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Ready to channel your inner wild child and funk up your hair? Well, just remember not to go too far and get too "funked" up. Unless you're a member of an underground band, a performance artist, an East Village inhabitant or just truly uninhibited, a full head of funky hues can send out conflicting messages that you may not be able to handle. If you don't care what people think, then go for it. Otherwise, if you're simply curious about how a tantalizing blue streak will look in your black hair, then opt for one of the seriously temporary gels that come sliding off in the wash. Raven hair with some intriguingly placed electric blue strands could be quite dramatic for a special evening. Always keep in mind that your wardrobe must live up to your hair. A conservative suit, no makeup, briefcase and running shoes with orange punk hair? No. Leather with studs, ripped jeans, fake snake boots in magenta? Yes. If you're going to do it, go all the way. Don't just stops at your head.

For more subtle effects, say some randomly placed fuchsia highlights in auburn hair, well-cut clothing in jewel tones, neutrals or black will complete the picture. If you're bound and determined to pair preppy with funky, then tap into a touch of irony. Short, plaid pleated skirt, patent leather MJs, thigh-high white lace-up tights, navy blazer and an outrageous piece of jewelry strategically placed can hold its own with rainbow-tinted dreds or extensions.

Experimenting with hair color is always fun to do. Keep in mind, that you can also have too much of a good thing and wind up with a head full of straw strands. Unless, you're into scarecrow chic, this is not a good thing. Don't overdo the lightening element. This causes breakage and damage to the hair shaft. One night of neon locks can be a constant toxic headache, if you're not careful. You want to look hot, cool, wild, reckless, daring, ready for anything. You don't, however, want to look unfortunate. This brings us to your skin tone. Just in the way certain colors just don't look right on your body, that's the same problem you'll encounter when you go for the funk. This is why the temporary route is always your best bet. If you've made a mistake, then simply wash it out. Be careful though. If your hair is too porous from repeated bleaching, then even a temporary dye can stain your tendrils. And, while the remaining hue won't be as vivid as that pulsating purple of the night before, it may resemble a forlorn grape run amuck in the cruel light of day. If you bite the bullet and reach for the permanent dye, be prepared to live with the results until it grows out. Do not go into scissor shock and lop it off. Then you have a new set of problems to contend with.

Keep mistreating your hair and it will rebel at some point. And may even fall out. So play it safe when you venture into the wild swirling spectrum of funky hair color. Go temporary when you simply must dabble in toxic yellow or radioactive chartreuse. Then hope for the best. Besides, you can always cover it all up in jet black.

Learn more about this author, Eoanna Petropoulacos.
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