Why I Dye My Hair Pink Every October

I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to choose pink hair each October. You might wonder: “Why pink?” or “Why October?”

My story, and why pink hair

Growing up I always loved reading and writing. Writing gave me a voice when I didn’t always feel strong enough to speak. And over time, my words led me to this blog, this space where I share my story, build connection, and hope to inspire.

One of my favorite ways to make a statement is something visible, something simple yet meaningful. That’s where the pink hair comes in. Every October I dye my hair pink. It’s not just a fun color or a style choice (though yes I love how it looks!). It’s a deliberate decision to raise awareness. I want to spark conversation. And most of all, I want to honor those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer (and those still fighting).

When I walk into a room with pink hair, I often get a compliment. Sometimes I get: “Oh, loving the color!” And that’s the perfect moment for me: because it opens the door to talk. To say: “Here’s why I’m dying my hair pink. Because breast cancer awareness matters.” And then I hear her story: the friend, the sister, the mother. The woman who had a scare, the one who got treatment, the one who is now a survivor. Their testimonies fill me with gratitude, respect, and urgency.

The facts behind the pink ribbon

Because this matter is more than symbolic. Here are some key facts that I believe help ground this in reality:

• In the U.S., breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women (excluding some skin cancers).
• About 1 in 8 women (approximately 13 %) will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.
• In 2025 it is estimated that around 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. women, and another ~59,080 cases of DCIS (non-invasive) will also be diagnosed.
• Also, in the U.S. for 2025, approximately 42,170 women are expected to die from breast cancer.
• Two-thirds of breast cancers are detected at a localized stage (when the cancer hasn’t spread beyond the breast) — which tends to mean better outcomes.
  These numbers remind us that the issue is real, it’s big, and yet — the earlier we detect, the stronger the shot at success.

Prevention, detection & what we can do

Because hair-color and symbolic gestures are meaningful, but only part of the story. Here are some things we can do. Small choices, big impact:

• Be aware of changes: any new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge (other than breast milk) these are signals to talk to a doctor.
• Screening: mammograms are a central tool. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mammograms can find breast cancer before it’s big enough to feel.
• Lifestyle factors: keeping a healthy weight, being physically active, limiting alcohol, and if possible breastfeeding — these all help lower risk.
• Talk openly: if you have family history, genetic risks (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2 gene changes), or previous chest radiation — these matter. But also remember: many people diagnosed did not have a strong family history. Awareness and regular check-ups help.
• Community & support: The real power is in stories, in sharing, in saying “you’re not alone.” Which brings us back to pink hair and conversation.

Why the pink hair matters for me

So what does dying my hair pink really do?

• It’s a conversation starter. I might walk into a coffee shop and someone smiles at the pink strands. Then I mention: “I’m doing it for breast cancer awareness.” And down comes the barrier. Someone says: “My mom had breast cancer.” Or “I’m a survivor.” Or “I lost someone.” Those sharings are powerful.
• It honors women’s testimonies. Every time I hear a story — diagnosis, treatment, survival, loss — I feel something deeper. Dying my hair pink is my small way of standing in solidarity. Of saying: I see you. I hear you. I care.
• It reminds me, daily, of why I blog, why I share, why I build this community. Because this is more than me. It’s us. It’s the millions touched by breast cancer — and those who may be touched in the future — and everyone who supports them.
• It invites action. Pink hair doesn’t save lives by itself. But it prompts: “Hey, have I had my mammogram? Hey, should I check that lump? Hey, let’s talk openly about health.” That ripple matters.

Your role in this community

If you’re reading this, you are part of this space now. And here’s what I hope for you:

• If you haven’t had a screening or are overdue, please book one.
• If you’ve heard someone say “I’m dealing with…” or “I survived…” let them tell their story — because it matters.
• If you feel like you’re alone, speak up. Share. Reach out. Because that openness breeds hope.
• If you dye your hair pink (or wear something pink) or simply post a pink ribbon — great. And then do something too: share a resource, donate, volunteer, support a friend. Because awareness becomes power when we act.

A final note

I’ll continue dying my hair pink every October. I’ll continue sharing stories here. I’ll continue writing. Because I’ve seen what words can do — they connect, heal, inspire. And I’ve seen what color can do, it catches the eye, invites the question, opens the door.

Thank you for walking this journey with me. Thank you for reading, for showing up, for being part of a community that chooses kindness over fear, connection over isolation, love over silence.
Here’s to pink hair, to bold conversations, to the strength in vulnerability, and to the hope that together we’ll keep standing for each other.

with love,
c.p 🌿