Walking down the hallways of school, there are many unique and diverse hairstyles to be seen. Several of these hairstyles are based on style, culture or religion and it is very common to see friend groups with the same haircut or color for this same reason. Although some haircuts might seem like a fashion choice, many peoples’ hair shows their lifestyle and is a representation of who they are.
Alternative hair
“My hair plays a big part of who I am because I make sure it’s styled and looks like me,” junior Leah Guevara said. “It was inspired by my friend, Arleth Morales; she’s the one who got me into my alternative style.”
Alternative styles did not originate from one single source instead they emerged from many anti-mainstream cultural movements and music genres. There are many subcultures such as goth, grunge or cyberpunk, but some people’s style is more of a mix. Although hair does provide a better understanding of who someone is, hairstyles can also express a different side to them.
Two-toned hair
“My hair doesn’t make me who I am, but it’s a good representation of who I am” English teacher Ms. Zachry said. “Although I’m a pretty conservative person, I like that my hair stands out and is different from the norm.”
Two-toned hair has seen an increase in its popularity due to social media and celebrities flaunting their split dyed hair or the “peekaboo” highlights. These types of hairstyles are a good way to give a twist to natural hair, although it is not always needed.
Natural hair
“I’ve never changed or cut my hair because of the sentimental value I hold to it,” an anonymous student said. “Knowing that my hair has been there with me my whole life, makes me too attached to change it.”
While unique styles are always eye-catching, natural hairstyles are just as beautiful. To some, hair is an extension of themselves and means more than just decoration. It is commonly seen where it is grown long for modesty or covered for religion. Hair can also be a representation of one’s lifestyle or it shows that person’s interests.
The “Edgar” cut
“Stop asking all these questions and send me the pictures,” senior Erick Del Rio said.” I think my hairstyle shows that I’m a Takuache and that I have a truck — like I’m just that type of guy.”
The term “Takuache” refers to a young Mexican man who drives a customized pickup truck. Typically, they have either a burst fade, mullet or a low-taper fade. This type of hairstyle usually shows the lifestyle and habits that they have, such as the truck meets they attend or the music they listen to. Identity dictates hair as well; some people are born with one hair and just stick with it regardless of their lifestyle.
Blonde/highlights
“Although every now and then I make changes to my hair, I like to stick to blonde,” junior Jaci Edgar said. “That’s what everybody knows me as — like I’ve been blonde my whole life.”
Blonde hair is very common even if it’s not natural. A lot of girls are born naturally blonde and as their hair darkens over time they get highlights to keep their hair looking as it originally did. There are various types of highlights in many different shades; it’s a broad category that multiple people’s hair fit into. There are friend groups that will all have the same color or style and it is a good representation of how different hair gets different treatment.
Hair is the most obvious way to get a good feeling for someone’s personality, habits or lifestyle. It is not always everything though; even if people like to judge someone off of how they look, it is always important to treat people the way they truly are, not the way they are assumed to be.
