DEAR ABBY: I'm 17 and my mom won't let me dye my hair! Earlier this year she finally let me color it red, which I have wanted for years. I went blond for my sister's wedding, but I'm naturally blond and I don't like it because it's boring. A ton of people compliment me on my hair, but I don't care what people think, I just want to be me and not anyone else.
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So, my mom is being too controlling. She says I have to stay blond until I can pay for it myself, and I don't have a job. My parents are very strict and I would never be allowed to get a tattoo, but I want my red hair back. How do I go about convincing her that no matter how much people love the blond, I don't like it and I want a change? -- NATURAL BLONDE IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR NATURAL BLONDE: When a person changes hair color more than twice in one year, it can seriously damage the hair. Also, red is the hardest color to keep up because it tends to oxidize and turn "brassy." (I am speaking from experience.) It can also be expensive.
If you want to "go red" once you're working and can afford it, you can make your own decision. But in the meantime, listen to your mother -- she's looking out for your interests.