Blonde Ambition vs Brunette Reality: What color is MY color?
Written By : Hannah Corbett
Lately, I’ve been wondering, can a woman’s hair color truly define her identity? For as long as I can remember, I’ve existed in the in between: blonde ambition and brunette reality. Every summer, my hair would get lighter, brighter, and more carefree. Blonde felt like the perfect accessory, softening my features. And then, as the leaves changed, I’d retreat back to my roots—literally—my dark, brunette hair.
But over the last year, I did something different. I decided to let the roots grow. I told myself it was time to embrace my natural, brunette reality. And it seemed like everyone else was too. But as the months passed and the darker tones took over, something was… off. I put my hair up for pilates the other day and realized that I totally didn’t look like myself anymore, the woman in the mirror didn’t quite feel like me. Was it because I was so accustomed to blonde face-framing my features, or was it simply that I just looked better as a blonde?
My friends have actually given me alter egos, Dark Hair Hannah, Blonde Hannah. Not so original, BUT It stood out to me that I would be different enough to have acquired nicknames according to my hair color.
In the world of hair color, it seems like there’s always a balance between sharp and soft features. Blonde, with its lightness, softens the angles of a face, adding warmth and a touch of sweetness. Then there’s brunette—the bold, dramatic color that can make sharp features feel even sharper. As I stared at myself, pondering if I should book an appointment to get my roots touched up. I began to ask the big question: Am I really a brunette at heart, or was blonde just my way of stepping into the version of myself I felt most aligned with?
So, I went and got my roots touched up. And the moment I saw my reflection, I felt it—me again. It wasn’t just about the color; it was about stepping back into the version of myself that felt right. When I FaceTimed my sister, she immediately said, “How do you instantly look two years younger?” Not that looking younger was the goal—but an added bonus for sure. Maybe blonde isn’t just a color for me. Maybe it’s a feeling, a reflection of the lightness and confidence I carry when I embrace what truly suits me. And if that means keeping a standing appointment at the salon, then so be it.