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Ever wonder what it’s like to have colored hair? I’m spilling all the details of the real life realities!

PEOPLE RECOGNIZE AND REMEMBER YOU… EVERYWHERE

It turns out that not many people have purple hair and that it’s pretty memorable. I’m always shocked by how staff remember me at the grocery store, local coffee shop, or my favorite shops. The WORST is if you don’t remember them!

PEOPLE ASSUME YOU’RE FRIENDLY

WAY more people talk to me in public with colored hair than when my hair was blonde. I think people assume you’re outgoing and free spirited so they feel more comfortable talking to you. In general, I consider this to be a positive thing but some interactions can be really awkward and weird.

WASHING IS AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS

This sounds disgusting but unlike dye for natural colors, fashion colors fade FAST. You will lose a significant amount of color even in your first wash. While there have been some great new products that don’t require you to take cold showers, you learn to train your hair to need less showers (and dry shampoo is your best friend).

NOTE: Don’t forget you can shower WITHOUT washing your hair!

PEOPLE CAN SPOT YOU IN A CROWD

When trying to meet up with people in public it’s common to exchange descriptions of where you are and what you’re wearing (especially if you’ve never met the person IRL before). It turns out that purple hair is a surefire way for people spot you even in the most crowded places.

KIDS LOVE IT

One of my favorite things about having purple hair is kids pointing and loudly telling their mom, “WOW, mom she has purple hair”. My apologies (not really) to all the parents who blame me for giving their kids the idea to color your hair.

YOU HAVE A SPECIAL BOND WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE COLORED HAIR

Even if we don’t talk, we see each other. Sometimes you might be a little insecure because their hair is better than yours or you might silently be judging their dye job. You also feel obligated to compliment them back if they say something about your hair.

YOU FEEL MORE PRESSURE TO LOOK “PUT TOGETHER”

Stereotypes on people nontraditional hair and tattoos give you a lot of pressure to look put together whenever you go to meetings, are out in public, etc. (out of fear of looking unprofessional). I hate that this is the case but unfortunately it’s just the way it is. Here’s to hoping these stereotypes continue to have less and less power in society!

YOU LAUGH WHEN PEOPLE THINK THEY CAN DIY COLORED HAIR

If you want a hint of color, it’s one thing. But it’s always humorous when people who have dark hair expect to get vibrant hair with a splash of kool-aid or hair chalk. I’m very fortunate to have naturally blonde hair so my stylist was able to bleach it in one session, but it takes a LONG time for most people to even get to the point where they can add the color.

Disclaimer: I say this with complete acknowledgment that everyone with colored hair probably started by trying to do it themselves and doing a terrible job. We’ve all been there. haha

YOU FORGET THAT YOU HAVE COLORED HAIR

When you’re getting stares in public or people do a double take when passing you, sometimes you’ll remember… “oh yeah, I have purple hair!”

YOU GET ASKED FOR A LOT OF ADVICE

If you have colored hair you probably have a memorized spill of who does your hair, what products you use, and what the upkeep is like. I’m always happy to answer questions

I’m so thankful that I made the decision to color my hair last year. It might seem like a small life change and I don’t necessarily intend to keep it forever, but has been an extremely positive experience and rewarding creative risk!

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