Shravani G Kumbhar
Hair colouring has become one of the most popular fashion and beauty trends among youngsters today. Many youngsters are changing their natural black hair to bold and extraordinary colours. Hair colouring is not only about appearance but also about confidence and trying something new. Poonam Mehta, 45, a beauty and hair therapist, says, “There is an increase in youngsters choosing hair colour. They are going for cool, and vibrant shades like aqua, violet, green, blonde, pink, blue, and red.” What was once seen as unusual is now widely viewed as a form of artistry and self-expression. Poonam says, “It is a way to experiment, and it is the youths’ choice.” The significant rise of social media platforms such as Instagram Reels and Pinterest, along with the growing fashion culture, has contributed to the popularity of various styles and their influence on today’s youth. “There is a greater inclination toward hair colouring due to fashion trends, as people are influenced by social media and want to stay trendy and break away from traditional hair colour norms,” said Poonam.
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Different youngsters have different choices and reasons for colouring their hair, and they use it to find and express their own personal style.
EXPERIMENTATION AND PERSONAL STYLE Hair colouring often begins with curiosity and the desire to try something unique for themselves. Through such exploration, youngsters learn more about their personal choices and their comfort with new styles. For many, hair colour has emerged as a powerful medium of self-expression. Arya Desai, 20, from Sanquelim says, “I colour my hair because I want to try how different colours look on me, and I find it attractive,” and “I simply like experimenting and trying new looks. Today’s youngsters are trying different hair colours for excitement and to explore styles that help them feel stylish and confident. Arya says, “Hair colouring does not really change my personality, but it often acts as an instant confidence booster.” She also believes that hair colouring is both fashion and a form of self-expression. Speaking about her family’s reaction, Arya says, “My mother is a beautician, and she herself encouraged me to colour my hair.” Her experience reflects how many families have gradually started accepting modern beauty trends and personal style choices among youngsters.
THE DESIRE FOR A FRESH AND DIFFERENT LOOK
Even a small change in hair colour makes youngsters feel refreshed and confident about their appearance. Vishaka Naik says, “I colour my hair because I want a fresh and new look, and usually it depends on my mood and my desire for a change.” She further shares, “Hair colouring changes how I feel about myself, although it takes some time for me to get comfortable with the change.” Youngsters today view hair colouring as a form of creative self-expression and fashion rather than something shocking or unusual. Traditional social expectations often associate natural hair with discipline, while bright colours are sometimes seen as attention-seeking. However, Vishaka explains that while some people feel surprised when they first see her coloured hair, she also receives compliments and positive reactions.
EXPRESSING INDIVIDUALITY AND CREATIVITY BEYOND STEREOTYPES “I always want to try something different with my look. Hair colouring feels like a fun way to express myself and bring a fresh change to my appearance,” said Neha Desai from Sanquelim. People often make changes to their appearance not to disrespect their natural beauty, but to give themselves a fresh sense of confidence. Neha says, “Colouring my hair does not mean I do not appreciate natural beauty. I see it as a form of creativity and self-expression, similar to fashion or makeup.” Neha believes hair colouring makes her feel more expressive and refreshed. Colouring hair in vibrant shades is often portrayed as unusual or odd, and many people still see it as something that does not fit into traditional social norms. However, many youngsters prioritise their own choices and use unconventional hair colours as a form of self-discovery while moving beyond old restrictions and stereotypes. Bernice Mendes, 21, from Aldona, says, “Hair colouring definitely changes how I feel about myself. I feel more confident and more like myself.” Bernice added, “I bleach my hair and later coloured it purple because I love how it helps me express my creative side. My hair adds a pop to my outfits, completes my overall look, and becomes an important part of my personality.” At the same time, Bernice openly speaks about the judgment surrounding coloured hair. She says, “I do face judgment on certain occasions because some people are not used to breaking social norms, but I believe once you stop fearing judgment and start loving yourself, people eventually come around and even compliment you.” She adds, “Loving yourself before expecting others to love you is very important.” Bernice also believes that experimentation and change are positive experiences. She says, “I believe change is important and experimenting will always be a good thing, and you can never have a bad outcome if experiencing is the goal.”
CONFIDENCE AND FREEDOM OF CHOICE At its core, hair colouring is often about something simple, a desire for change. For some youngsters, it begins with curiosity; for others, it is a way to feel more like themselves. While opinions around coloured hair may differ, the experiences shared by these youngsters show that it is rarely just about following a trend. Whether it is trying a new shade for fun, marking a new phase in life, or expressing a creative side, each colour carries a personal reason behind it. In the end, the growing popularity of hair colouring among youth is less about the colour itself and more about the freedom to make choices that reflect who they are. Bernice shared, “Everyone should try colouring their hair at least once in their life.” Colouring hair does not mean rejecting natural beauty. Whether someone chooses subtle highlights or bold colours, the decision often reflects individuality and confidence in personal identity.
