Green Hair for Picture Day?

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“Mama, can I have green hair for picture day?” my 4-year-old chimes in, her voice bright and cheerful. Typically, you’d expect such a request from a tween or a teenager, but here we are.

“Maybe a braid or something would be nice?” I suggest, trying to steer her in a more traditional direction.

“Okay, Mama. But I really wanna look pretty like you.”

Cue my heart melting. Three reasons why:

1. She admires me. (Yes, I currently have green hair.)
2. She sees beauty in me.
3. She thinks I look beautiful with green hair.

I’m overjoyed on all counts. Picture day in preschool is fast approaching, and the teachers have been buzzing about it—sending emails and even attaching stickers to our children’s clothes that read: PICTURE DAY IS TOMORROW. WEAR BRIGHT COLORS. WEAR YOUR SMILE.

Got it. It’s picture day.

Before the green hair request, I hadn’t planned on making my daughter look any different from her usual self. No fancy dress, no elaborate hairstyles—who has the time? I’m not about to wake up early on a school day for some extra primping. I have my own routine, which usually consists of just getting myself out the door.

Most mornings, it’s a miracle we leave on time. Picture day would likely mirror any other day for her: comfy Gap play clothes, a messy ponytail, stained socks, and sneakers. But when my daughter asked for green hair, I started to seriously consider it. After all, the sticker said, “WEAR BRIGHT COLORS,” right?

We still have that green Halloween hair spray-paint tucked away from last year. Sure, it stains everything, but what’s a little mess?

Then there’s option two. I have a stash of Manic Panic sitting in my bathroom, ready for use. Just a touch on the ends could do the trick. Did I mention my daughter is just 4 years old?

Yes, I know it might sound a bit extreme to even consider dyeing her hair at this age, especially in such a bold color. But when your mini-me wants to emulate you—especially with something as unconventional as hair color—it’s hard not to swoon.

It’s one thing for her to compliment my eyes or my shiny rings, but when she says, “Mama, I wike your wips!” while pointing to my bright red lips, or “Mama, I wike your nails,” admiring my blue or black nails, it just hits differently.

In our suburban town, where capris, yoga pants, flip-flops, and vanilla everything reign supreme, my daughter doesn’t see many different styles. The only person she sees with a unique look is me—her mom—and that other woman with purple hair at library storytime last week.

So if my daughter loves bold lipstick, black nails, and tattoos, does that mean I’ll consider indulging her requests? Absolutely! Well, maybe not for school. We can save that for weekends if she wants to experiment. If I find some time, I’d love to paint her nails in blue or black. And definitely, fake tattoos only.

I come from a lineage of creatively accepting mothers. My own mom allowed me to express myself fully, even letting me go to school adorned with multicolored pipe cleaners in my hair and a jewel on my forehead (thank you, Gwen Stefani). It was a time of self-expression, and my mom supported me wholeheartedly (minus the desired piercings).

Truth be told, if it weren’t for the strict language in my daughter’s school handbook, I would have no hesitation coloring her hair. But I’m learning to pick my battles, especially with the mandates of the schools my kids attend. Much of it feels stifling to creativity. Let’s face it, many public schools are more about conformity than encouraging creative expression.

I feel compelled to reward my 4-year-old for embracing beauty in her own unique way. Green hair could be just the beginning of her journey toward appreciating diverse standards of beauty—different body types, skin colors, and hair textures.

So, after picture day, we’ll have our fun. Green hair chalk and a camera for some fun, memorable selfies. And just to clarify, the green hair chalk is easily washable. We’ll celebrate her beauty and creativity without boundaries.

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In summary, while picture day brings its own challenges, it’s also an opportunity for creativity and self-expression. Encouraging my daughter to embrace her unique beauty is essential, even if that means green hair!