As Helen Mirren debuts blue updo at Cannes, the psychology of colouring your hair

Helen Mirren caused a stir at last night's Cannes Film Festival, rocking up with bright blue hair.

The Oscar-winning actor, 77, appeared on the opening day of the 76th annual event and decided to shake up her beauty aesthetic by swapping her trademark silver locks for something altogether more bold.

Hopping on the Mermaidcore trend, the Fast & the Furious star matched her custom Del Core taffeta gown with an elegant updo in multi-faceted shades of the same colour.

The colour pop switch-up certainly seems to have gone down well with social media.

"Bloody love helen mirren – when I go grey I too shall match my hair to my outfit," one fan wrote. "Forget Martha. I strive for the coolness of Helen Mirren at Cannes with blue hair," another agreed.

"Helen Mirren blue hair at Cannes is everything," yet another user commented.

The actor has previously discussed embracing her grey hair, but also hinted that she wasn't done experimenting with her locks.

"Going grey is to be encouraged," she told Vogue. "That’s not to say you can’t have fun with your hair, because it’s a very important part of how you feel about yourself."

Read more: Helen Mirren proves ages is just a number when it comes to having fun with fashion

Celebrities who have experimented with alternative hair colours

Mirren isn't the only celebrity to use colour to make a hair statement. Hilary Duff went vibrant teal, while Dua Lipa's locks have been pretty much every bright colour going. Lizzo opted for an out-there shade of emerald green and Katy Perry has experimented with blues and neon orange. And Mirren herself has worked pink hair previously.

Also at Cannes, Member of the Jury director Rungano Nyoni got the mermaid hair memo and sported braids in a sunny aqua blue shade last night.

But perhaps the queen of colour change is Kylie Jenner whose ever-altering hair hues always cause a stir. From sea blue-aqua to frothy pink, the businesswoman has showcased a whole spectrum of rainbow colours, having previously admitted to having an "addiction to changing my hair".

Read more: What is TikTok's #hairtheory test and why is Gen Z obsessed with it?

The psychology of colour bright hair

The desire for a fresh start is just one of the reasons that many opt to play with their hair colour.

"People often choose to dye their hair in order to stand out from the crowd or express themselves," explains psychologist Barbari Santini.

However, there are also psychological benefits associated with it including enhancing your mental wellbeing.

"Dyeing your hair is frequently regarded as a therapeutic practice for individuals coping with anxiety or depression," Santini explains. "It empowers them to exert control over their self-presentation, free from the judgment of others. By colouring their hair, they can create something truly distinctive and unrepeatable, fostering a sense of uniqueness that positively impacts both their physical and mental wellbeing."

Interestingly, going for a colour switch-up could also boost social bonds."A fresh hairstyle grabs the attention of those around you, sparking positive or negative reactions," Santini explains."Regardless, this fosters social connections between individuals who may not have interacted otherwise due to differing interests or backgrounds."

Choosing a vibrant new hair colour could come down to the simple desire to expressing creativity and individuality. "Opting for a bright hue demonstrates your independence and willingness to make bold decisions about how you present yourself," Santini explains.

Those who opt for more daring looks tend to experience feelings of happiness due to increased acceptance from other people, says Santini: something that is essential if we want society today to not only accept us but also celebrate individuality.

Considerations ahead of dyeing you hair an alternative colour

"First and foremost, it's essential to choose a colour that resonates with you and aligns with your personal style," explains Andrew Vassiliou, hair expert at Chris & Sons. "Consider factors such as your skin tone, lifestyle, and maintenance requirements."

Another crucial aspect to remember is that vibrant hair colours often require regular upkeep. "Bright dyes tend to fade more quickly than natural shades, so be prepared for frequent touch-ups and regular trips to the salon," he continues. "It's also important to invest in quality hair products designed for colour-treated hair to maintain the vibrancy and health of your locks."

Lastly, it's vital to be mentally prepared for the attention and reactions that come with sporting a bright hair colour.

Read more: How often should you wash your hair? TikTok user suggests every 17 days is optimum

How to maintain brightly coloured hair

Tina Hollis, a Wella master colour expert has put together some tips on how to look after your colour-pop hue.

• Use the right professional shampoo and conditioner – wash in cold or tepid water will help the colour to last longer.

• Try dry shampoo – "We put dry shampoo into the hair of any clients who have vivid colour as soon as its washed and dried and it helps the hair last longer before it gets oily, meaning you don't have to wash it more than once or twice a week.

• Avoid hot tools – "A good blow dry with a brush will ensure the colour lasts longer and regular treatments will help it to last as well".

• Revisit the salon every 5-7 weeks.

• Consider using colours that fade true to tone – this means they won't look awful at any stage of the fade out.