Please can you help me, I have dyed my hair black and would very much like to go back to a light brown I have been to a hairdresser who says I have to have it stripped then re coloured but I would need at least an incj of roots which I would rather not do as I would look stupid.

Is there any other way?

Your hairstylist is correct. In order to go from black to light brown, it must first be stripped and then your desired color is applied. Perhaps the hairstylist wants you to grow the roots an inch, so that he/she can try to match your natural color as close as possible. Sweetie, if you're worried about your roots showing, you can wear hats. A lot of women are wearing hats because it's cute and fashionable, and it hides bad hair days.