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.

LindaC, the docs aren't saying much, of course, but it appears that while under anesthesia she aspirated some stomach fluid into her lungs and who ever is in charge of watching for such things didn't catch it until things were so desperate that she ended up on the ventilator. She still has the tracheostomy tube, I don't know when she'll get rid of that, but she's home and breathing on her own, uses a bit of supplemental oxygen every now and then when she doesn't shut up for a while, LOL. It's just so good to hear her no one wants to tell her to be quiet. (grin) Annie

I find it strange to know someone performing. I admit to never watching this program. I find much of the show weird. The young man, Michael, initially auditioned by himself, apparently using a tape that had bits of him performing with Ashleigh. The show asked Michael to bring her into his act for interest. It's my understanding that Michael lives in LA. Ashleigh just finished rebuilding her home (locally) after a Christmas Day fire (year ago Xmas) gutted her old house. Her mom explained that one room in her new house has very high ceilings and is dedicated to [whatever this arial medium is called]. I'll watch it until they are eliminated, unless I get hooked. .

add me to the list of well-wishers!! so sorry to hear all u are going thru, its very exhausting, mentally and physically., so take of yourself so u can take care of everyone else!! a friend of mine, her son of 19, had a stroke out of the blue...they still have no real reason for it. he was in a major hospital in the city (PA). he recovered 100%, was very lucky!!!!!!! he will be monitored the rest of his life. it really can happen at any time to anyone for any reason.... so whoever said up-thread, Health is Wealth, is very smart indeed. we always say "if u have your health, you have it all".... annie1992, my thoughts and prayers are with u and all your family, all the best!!! always love reading your posts, BTW :)