From color to texture to cut, hair can be one of the biggest forms of self expression.

      One of the most common ways to change up your ‘do is hair dye. Synthetic hair dye was first invented in the early 1900s, but people have been using other methods of coloring their locks for centuries. The early Egyptian women used henna to hide their grays hairs. While women today still dye their hair for the same reason, new trends have surfaced of bold, colorful hair.

      Johanna Moen, junior, is no stranger to coloring her hair. Her hair was a copper color until she dyed the tips of her hair purple. Her hair is now bleached with hints of blue, but she has had many different colors since the purple tips.

      “I love self expression and one way I can do that is by dyeing and cutting my hair to what I feel like,” Moen said.

      Andrew Field, junior, also has bleached hair. This is Field’s first time coloring his hair. In the past, he had short brown hair, but now his hair is bleach colored and long on the top. He bleached his hair four times over the course of several months to achieve the color he has today. Field described his hair as “fabulous.”

      “I just really wanted a way to be unique,” Field said. “I thought of many different things, but this was the best one.”

      Both Moen and Field agree bleached hair should be done professionally. If done incorrectly, your hair could start to fall out. Moen experienced this firsthand when she first bleached her hair with a friend. They left the bleach in too long and lost some hair in the process.

      “Get it done professionally and know what you’re doing,” Moen advised.

      Besides the process of dyeing your hair, another process many people have to work through is convincing their parents to let them do something to their hair. Many parents are reluctant to let their kids dye their hair or try a style that is out of their comfort zone. Field said it took awhile to convince his mother, but she eventually let him go ahead with it.

      “I’m lucky I got to do this, because it took a while to convince my mom,” Field said.

      Along with the edgy look of colorful hair comes upkeep. People with colored hair need to go in and get their roots touched up every so often. Moen said to use less shampoo to keep your hair looking nice and to keep the color. Masks and lots of conditioner are also important in keeping your colorful mane looking its best.

      If you’re looking into dyeing your hair, consider your options and what fits your hair color and type. Be cautious when dyeing or bleaching, to avoid damage or color catastrophes. Don’t be afraid to go for a bold and exciting look when choosing a new style or color for your mane. After all, hair does grow back.