In a recent interview with Glossy, Paramore’s Hayley Williams spoke about her hair color brand, Good Dye Young, and her experiences with the stigma surrounding vivid hair colors. Williams revealed that there was a time when having colorful hair was frowned upon, and she wanted to help change that perception.
Hayley Williams and her longtime hairstylist, Brian O’Connor, launched the hair dye brand Good Dye Young in 2016. Since then, the brand has experienced double-digit growth and is now making its way into major national retailers. The success of the brand reflects a growing acceptance of bold hair colors and styles in mainstream culture.
During the recent interview, Williams discussed how societal perceptions of bold hair colors have evolved over time. She explained that while there are still situations where colorful hair might be frowned upon, the general attitude towards it has become more open and accepting. This shift in perception can be seen in fashion magazines, where models with vivid colors or streaks in their hair are now commonplace.
Williams was quoted as saying:
“[Bold hair color] used to be so frowned upon, and there are definitely situations or circumstances where it still is. And Brian and I really want to battle that stigma. With Good Dye Young, we want to make a statement with our business — not only to give people products but also to show that this is a lifestyle for people. And it’s also a matter of personal freedom to express.
It’s much more a fashion accessory than it’s ever been. It’s much more accepted in wider circles. You can open any fashion magazine now and see Marc Jacobs ads or even runway shows where there’s always at least one model with a fashion color or a vivid color or a streak or a strand, or accessories in their hair, which we’re also promoting. There’s just a little bit more room for fun and play.”
She continued:
“But man, I’ll tell you this: You would never, ever feel the excitement around hair dye that you feel in the real world when you’re in some freakin’ investment firm’s office. There are dudes that still do not understand the value of this. And for a long time, Brian and I have tried to show that, not only have we already proven those people wrong, but [the business] is only growing and getting stronger.
It’s something that we personally believe in and that we know is so important to young people and to all people. It used to be very punk and niche and kind of badass. And I think it’s whatever you want it to be now. It can literally suit whatever personality you are. I love that about hairstyle, but mostly hair color. It’s just another way to be yourself.”
Hayley Williams and Brian O’Connor have successfully created a hair dye brand that challenges the stigma around bold hair colors. By offering high-quality products and promoting the idea that hair color is a form of self-expression and a fashion accessory, they are helping to change public perception.
