Well, I think highlighting is very different than a full hair dye. I would say that 11 is not too young for streaks/highlights, but is too young for bleaching or a full dye-job.

Plus the dying should be done with full supervision so she doesn't get hurt accidentally. less

I agree with Delicious Surprise. A fun streak of a bright color at that age is pretty harmless in my book.

When you think about it, it's just a color, and it's not like she has a boss or anything at this point that's going to judge her for it. If it were my 11 year old, I'd be ok with a touch of bright color. less

I wouldn't have a problem if she were my child and wanted to dye her hair. I grew up pretty open minded and did my own thing as a teen as well. My only concern would be how safe the procedure would be. Dyeing can involve harsh chemicals. Are there any potential dangers for a young child being exposed to them? Also, any potential long term damage to her hair since a child's hair is different than an adults? less

I really don't think there's anything wrong with her having colorful streaks with the wash-out dyes (the ones that stay in for two or three washings) at that age. If she doesn't like it she use Suave clarifying shampoo to wash it out.

Besides, if she can be trusted with a razor on her legs, then she's old enough for hair streaks. I'd suggest having the missus do the streaking so your daughter can see how it works on her own head before she's allowed to touch the dye brush herself. less

I really agree with something Chilipepper said -- about first trying the wash out dyes. That way she can see if she really likes it first. You can always go permanent after she gets a feel for the look and how she likes it! The wash out dyes are also much easier on the hair and won't damage it. less

My friend wanted to dye her hair at that age, her mother said "Wait till summer". Over the summer she got colored streaks put in with her mother permission, they didn't last long since she swam a lot, but she got what she wanted. The reason her mother asked her to wait was because some school get a stick up their ass when kids dye their hair, even suspending a kid in 1st grade for having a mowhawk. It's rather lame, but she wanted to be sure her daughter stayed out of trouble. This way she can still enjoy it, show it off to friends, but also wont risk a teacher thinking less of her for it too. less

Yeah, it is pretty sad to damage beautiful "virgin" hair! I think the wash out dyes are a great idea. That way she can change her look often without damaging her lovely hair. Besides, teenagers change their minds a lot, so a wash out dye would probably be perfect. Not to mention lots of fun. Just make sure you buy a good brand that will nourish hair and don't buy a "cheap" one. Some of the high quality temporary dyes can actually have a conditioning effect and make the hair even more lustrous. less

I wanted to get highlights in my hair SO BADLY in middle school, starting around 6th grade. All of my friends were getting highlights, and I desperately wanted some too! But my Mom wouldn't let me even though I pouted, sulked, maybe cried--I was very angry.

Looking back, I am very, very glad my Mom never let me treat my hair. All of my friends from grammar school are hair-dye addicts now, and because they started so young their hair has been damaged by the chemicals. I mean, they're not balding or anything But they do have to keep up with it constantly, and they've paid the price. It's also very expensive. I, on the other hand, don't have to worry about my roots showing, the chemicals in the dye, buying special "for color-treated hair" shampoo, or any of that other stuff!

Again, I am very appreciative that my Mom made the authoritative decision when I was younger to not let me dye my hair. That's been my experience anyways. less

I personally really like the L'Oreal products if you are buying over-the-counter. I don't have much experience with any other over-the-counter brands than L'Oreal since I have had friends with cosmetician licenses who were able to buy professional products for me. Do you have any friends like that who could help you out?

As far as great over-the-counter products, is there anybody else out there in EF land who can recommend a specific high-quality wash out dye that leaves the hair glossy, conditioned, and lustrous? less

I wanted to get highlights in my hair SO BADLY in middle school, starting around 6th grade. All of my friends were getting highlights, and I desperately wanted some too! But my Mom wouldn't let me even though I pouted, sulked, maybe cried--I was very angry.

Looking back, I am very, very glad my Mom never let me treat my hair. All of my friends from grammar school are hair-dye addicts now, and because they started so young their hair has been damaged by the chemicals. I mean, they're not balding or anything But they do have to keep up with it constantly, and they've paid the price. It's also very expensive. I, on the other hand, don't have to worry about my roots showing, the chemicals in the dye, buying special "for color-treated hair" shampoo, or any of that other stuff!

Again, I am very appreciative that my Mom made the authoritative decision when I was younger to not let me dye my hair. That's been my experience anyways. less

I actually asked around here (because we have so many bright-haired community members) a few weeks back when I started tipping my hair again, and I got some really helpful responses about brands: link less

I think it's also worth mentioning that her natural hair color will affect her ability to get any color from dye. If she has dark hair, neither permanent nor temporary hair coloring will really show if she doesn't first bleach her hair. The color won't be very noticeable and will fade rather quickly. I really recommend not letting her bleach her hair--bleaching is very harsh on skin and hair, has to be redone often, and can do permanent damage. less