Introduction

   Many individuals display their emotions and personality in a non-verbal way through dressing in a variety of fashion styles. For some Wildcats including Madison Szocinski, Keira Lowe and Zoë Baeza, they choose to self-express themselves through unique hair colors and styles, ranging from a full head of vibrance to contrasting streaks of synthetic and natural colors. 

Madison Szocinski

   Freshman Madison Szocinski stands out with her remarkable “white roots that fade to bright cyan.” To achieve her pop of visuals, she “bleached [her] hair first to have a light canvas for the color to shine through.” 

   Dyed hair can be done many different ways, including doing it at home or by visiting a professional hair dresser and salon. In this case, Szocinski “went to Salon Nico and achieved a color no one really has.” Although pricier than using box dye, a professional hair stylist can often ensure the desired results, especially if an individual has no experience with hair dye.

   By combining her style of hair, clothing and piercings, Szocinski put together a complete look representing her, having more complex and thought out outfits when enthusiastic. “My style changes every day depending on my mood. Sometimes I’ll dress more basic when I’m lazier or tired, and then I’ll dress better when I feel energetic” Szocinski shared.

   Szocinski originally changed her “radish” colored hair to an electric blue. She explained that she “changes the color a lot, so it kind of just reflects how I’m feeling the entire month.” 

Keira Lowe

   Freshman Keria Lowe also enjoys expressing herself through her streaks of hot pink hair. Although more subtle than a full head of color, Lowe decided on pink highlights to create a distinctive look, allowing the bright pink to stand out on her dark, brunette hair. 

   Lowe “had it initially done at a salon, but I also retouched my hair at home with extra color.” Even though salons with trained, experienced professionals can ensure better results, an individual and stylist’s visual may differ and an at home hair project can be the better option for creativity and control for some. 

   Lowe’s recommendation to sustain the vibrance for hair is to “get hair masks that are specifically for chemically treated hair and rinse [her] hair in cold water.” Hair masks and cold water can seal cuticles to stop color molecules from escaping. Additionally, hair masks restore damage from chemicals and even add additional pigment, while cold water over hot water is beneficial even to uncolored hair, increasing shine and locking in moisture.

   Although colored hair can be fun and entertaining, it can be hard to maintain: “It’s really annoying unless you want to stain all your clothes and towels, I don’t think you should do it. Also it’s extra hard with constant swim practice,” Lowe described. 

Zoë Baeza

   Zoë Baeza, a sophomore, with “Baja Blast turquoise” colored hair alongside side bangs and layers, decided on her vibrance due to her love of the iconic drink, Baja Blast. She emphasized the fun and natural look that she feels complements her skin tone while still adding a unique twist to her appearance.

   Baeza’s experience with pigments led to her recommending others to “go to a salon first if it’s your first time bleaching your hair; everyone’s hair reacts differently to dye or bleach and you do not want to risk it.” Trained individuals are knowledgeable on a variety of hair types and the consequences of chemicals. Going to a salon can provide valuable input and information before committing to color.

   Baeza additionally suggests “using color safe shampoo and re-dying it at home about every month.” Color safe shampoo avoids the use of harsh ingredients that strips pigment while re-dying at home provides constant, radiant hair for cheaper.

   Having personalized hair can boost self confidence by matching your personality and appearance together and make an empowering statement. “Self-expression often breaks that obsession with public opinion and it shows that you don’t have to care that much about what other people think or say,” Baeza explained.

   Worrying about judgement can limit creativity and authenticity, so forget about opinions and “just be happy to be yourself.” Baeza concluded.

Conclusion

   Through a diversity of colors and appearances, unlike most West Ranch students, who choose to wear their natural hair color, these flamboyant Wildcats decide to stand out to create a bold and striking statement. So Cats, do not be afraid to portray yourself as your most favorite and striking version of yourself!