In school, you probably see dozens of people with dyed hair. In fact, look in the mirror–it could even be you! Some people keep their natural hair color and look just as good, but there is something deeper than just a color, it goes much further than that.
Globally, 1 in 3 teens suffer with anxiety disorder and 2 of 100 teens suffer from body dysmorphia worldwide. Letting your teen dye their hair can be a way for them to find their own confidence and feel more comfortable expressing themselves in their own skin, helping them become more independent 1 hair color at a time.
One website when talking about teens with dyed hair says that “Self-expression is important. It’s their body, not mine. If they want pink hair and to shave one side of their head, they have my blessing.” After all, does it hurt your eyes to look at bright hair? No, it doesn’t. Unusual hair colors don’t hurt you, but they can really help the teens who view this as control over their bodies.
The same website then adds that “Encouraging self-expression in our children and facilitating opportunities for them to discover what brings them joy and bolsters their confidence could start with their hair and clothes, but it goes far beyond that.”
Teens should be able to express themselves in any way they need to, to feel confident in their bodies. After all, it’s just hair! It will eventually fade or grow out, and if they want a new hair color, so what? Most kids who get told “no” will find a way to do it anyway; with piercings or hair dye. In reality, it’s their hair and their bodies. Sometimes becoming your “old self” is by feeling like how you did when you were younger in your body. If getting a new hair color or piercing is helping even a little, then do it! You will never know if you like something until you try it, and who knows, it could become the thing that makes them the happiest in life.
Another article by Rebecca Stewart from simplylocalbillings.com says, “I would implore us all to consider that that hairstyle or color that you think is eight shades of crazy could actually be saving that kid’s life to some degree.” “Then ask yourself, is what this kid is wearing or how he does his hair, does it affect me at all, even a little? Not so much, right?”
I asked 7 students “Did dying your hair give you a confidence boost/ make you feel more comfortable in your body?” 6/7 students said YES with one saying, “Self-expression is most important when going through your high school years and in general!”
Letting your kid dye their hair could be doing more than you think and could open new doors in your relationship and their lives. If you are considering dying your hair my answer will always be, do it! It’ll look great on you, and it might just feel great as well.
