DO NOT HAVE PURPLE HAIR!
its so unatural that no one will be able to take you seriously. really we are in college now not some rock band. im sure you would not look bad with purple hair (or why would you do it!;)) but dont do it for rush!!!:)

Ok, so say she doesn't have her hair purple and black for recruitment. She gets a bid, and then a few weeks later gets it done black and purple. Maybe her new chapter isn't cool with that. Isn't it better to just be yourself up front?

I know the culture at my school is probably VASTLY different than at Syracuse (it is the south after all), but members of my chapter and several others that I know of are not allowed to have any "non-natural color" highlights in their hair during formal recruitment. That doesn't mean they don't have them at other times during the year but they know that for recruitment they have to grow it out, cut it off, re-dye it, etc. It's a presentation thing, not stifling of self-expression or limiting individuality - PNMs will cut based on some pretty ridiculous things and we don't want the streak of lime green in the girl she was matched with's hair to be why.

I agree with everyone else who said to look at the prevailing culture of sorority women at the school. Look at chapter websites, do a little facebook stalking, see what you can figure out and then make the decision.

Don't dye your hair an unnatural color if you want a bid from a top tier sorority. No offense but it comes off as kind of trashy when someone has a weird haircolor.

I go to school in the south, but Greek Life on my campus is not as conservative nor as selective as many southern schools. I'm not sure how relevant my answer is for someone at SU. However, on my campus, it would be possible for the right woman to get a bid, even with "crazy" hair or piercings. In fact, my big sister dyed her hair purple right before formal recruitment! On the other hand, this is no guarantee--recruitment is NEVER guaranteed--and I personally try to err on the side of the conservative.

i would not go completely purple maybe get some purple streaks or something

Some people don't care if the chapter is "top tier". Read the recruitment stories on the forum. Many, if not most PNMs want a place where they feel comfortable. If she was to pledge a "top tier" that does not mesh with her personality, then changes her hair color, would she want the girls to reject her just because of the hair color?

I'm sure if she wanted the, so to speak, "top tier", she wouldn't consider asking the question.

My honest take on it is that, as a member of a sorority (and many other organizations), you may have to act on official "business", where business attire (and hair) is expected.

I know that there is a contingency of people who like to color their hair in non-traditional colors, have lots of visible tatoos, etc., especially in the artsy majors. A lot of times, people will say, "oh he's an art major" or whatever.

The truth is that most people judge you on your initial appearance. Whether it's hair color, mismatched clothes, holes in your socks, or dirt under your nails - people expect a certain amount of professionalism (not necessarily conformity). If you can get away with purple hair and still carry yourself professionally, then go for it.

But I am one person and I am in my mid 30s. You see things quite differently at my age than you do when you are 18.

My issue isn't so much the purple part, but the black part. If you're not a natural dark brunette, or very pale, don't do it - no matter how much you pay for it, you will end up looking like Marilyn Manson.

Honestly, I've never seen a black + color hairstyle that DOESN'T scream "I shop at Hot Topic".

My best friend is at Cuse. I can tell you from her experiences and stories that their rush is pretty competitive and large. Most of the sororities would cut on the dye job.

What's wrong with Hot Topic? lol

Nothing, if that's what you're into. However I always feel like a weirdo when I go in there to by clear spacers for my nose piercing. The only reason I even go there is because they sell 3 spacers for the price that most other places have for 1. Although, being that I have long blonde hair, usually wear khakis/polo and the like, and only have one piercing other than my ears, I probably do look like a weirdo to most of the people in there.;)

I've seen people who look gorgeous (and not gothic- depending on what they wear) with black hair and pale skin. You just have to have the right kind of pale skin for it to look good. (Not to imply that gothic is not beautiful)

Betsey Johnson =/= Hot Topic. I think it depends more on the clothes worn.

In my opinion, don't do anything before rush you wouldn't do any other time of year. If it's something you're likely to do at any time - you're trendy, or impulsive, or whatever - do it.

Any rush instructions that start with anything other than "Be Yourself" are suspect.