I have wanted red hair my entire life. I believe much of this yearning came from watching “The Little Mermaid,” my lifetime favorite Disney movie. Ariel’s hair when she swims to the surface? It’s perfect. I wanted to emulate Ariel’s gorgeous style. Unfortunately, I have never been able to perfect the swooped bangs that Ariel is known for, but c’est la vie. . .

I was beyond excited when I was finally granted the ability to have red highlights. I was a seventh-grader, and I felt infinitely more mature without my simple brunette hair. I wanted more, however. I wanted completely red hair, but it took some work to convince my mom it was my destiny.

My red hair wishes were finally granted right before my sophomore year of high school, and I’ve never gone back. My hair has always remained in the red spectrum, but let me warn you about an unfortunate fact concerning red hair: it fades all too quickly. The first time I shower after dyeing my hair, I almost have a panic attack. Blood red water flows down the shower floor, and I am sure that I am dying. Even though I have dyed my hair red for three years, I still forget this rather important aspect of maintaining red hair.

I typically do an internal happy dance when people ask me if red is my natural hair color. I want to do a dramatic hair toss and tell them that yes, it is absolutely natural, alas I (almost always) tell the truth. Sadly, my roots grow in quickly, and there is no hiding my natural hair color once that process begins. My wonderful coworkers love to point this out when strands of my hair fall out of my ponytail. Thanks guys.

I am of the opinion that everyone should have whatever hair color they wish for. You want blonde hair with pink tips? Great choice! Half black, half white hair? Fantastic. It is your hair, and it is your choice. I believe the same to be true for haircuts. Haircuts are often gendered, where long hair is the “most attractive” style on a woman, and anything longer than the old school Bieber cut is seen as strange on a man. How crazy is it that we put so much emphasis on hair in general? Hair will grow back; it never has to become permanent. If I decided one day that I wanted my natural brunette hair back, I can do that. A change in hairstyle can instantly give someone confidence. I love leaving the salon after a haircut, feeling like the spiffiest person to walk the earth.

So go forth and make your own hair dreams a reality, even if they’re not inspired by a beloved Disney character. Green Mohawk? Rainbow highlights? Awesome. Just be prepared for the frightening moment when you’re in the shower and look down at the brightly colored water. I promise you’re not dying.