‘You just don’t seem like the kind of person to dye your hair, y’know?’ – anonymous. Why is being different seen as having to fit a personality or a stereotype? Dying your hair or getting a new piercing shouldn’t have to be ‘expected’ because you seem like it, but rather because you feel like it symbolizes you as a person.

That comment sparked a couple of questions: “ Why would that be expected of a more bold individual and not expected of me?” “why is it normal for them but not for me?” 

Many people felt they gained more confidence or got more compliments when they dyed their hair or maybe got a new piercing, 

“I stand out more, I get a lot of compliments.” said, Junior, Rue Kopp 

Topaz Tamaz, Junior said, “I got more compliments and people acted nicer to me.”

Junior, Michiah Lawson stated, “My friends said they looked good so their opinion is really the only one that matters.”

Leah Woodrich, Sophomore, says, “My friends liked my nose septum, tons of compliments.” 

11th grader, Lauren Hettinga says, “a lot of people liked the pink hair.” 

Junior Abby Tratz says, “getting pierced is a freeing experience, feels like i can be anyone with no limitations.”

Many people say they feel more like themselves when they make a change to their appearance, they may receive more compliments. 

In high schools especially, appearance can play a large role in how students feel about themselves. Some students dye their hair or get piercings because they want a fresh start or a way to feel more confident. Others simply enjoy experimenting with fashion and style. Social media has also influenced these trends, with celebrities and influencers encouraging self-expression through unique looks.

Overall, dyeing hair and getting piercings are common ways people show individuality, difference, and personality. They allow people to feel unique, confident, and comfortable being themselves in a world where fitting in can sometimes feel overwhelming and scary.