Tools of Attraction: Dyed Hair

Three New Yorkers on their unique plumage.

By Colette McIntyre

Catherine, 20 

How long have you been dyeing your hair?
Since the eight grade — bright colors since last year. 

Oh, really? Well what was the starting color palette? 
I started bleaching it — doing real bright blonde colors just for fun when I was bored. 

What was the catalyst to change to pink?
It was actually purple first. I put too much bleach in one time and I was like, "This is kind of purple. I'm just going to go for it." I ended up dyeing my whole head and loving it. 

How long has it been pink? 
Probably six months. On and off. 

Do people hit on you using your hair color as a pick-up line?
Definitely. Walking around, I stop if people say in a full sentence, "I like your hair," but if people just yell "pink," like, "Hey pink!" I don't stop. It makes me crazy.

They just yell out the colors? 
Yeah, they yell "Hey pink," or, "What up, pinkie?"

Would you ever date anyone who requested you let your natural color grow back in?
No. I respect other people's  opinions, but if that was like a determining factor, that would be a definite no. That would be like if I had blond hair and someone said they'd need me have brown hair in order to date me. I'd say "Fuck you". 

Would you date a guy with dyed hair? 
Definitely. If it looked good on them. 

Dyeing your hair requires a lot of diligence... are you equally diligent in your relationships?
I guess you could say that. I don't really compare them, but I suppose. 

Do people ever ask you if the carpet matches the drapes? 
Actually, no. 

So... they... don't match?
That would be nice. I was thinking about purple recently, but it never happened.
 

Purple pubes?
Yeah. In the end it seemed like a waste of good hair dye.

So no plans for a special night — perhaps your partner's favorite color?
Maybe — that could happen. I'd have to see upon request.