hair coloring

Hi Laurie,Sorry to hear about your problems with colorists. It is very difficult to find one that really knows their stuff. If you do find one, guard them with your life. You did not mention where you live (general area). Maybe someone on this board can recommend a great one. I know a few in Dallas and there are some great ones in California and NYC.There are a few things you can try. However, if I were you, I would be very careful if your wedding is in one month. You are pushing the envelope in terms of them messing up your hair. Can you go back to the one of the 4 that did it the least disappointing?Here is what you could try. Instead of telling them what you want and showing them pictures (yes pics are very important) ask them to show you THERE photos. Great colorist will keep a photo book with photos of their work. If they don't have a book like that, I would start to worry. A good colorist will record the victories because color can be such a complicated process and when it turns out stunning, they capture the effect.Go for consultations before you let them touch your hair and ask for references. If a colorist is really great they won't think you are nutty for asking for names and phone numbers of satisfied customers. After all, plumbers and housekeepers have to give references. Why not hair stylists. Think about what you are risking.Another thought is to look at hair on the street and when you see hair that have a gorgeous color that you like, ask the person where they have their hair done. It is possible to find out if it is highlighted. Usually people are so flattered about compliments to their hair...they will be helpful.Call the best modeling agency in town and ask them for the best colorist in town. Go to the best department store and ask the make up people for names of great colorists. I told someone to go to Neiman Marcus in Dallas and she told me that she never saw more vibrant beautiful hair color than in the cosmetics department. She found a great colorist that way.Call the best photographers in town and ask them for references.Yes all of this is a pain in the you-know-what but I guess it depends on how much you want to get great color.It took me a long time to find the person that currently does my highlights but she is the best I could find and she specializes in long hair. She never lets me down either. I know lots of people who are less than thrilled.Let me know what area you live in and I will see if I have someone on my list from that area. If not, maybe some one from Hair Talk will.Best wishes on your upcoming marriage. :-)Karen> So tell me. Is it possible to actually go to a> colorist, tell him/her what color you want, and walk> out the door with that color on your head?> I've been to 4 different colorists in the past year,> and I have yet to walk out wearing the color I wanted.> I've brought pictures of colors I like, and after a> discussion about how I've chosen pictures with> "different undertones" see, this one's> purple and this one's orange, my dear" I don't> end up with either one. Usually I tell them to go for> the lighter one because my hair grabs, and it turns> out maroon with day-glow red roots! It fades to match> within a couple of weeks to a blondish red. I'm> spending a fair amount of cash when I go. Usually> $100.00 My hair is short. Can somebody tell me what to> say? I'm getting married next month, and I really> don't want to play the "Oh m'God! Look what I got> this time!" game.> I understand that reds fade, but jeeze!> Thanks!