By Tom
I have pink hair. Not normally, but currently. Long story short, I lost a bet that involved a fund raiser for a great organization called Clothes for Kids. The students at my school raised close to $1000 to help clothe other kids. And to see me with pink hair. It's been pink for two days now, and I've had a chance to do some reflecting:
- Kids love seeing their teachers humiliated. I'm not sure why. Maybe it involves turning the tables on authority or something. Or maybe not. Who knows, but you've never seen a happier class of third graders than those kids when they found out I was going pink.
– It's difficult to scold someone when you look ridiculous.
– Shampoo doesn't get "Manic Panic Hot Hot Pink Hair Dye" out of your hair. Neither does Dawn dishwashing soap, salad oil, orange hand-cleaning stuff or Selsun Blue medicated dandruff shampoo. If you know what works, please comment.
-There's a vast difference between having students look at you and having students give you their attention. Trust me on this.
– Earlier this year I was in Pakistan, where I saw incredible poverty on a large scale. It's shameful that in this country, with its vast wealth, we have children holding fund raisers to clothe each other. Shameful, yet wonderful.
– Coloring your hair is complicated and it takes a long time. It took me most of the evening. I'm 49 and my real hair is turning gray. I'm not going to color it.
– We do very important work as teachers and we need to to take our jobs seriously. If we don't, we're in trouble. But when we take ourselves too seriously, we'll be in even more trouble.
so this hair is really pink huh?
good luck on your next hair dye session xD
“Maybe it involves turning the tables on authority or something.”
I don’t think any tables were turned.
I believe you have never had more respect from your students as you have now with pink hair. Your students will never forget their accomplishment – one of the greatest gifts you could give them.
You inspired your students and now you have inspired me! (Not that I am going to let anyone near my hair with Manic Panic Hot Hot Pink Hair Dye.
Thanks for the advice, Clix. I’ve already cut it once and things are getting better. It’s still shockingly pink, though.
Given how short your hair is, I’m wondering if it’s grown out enough for cutting the pink off yet? I’m glad you went permanent. It looks better than the kool-aid option. In fact, it looks awesome.
Good for your kids – $1000 is a lot to raise when most families are struggling.
And good for you for taking a hit. I think school is a daily struggle for many kids, where their pride is the battleground. I don’t think they like to see us humiliated as much as they like to know they’re not alone in the fray.
Um, Manic Panic is kind of … permanent. You’ll probably have to either dye OVER the pink or else, well, shave your head.
Good luck either way 😉
Awesome! I fear the only thing that will truly get rid of that shade of pink is a set of clippers.