This mom is being slammed for her 6-year-old's 'unicorn' hair

When I was 6, there was a period of about three months where I pretended I was a cat. I only communicated to my parents via meows, requested my food be served in a bowl on the floor (OK, that didn’t really pan out) — oh, and everything I ate had to be cut into a cat shape — from sandwiches to meat.

So there’s no doubt that kids have big imaginations — especially when it comes to what they want to wear and do. Which is why it shouldn’t be surprising that 6-year-old Lyra dreamed up the idea of rainbow hair.

According to Kidspot, Lyra had been asking “for years” that her hairstylist mom Mary Thomaston transform her flowing blonde locks into a rainbow mane, with the side shaved.

So Thomaston did just that and dyed Lyra’s hair a stunning shade of turquoise (seriously, the kid looks like the cutest mermaid we’ve ever seen) and, as requested, shaved the side of her head, adding a cute sunset pattern for good measure.

“I told her if the school gives us permission then I’ll do it, and they allowed it. Her hair is already really light, so all I had to do was add the temporary colour,” Thomaston told The Luxury Spot. “I tried to talk her out of the shaved side because I thought she might regret it once it was done but boy was I wrong. She was sooo excited.”

“She loves her hair and her pictures, she is a special kind of kid, very unique in so many ways, so smart and so funny. Her hair is definitely a representation of her,” says Kiersten Grant, Thomaston’s photographer friend who snapped some adorable shots of Lyra.

Thomaston also stressed that she used Manic Panic, which is a non-permanent, non-toxic dye.

And while it’s clear to see Lyra loves her new hair, some people on the Internet aren’t convinced it’s a good idea. So far, comments have ranged from concern for the child’s well being over the “toxic” dye used and how long she had to sit to get it done to whether or not Thompson was forcing her hair ideas on Lyra.

However, Lyra’s mom is adamant that not only was the multicoloured ‘do her daughter’s idea, but it was quick, painless and completely harmless.

“I use all @manicpanicnyc to color my daughters hair. Don’t worry folks it’ll wash out. She wasn’t harmed in the process,” she wrote on Instagram. “Just putting that out there since some people seem to be having a hard time with me coloring my child’s hair. It’s hair….it’ll grow back!”

Many also came to the defense of Thomaston, saying she was an awesome mom.

“@marythomaston, you and your daughter are obviously very happy with the decision you made. I absolutely love it! Especially if this is what she wanted!,” wrote one commenter. “I hope you don’t listen or take to heart what these people are saying. You wouldn’t do this if it would hurt your child in anyway.”

“She’s such a lucky, wonderful, smart, lovely child with such a fun, creative, talented, loving momma! Fantastic job @marythomaston!” added another.

What do you think about this mom’s dye job on her daughter’s hair? Cute or too much? Let us know by tweeting @YahooStyleCA.