Blonde is a stereotype; fake blonde is a lifestyle. To dye your hair blonde is to commit to a persona. Blondes are seen as outgoing, engaging, and even bubbly. (Of course, committing to the blonde way of life also has its struggles; many people still cling to the stereotype of the “dumb blonde.”) I chose to become a fake blonde because blonde stands out; blonde is bright; blonde is happy.
I was a natural blonde for my first fifteen or so years. But by high school, I was walking a thin line between “dirty blonde” and “brunette.” Despite what my genes wanted to say, I knew I was a blonde trapped in a brunette’s body. (My friends and family, by the way, were savvy enough never to utter the word “brunette” in my presence.)
Days before I enrolled at Cornell, a friend at a beauty school asked to use my hair for a competition; she wanted me to go almost platinum. I agreed, and after six hours of sitting in the salon having my long hair lightened, toned, and highlighted, it was official: I was a fake blonde. Since then, my wardrobe has changed; blues and greens that complimented my dirty blonde have been traded in for pinks and blacks that play up the Barbie or Vogue side, respectively, of my new hair.
I am a salon blonde—my hair has been dyed twice professionally—but since I let my friend color my hair for projects, I have yet to pay for it. Personally, I’m not fond of the idea of spending upwards of $100 on my hair every eight weeks, so I am considering switching to store-bought dye. I’ve been warned of the possible consequences: orange or damaged hair, looking too fake, or not matching my previous color. Even though I have no shame in dying my hair, the awkward halo of brown that borders my scalp is becoming a bit too conspicuous for my taste. I could get away with wearing hats in Ithaca for a few more months, but sooner or later, I’ll have to make a decision.
I’m sure there are people who don’t view hair color the same way I do, as a defining characteristic, but being blonde is an integral part of who I am. I know blondes aren’t the only ones who have more fun—but I have more fun being blonde.
— Alexandra Clement ’16