Cape Town - When it comes to hair colour, blonde, brown or black don't cut it any more.
From the runway to the red carpet, the trend for crazy-coloured hair just won’t stop. Whether it’s Rihanna sporting fiery red hair or Nicki Minaj going green, rainbow hair is trending.
We spoke to three fashion influencers who have added colour to create cool hairstyles.
Cape Town:
Tracy-Lee Rosslind, celebrity stylist and Hectic Nine-9 fashion presenter/producer.
Tell us about your current hairstyle and the inspiration behind it?
My hairstyle has been a year-long transition that I embarked on with my hair guru Tracey Theys Serfontein. We started with a bright blue in May last year and toned it according to season until this winter when we decided to do our own version of grey.
How often do you change your hair?
I play around with different hairstyles, from braids to upstyles to faux bobs, but I do drastic changes seasonally.
How does your hairstyle complement your sense of style?
Fashion is where I get to play, so I like to have fun with my hair. My bright hairdos also make everyone around me happy and kids love it… it’s an ice-breaker.
What does your hairstyle say about you?
It says that I am not scared to be myself. Your hair is a personal thing; it should be about you.
Hair plays an intrinsic role in a person’s life. It is a symbol of who we are. The saying that a woman who is about to cut her hair is about to change her life is so true. Naturally, because of the importance it has on our state of mind it filters to all aspects of fashion, culture and how we see ourselves and others.
I love the fact that we are finally in a place where people are far more accepting of their hair and also more experimental with regard to colour and cuts. Never before has there been such an array of different styles and trends. Don’t be scared to play with your hair; it grows back, and wigs are amazing.
* See more of Rosslind’s hairdos at www.rude world records.co.za or at @MsTracyleeRosslind on Instagram.
Amsterdam:
Maureen Powel, model/personal stylist.
Tell us about your current hairstyle and the inspiration behind it?
I like to be different and try a lot of colours. I did this look for the Afropunk festival in Paris.
How often do you change your hair?
I quickly get bored with a hairdo, so I’ll change my hair monthly, sometimes weekly, depending on how I feel.
How does your hairstyle complement your sense of style?
It’s different and experimental, that’s what I do with clothes as well.
What does your hairstyle say about you?
It says that I am not afraid to stand out and that I have accepted myself.
I think it’s very important for us to be confident in who we are. The combination of hair and fashion is a nice way to express yourself and not limit yourself, which can be inspiring for others.
* Check out more of Powel’s colourful hairdos on her blog, www.maureenpowel.com or on Instagram @MaureenPowel
Washington DC:
Sai Sankoh, founder of B.I.A.F Media, personal shopper and stylist.
Tell us about your current hairstyle and the inspiration behind it?
For some reason I have always been attracted to green hair, but I was never brave enough to do it. I finally gained courage and did it, and now my friends say I look “different” when I don’t have green hair.
How often do you change your hair?
I change my hair every four weeks. I get a touch-up about every two weeks.
How does your hairstyle complement your sense of style?
I don’t think it complements my style at all… if anything, it contradicts it. I think green hair is very edgy and fun, which is more so my personality. But my style is mostly minimalist, simple and elegant. I lean towards more solid colours.
What does your hairstyle say about you?
(That) I am fun, confident and brave. We develop different types of hair to blend into the environment and climate in our various geographic locations. I like to make my statement with a short conspicuous crop synonymous with the indigenous cultures of where I come from, which is Africa.
* See more of Sankoh’s look on her blog, Because I am Fabulous, www.becauseiamfabulous.com or follow her on Instagram @sai.sankoh.
HAIR TIP
Hairstylist Zairu Nolan of HairTogether in Observatory says more people are asking for pink, blue and green hair. “It’s a trend that comes and goes. Clothing has also gone very bright and some people want their hair to match their clothing, especially young people. They are more on trend and adventurous,” says Nolan.
“A colourful hairdo can also brighten up your life. It’s amazing what hair colour can do for someone’s personality and confidence.”
Nolan says highlights are a good way of brightening up one’s hair if you are not ready for a full head of colour or a temporary colour which lasts for about five washes.
Cape Argus