I have been thinking about going light again. I am going to cut my hair soon, most likely a trim and get some layers cut into it. the ends are a bit dry and I have oily roots.

I have been doing my hair dark brown since about september/october 2008. Originally it was dark brown, then I cut it all off into a concave bob, bleached it at home a couple of times(to a light red really) then got 2 lots of unsuccessful streaks done(around oct 2007) then gave up and put a purply brown in it, once(approx may 2008) then dyed it dark brown again. I have coloured it probably less than 8 times in the last year, mostly the roots only, maybe 3 times put a bit through the ends after the initial trip back to brown..

so anyhoo, I know that getting the trim and layers put in will take out a bit of the dryer ends, as well as some of the older bleached bits,(and I got it cut in like feb this year to even it out while growing out the bob) but I am still concerned about damaging it.
I am in no rush to be blonde, and I dont want to be blonde all over, just a half head and probably something like this but with darker bottom half
http://www.jimijames.com/abbey.htm

what things can I do to get it as healthy as possible before lightening? I have heard getting protein treatments(on the hair) are good, as well as silica(sp?) and other things I can consume to keep it healthy.

has anyone done similar? what did you use? how many lots of foils did it take to get results you wanted? I am also thinking of growing out the darker colour so I end up with my natural colour and foils only..

sorry for the ramble, and help much appreciated

I would not get the silica on your hair as when it comes to foiling, the bleach won't take as well and your poor hairdresser will be freakin' out wondering why.

I would, once a weak, be doing a serious hair moisturizer (that hair mud stuff, can't remember what the name is). The treatments are also fine once a week as well as a good quality leave in conditioner.

Don't use any shampoo that is too harsh (for oily hair ones are a no no - even though you have oily hair).

HTH

haha no I meant take silica as a supplement I use organic shampoo and condtioner currently. (for dry hair) I also use PPS menz the enz about twice a week. Ill google hair mud lol thanks

I have dark brown hair and just had blonde foils put in underneath [you know the blonde on top, dark underneath look? well I did the opposite and am dark on top and blonde underneath] it's only sublte foils bot half my head or anything but the hairdresser did it. She lightened it then had to put toner in it. She didn't think that would be enough but I went back 5 weeks later for a trim and she was stoked with the result. I use Matrix hair shampoo and conditioner which helps keep it in good condition but that is all I do.
HTH

wow that sounds good thanks

The best ever treatment for dry hair that I have used is so simple - olive oil! Just heat it up, whack it on, cover your head with a hot towel and let it soak in. Overnight is best, but even just 20 minutes will give you results. Lots of bottle blondes I know swear by it, as do I! It can leach the colour out of your hair though, so if you've been dying dark expect a bit of fading if you do this treatment. Also, to wash it out put the shampoo straight on your head without water first, then slowly add water to lather.

And most importantly, be honest with your hairdresser when you go in for your colour. Tell him/her exactly what you've done to your hair in the last two years.

As for how many foils till your hair looks blonde, it is different for everyone. With a good tight weave and minimal spacing you can get a fairly blonde result first go, but most take two or three to get a really 'blonde' result. If the girl in your link has only had one head of foils done, then she also probably had a block colour on the rest of her hair at the same time.

Good luck!

thanks! will give olive oil a go just midlengths to ends ok?

i have short dark hair and don't get foils any more because it just trashes my hair and i only ever go a few shades lighter, not blonde. i'd visit a really good hairdresser and ask for better suggestions than foils if i were you.

oh really? what other options are there?

any other info/experiences welcome

I have just been reading about coconut oil as a hair treatment(as well as for face and body) has anyone tried it?