Your appearance is the first thing someone notices about you, so people tend to use the way they look to express themselves. This can range from wearing clothing that promotes your interests in sports or music to the way you carry yourself. Many people, myself included, use their hair as a means of liberation and expression. Cutting, styling, and coloring your hair can make you feel in charge of your life and reflect your personality, which is why I love changing it up.

I’ve been dying the under layer of my hair for two years now, and it’s been purple, pink, blue, and teal. I felt like a revolutionary the first time I did, not because I felt as though I was being edgier than everyone else (because I’m far from the first person to dye their hair like this), but because I wasn’t able to do something so colorful until I was in college (the price you pay for Catholic schooling). I finally felt like the creativity I have inside was reflected by my outward appearance, and that made me feel more like myself than I had ever been.

This feeling doesn’t have to come only with funky hair colors; having a hairstyle that you feel fits you perfectly is equally liberating. Luckily I was able to discover the joy of self-expression through hair, and I’d like to pay homage to some women who inspired me. (Spoiler alert, they’re all internet personalities. I spend a lot of time on the internet)

Comic Book Girl 19 (real name: Danika), hosts a pop-culture show dealing with comic books, movies, TV shows, and other categories that are after my own nerdy heart. She’s creative, witty, hilarious, and an inspiration to me in terms of representing yourself however you please.

I love, and envy, her locks and her confidence.

Commander Holly, possibly one of my favorite human beings,

is an artist, sculptor, cosplayer, and special FX artist. I’m consistently astounded by what this woman can do, and I’m always inspired by her sense of style.

She's passionate, driven, and a downright enjoyable person. And she's been to The Shire. Let's not forget about that.

Mortem3r (real name: Suzy) hosts a beauty, fashion, crafting, etc., YouTube channel, as well as a gaming channel. She has other projects as well, such as affiliations with other internet creators and taxidermy (which is badass). Suzy advocates for body positivity and mental health awareness, and her unique style and values (including shaving a portion of her hair, which is something I really want to do) resonates with me

Suzy, Holly, and Danika are beautiful and talented women who have helped me realize how fulfilling it can be to show what's inside on the outside.Your hair is a very personal thing, and changing it, for whatever reason, is empowering.

Let your hair express who you are or who you want to be!