The “bowl” haircut and permed bangs might have been popular in second grade, but college often calls for something a little less predictable — and less 1987. Luckily for students, Eugene has several hair salons that offer more cuts than Michael Jackson’s nose.
Hair Ba Doo Ba, located at 3443 Hilyard St., is one option.
Senior Catherine Cole had her hair dyed brick red a month ago at Hair Ba Doo Ba.
“In the grayer winter months, I need more color to keep me going,” Cole said. “Also, I’ve never done something super crazy with my hair before. And because it’s my last year in college, it’s my last opportunity to do something crazy before I begin the job hunt.”
Hair Ba Doo Ba stylist Melenie Shimkevich, who specializes in more bizarre styles, said color patterns are popular right now. Instead of the blue and purple streaks that were all the rage a couple of years ago, the designs are shapes, such as stars dyed outrageous colors.
Shimkevich said she plans on dying her bangs, which are currently platinum blonde, purple with a light aqua star in them.
She said she has a client who, for Valentine’s Day, is going to have his hair dyed pink and fade into a dark red heart on the back of his head.
If someone is considering getting a pattern, Shimkevich said they should consider how much time they want to spend primping every morning. Unless the prospective client’s hair is short, they have to be willing to take the time to make their hair lay flat, so the forms don’t get distorted.
Besides the patterns, Shimkevich said the most unique style she has ever done was a mohawk where the short sides of the hair were decorated with a cheetah print and the center was bright red with black tips.
Although a change in hair color can be a long commitment, there are temporary dyes, which allow curious individuals to take the color for a test drive. “My best recommendation is colored gel that washes out,” Shimkevich said. “It’s good for those who aren’t sure they’re committed.”
For those looking for something that won’t draw as much attention, owner and stylist Joe McCargar of Phenomenon, a hair salon located at 30 E. 13th Ave., said longer, shaggier hair styles without so much color are popular for women. Short, spiky haircuts are popular with men.
McCargar said two things to avoid are perms and especially mullets.
“They were a bad idea in the 1970s, and they are still a bad idea,” McCargar said of the notorious hairdo. “Usually, I can talk clients out of it. It’s like talking someone out of suicide.”