When I was in high school, I dyed red streaks into my hair just a few times. But, over the past year and a half, I've dyed my hair a menagerie of colors and each time I change the hue I feel a rush of empowerment. I often find myself stressing over the things in my life that I cannot change and being able to temporarily change my appearance gives me the sense of control that I need.
Most recently, I dyed my hair cherry red and although it has faded a couple shades, I'm still riding the high of my drastic hair change. I've decided that college is the time to try the more unconventional things I've never been brave enough to do. For years I wanted to dye my hair red, I likely got the idea from my obsession with The Little Mermaid. I ran into a classmate recently, he told me I was giving "Ariel vibes", and my inner child was on cloud nine.
Hair dyeing is a form of self expression that I have come to love, as I can express different moods with different hair colors. In the summer I'll lighten and highlight my hair in an attempt to wear the brightness of the sun. When my tan fades in the winter, I'll dye my hair darker to feel more powerful and not so washed out. After binge watching hair videos on YouTube I'll attempt to add fashion colors like rose gold and emerald to the tips or under-layer of my hair. The possibilities feel endless and it's fun to know that at any moment I can choose to look a different way.
In addition to self expression, dyeing my hair has become a form of self care. Since I dye it myself, I get to spend a few hours alone creating a new look. I'll prepare my supplies, apply the dyes to my hair, and do a face mask while watching my favorite Netflix shows. It allows me to spend time with and feel like I'm investing in myself. Waiting to see how the color turns out is an exciting surprise and I always feel fabulous walking to class with my new look the next day.
I feel as though I've been able to be very hands on in creating my identity. I choose how I look and how other people see me. Having unnatural hair colors may not be conventional in the future, so I am taking full advantage of my freedom to look however the mood strikes in college. When I have to choose a more professional hair color one day, I'll know how I look and feel in all different hair colors so I can choose one that makes me look and feel the way I should in the work place.
So if you're ever on the fence about dying your hair or trying something new with your look, I say go for it. There's always color remover or makeup wipes, and you can always delete the photos if you hate it ten years later. You might be surprised by the things you learn about yourself when let your impulsive side take over for a bit. Even if I don't look as good with certain hair colors, I was brave enough to try and now I'll never have to wonder.
At the end of the day, do whatever makes you feel fabulous, comfortable, and happy. Whether that means dyeing your hair, trying crazy lipstick colors, wearing big t-shirts, or getting piercings. Life is too short not to look and feel the way you want to.
