Let’s Talk Vibrant Hair Color

Just face it. It is A-Okay to be different. At first, wearing loud colored hair extensions* (pink, blue, red, purple, etc) was talked down upon. It was quickly associated with being “ghetto” or “ratchet.” Now the trend of colored weaves has started to wear thin, and a new trend has come into play: relaxed and natural haired women are dying their own hair these vibrant colors.

We are not our hair, but our hair can most definitely help tell a story. It can give us and others what is needed. It can go far deeper than it complimenting fashion and trends.

I recently interviewed the lovely Rachel Smith (also known as RayChillster). Many know her as the blue-haired, brown-skinned artist who is intensely and passionately loving with words. Google “RayChillster” under Google images.

Here is what Rachel had to say to us about vibrant hairstyles:

“What I love about having vibrant blue hair is the message I am sending as a black woman. To myself and to other black women around me, my hair is a reminder that we can express ourselves in any way we choose to, that our skin tone is not a crutch for what we can and cannot do. The way we choose to dress or wear our hair is not determined by how light or dark our skin is.”

Dying your hair a loud color can be quite scary if you feel the need to care about what others think. If it has really been on your mind to try a loud, vibrant color, go with highlights first and see how you like it, or go with a few colored extensions* first. Don’t be afraid to try. It is JUST hair. it will grow back, so it should not define you completely.

We have all heard India Arie’s song “I am Not My Hair”.  This song speaks volumes. There is so much more to us than our hair. It is perfectly fine to be attentive to our hair and love our hair, but we must also know that without it, we’d still be who we are. Our hair is an accessory. Some value it more than others.

But HEY! Let’s be real, paying little to no attention to our hair can bring concern and judgment in this world. Be it a job you’re trying to get, or a certain group of people you’re trying to be accepted by. Hair can play a major role, but whatever you choose to do with your hair, let it be a message. Let it be meaningful for you. If vibrant colors make you happy, then by all means, go for it, girl.