Salon highlights question

 

I went to the salon about a week ago to get my hair colored and have a question. What I wanted was an all over golden blonde color. My hair is a  dark brown (level 7) I believe. The stylist said it would be very hard to do an all over blonde and suggested an all over carmel color with blonde highlights. I agreed. My question is this: There are 6 blonde highlights at the crown of my head that stand out nicely. However, once they hit ear length, they fade away into nothing in the rest of my hair. It really looks unnatual. I'd always assumed a highlight started at the crown and went to the end of the hair. This cost me $150.00. Is there different types of highlights? I'd like to know for the next time (and salon) I go to for touchups. Is it really that hard to get an all over blonde for my natural hair color. Any help is appreciated and thanks!