Should I ignore my overprotective dad?

Dear Advice Girl,

I'm almost old enough to drive, but my dad is so overprotective. I want to dye my hair a different color but he says no. Should I dye it anyway? It's my hair, isn't it?

Signed,
   Clover

Dear Clover,

I'm a fan of self-expression, but let’s be real. If you dye your hair, two things will happen: your dad's gonna be pissed, and he's gonna tighten his reins (which might mean an earlier curfew or lord knows what else). A little Manic Panic isn't worth all that.

Instead, try to work with him on this one. Lots of dye-happy teens get their way through compromise (using a semi-permanent dye instead of the real kind) and communication (showing their parents photos of what's in style, and even letting them help pick the color). Be mature about it, and you might get your way.

If your dad isn't the compromising type, then you’re out of luck. Wait till you've graduated to dye your hair - or do what millions of teens before you have done and smuggle some forbidden clothes to school. It’s not a new hair color, but it's something.