Hair styles are a big part of who we are. Adolescents frequently change up their hairstyles for different reasons, but big events aren’t the only times when teens change up their look up top. Prom, award ceremonies, graduation and other big events are times when pictures matter, but walk up the hallways at school you’ll see a student with “Alicia Keys Braids” one day, and a purple lace front the next.
Some change their hairstyles based off trends, personalities, or cultural backgrounds. Thankfully for teens who like to change their look, there are more styling choices than ever. Modern hairstylists use tools such as glitter strands, hair dye, or even jewels to express themselves.
Prom: Big Bucks, Pricey Hair
Prom is the biggest event of the school year for seniors, and hair styles for the dance is a big expense. FORTUNE magazine puts the average 2024 prom tab at nearly a thousand bucks. Depending on the style you go with, the car you roll up in, and the dress or suit you choose, that figure shoots up to $1,500.
Senior Violet-Joy Blake changes her hair for every big school event. She says trends don’t drive her hair styling decisions; it’s more about standing out and feeling good.
“When you’re going to prom or another event, you don’t want to look the same as everyone else. Changing hair styles a lot gives me self-confidence. I get a self-esteem boost.”
Senior Sean Gurrier agrees. “Some people can rock the same hairstyle that they have, but I believe that a hairstyle is part of a fashion look which tells a story. It makes me feel more confident and it puts me in a better space.”
“I decided to get waves because I felt like my hair texture was really nice for it, and it was also easier to maintain than my blowout.”
All in all, high-schoolers use hairstyles as an expressive outlet.
Why I Dye.
As for myself, I do believe hair styles are one of several opportunities for us to express our personalities. Almost a year ago, I dyed my hair and ever since, I dye my hair from time-to-time based on how I’m feeling.
Sean and Violet-Joy both agree with the fact that changing our hairstyles can help us gain a confidence boost and that hair styles are a good way for us to tell our own story.
“I also receive a lot more compliments, which makes me happier, said Sean.”
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@supernanny Would you let your teen daughter paint her hair? 👀 #supernanny #fyp #jofrost #kidsoftiktok #teensoftiktok #teenagers ♬ original sound - Supernanny
