Why I Dyed My Hair Yellow

Who here let’s insignificant things hold you back from progressing? I 1000% raise my hand. One of those insignificant things for me? My hair.

In November 2018, I dyed my hair pink – like Barbie pink – my existential crisis made me do it. It was fun for a week… If you’ve ever colored your hair a bright color you know you have to wash your hair with cold water to keep the color vibrant. And I chose to dye my hair in the middle of winter… Bright hair, not a bright idea.

Around February, the color had started to fade. Half of my hair was blonde and the other half was a dull pink shade. I was embarrassed to go out in public because my hair was so wonky. I decided I needed a change. I went out, bought powder bleach and developer, and with that I said bye-bye to that awkward blonde/pink mess.

You’ve probably seen those text posts about when a girl gets her hair cut after a break up. The hair cut representing letting go of a bad relationship and starting over. I can vouch for this. I’ve never done anything to my hair because of a break-up with a guy, I have cut and colored my hair because of a break-up with an idea.

I dyed my hair red (think Little Mermaid) when I started college. I was breaking up with the idea that my parents controlled my every choice. I was 18 and ready to rebel. Next, I cut all my hair off and rocked a pixie cut. I was breaking up with the idea that my hair made me beautiful. Then, I eventually went blonde. I was more testing the theory that blondes have more fun (they do). And now we reach my pink hair phase. I was breaking up with the idea that my depression was in control.

I realized that when I make a small, intentional change it feels like I am hitting the reset button. My most recent small, intentional change? Dying my hair yellow. I was breaking up with the idea that my current circumstances control my happiness. The color yellow just screams HAPPY.

I considered this step one. Fix my hair, then dive into my deeply troubling emotional issues.

Find a small change you can make. Whether it is cutting your hair, rearranging your room, getting a tattoo, cleaning out your car – whatever it is that will give you the boost you need. What comes next is the hard stuff. Digging into the why behind your anxiety and depression is not going to be fun. But that boost will allow you to start this process on a happy note.

What will your small change be? Comment down below, I want to know!