New year, new you

    As a new year begins, many people look for a way to be different. Achange in physical appearance is often the simplest solution.

One of the most painless and popular ways to create a new look is to change hair styles.

Freshman nursing major Cammy Lilley said, “My first thought was, ‘new year, new hair.’”

She had several inches cut and enjoys her new look.

Senior marketing major Kristy Balthrop is thrilled with her new look.

“I think I look like Peyton from One Tree Hill, and I like it.”

While she didn’t plan on cutting her hair for the New Year, the timing was perfect for her last semester.

Some women cut drastic amounts of hair after they decide to donate it for a good cause.

Balthrop said, “I’ve been growing it out for Locks of Love, and I finally had the nine inches to donate it.”

Changing hair styles is mostly a feminine response, but many men like to make a change when it comes to facial hair.

Among the group of men who grew beards was sophomore art major Karl Eason.

“I decided to grow my beard in October,” he said. “There isn't much of a reason other than it is easier than shaving all the time.”

Some men have shaved their heads or beards. The change is just as drastic as growing the extra hair.

“I sometimes like to be clean shaven for the change,” Eason said. “I prefer to have a beard. I like having the insulation when it is cold, and it is fun to play with it when thinking.”

Dyeing hair can make just as drastic of a change as cutting and growing hair. Balthrop almost dyed her hair red but decided against it.

She said, “It’s not that I chickened out, but I just wasn’t really excited about it.”

Red is not necessarily a bright color when it comes to dyeing hair. Freshman nursing and Christian studies double major Yarickza Shirley’s hair has raced across the rainbow in bright colors. Previous shades include red, blue, purple and bleach blonde.

Dyeing is not unusual on college campuses. Some people make statements, and others want something new.

Shirley said, “I wanted to be experimental.”

Sometimes people dye their hair due to peer pressure or an actual need.

Junior education major Genny Rayfield said the first time she didn't decide to dye her hair. “My mom did. I know—weird, but she really did make me do it.”

Freshman computer graphic design major Casey Neve said, “I have naturally gray hair and color all of it when I need to.”

Some people ask their friends to find the best color.

Sophomore education major Sarah Congdon said, “My hair poll was a Facebook note turned poll that was going to help me decide on my next move as far as my hair color goes. I'm so bad at making decisions, so I thought that I'd let the school and my friends make it for me.”

She added before and after pictures done on the computer and gave instructions for casting votes.

Congdon said, “I think that I had somewhere around 40 responses, and the comments were hilarious!”

People start dyeing their hair at many different ages. Some wait until they are older while others begin early.

Neve said, “I was about 13 when I first colored my hair because of the fact that my gray and black hair did not mix well together, and I really needed it done. My mother could not keep me away from the chemicals for too much longer!”

When women dye their hair once, they usually dye it again to cover the new, natural colored roots.

Neve said, “I color my hair about every three weeks or once a month. It depends on how bad my hair is at the time.”

Hair dyeing can go in phases. After changing the color repetitively, some people will let their hair grow until they return to the natural color.

“Right now I am growing it out, but I guess I dyed it three to four times a year,” Rayfield said, “It isn't something I want right now, but, eventually, I will get bored.”

Shirley said she will not dye her hair for a while because the chemicals “ended up killing it.”

Some women pay to have their hair dyed at a salon while others prefer to do it themselves. Shirley uses store-bought dye and prefers L’Oreal.

She said, “The expensive ones tend to be the best.”

Neve said, “I went to a hair salon. It is a little bit more expensive, but you pay for what you get, and I wanted to look natural.”

There are many reasons people change hair styles.

Neve said,“I did like my hair after I started getting it colored. I didn’t feel self-conscious, and I felt confident.”