired ladies go dark brunette. I too am very pale but with a serious yellow undertone. My sisters inherited the gorgeous Irish blue-black hair - how I wanted it - but during 50s and 60s they peroxided it blonde - well they ruined their hair. Actually they didn't even suit the blonde. I once tried on a black wig and laughed so hard - this is when I realized I had such a yellow undertone so had I been born with the black hair, it would not have suited me. So then I tried on a blonde wig - and I thought the black looked bad. This was during the days when everyone wanted hair like Farrah Fawcett's - but did not have the basic necessity - the proper hair type. I have the proper hair type - but don't suite the colour/styles. I really hope you can sort your hair out - it will take some time - this is for sure - but a year from now things won't seem so bad. Just too bad about your prom - so I would do whatever is necessary to start the fix-up now. When I was 5 I had a Toni permanent - my hair looked like Shirley Temple's before the perm - hairdresser should have refused to do it. Had to have it because my cousin with the straight hair refused to have one unless I had one too. My hair, which had been to my waist had to be cut to about 1 inch in length - while my cousin of course was pleased. I have hated going to the hairdresser ever since. And Saturday is hair dye day - can hardly wait. So best of luck to you - and since it is always on my mind - please watch what you use on your skin as well - take it easy on the acids/retinols as they are not for everybody - especially me.

I use L'Oreal Excellence hair coloring at home. I haven't had trouble with fading. When color fades, it's not always the fault of the color. Often the problem is the products used on the hair. Cheap shampoos will strip the color from your hair. In beauty school, we learned to use several drug store brands to fade color if it was too dark. The harsh chemicals in many shampoos will unintentionally give you this result. Invest in a good shampoo to give your color staying power. Here's a great line to try: http://www.dermstore.com/product_Shine+Therapy+Shampoo_570.htm

Carol, it was the Atrovent that did it. I am back on the Albuteral, but I am afraid to use it. I was switched after a reaction to the Albuteral. I only need it a couple of times in the spring and fall. The insurance companies won't let me have anything else because I didn't go to the ER when I had my reaction to the Albuteral, and don't consider hair loss a good enough reason with the Atrovent. I have the Albuteral filled, but haven't really needed it, tho probably should have a couple of times. The Albuteral will also cause me to loose my hair, but I always just figured it was a winter shed when I would have a lot extra in the shower drain. After my experience with the Atrovent, I know better. Tami

I have longish straight hair. I only get it cut 2-3x a year usually, and just started dying it again, because my grays are getting out of control. I buy a demi-permanent dye from my salon for only $10 (a little different from a semi perm. but fades out over time the same way), and do it myself at home right after I get it cut.