Authentic Hair

I mentioned in my post last week — the one asking if blogs make you feel bad about yourself — that I've, unfortunately, got a gray hair or two. I asked whether or not you thought dyeing your hair to cover up gray was an inauthentic act.

I've come to the conclusion that it's not. And not just because I don't want to be gray-haired at 26.

For me, dyeing my hair is completely, 100% authentic. It's very much true to my personality type and attention span. I like my natural hair color, but I find dyeing my hair to be super FUN. Changing the color has always been a way for me to do something different without committing to a drastic new cut every time I get restless. In college, my besties and I would go to Walmart every couple of months for $6 boxes of dye, and spend an entire evening entertaining ourselves, coloring our hair in the dorm showers.

Some dye jobs were more successful than others. Some turned my hair funny colors. At one point, my hair was four-tone, and not on purpose.

(HAIR MONTAGE!)

Bottom-center was the four-tone one. If you look closely you can see four distinct colors.

Because I'm naturally dark-haired, I've typically stuck to varying shades of red and brown. And that one time it was pink/purple. But I've always wondered what it would look like to go lighter.

It's been quite a while since my hairstylist helped me color over the pink to get back to my natural color. My pixie cut has now completely grown out. It's about time I make another change, and I'm ready to try something different than I've ever done before. I've got big plans for the new year! (You know, after all the holidays are over, so in case it turns out horribly it won't be documented in family photos for all eternity.)

Do you ever color your hair just for fun? What makes you feel authentic?

—————

I'm linking up with Catherine from Walking With Cake. She recently made a big hair decision too, about what feels most authentic for her. Follow along with us; we'll be sharing updates from time to time!