STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I have a hair appointment next week and Im really unsure what do have done.  My natural hair is pretty dark brown with red in the summer sun and my skin is light ivory so Ive been putting highlights in.  The problem is when I first get them done they look great but as my hair grows (FAST) the dark with the golden blond looks awful so I keep getting it redone until there is too much blond.  I grew it all out and went back to natural but with my light skin it just doesn't look good either.  So now I dont know what to do.  Anyone with similar coloring have suggestions?