50 People Dazzle After Daring To Do Something Different With Their Hair (New Pics)

I once bought a box of electric-blue hair dye. I must have been feeling brave at the time. Either that, or I needed a drastic change. Needless to say, the bravery fizzled. The box is still sealed in the bathroom cupboard—and has been for the past six years. I should probably dispose of it before my bathroom gets an unwanted and unexpected permanent makeover.

I might have chickened out, but thankfully, there are dozens of people who have had the guts to follow through on a dramatic hair transformation. As you'll see while scrolling through this list, many weren't afraid to "go big or go home." Gone are the days of plain cuts and dull colors. The streets are bursting with brightness and spunk, thanks to these brave souls who went strands to the wall, and opted to do something totally different.

Dyeing your hair an unusual color can be scary. What if it comes out the opposite of what you expect? What if the bright blue ends up more of a dull mauve? We reached out to award-winning stylist and owner of At Stylar, Ronel van Vollenhoven, to find out what could go wrong - and right - during a drastic color change.

"Bright hair is an art form!" the expert told Bored Panda during our interview. "And maintenance is part of the experience," she added.

Van Vollenhoven says the most popular bright shades people go for are vibrant pinks, electric blues, rich purples, and fiery reds. "Recently, neon greens and pastel hues have also made a strong comeback," revealed the stylist.

Van Vollenhoven says if you’re considering a bold color, the key is confidence and commitment. "These colors make a statement, so be ready to stand out."

The founder of At Stylar cautions that it's always best to consult a professional to help you choose a shade that complements your skin tone and lifestyle. "Some colors fade faster than others and require more upkeep," she explained.

If you're wondering what the process entails, the expert says going from brunette to a bright color usually involves a two-step process. "First, the hair needs to be lightened (often bleached) to a pale blonde to allow the bright color to show up vibrantly. After that, the fashion color is applied," Van Vollenhoven told Bored Panda.

And how long should you expect to sit in the stylist's chair? "Depending on your hair’s current condition, thickness, and color, this can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, sometimes longer," reveals the expert. "If your hair is dark or previously dyed, you may need multiple sessions to safely reach the desired level of lightness."

We were curious to know whether the "crazy" colors are more damaging than the "ordinary" shades of hair dye... "Bright, bold colors themselves aren’t necessarily damaging—it’s the pre-lightening (bleaching) process that can weaken the hair if not done correctly," replied van Vollenhoven.

She explained that lightening lifts the natural pigment from the hair, which can compromise its structure. "That said, with a skilled colorist and the right aftercare, your hair can still remain healthy. In comparison, going darker (like brunette or black) is less stressful on hair, while blonde usually also requires lightening, though perhaps not to the same extreme," the expert told us.

As van Vollenhoven told us earlier, bright hair is an art form, and maintenance is part of the experience. She believes you should embrace the journey, be patient with the process, and always prioritize hair health over fast results.

"Color-treated hair needs extra love!" she explains. "Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair—sulfates strip color fast." The stylist also suggests washing your hair in cool water to help lock in the pigment.

"Deep-condition weekly, avoid excessive heat styling, and use a UV protectant if you’re out in the sun a lot. You can also use color-depositing conditioners to refresh the vibrancy between salon visits," added van Vollenhoven.

As they say, all good things come to an end. Either that, or you get sick of them. But it's not always easy to get rid of that bright, bold color you've been sporting on your head this season. "Transitioning back depends on the color you had and your natural shade," says van Vollenhoven. "For fashion colors like blue or green, the pigments often linger in the hair, so it’s best to consult a colorist."