Happy Hair, Happy Life!

These bold beauties are workin’ their rainbow locks — some have been doing so for decades, others more recently. Brightly colored hair is no longer just for punk rockers and vampire goths. Everyone — from writers to real estate agents — is tinting her tresses. Nor is festive hair color just for kids; women of every age are embracing happy highlights — giving a whole new meaning to blue-haired ladies.

Jennifer James, Age: 51

“I started coloring my hair 15 years ago, and I change it every three months to keep it vibrant. I do every color combination: sports teams, holidays, you name it. Little kids love it!

That 80-year-old woman with rainbow hair and crazy jewelry? I’m gonna be her.

Mara Hennessey

“I tell people I fell asleep on the beach, looking at the Caribbean, and woke up like this. I’d been coloring my hair for ages, dying it jet black as it was turning gray. Then I saw a woman with silverish hair that had a lavender tint. It glowed! I started adding a little blue to my mix and four years later, my hair is pale aqua with pewter undertones. As both an artist and an activist — it works.”

Michele Saunders, Age: 75

“I started going gray in my 30s, so I did henna. But then I realized everyone was doing henna, so I started using Manic Panic dye. When I found [the bright-green shade of] Electric Lizard, I felt that was my color — I love that it glows in the dark.

Everywhere I go, I get compliments on my hair. And you know, it’s good when the kids tell you they love it. I feel comfortable at my age, looking as I do. I have fun.”

Cherokee Black, Age: 66

“I started doing bold colors when I was living in England in the ’70s. They weren’t doing it yet in America. I color it when I get bored, usually pinks or purples. But I wanted to try something new, so I did blue and I really love it! 

I remember my grandmother always said, ‘Your hair is your crowning glory.’ That’s how I feel!”

Gina Jarrin, Age: 52

“I used to color my hair black. When I turned 50, I went platinum and it looked great. Then I used a product that accidentally turned it purple and pink. But I wound up getting compliments on it, so I kept it! Now it’s salt and pepper, which I color lavender or pink when the mood hits me — because I’m an overall cool badass.”

Alison Weig, Age: 41

“Pink is my go-to. I have colorful tattoos, I play with makeup, and I constantly change my hair — grow it, cut it, color it. I like to keep it interesting.”

Alice Carey, Age: 60+

“The Irish go gray in their 20s, and I had no intention of going gray. I started henna-ing it in the ’70s because I loved legendary musical theater performer Gwen Verdon's fiery hair.  A number of years ago, I spied her having lunch and decided to tell her.  Without missing a beat, she said. "Yeah kid, now we both have orange hair." I henna it every five to six weeks. I even bring henna on the road while touring with my latest book, Manhattan to West Cork. My husband does it. People love it.”

Jenn Tidball, Age: 46

“I first dyed my hair in grad school, and I went red for years. But when I retired from a traditional 9-to-5 job, I started experimenting — neon pink, platinum, oranges. I love the reaction I get. People are surprised at someone my age with colored hair, but I’m never going back to more traditional!”

Maria Oh, Age: 52

“I started dyeing it at 15, when I was part of the New York City punk scene; back then I would get every reaction from fear to fascination. Gradually the world changed, and it became acceptable, but I haven’t really changed. I’m a loner and also my hair helps me not feel stereotyped as an Asian woman. It’s just a small thing that says ‘I’m different.’ "

Jane H.

“I like to change my look. I feel like I change from the outside in. I’m currently rainbow galaxy colored. I change it about three times a year so my husband feels like he has multiple wives. I love seeing vibrant women in their ’80s with pink and purple hair. Why grow old like your grandmother?”

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