I am unsure what to do?

I have had my hair dyed black for some time and now i am ready for a change, i have been to a selection of hairdressers and one said that they couldn't do anything for me and i would have to let it grow out naturally, another said i could have it stripped but it would really damae my hair and is likely to turn my hair quite orange and another said that they could pout in blonde highlights to make my hair look lighter, and this would make my hair dry but they have taken a sample and are testing it to see how much damage it would cause, any advice?