Happiness Is Being Blonde, Carefree, and Fun-loving
I have one life to live; let it be as a blonde.
The saying “blondes have more fun” is associated with the 1950s Clairol hair product commercial campaign. The phrase gained popularity in the 1960s when it was featured in hair dye advertisements, suggesting those with blonde hair enjoyed more carefree and enjoyable lives.
Back in the day, there was also negativity about being a bottle blonde. Why? Some felt one should have natural-looking hair. Others said blondes were dumb. It was in the 60s that pushing the envelope stretched the boundaries of acceptability, whereby the negative attitude toward blondes began to fade
Now, I have a story to tell. It’s about becoming a blonde. How did it happen?
My Special Summer of 1963
I was 14 years old, finished 9th grade, and beginning to learn to drive a car. How exciting!
Life is full of changes, and changes happen in unexpected ways. It was out of the blue; my mom surprised me with what she said. Our neighbor, Jean, was attending beauty school to become a beautician. She wanted to gain more experience in coloring hair.
Since my hair color was a dirty blonde, Jean wanted to color my hair a light blonde. She received my mom’s approval. As for me, a girl likes to look her best, so I thought, why not?
Before I knew it, my hair was being dyed blonde. It was a two-step process. Jean started at my roots, applying the bleach, then moved to my hair strands. After the timer went off, Jean washed my hair to get rid of the bleach and applied the Miss Clairol Ash Blonde hair color. When the timer went off again, Jean washed my hair and towel-dried it.
I was pleased to see my hair a light blonde. Success! I was now a blonde after 2 ½ hours. It would be interesting to see how my friends would react.
Embracing a New Look
I was sitting outside on the front lawn when Suzy, a young girl from the neighborhood, walked past me on the sidewalk. She instantly noticed my blonde hair.
Suzy was amazed and asked how my hair had turned such a light shade of blonde. I smirked and jokingly said that I had sat in the sun for a long time. Suzy excitedly said she was going to do that, too.
The next day, I saw Suzy. She matter-of-factly stated that her mother explained it was not possible to lighten hair by staying in the sun. I smiled and nodded slightly up and down.
It was Monday morning, and I hopped on my bicycle and peddled to the six-week Driver’s Training course.
When we met on the way to driver’s education, Shirley didn’t say a word about my new look. As we rode our bikes, I eventually said, “What do you think of my hair?” She was perplexed and said she knew something was different with me. That was that.
I was most surprised that no one in class said anything. In a way, I was relieved that my blonde hair was no big deal. Being a young teenager and an introvert, not getting noticed was a good thing.
Onward to High School
It was the end of August, and I could drive my parents’ car. That was so “groovy”.
I couldn’t believe I was a sophomore in high school. I was looking forward to taking new courses and making new friends.
I relished having shiny blonde hair. Each month, my mom dyed my hair. We had a good time chatting as we cherished our mother-daughter relationship.
My three years in high school zoomed by. I took Spanish classes and enjoyed learning a foreign language and a new culture. I was active in the Scarlet Skirts pep club, cheering our athletes at basketball and football games.
College Bound
I had a serious decision to make before heading to college in the Fall of 1967. Did I want to go back to my natural hair color, or did I want to stay blonde?
I liked being blonde. It was settled; I would remain a blonde. I had no regrets. As a matter of fact, I was flattered by getting lots of attention from the guys.
Coloring my hair blonde has been one of my most delightful decisions.
A Mindset
Blonde hair has long symbolized beauty, charisma, and confidence. But it’s not just the golden locks that enchant; it’s the attitude that accompanies it.
Blonde attitude is a blend of confidence, playfulness, and a touch of sass. It’s not simply about hair color; it embodies a mindset that embraces life with positivity and enthusiasm.
A Witty Ode
To encapsulate the sentiments of a blonde, I asked AI to generate a witty poem about blonde attitude, delving into the charm and confidence of blondes — cheers to blondes.
In a world of hues and shades so bold,
There reigns a tale often retold.
A story of tresses that shimmer bright,
Of golden locks that catch the light.
Oh, the blonde, with strands like rays,
Walking through life in a sunlit haze.
With a smile that could light the darkest night,
And an attitude that’s simply out of sight.
They say blondes have more fun, indeed,
With a playful charm that takes the lead.
But it’s not just hair that’s shining here,
It’s the confidence that draws us near.
In the eyes of the blonde, a gleam so sly,
With every wink, they mystify.
A clever quip, a knowing grin,
Their humor sharp, their wit akin.
Yet beyond the hair, beyond the hue,
Lies a spirit that’s bold and true.
For in the heart of every blonde you find,
A world of wonder, a curious mind.
So here’s to the blonde, with attitude grand,
With laughter and light at their command.
For in their glow, we see the truth,
Blonde is more than a color — it’s a way of youth.
Being True to Myself
Each time I look in the mirror, I am reminded of my choice to embrace change and stand out. The compliments and positive reactions from friends and strangers have added to my self-esteem, making me feel like I can conquer the world.
For me, once a blonde, always a blonde. In my mid-70s, I continue to color my hair myself; no gray hair for me.
Without a doubt, blondes have fun!