In 3400 B.C., Egyptians first used henna to hide their grey hairs, according to regissalons.com, but these few students at LHS did the opposite and are breaking out of the natural color dye that our society has been seasoned to view.
WHY DYE?
When asked why he dyed his hair, Anthony Milunas, junior at LHS, said he’s “not one to fear being outlandish,” with his firecracker red hair that is easily seen while walking the halls. He believes, as well as many others, that dying his hair means expression. “I feel like my hair matches who I am now. It feels right,” Milunas explained. In society today when standing out in unique and interesting ways is a good thing, many people want to feel comfortable in their own skin.
Alec Zhang, senior, explains that it’s about redefining himself.“ I felt like people had this opinion of me that I’d established in previous years, one that was totally different from the person I’d become. Instead of pouting and waiting for college, I thought that sticking my head in bleach would be a good idea…” Although Zhang doesn’t recommend the same bleaching method he did, he explained that “[a]fter doing something completely unexpected, people did a double-take – essentially, I was able to clear my slate and give people a new view of me. It was awesome!”
Alex Basler, Senior, explains that it’s a way she can “spice things up a little bit” in her life. She changes based on what she’s feeling. But plenty of people dye their hair just for plain fun. Carley Palm, senior, said, “it’s something fun that I can always look forward to. Also, it sets me apart from a lot of people and makes me more confident” and Claire Newman, Junior, agrees with Palm as she adds that “it’s an awesome outlet for creativity.”
Not all hair dye jobs have to be as extensive as bleaching dyeing your whole head. Temporary and cheap dye jobs like using Kool Aid packets or chalk are easy and fun ways to switch up your style and works on unbleached hair.
PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION
From middle school to high school, many have noticed the growing number of people with unnaturally colored hair walking around in the hall. The rising trend on Tumblr, Twitter and Pintrest broadcasts unnatural colored hair in a positive light and many perceive the people who have funky hair colors exciting and free spirited, but Zhang wants to warn people who are interested in dyeing their hair. “…I can’t recommend changing hair color to everyone. While many were very appreciative of the boldness, many others were very apprehensive. People tend to judge colored hair harshly, so you have to be prepared to deal with the social repercussions.”
However, in Zhang’s opinion, there is hope for the curious and confident souls out there who want to try dyeing. “If you’re confident you can make it work, then go for it. It’s a great experience and a fun time – not only will others view you differently, you will also view yourself differently, and ultimately that’s what is most important.”
Hannah Skepptstrom, LHS senior, explains how the results of dyeing her hair was very positive. “I started making friends and feeling more accepted by peers and family members once my hair went from brown to crazy colors.” and Claire Newman believed that although people “ thought [she] was ‘weirder’ and [she got] strange looks occasionally, [she’s] also been approached by a bunch of strangers which is [kind of] fun.”
UNNATURAL HAIR AND THE WORKFIELD
Continuing to dye their hair in the future may be internally satisfying, but in today’s society, for many professional industries, it usually means they won’t get a job. Numerous companies are against the idea of unnatural colored hair, piercings, or tattoos and Zhang explains that because he has a summer job, it’s partially the reason his hair is dyed back to black. However, Zhang took the advice that Shinto, an LHS gym teacher, gave to heart. Shinto told him that “‘ if you’re really the best at what you do, then your hair color matters a lot less,’” however Zhang continued saying, “[s]till, not everybody will have that privilege.” He advises that, “when applying for jobs… [use] your natural hair color – or something close to that.”
There are stereotypical places that hire people with unnatural colored hair, like Spencer’s, Hot Topic, Journey’s, tattoo parlors and hair salons but places like Target, Lush and many coffeeshops also give people with funky hair more options.
Carley Palm works at the Libertyville Gymnastic Academy and teaches kids ages two to twelve how to do basic moves. She said, “I’ll probably have to dye my hair a more natural color when I have a more professional job but I always hope that I can have a little something interesting.” In the meantime, she continues to surprise us with the constant color changes she brings to school.
Hannah Skepptstrom currently has a job at Chicago Blitz as a ticket person and explains that in the future “the companies who don’t want someone with crazy hair aren’t exactly the places [she’s] hoping to apply to.” Alex Basler agreed with Skepptstrom, as she is planning to move into a more creative profession with her expected Art History major at Cornell.
