Maybe you think coloring hair is not something to exaggerate. It's just hair dye and it will wear off over time, right? It's not that simple. Convincing your parents to give you permission to dye your hair is not an easy task because they want you to still look naturally attractive. However, the opportunity to get parental permission to dye hair still exists. You can give proper and compelling arguments, and do your research well before starting a discussion with them.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Doing Research
Step 1. Learn about hair coloring products
Decide which color you will choose to dye your hair. Find information about the product you will use. Read product reviews to make sure you are buying a quality brand.
- Some shampoo/conditioner brands also produce hair dyes. You get one extra point if you choose the same brand as the shampoo your parents used.
- If your parents are vegan or are against animal testing, consider choosing a dye that uses only plant ingredients or does not do animal testing.
Step 2. Learn the risks that come with coloring your hair
Hair dye contains hydrogen peroxide which can make hair dry and brittle. Maybe a single dye won't cause serious hair damage, but know that the risk is still there, especially if you have dark hair and dyed it light.
- The possibility of an allergy to hair dye is relatively small, but it is recommended to do a patch test before using the dye on your hair. Take a small amount of dye and apply it on your wrists or feet, then wait 24 hours to make sure there is no allergic reaction.
- There are some hair dyes that do not contain peroxide. The price may be more expensive than the dyes sold in pharmacies. However, this product is safer for hair.
Step 3. Make sure your decision to dye your hair does not violate school/office rules
Don't get yourself into trouble because of this. If your school doesn't allow unusual colors, chances are your parents won't give the green light either.
Make sure you meet the age requirements. If the packaging says, “Not recommended for ages under 16”, you should not use the product if you are only 13 years old. If you ignore the warning, you run the risk of serious hair follicle damage
Part 2 of 3: Giving the Right Arguments for Coloring Hair
Step 1. Discuss this topic carefully
Start by bringing up the topic of hair coloring. For example, ask questions at dinner such as, "What do you think about hair coloring?" Then tell them that you've been thinking about it for a while and want to try coloring your hair. Explain at length what you want to do to your hair.
- Use statements with "I" so they don't sound accusatory or demanding. For example, you could say, "I want to experiment with coloring my hair" instead of "Mom and dad should let me dye my hair. I have the right to do anything to my hair.”
- Avoid saying “all my friends dye their hair” because that will provoke a response like “what if all your friends jump off the bridge?”
Step 2. Explain that this hair coloring is not permanent
Explain honestly to them that you will be using a non-permanent hair coloring product. Tell them that the color will go away little by little every time you wash your hair. You might say, “I found a temporary hair coloring product and wanted to try it. I don't think the results will be too drastic. This fact will reduce the worries of parents because even if they don't like it, this hair coloring is only temporary.
Make sure you've found a non-permanent dye before discussing it with your parents so you don't sound like you're lying when you talk about it
Step 3. Say that you will buy dyes and other supplies with your own money
This will show that you are committed and responsible. Besides, your position will be more advantageous if your parents don't have to spend money on this.
For example, you could say, "I've thought it through and will cover all costs for dyes and other supplies."
Step 4. Tell them that you are prepared for the worst
If your parents object because you're afraid the process will damage your hair, say that you're willing to suffer the consequences rather than not trying it at all. You can say, “I've done some research to find out if my hair color isn't going the way I want it to be,” and “I already know how to take care of my hair after coloring it. So, the damage can be remedied.” Reassure them that you are ready to face any consequences and will overcome them.
- Explain that you know mistakes can occur in the coloring process, the resulting color may not be as expected, or there is a risk of hair damage.
- Find information about products that can be used to correct failed stains and let parents know. This information will help you convince them.
Step 5. Explain why you want to dye your hair
Don't just say you want to dye your hair, explain what prompted you to want to do it. Some people like to dye their hair because they want to determine their own appearance. Others like it because the change in appearance makes them feel more confident. Think about your reasons and explain it to your parents.
For example, you could reason that you wanted to dye your hair when you were young and didn't have too many responsibilities. That way, you'll know whether to do it again in the future
Part 3 of 3: Compromising on This Problem
Step 1. Tell them that you will return the original color of your hair if the coloring is not satisfactory
Oftentimes, parents will agree if you also give them a chance to get what they want. Here's an example of a compromise you can offer: if the coloring isn't good, you'll end up dyeing your hair back to its original color.
Tell them, "I really don't mind dyeing my hair back to its original color if it turns out badly."
Step 2. Suggest to have the coloring done at the salon by a professional
If your parents are worried that the result will be messy if you do the coloring process yourself or with the help of a friend, this could be a good option.
- Say, “If you're worried about bad results, I can go to the salon. If it is done by the experts, the result will be satisfying.”
- The only drawback of this option is that you have to spend quite a bit to pay for a professional.
Step 3. Involve parents in choosing colors
Say that the color to be chosen must be a mutual agreement. That way, you and your parents will have control over the whole process. You can say, "I'll try a natural color that's not that different from my natural hair color if you want."
Step 4. Ask if you can partially dye your hair
Instead of dyeing your entire hair, you can try highlight, lowlight, or streak techniques. Purple can give a beautiful effect from behind your natural hair. If you have long hair, you can compromise by just coloring the ends. If the results are not satisfactory, or your parents don't like it, you just need to cut it.
Try saying something like, “If you don't mind me dyeing all of your hair, how about just the ends. The result doesn't look too different and I can cut it any time."
Step 5. Ask if you can do colored hair extensions instead
If your parents are strongly against your desire to dye your hair, ask if you can buy and apply colored extensions so they have an idea of what your hair will look like once you've colored it. This method is not permanent and you can easily replace it with another color if you or your parents don't like it.
Another alternative that can be tried is to use hair dye chalk which immediately wears off as soon as you wash your hair
Tips
- Show a mature attitude. Don't whine, beg, or babble about obscure facts. Plan what you want to say. If they refuse, try again at another time with more careful preparation.
- Don't immediately assume that your parents will say yes. If you ask them to think about it and tell them their decision (if they don't like the idea of dyeing their hair at first), they'll think you're more mature and have an open mind on the matter.
- If they refuse, ask if you can dye the ends of your hair first, and then dye the whole thing. This step will introduce them to the idea slowly.
- If you can find an inexpensive hair dye, ask permission to dye your hair. If they don't agree, ask about getting colored extensions.
- Don't be surprised if your parents don't approve of your request. Try to understand what prompted them to say it and think about what you would say if you were in their situation as a parent?
- If you decide to use a non-permanent dye, read this article Coloring Your Hair with Kool Aid.
- Gather as much information as possible about hair coloring. Answer all the questions they ask.
- Consider a highlight or lowlight technique. Parents may be lenient if the hair color is hidden or not too conspicuous.
- Make a deal by saying that you will take a certain subject or get better grades.
- There is always the option of dyeing your hair with harmless organic dyes.
Warning
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging. They produce the dye and know what to do with it.
- Know what you are doing. There is a set of unwritten "rules" and their consequences for hair coloring: black hair treated with ordinary bleach will turn orange, some brown or gray blonde hair will produce a slight shade of green, and so on. If you are unsure of something, ask a professional for advice.
- If your parents insist on not giving you permission to dye your hair, don't do it without telling them! Doing so will only make them angry and you may lose the opportunity to do this again into adulthood. Be patient and wait for them to give you permission.