Most Popular Hair Color Among College Students

College life is synonymous with experimentation and self-expression. 

One of the most striking and immediate ways students express themselves is through their hair color.

Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash

It becomes not just a style statement, but a reflection of one’s evolving identity, preferences, and influences during these transformative years. 

This journey of color isn’t solely about aesthetic appeal; it’s interwoven with personal stories, cultural trends, and the age-old desire to stand out and simultaneously fit in. 

In this exploration, we delve into the art and science of choosing hair colors, ensuring they remain vibrant, and shedding light on the current favorites dotting campuses globally.

How To Choose Your Hair Color

Choosing the perfect hair color is not just a matter of following trends, but of reflecting your personality, enhancing your complexion, and elevating your style. 

College students, who are at a stage of experimenting and self-discovery, often use hair color as a medium to express themselves. 

Given the myriad of options available, picking the right shade can be overwhelming. Here’s how to break down the process and select the best hair hue for you.

Taking An Online Quiz

An excellent first step to zeroing in on your ideal color is taking an online quiz. Numerous beauty websites and hair color brands offer these quizzes. 

They ask a range of questions: from your skin tone and eye color, to your favorite clothing colors, to the mood you wish to convey. 

Based on your answers, the quizzes provide a curated set of color recommendations. 

They offer a fun and relatively accurate way to gauge which shades might suit you, especially if you’re indecisive.

Considering Your Skin Undertone

It’s essential to consider your skin’s undertone. 

While the surface color can change (like getting a tan or turning pale), the undertone remains consistent. 

Generally, undertones are classified as warm, cool, or neutral. Gold or peachy undertones indicate warm; blue or pink suggests cool; and a mix of both is neutral. 

Warm undertones tend to look better with golden and caramel shades, while cool undertones pair well with ash and blue-based colors. 

For those with neutral undertones, a wider range of colors usually complement their skin.

Seasonal Trends And Inspiration

While personal preference and complexion play a pivotal role, it’s also essential to stay updated with the current trends, especially if you want a contemporary look. 

College campuses are brimming with style inspiration. 

Observing what colors are popular each season, or even checking out social media influencers and celebrities, can provide a fresh perspective. 

Remember, it’s not about blindly following a trend but seeing if it resonates with your personal style.

Maintaining Vibrant Hair Color

After choosing the ideal shade, maintaining its vibrancy is the next challenge. 

Hair color, especially if it’s a non-natural shade, can fade over time. Here are some actionable steps to ensure your color remains vivid and lustrous.

Investing In Color-Safe Products

Regular shampoos and conditioners might strip the hair of its color, leading to faster fading. 

Color-safe products are designed to lock in the dye and ensure longevity. 

They are specially formulated to provide the necessary moisture and protection that colored hair needs.

Avoiding Excessive Sun Exposure

The sun’s UV rays can bleach the hair, leading to discoloration. 

If you’re out in the sun frequently, consider wearing hats or scarves, or using hair products with UV protection. 

It’s especially crucial for vibrant, unconventional colors like purples, blues, and greens, which tend to fade faster with sun exposure.

Regular Touch-Ups

Even with the best care, hair color will eventually grow out or fade. 

Regular touch-ups, typically every 4-6 weeks, can keep the color looking fresh. 

It also provides an opportunity to tweak the shade slightly based on how it’s faded or your evolving preferences.

Current Favorites On College Campuses

The beauty of college life is the diversity it brings. 

With so many different personalities, backgrounds, and styles, there’s always a vast array of hair colors to spot. 

While preferences change, some shades become the talk of the campus for a season or two.

Pastel Shades

Over the years, pastel hair colors have emerged as favorites among college students. 

From lilac to mint green to baby pink, these colors offer a whimsical, dreamy aesthetic. 

They’re perfect for those looking to make a statement without going too bold, as the muted tones can be both eye-catching and understated.

Natural Highlights And Lowlights

While vibrant colors have their place, many students are gravitating towards natural highlights and lowlights. 

These subtle color variations add dimension and depth to the hair. 

Whether it’s sun-kissed blonde highlights or deep caramel lowlights, these shades enhance one’s natural hair color, giving it a multi-dimensional appearance.

Bold And Unconventional Hues

For those who love to stand out, bold colors like electric blue, fiery red, or neon green are the way to go. 

These colors exude confidence and individuality. 

They’re not just colors but statements, each one telling a unique story about the individual sporting it.

Final Remarks

In the vibrant tapestry of college life, hair color emerges as a powerful medium of self-expression. 

While it’s easy to get swept up in the ebb and flow of trends, the true essence of coloring one’s hair lies in its ability to mirror an individual’s journey of self-discovery and personal style. 

From the meticulous process of selecting the right shade to the diligent care it demands post-coloring, every step is a testament to the significance of this choice. 

College campuses, in their diverse glory, showcase a spectrum of shades — from the whimsical pastels and bold statements to the subtleties of natural highlights. 

Each hue, whether chosen for its trendiness or its resonance with one’s identity, tells a story. 

As students navigate their college years, these hair colors become symbolic of their experiences, aspirations, and the ever-evolving sense of self. In essence, while hair color trends will ebb and flow, the personal narratives they represent are timeless. 

Choosing, maintaining, and flaunting these colors is more than just a fashion choice; it’s a rite of passage, a canvas of creativity, and a bold statement of individuality in the bustling corridors of college life.