I think I have a good amount of fun in my life, but if blondes really were having more, I wanted in on it.  The first time I decided to leave my life as a brunette behind was a harrowing experience.  Between the hours spent researching salons, taking the plunge to make the appointment and driving from the Cape to Boston in the middle of July just for a consultation, I had proven my commitment. With the seriousness of a surgical consult I was informed that this would be a long process, that I would need to pack a lunch and that the outcome could not be guaranteed.

After an awkward photo shoot with my mother documenting my last moments with chocolate brown hair, I departed the Cape once again with a banana, a sandwich and a massive bottle of water. When I arrived, I knew by the look in my stylist's eye that something was not right. She had been thinking about me all night and decided that the risk was just not worth it.  The likelihood that I would make a terrible blonde coupled with the damage the bleach would cause were in serious conflict with her stylist ethics. A negotiation was somehow reached where I would become half a blonde.  Not divided by left and right, thankfully, but the bottom half of my head would be transformed to a Marilyn Monroe-esque bombshell while the top layers remained brown.

I was so desperate to get a taste of the good life that I went along with this plan.  If I tucked the majority of my hair into a hat, the remaining locks hanging out did give the illusion of an odd thin-haired blonde.  It was not more fun.  Since then, I've attempted the transition a bit more subtly with highlights in honey, caramel, butterscotch and other sticky sweet names. The results vary each time. 

In order to help you avoid some of the dye ordeals I've encountered, I spoke with Jen Anderson at Visions Salon.  She informed me that the trend right now is to get both highlights and lowlights. Anderson explained that this is a way to brighten up brown locks while creating contrast and dimension.  If highlights are not dramatic enough for you, Anderson stated that bleach does not have to be a damaging disaster.  A good stylist will take the time to assess your hair's needs and work with the proper level of peroxide. 

If your stylist "just wants to get you in and out of the chair" you're liable to end up with a head of unworkable straw.  However, with the proper skill and personal attention, you too can be taken from Anne Hathaway to Kate Hudson, if that's your thing.  For the time being, I'm sticking to my brunette roots until the summer has me pining for a more sun-kissed look again. Visions Salon is located at 16 Washington St. in Canton, MA.  www.visionshaircantonma.com