Special Effects

Special effects include highlighting and vivid, unusual hair colors such as green or fuchsia. Highlighting can range from temporary to permanent, using the techniques listed above and a special application process. The techniques required to apply highlighting can be difficult for an individual to perform upon him/herself. One can create looks that range from subtle highlights acquired during a day at the beach, to more dramatic looks, such as bold, chunky highlights.

The more exotic, bright dyes typically contain only tint, and have no developer. These are typically sold in punk-themed stores (such as comic book and music stores), but are rarely available at commercial hair dressers. Colors range from blood red to seafoam green and anything in between. Many shades are even blacklight reactive. Individuals with darker hair (medium brown to black) are advised to use a bleaching kit prior to tint application for the full effect of the color. Some people with fair hair may benefit from prior bleaching as well, as the yellow undertones of blonde hair can make blue dye look green. These dyes are less permanent, and tend to "bleed" onto other fabric even when dry, so users should anticipate staining of light-colored pillows for a week or so after application.

Social Stigma

In many conservative areas, dyeing one's hair a color that does not fall within the range of natural shades may not be considered socially acceptable outside of certain circles (subcultures), such as punk or goth. In many business environments, a strict professional dress code is imposed. As most of the people who work and make hiring decisions in these places consider extremely vivid hair colors to represent a lack of professionality (respect for authority/'the rules'), someone who has dyed his or her hair an unnatural shade could risk being fired. Additionally, he or she could have a difficult time getting a new job, especially one which requires contact with a customer. Make-up, nail decoration, and clothing choices are also similarly stigmatized in conservative societies.


Further, in societies where pleasure in ones own personal appearance is repressed, the act of dyeing one's hair at all can lead to a lesser degree of social stigma, as a certain amount of 'snobbery' may be perceived by displaying ones natural color. "This is my natural color" is seen as an extremely positive, almost boastful, statement to make about one's appearance. There can also be an implication that to expend the time and money necessary in order to change one's hair color is indicative of unseemly vanity, or low self-esteem.

Social stigma may also be attached to natural hair colors. For example, brunettes are said to be the best cashiers, because they are known as honest. The three main hair colors - blonde, brunette, and red - fall into common stereotypes: blondes as glamourous/desirable or dumb, brunettes as classy/sophisticated or boring, redheads as eccentric or sexy/seductive or irascibly tempered. People have often been known to dye their hair to fit the stereotype. These stigmas span continents, as well as history.