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.

Hello Brad -- I know you from the cooking forum. :) Funny, but I was looking at a costumer's blog last night and she talked about "faking" period shoes... she bought simple cheap shoes that fit the person (like loafers from a thrift store), then cut off stuff she didn't want (like tassles). She glued additional pieces of leather to give the shape she wanted. She even cut out foam board into buckle shapes, painted them gold, and glued them onto the shoe. Think like that: first buy shoes that fit, then use fabric or leather to reshape the shoe or change the shoe color -- either using hot glue to attach it, or even mod podge! search for "mod podge shoes" and you'll see what I mean! I searched for images of Cruella and I'd say her jewelry was sort of a sea-foam green. :O) Notice that her lovely eyeshadow is a slightly different shade -- more like a soft/light olive green. If you can't find a dress that fits, maybe you could buy one that's close in size and slit it up the back and add simple ties like they use for closing hospital gowns. Maybe I'll think of more ideas. HTH!

Jane, I just started my 4th month of HRT and I swear my hair suddenly feels familiar again! It has so much more body. Today I didn't even put conditioner in it because it feels so healthy without. Heck, I was going for the heavy duty moisturizer conditioners before and my hair was fly away frizzy and wouldn't do anything I asked - which was not much at all. It sounds like there is only so much you are willing to give up and I can't blame you. I'd try HRT first (3 full months) and if that doesn't work, promise yourself that $2,700. wig. NOW! Stop worrying because either way, your hair is going to be OK. Either with hormones or hair replacement therapy, which ever works. You are too pretty to let a little thing like hair get in the way of your confidence and happiness. $2,700. isn't that much money to spend on something big that can be fixed. Why do we justify so much money easily on our houses and then cheap out on the things that keep us from sleeping well at night? No one should cry themselves to sleep when a mere $2,700. could fix it. Yes, we may be vain. So what! Try the hormones, but don't rule out the wig! I bet a new leg would cost lots more... Be grateful it is only hair you need. LOL!

I do dollhouse dolls, and use a fine hair called viscose. It's available from minikitz.com http://www.minikitz.com/ZenStore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=165_168 There are (currently) three items on the page; I think you want either the second (shiny viscose) or third (matte viscose). Although she's talking about mini dolls in her description, I think one hank would be enough to wig several mini dolls, or to wispily wig a much larger doll. If you're worried about having enough, order extra. I don't get anything for referring you to minikitz, but have purchased from Debbie for more than 15 years and have always gotten excellent and friendly service. She's also got lots more fun stuff on her site.