Jet black to pink, to platinum blond

BULUS Tracy, of Ladysmith, said his constantly changing hairstyles stemmed from his eccentricity.

“I love being original and crafting my own style, which is then expertly engineered by stylists.

“My current platinumblond hairstyle, however, was inspired by funky style icons Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and Gwen Stefani.

“I love their shades of blonde and decided to channel them as I felt the blonde hair would add a new dimension if used by someone with dark skin.”

Tracy believes having a great haircut or hair colour is one element to looking good but the trick is the maintenance.

“I spend a small fortune on keeping my hair healthy. My hair kit consists of silver shampoo, intense conditioner, hair treatment solutions, preblow serum and a post-blow drying finishing product.

“With regard to effort, I am fortunate that it only takes me 15 minutes from washing to styling.”

The communications manager and part-time comedian visits the salon every four to six weeks.

The cost can vary from R500 to R2 800 per visit, depending on whether he has just a trim or treatment done, or toner and a trim.

“I am constantly changing my hair. Usually I would maintain a style for about six weeks. Sometimes I leave the colour but the cut might change.

“On other occasions, I have meddled with a variety of hair colours, ranging from jet black to shocking pink.”

At times, Tracy said he would hear a range of comments, such as: “Indians don’t have blond hair” or “OMG! Now I know what you will look like when you’re old and have grey hair.”

Others asked: “Is it a weave?” or “What did you mother say?”

The popular line is: “You’re very brave!”

There are always comments, both negative and positive, he said.

“I just take the comments as they are dished out and am not offended or fazed by them,” he said. “My hairstyle is created by me, for me. I’m totally comfortable in my skin and my hair.”