Hair Coloration is here to stay... Semi-Permanetly (Part 1)

Hair Dye causing a Manic Panic among everyone - part 1 history of coloration

by Adva Fuchs

From the customary blondes, reds, brunettes, and blacks, hair dye has created a major splash in the adolescent, and now young adult, scene. Deriving from the original natural shades (blonde,red,brunette,and black), new hair dyes from companies such as Manic Panic, Splat, Special Effects, and Punky Colour have become permanently (or in some cases “semi-permanently”) in style as the old school punk rock trend comes back once again.

Although hair coloring dates back to ancient times, when ancient Roman men knew the allure of colored hair (and beards) way before any woman, its appeal didn’t really sink in with the american female society until the early 1950s when only 7 out of every 100 women colored their hair.

“I use Tehina in my hair to revitalize the natural color of my hair and keep it healthy...it’s not hair dye and its been used for years,” hair color enthusiast Sary Fuchs said.

Fast forward 50 years and by the 21st century L’Oreal and Clairol aren't the only hair dyes around anymore. Today about 50 percent of women in America over the age of 25 color their hair and over 2 billion dollars is spent on hair color products annually, and not just on the natural shades.

What was once considered the sign of the outcast is now as chic and trendy as a Prada purse. Crazy colored hair is as popular as ever and thanks to interactive sharing sites like Tumblr and Pinterest, the trend continues to grow and grow as pictures, videos, and tips circulate the web catching everyone's attention.

“I think the trend of hair coloring is growing & being accepted more...because it gives everybody that sense of individuality, appearance wise. It's a way of self expression that can be an eye catcher & an attention grabber,” junior Noah Parris said.

Continuing the growing craze are celebrities such as Ke$ha, Rita Ora, Lily Allen, and Demi Lovato, who constantly change up their hair color choices, designs and keep the trend fresh in every beauty bloggers mind. Even YouTube has caught up with the fad as internet famous youtubers such as AlisonLovesJB and JennaMarbles spread the color coated love with how-to videos and color commentary.

“I prefer natural because it shows who you are and doesn’t hide it. People should be more proud of there natural hair,” sophomore Gustavo Mendez said.

Although this colorful chaos is not adored by everyone, colored hair is certainly a trend that’s not going anywhere anytime soon. As more and more men and women continue to color, the look seems to be gaining acceptance and a following once again not only among young adults but among all enthusiasts of the creative and bold.