1.
hair color; the color of one's hair
The color or shade of a person's hair, whether natural or dyed. A common topic in Japanese conversation, especially regarding fashion and school/workplace rules.
A straightforward compound of 髪 (hair) + 色 (color). In Japan, hair color is a culturally significant topic because many schools and workplaces have rules about acceptable hair colors. Students and employees may be required to maintain natural black hair, and hair dyeing can be controversial.
Common collocations
- 髪色を変える: to change one's hair color
- 明るい髪色: bright/light hair color
- 暗い髪色: dark hair color
- 地毛の髪色: natural hair color
- 髪色自由: freedom to choose hair color (often in job listings)
Cultural note
Many Japanese schools enforce 地毛証明書 (natural hair color certificates) for students whose natural hair is not black, requiring proof that their lighter color is natural.