I tried posing my queries in another forum, but nobody replied, so I'd hoped that you ladies might be able to help me.

I'm going to a school dance in May, and I'm graduating the following month. I don't want to straighten my hair, but I do want to do something special, and I was thinking of doing some highlights. However, I've read some scientific studies that say that highlighting more than 3 shades lighter than your natural color is highly damaging to your hair. But, my hair is nearly black, so 3 shades lighter wouldn't really show up very well. Also, I have very sensitive skin. If I'm near something that has a strong aroma, my face breaks out, my scalp itches and burns, and I get a rash. What would you do? Should I skip highlighting altogether and just experiment with different styles to wear?

Also, when you go to the store to get coloring kits, do you stick to a specific brand? How do you tell the difference between permanent and semi-permanent color (besides the labels on the front)? Are there specific ingregients used in each type? Are there any raven-haired ladies who've had good highlighting experiences? Any advice?

TIA for the help, chicas!

I dont highlight but i dye w textures & tones clairol & used the lightest blonde bc my hair is.dark brown & i wanted lighter.as long as you keep it oiled ,conditioned/moisturized you will be ok..i dont recommend bleaching though,it can be harsh & kill your hair!! A semi will rinse out vs a permanent grows out over time..hth..i posted pics of my color..check out the colored hair forum for tips...hth

Before & after color..

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Did your texture change after you colored your hair? (your pics look gorgeous, btw! )

Since you have sensitive skin I would try a natural alternative to coloring hair such as Bigen color. I bought this at a BSS and needed two packets for the color to take. It is more sensitive than use a semi permanent color. I have used both and Bigen works but I have to reuse the product in less than 4 months.


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That sounds like a viable option; thanks for mentioning it Does Bigen color come in different shades, or is it like henna in that it only changes your hair to a certain color? I won't mind it lasting less than 4 months; I just need it for half that time.

Bigen does comes in different colors. Hope this Helps!!


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I have the most fun being "naturally" me in every way.

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I thought about the question you had about Bigen, this is the formula my mother is trying today.


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I have the most fun being "naturally" me in every way.

http://singleladycookz.blogspot.com/

I was thinking of using that exact color. I'm still trying to see if the color would show up on my hair, though. When I e-mailed Bigen, they said that since their hair color doesn't do the two-step process that most semi-permanent and permanent dyes use, it's not for lightening or highlighting. I wonder if that means it wouldn't show up on my hair?

I think there right, I used it on my mom's short cut and I used a ton to get it to come up on her dark hair. She set with it on well over an hour, she washed it out and nope nothing at all. There is a tint that only shows up in the sun. HTH!!


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I have the most fun being "naturally" me in every way.

http://singleladycookz.blogspot.com/

Hmm. Then it sounds like I should just skip coloring altogether. I'll just do my best to grow my hair as long as possible by May/June, and then just look for some cute styles to do. Thanks for all your help!