Help - How can I avoid getting highlights which look stripey?

[kettlechip]

I have a chunky layered bob at the moment, I have lots of hair, but the strands are fine and straight, iyswim. Whenever I have woven highlights the colours seem to just sit in stripes. I'm after a bit more of a natural look but don't know whether I can get it.

I have alternate ash blonde and mid brown (natural colour) weaves to avoid having dark roots and block blonde ends.

I love my hairdresser but it's a small village salon and their expertise is limited. What do I need to ask for to get a more natural look?

[squeaver]

I hate to say it, but highlights are one of those things where you get what you pay for. I think it's actually a bit of an art. Are you near a big city with a good hairdresser there?

[ForeverOptimistic]

I agree with squeaver you do get what you pay for. My hairdresser advised me to have more of a natural look rather than the stripy look that was popular a few years ago. I have the same colours put in as you.

[kettlechip]

I had wondered about that.. especially as a half head of highlights, cut and blowdry only cost me £54 last time..!

We live in the sticks but I think I'll ask around for some recommendations and maybe try somewhere else. I've repeatedly asked for natural and ended up with stripes so I don't think I'm going to win. I was wondering if it was my hair that's the problem!

[ForeverOptimistic]

Wow £54 is good! (although a waste if you are not happy with the results)

I was paying £150 and it was just getting stupid as we don't have that sort of money so I now go to the cheapest salon in town and I am still paying £90. I wish I had never started this hair colouring malarky!

[MrsSeanBean]

I think it is a question of technique.

I was going to suggest a mixture of shades, but you've already asked for that.

By the way - if you are unhappy don't be afraid to go back and say so. They should put it right for free. I was very unhappy with invisible highlights the other day, and after phoning them to explain I was disappointed, they re-did the job for free and it was much better 2nd time. Although, if you are concerned about the expertise at the salon you may not want to do this. It could be worth a shot though. Maybe ask for a different shade again, this should break up the stripy effect a bit? HTH.

[kettlechip]

I know! That's why I've stuck with it even though the results are hit and miss.

Where we used to live (near London) the going rate was £120 so I only went a couple of times a year. I agree though, once you start it's difficult to stop..

[kettlechip]

I think it is definitely a technique thing. I once changed stylist, she took an hour to put in the foils, did masses of fine weaves and the results were lovely. I went back to her again and she was hungover and completely botched it with 3 or 4 giant stripes. I looked like a badger.

I wouldn't feel comfortable complaining this time - it isn't bad enough, just still a little stripey even though I think she did her best to do what I'd asked for.

[MrsSeanBean]

Also...I'm no hairdresser, but ash blonde does sound a bit light to be sitting next to mid brown. They should advise you on this?

Maybe try a slightly lighter shade than the mid brown next time - ie one or two shades lighter than your natural shade - which would probably avoid the block effect but may sit more naturally together?

[poshwellies]

Just a thought but maybe the ash blonde is too 'blonde' compared to the rest of your hair,thus making the 'stripes' illusion.

I have highlights (have mousey blonde hair) but my hairdresser uses natural shades and only 2 (a light bleach and a honey blonde along mixed with the bulk of my natural colour).She also uses 'packets' which are clear (so she can check that I don't go too bleached blonde) instead of foil or the dread cap.

I get mine done at home for £40