Why These Mermaids and Mermen Joined The Colored Hair Club
Article by: Tessla Venus Goodwin|@GlitterSpiesTue July 14, 2015 | 00:00 AM
From cyberpunks to kandi kid ravers, colored hair has always been a part of underground music scenes. But in the last few years we have seen the acceptance of colored hair reach new heights. From high-fashion runways to coffee clerks, colored hair is not as unusual as it once was – and we can’t help but think festival culture has something to do with it.
One of the most exciting things we've seen lately is the rise of Merman hair in mainstream culture. Our photo of a blue-bearded (and haired_ man at Coachella went viral on the web, sparking a flurry of stories aggregating men of all walks of life sporting amazing colored hair. Whether inspired by the look on women they admire or a feeling of creative expression, we love that men have decided to join in on the fun!
I spoke to some of SoCal’s most fest-loving people to find out what inspired them to take the plunge and join the colored hair club.
Ashley Lorona
Job Title: Booking agent for Morning Gloryville LA
How long have you had colored hair?
I have had colored hair since October, so 10 months now.
What inspired you to dye your hair?
I went to get my hair highlighted and she gave me way too many highlights. Instead of being blonde, I decided to dye it teal. It was a completely impulsive decision, but my life has been pure magic ever since!
Has festival culture had anything to do with your decision to dye?
Festival culture didn't influence me to dye my hair, but it definitely impacted my decision to keep it for as long as I have. There is a whole colored hair tribe I never knew existed until I started hitting the dance floors at festivals. It has become a lot of fun, and such a playful part of my appearance. To be honest, I wish more people had colored hair!
Why this color?
I have always loved the colors of the ocean. I started out a really vibrant blue and jade green, but recently wanted my hair to be sea foam green, like the color of waves breaking. I have a really fiery personality and like to think that the water colors chill me out a bit.
Best thing about having colored hair:
I think it's just great that I am at a point in my life where I can have colored hair in the first place! Too many people are bound to certain appearances because of their jobs, or fear of judgement. I am happy to say I am living authentically, and having colored hair is a part of that.
Worst thing about having colored hair:
Ruining so many towels and pillowcases, and always having to worry about my hair leaking all over everything when getting out of the pool or shower. Also, trying to go somewhere without being noticed is a bit more difficult with colored hair. For me the perks outweigh these annoyances, though.
Porkchop
Job Title: DJ at Desert Hearts
How long have you had colored hair?
About two months now, but I'm absolutely hooked!
What inspired you to dye your hair?
I was mostly inspired by my girlfriend, Alice. She's rocked so many different amazing hair colors since I've met her.
Has festival culture had anything to do with your decision to dye?
A little bit, a few of my friends started dabbling with dyeing their hair.. So I had to join the cool hair club.
Why this color?
I have a Purps to Turqs fade, because they're my two favorite colors!
Best thing about having colored hair:
You can spot the blueberry bun anywhere!
Worst thing about having colored hair:
Not being able to go swimming that often. I swam way too much these past couple of months and it's starting to show. Don't worry though, I'm already thinking about my next color(s)!
Olivia Kemp
Job Title: Dancer, Performer & Stylist
How long have you had colored hair?
I’ve had colored hair since may, the beginning of festie season for me! (Except Coachella of course)
What inspired you to dye your hair?
I was inspired by a photo of a girl with cotton candy-colored hair, and of course I wanted to be a real life mermaid fairy...duh!
Has festival culture had anything to do with your decision to dye?
Oh yes, festival culture is very much something having to do with my decision to dye.
Why this color?
I chose these colors of darker tones of purple, pink, green, blue, and magenta because I wanted to change up my style of always being light or pastel. I wanted to try out the dark side
Best thing about having colored hair:
The best thing about having colored hair is feeling like a walking rainbow! It gives off a happy, fun vibe and can really brighten up people’s days.
Worst thing about colored hair:
Worst thing would be...really what is bad about having colored hair?
Nick Taylor
Job Title: Vibe Curator at The World of Nick
How long have you had colored hair?
This is the first time I have ever colored my hair in my life. I did it only five days ago!
What inspired you to dye your hair?
I love seeing all the neon and bright hair colors and when a friend offered to put a rainbow in my hair, I couldn’t refuse. Also, having rainbow hair helps deter myself and potential employers from having to go down another road of passionless 9-5 work. It’s just kind of the vibe! I want to work in music and the hair just felt right.
Has festival culture had anything to do with your decision to dye?
Absolutely. I love festival attire. It’s pretty much all I wear now, now that I have dedicated myself to never going back to corporate 9-5. I love the vibrant hair colors and festival vibes. If you love festivals so much, why not try and live a similar life outside of festivals? And thus the merman was born.
Why this color?
I was going with the flow, and my stylist wanted to do a rainbow. Sounded epic so I said fuck it, lets do this.
Best thing about having colored hair:
It’s awesome sauce all the time. I didn’t know before, but I feel like more of a legend with merman hair. And why not, really?
Worst thing about having colored hair:
It fades so quickly.
Dolly Pop
Job title: I am an artist, I love crafting and making headpieces but my main “job” is being a mommy of a beautiful 11-year old and a housewife.
How long have you had colored hair?
I have had it colored since 2002
What inspired you to dye your hair?
Self expression!
Has festival culture had anything to do with your decision to dye?
I got into the festival scene in 2009 with already colored hair.
Why this color?
I usually change my hair color every month and a half, but my favorite colors are purple and lilac.
Best thing about colored hair:
The best thing about having colored hair is self expression. It makes my life so much more fun! It’s about ART!
Worst thing about colored hair:
How damaged my hair gets with the bleach.
Brian Vaccarella
Job Title: Owner/Executive Chef, Dub Gypsy Kitchen and Anything For Food
How long have you had colored hair?
I've had colored hair for just over two years.
What inspired you to dye your hair?
I've always lived outside the box and have had some wild hair styles including a 22-inch mohawk, but what really inspired me to dye my hair was a few pictures I had seen on Facebook of some incredible rainbow and ombre type color fades. I was debating cutting my long hair but decided it would be really fun to do some bright colors before cutting it all off. I looked at my work schedule for the spring and summer a couple years ago and realized all of my jobs were centered around the festival scene, so I thought "why not?"
Has festival culture had anything to do with your decision to dye?
I would say festival culture has definitely played a role in my original decision to color my hair, it wasn't like I had to go to a "real job" with electric blue hair. The culture has also made it easy to maintain my colored hair, as my "real job" is catering and vending at festivals so it's totally acceptable
Why this color?
I originally chose shades of blue based on a picture I had seen that really inspired me...and because there weren't enough mermen in the world. After about eight months of experimenting with different blues, purples, and aquas I found the rockabilly electric blue that I still use. It's really bright and deep, and definitely makes an impact wherever I go.
The best thing about having colored hair?
For me I think it shows the world that anything is possible. I can be a successful owner-operator doing something I love and still be taken seriously as a professional, not only for creative value, but from a business standpoint as well. Live your life, follow your passions, own who you are, be authentic. Integrity is everything. Have fun! It's also a great way to start some interesting conversations with anyone, from a businessman in line at the DMV to a 80-year-old grandmother at the grocery store, to a 6-year-old walking on the beach.
Worst thing about colored hair?
Everything gets dye on it! Pillow cases, towels, shirts, chef jackets, blankets, my hands, my neck, my ears...everything I touch turns to blue! I even have to be conscious of it while at other people's homes; I don't want to dye someone's couch blue. Although I'm sure I get judged by others for having colored hair it really doesn't bother me, that's their issue.
