Canberra Teens Undergo Hair Makeovers Ahead of School Return
As families across the Australian Capital Territory prepare for the new academic year, Canberra's hairdressing salons are bustling with activity. With students returning to classrooms between January 30 and February 3, there is a noticeable trend of teenagers seeking to reverse the bold summer hairstyles they enjoyed during the holiday break.
The Popularity of Modern Mullets and Burst Fades
Shaun Fanaeian, founder of Fanaeians Barber Shop, has observed a significant demand for modern mullets and burst fades over the summer months. He explains that these styles involve keeping the sides short while maintaining longer hair at the nape of the neck, creating a mullet-like appearance without excessive length. However, Mr Fanaeian notes that these trendy cuts are often not school-friendly, necessitating a change before term begins.
"I've seen a fair bit of the modern mullet over summer, which tends to be not as school-friendly," Mr Fanaeian said. "They pretty much have to get rid of it after summer." He works closely with younger clients to ensure styles are appropriate, avoiding overly short sides or dramatic taper fades that might violate school uniform policies.
Influence of Summer Events and Colour Trends
Freelance hairdresser Kathrynn Williams highlights that mullets have gained popularity in Canberra, partly due to events like Summernats in early January. She mentions that boys often grow their hair out over the summer, while men in their 20s are embracing curly mullets, which has increased interest in perms.
For younger female clients, Ms Williams sees a preference for dip-dyed colours during the holidays. This allows for easy removal by cutting off the coloured ends when school resumes. Popular choices include pink or purple hues, with some opting for rainbow effects depending on parental approval.
"A lot of them will go for a pink or a purple, depending on how lenient their parents are, they'll get like a rainbow," Ms Williams said. She emphasises that it's a balance between colour freedom and length, as students dye only what they are willing to chop off later.
A Shift Towards Conservative Styles
Interestingly, Ms Williams notes a broader trend towards more conservative hairstyles among her clientele. "People are looking for more conservative hair styles ... it's almost a recession indicator at this point," she remarked. This shift reflects a move away from vibrant colours and extreme cuts as students and adults alike opt for subtler looks.
With kindergarten and year 7 government students in the ACT returning on January 30 and others following in the first week of February, Canberra's hairdressers are playing a crucial role in helping teenagers transition from summer freedom to school-ready appearances. The process underscores the ongoing negotiation between personal expression and institutional guidelines in the education system.
