48 Hours with Pink Hair
I’ve always wanted bright, colorful hair. When I was a kid, Madonna was just beginning to gain popularity and everyone wanted to be a “punk” for Halloween. I didn’t know what that meant. Mainly it was an excuse to wear a lot of makeup, and a lot of jewelry to school. I was always jealous of all the blonde kids who could apply neon colored spray to their heads, completing the look. The stuff never took to my own black hair.
But now, I’ve got blonde streaks of my own. I worked really hard for them. And it’s been a while since I’ve been in front of a camera. I’ve been really frustrated about that, so I decided on a whim Tuesday afternoon, while in my hairdresser Marissa’s chair getting my highlights redone, to just do it.
I asked for something non-permanent, which would wash out but still allow me to enjoy feeling like a magical fairy, or a unicorn. For at least a few weeks, I thought. But no. A mere hour later, I had an audition, for a role where I was specifically being requested. That shoots next week! AND PINK HAIR IS NOT OKAY.
There is a joke amongst actors that if you really want to book a job, book a trip. I haven’t found this to be the case for myself in the last few decades. But I do think there is a reason why it is so appealing. One has such little control in this industry, that we try to take control where we can. And then the universe laughs at us: “YOU HAVE NO CONTROL. CONTROL IS AN ILLUSION!”
Immediately, I began washing my hair. But of course, everything I own is color-safe. So it barely began to fade. I wondered if I could use something stronger to wash it out, but Marissa worried that it would also remove my the toner as well, completely messing up my highlights and color underneath.
So, I went back to the salon so she could work her magic. She got all of it out, but it did take time and of course, it cost money. I got to enjoy my pink hair for about 48 hours. Here’s to the memories!
I still don’t know if I booked the job. But just in case I do have to hop on a plane in a matter of days, me and my hair will be ready.
It was an expensive and time-consuming mistake, but I did realize this — after all these years, I’m still so committed to my career. I will sacrifice so much, do things that make zero sense, all for just the possibility of an opportunity. I know this sounds dysfunctional. But that’s what I do.