Buzz
It's just hair dye, and it will wash out eventually. No big deal, right? Not quite. Talking to your parents about dyeing your hair can be tricky because they usually want you to maintain a natural, friendly look. However, you can still persuade them by presenting solid arguments in your favor, being willing to compromise, and doing some research before discussing it with them.
Steps
Learn About Hair Dyeing
Do your research on hair dyeing. Decide on the color and type of dye you want to use, and read reviews to ensure you’re choosing a quality product.
- Some shampoo and conditioner brands also produce hair dyes. You might opt for a product from the same brand your parents usually use to make it easier to convince them.
- If your parents are vegetarian or oppose animal testing, consider choosing a vegan or cruelty-free hair dye.
Understand the risks of dyeing your hair. Hair dyes contain hydrogen peroxide, which can dry out your hair and cause split ends. A single dye job might not cause significant damage, but you should still be cautious as it can have some impact, especially if you’re going for a lighter shade on dark hair.
- Allergic reactions to hair dye are rare, but it’s wise to do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of dye to your wrist or ankle and wait 24 hours to ensure no allergic reaction occurs.
- There are peroxide-free dyes available. They might be more expensive than regular dyes but are gentler on your hair.
Make sure it aligns with school policies. You don’t want to get into trouble. If your school prohibits bold hair colors, your parents are unlikely to give you permission.
- Consider age-appropriateness. If the packaging warns "not for use under 16," avoid using it if you’re only 13. Otherwise, you risk severe damage to your hair follicles.
How to Convince Your Parents to Let You Dye Your Hair?
Gently bring up the topic. Start by casually introducing the idea of dyeing your hair. You could ask during a meal, "What do you think about hair dye?" Then explain that you’ve been thinking about it a lot and would like to try it. Be clear about what you want to do.
- Use first-person language to sound less demanding. For example, say, "I’d like to experiment with dyeing my hair" instead of "You should let me do what I want."
- Avoid saying things like "all my friends are doing it" to prevent the classic "if your friends jumped off a bridge…" response from your parents.
Explain that the dye isn’t permanent. Be honest with your parents that you don’t plan to keep the color forever. The dye will fade gradually with each wash. You could say, "I found a temporary dye that I can try without making a drastic change." This will ease their concerns that even if they don’t like it, your hair will return to normal soon.
- Make sure you’ve found a genuinely temporary dye before talking to your parents, so you don’t come across as dishonest.
Offer to pay for the hair dyeing yourself. If you’re willing to cover the cost, it shows responsibility and dedication. Your parents will also be more inclined to agree if they don’t have to foot the bill.
- For example, you could say, "I’ve thought this through and am ready to pay for the dye and everything else myself."
Let your parents know you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario. If they’re hesitant because they fear your hair might get damaged, explain that you’re ready to learn from the experience and face the consequences. You could say something like, "I’ve researched how to handle dye mishaps," or "I know how to care for my hair after dyeing to minimize damage." Assure them that you’re ready to deal with any outcome.
- Clarify that you understand potential issues, like the color not turning out as expected or possible hair damage.
- Research solutions for dye mishaps and present them to your parents. This step increases your chances of success.
Explain why you want to dye your hair. Don’t just tell them you want to dye your hair—explain your reasons. Some people dye their hair to express their personality, while others do it for a confidence boost. Think of your reason and share it with your parents.
- For instance, you could explain that you want to try dyeing your hair while you’re young and less burdened by responsibilities. This way, you’ll know if it’s something you enjoy or not in the future.
How to Compromise on the Issue
Tell your parents you’ll dye it back if it doesn’t work out. Parents are often more agreeable if you’re willing to meet their conditions. One such condition could be dyeing your hair back to its original color if the new one turns out poorly.
- Say something like, "I’m willing to dye it back if the new color doesn’t look good."
Suggest going to a professional salon. If your parents are worried you might dye your hair incorrectly at home or with a friend’s help, bring up the idea of getting it done at a salon.
- Say something like, "If you’re concerned about me doing it myself, I can go to a salon instead. That way, you won’t have to worry."
- The downside is that professional dyeing can be more expensive.
Involve your parents in choosing the hair color. Ask them to help you pick a shade, giving them a sense of control. You could say, "I can choose a color close to my natural hair if that makes you more comfortable."
Ask for permission to dye only part of your hair. Instead of dyeing your entire head, suggest highlights, lowlights, or streaks. Colors like purple can still look striking while being hidden under your natural hair. If you have long hair, you could compromise by dyeing just the ends. If the color turns out poorly or your parents dislike it, you can always cut it off.
- You could argue, "Instead of dyeing all my hair, I’ll just dye the ends. That way, I won’t look too different, and if it doesn’t work out, I can cut it off."
Propose using hair extensions instead. If your parents are adamant about you not dyeing your real hair, suggest buying clip-in extensions to see how the color suits you. This is a temporary solution and allows for easy changes if they don’t like it.
- Another alternative is using hair chalk, which washes out with water.
Tips
- Be mature. Avoid whining, begging, or rambling. Have a clear plan in mind. If your parents say no, ask again later when you’re better prepared.
- Don’t expect immediate approval. If you give your parents time to think and let them inform you later (especially if they seem hesitant), they’ll see you as more mature and may become more open to the idea.
- If they refuse, ask to dye just the ends of your hair first, then request a full dye later. This gradual approach helps them adjust.
- If you find affordable dye, ask for permission to buy it. If they decline, consider using clip-in extensions instead.
- Don’t be surprised if they say no, especially if they’ve thought carefully about their reasons. Put yourself in their shoes—what would you say in their position?
- For a temporary, non-damaging option, consider using Kool Aid for hair dye.
- Become a hair dye expert, ready to answer any questions your parents might have.
- Consider underlights or highlights. Parents might be more comfortable if the color is subtle or hidden.
- Negotiate by promising to improve in a subject or achieve higher grades.
- You can use organic, non-damaging hair dye products.
- Ensure you’re not allergic to the dye. If you’re using a hypoallergenic product, inform your parents beforehand.
- Ask to dye your hair during summer, promising to dye it back before the new school year.
- When persuading them, show pictures of the desired look. Start with a small section—you can always add more later. If they refuse, don’t complain. Wait for special occasions like Christmas or your birthday.
Warnings
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging. They know their product best.
- If your parents still don’t allow it, don’t sneak out and dye your hair without their knowledge! This will only anger them and make it harder to get permission for similar requests in the future. Be patient and wait for their approval.
- Know what you’re doing. There are many unwritten rules and potential outcomes of dyeing hair: for example, black hair may turn orange when bleached, and some ash brown or blonde tones may turn greenish on yellow undertones. If unsure, consult a professional.
