4 Truths of Being Human That I Noticed When I Dyed My Hair Blue.

Jennifer

Jennifer is a voracious reader, obsessive writer, passionate yoga instructor and drinker of hoppy ales. She's also a devoted mama and wife (a stay-at-home yogi). She considers herself to be one of the funniest people that ever lived. In addition to her work on elephant journal and The Huffington Post, Jennifer has over 40 articles published on the wellness website MindBodyGreen and her column Your Personal Yogi ran in the newspaper Toledo Free Press. She holds a Bachelor's degree in geology, absolutely no degrees in anything related to literature, and she currently owns a wheel of cheese. Her books, The Best Day of Your Life and The Art of Parenting: Love Letters from a Mother are available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ .

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13 Responses

  1. Jean Brodahl says:

    Love, love, love this article, Jennifer. I’ve complimented people all my life because it just comes out of my mouth. And MOSTLY about their hair. =) I especially love gray hair and at 65 my hubby barely has any. And I compliment teens on their different hair. AND I have fine, straight, oily, ANNOYOING hair that I HAVE to wash every single day or I look like a bag lady. I’m a retired teacher that misses the kids SO much. If it strikes me, I compliment. I’m reposting your post all over the place!! =) My daughter is 35 with a 3 & 7 year old. =) LOVE YOUR HAIR JENNIFER!!!

    • Jennifer says:

      Jean, you have absolutely no idea what your feedback means to me. On so many levels, you have truly touched me. Thank you!

      It’s wonderful and relieving to hear that there are others out there who freely give out compliments, and who notice the importance of doing this. Hands down, this was my favorite thing that came out of publishing this post. Thank you also for sharing. As an indie writer, that support is huge.

      Thank you again for making my day. xo

  2. Lynda Cooke says:

    I think it’s wonderful that you dyed your hair just because you felt like it. It’s important to do things for ourselves from time to time! I do have one question though: Where did you get the dye job done? I’d love to do my hair in blue like this, and I would really appreciate any suggestions! Thanks in advance and keep being awesome!

    • Jennifer says:

      Thanks! I go to my local salon/my color goddess guru. Personally, I love Pravana and I wouldn’t do it at home. Check out a professional salon and ask a lot of questions. Good luck!

  3. Alison Johnston says:

    This is the best! I dyed mine purple for all the same reasons. I had the same experiences as you. I’m a little nervous about doing it again since I just accepted a kindergarten teaching position. More nervous about the administration and parents than the kids. But it’s just hair. It will grow.

    • Jennifer says:

      Thank you so much!

      One of the reasons I decided to do a bright color is because it’s not as long-lasting, and I was dying my long hair that, for the first time in awhile, was all my own/natural. This said, I now lament that the color washes out more easily than “natural” color, and I have to keep it up—because I’m in love with it and don’t plan on stopping soon. Congrats on the new job!

  4. Courtney Neal says:

    I read this post on HelloGiggles. First, I love the blue hair! I have done many colors in my past but have two kids (8 and 2 year old girls) and have been apprehensive to do funky colors because I’m “mom”. Maybe I could add a fun chunk in there and see how it goes.
    Second, I too give compliments to people all the time. Whenever I see anything at all I think is interesting, pretty , funny, etc. I make sure to tell the person no matter the age, gender or whatever. I also look out for people that look like they could use a compliment -which, let’s face it, is most people these days. My older daughter has told me it’s one of her favorite things about me and something she wants to do.

    Thank you for the great article! ?

    • Jennifer says:

      Thank you for reading and for this feedback. It’s so nice to hear.

      I’m a believer in embracing the vulnerability of being human in general, and in trying to make other people feel good when it’s deserved and the situation merits it (even if it makes us feel vulnerable ourselves to do so).

      (Side note: my kids love my hair, and I’ve been surprised at how it’s often the people I thought would disapprove of my hair that are envious!)

  5. Sarah says:

    As one blue haired mama to another I couldn’t agree more! I love my blue hair, it makes be so happy, but also love what it brings out in people. It starts a dialogue that usually touches on “if not now, then when?” I love when the conversation ends with people telling me they are going to do something for themselves that they have been putting off.

    • Jennifer says:

      Really great point. One thing I’ve noticed is that teenagers are chattier with me now! Maybe being a little funky with my hair will encourage and remind my own kids someday that mama’s okay to talk to. 😉 xo

  6. Margaret Lowry-Brock says:

    This totally made me happy to read. I have been growing and donating my hair for the past four years (which I love being able to do) but have decided that I would rather go purple than gray. I’m really beginning to look forward to this rather than lament the fact that as I grow ever closer to fifty I have a bit more tinsel rather than the chestnut I’ve enjoyed all of these years!

    • Jennifer says:

      Good for you for donating your hair! And for being open to changes. Embracing some spontaneity in life can feel really good,no? xo

  7. Carrol says:

    I dyed my hair blue. I loved it. My husband refused to look at me or speak to me for three days. I’m not sure what to do about that. I’ve never understood being embarrassed by someone else’s body. I love the acceptance you experienced. I miss the freedom to alter my appearance that I owned before marriage. What would you have done in my situation? I didn’t rush out and change it, I lasted a week. Then I chopped it off. Liked it even more. Spiky silver gray with blue tips. He hated it also, but it was so cool…

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