Just random thoughts about things that writers do that irk me as a reader. Fueled by caffeine, lack of sleep, or reaction to something I've read. Take none of this serious! Be offended at your own risk.
Am I the only one when the author says the person has blond hair or brown hair I wonder what type of brown or blond? Or when they say redhead I wonder is it a scarlet red or orangey-red like Carrot Top.
Lot of authors leave that little detail out. I guess they think it's not important. But if you read a lot of the same person's works and they use the same words you have to wonder if they are describing the same person over and over with a different name.
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I like to use hair color charts to give me ideas on wording my character's hair color. It also helps me from using the same descriptions over and over. Someone else has done the work so why not use it.
It's also a good idea to think outside the box. In real life we encounter men and women, old and young with dyed hair, mohawks, braids, dreads, afros, low cut fades, and ponytails. Why not have a few characters do that too? Give us a break from all the black and blond haired quiffs.
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Let's not forget the facial hair for men. Unless you want a bearded lady in there. Nothing wrong in that.
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In summary, Google/Bing are your friends. There are gazillions of charts out there with the names of hairstyles and hair colors for men and women. Spend a few minutes designing your characters so they aren't cookie cutter versions of each other.
*Oh. If you're reading this, not knowing the names is NOT a valid excuse. Look at the charts. It's right there. Save the images. You're welcome.
