Hair is significant in beauty, culture and self-expression around the world, with a wide array of hairstyles from baldness to extravagant updos prevalent in nearly every country. One major factor in hair beauty that has become increasingly popular over the years is hair color. The exciting decision to choose the right hair color can be a fun way to express oneself in a manner that falls somewhere in between temporary and permanent. One’s hairstyle can reflect a longing for change, and whether you prefer to get your hair dyed at home or professionally is influenced by a lot of factors, including money, community, creativity, trust and more.
“I preferred to have my hair dyed at a hair salon,” Leah Lagunas (9) said. “I was inspired [to do so] because I wanted a new look.”
When on the journey of dying one’s hair, most people start by asking themselves what color suits them best, whether based on personality or preferred clothing style. Many people these days have gotten into personal color analysis, which is a technique stylists use to find one’s perfect color palette. From clothing colors, makeup styles and even face shape or skin color, the ideal hair color can be found through this analysis. For example, if you have a warm color undertone to your skin (such as peach or autumn brown, warm hair colors like golden honey or caramel might best suit your look. Or perhaps a cooler blonde or even a variation of vibrant mixed colors, such as rainbow hair, would best match much paler or much darker facial complexions. Many people get caught up in the range of choices, though, so sometimes a guiding hand can help you make the decision.
Many people are inspired to dye their hair for many reasons, such as wanting to feel more confident or simply wanting to sport a new look. In the end, the choice to color your hair and the dyeing process itself can increase the impact of a person’s everyday life—hopefully for the positive. Coloring, whether subtle or extreme, is an exciting way to show one’s personality, identity and inspiration.
“I dyed my hair because I love to [undergo] changes and [wanted to] feel more confident in myself, feeling confident is what you look like, for instance changing [one’s] hair color makes you feel pretty, also your personality makes you more confident, and this is something that goes with me, and the change for me, made me feel young again,” Columbia Heights resident Sandra Celleri said.
Although the look of a whole head of dyed hair is eye-catching, there are still lots of different options out there for those who’d like a smaller change. For instance, Dip Dye, which includes a bold and contrasting color added to the end of the hair, making a sharp line where the color meets, is a great alternative. This makes for a striking contrast between the colors. Another subtle look is a technique known as babylights, which creates an ultra-fine, natural and elegant look by applying lightener to very thin pieces of hair. This look leaves a sun-kissed effect that mimics highlights that look like they grow naturally from the root. The main goal is a seamless blend of brightness and dimension without a high contrast look of traditional highlights.
More than ever, different hair colors have been trending among younger generations in lockstep with influential celebrities who have done the same, such as Dua Lipa’s cherry cola transformation and Keke Palmer’s toasty bronde highlights. Also recently popular are mocha mousse, a warm brown with hints of cool undertones inspired by chocolate and coffee that is a perfect shade for the autumn weather. Another look that’s a warmer vibe that many go for is a buttery blonde, which is a softer look that blends golden and honey tones that are perfect for brightening. Lastly, a trend that never grows old, a deep, dark cherry red. This cherry shade combines a deep chocolatey brown base with a lush red or a burgundy undertone. To achieve this iconic look, a colorist applies red or burgundy tones via highlights to a dark chocolate brown base, which creates a multidimensional look that blends the red and brown flawlessly.
The influence of hair dyeing became big for our generation, and the trends for this winter are all about embracing warmth and depth. All hail the layered brunettes and buttery blondes!
