According to Taran Noah Smith, the decision to change his character's look was made in the break between seasons 6 and 7.

In a rare interview from the Home Improvement alum, he shared the bizarre reason behind his character Mark's sudden "goth ...

Why not organize and host your own semiannual home improvement trade shows. Now is the time to capitalize ... such as a radio station, TV station, local building center, newspaper, or construction ...