At some point in the 90s, many males looked into the mirror and, apparently feeling inspired by Nirvana’s debut album title, decided their hair was looking a little too dark and melancholy.
Because the album is called “Bleach”?
I’m hilarious.
You’re welcome.
Hair bleaching was ridiculously popular in the 90s and even into the early 00s because no one knows how to let a bad idea die. There were many options for the style of hair bleaching one could choose, from an all-over bleach to just the tips (teehee!) to a sort of tortoiseshell effect if you were feeling complicated.
I feel like there is so much to say about this particular trend but I think it’s best that I let these example pictures speak their 1,000 words apiece:
Justin Timberlake:
No Doubt:
Jared Leto:
You can do no wrong.
Sisqo:
(and that thong, thong, thong, thong, thong).
My 7th Grade Boyfriend:
The fact that he was the love of my life when I was 13 seems self-explanatory.
So far, this doesn’t appear to be a trend that is in danger of returning but I’m sure we’re only an Anson Elgort and a bad decision away from a resurgence.
Note: A very special thanks to my 7th grade boyfriend, Judson, who, when I asked if I could use a photo of him with bleached hair, immediately sent me three.
Emily Regan 