Alternative Hair Styles and Color

Alternative hair styles and color push the envelope, turn heads, and really make a strong statement. Individuals who have an adventurous streak and love to use their hair as a form of self-expression favor these styles. Just as so many individuals rely on fashion as a way to express themselves, hair has become an equally important part of the equation. In fact, one might consider these hair styles a form of fashion in themselves: numerous colors and shapes provide options galore for those who dare to stand out in a crowd.

Color can transform any style into something memorable.

There's no doubt you've spotted a few of these bold hair styles in magazines and on television. Singers Pink and Gwen Stefani are known for their audacious, colorful, ever-changing looks, and even men like David Beckham and Pete Wentz have been known to frequently alter their hair styles.

Their popularity in celebrity culture has made alternative hair styles and color even more popular in the mainstream. Embraced especially by youth, they're vastly different than the looks typically sported by individuals walking out of barbershops and salons. Some characteristics of alternative hair styles include:

• Color: Hair color plays a major part in transforming basic into bold. Many feature a gradation of color from light to dark, while others make use of a dramatic base color and a heavily contrasting highlight shade.

• Shape: Heavily textured, choppy, chunky, thin, molded, angled…the list goes on. Alternative hair styles take their cue from modern architecture.

The beauty of hair styles in general is that there are just so many to play with! Alternative styles are no different. They can be molded into unusual shapes, brightened with unabashedly loud colors and decorated with childlike accessories. Primarily, they're about experimentation and fearlessness, so if you attempt to adopt an alternative style, move full speed ahead and don't look back. The best styles are those that truly embrace what it means to try something completely new and be different.

Asymmetrical cuts are especially popular in world of alternative hair styles. Exaggerated angles and geometric lines can create an especially powerful look, namely because they call on vintage punk hair styles as their inspiration. However, they're updated with sharper elements, such as jagged edges, and can be adapted by anything from a bob to a layered cut. Asymmetrical bangs are especially popular. This look features blunt, sloping hair grazing one side of the face. Often, the hair is multicolored.

Asymmetry is part of a disconnected, undone cut, too. These styles differ from inverted bob hair (which, while unusual, is so trendy and commonplace that it has escaped the realm of alternative styles completely). If you're interested in going alternative-asymmetrical, ask for a sculptured cut that's heavily angled and longer in certain areas. The few wisps of long hair add an unusual, punk-like element to the look.

Add edgy texture.

Hints of New Wave inspiration from the 1980s, as well as trendy emo and gothic touches, are found in many of these styles. Funky and unexpected, they make great use of texture. Needless to say, it requires a touch of daring to really pull off a look that is as heavily styled as these. Often, the textures are mixed to create a highly unusual look. For example, the bangs may be shaped with styling gel to reflect a wet, artistic look, while the rest of the hair might be heavily layered and spiked into random directions.

Achieving a style that borders on unusual or that is in-your-face eccentric is simple with the help of a strong styling product. Texture can be developed with hair wax or paste. It essentially molds to the hair (while remaining completely malleable and non-sticky) and makes it easier to shape in various directions. The key is to treat it as a free-for-fall; don't be methodical or exact in your styling. Stretch the hair in various directions and finish with a generous amount of hair spray to hold it all in place.

Funky hair color plays a very important role in many alternative hair styles. Individuals with dark hair may want to highlight with extremely light shades to create an intense contrast. The color may be situated in one particular spot instead of all over the head. Punk colors, such as blue, green, fuchsia, yellow, and orange are also popular. Mixing the colors can create a whole new rainbow of hues to decorate with. Be warned, though, that the color is very bright and can be quite a shock if you're not used to it. Get started with something temporary, like a spray-in color, and experiment with shades that are right for you. Apply color in chunks or only to the tips to create a truly head-turning style.

Alternative hair styles and color are enjoying more popularity today than ever before. They call for a certain amount of confidence, but they are also essentially mistake-proof – in other words, anything goes. Take your cue from celebrities who inspire you or from people on the street and get started!

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