Back to My Roots: A Diary of Going Gray
July 20, 2006 by SP Bragg
Filed under 40's Plus, 50 Plus, Aging Fabulous
“
“Anne Kreamer decided to stop coloring her hair and embrace the natural look. It turned out to be a five-days-a-week-on- the-therapist’s-couch crash course in authenticity. Without a shrink to guide her.”
What was especially interesting about this piece is that I too am having all the same thoughts as Anne. If I let my gray show, does that instantly make me old? Will men suddenly stop looking at me on the street?
And then there’s my son’s girlfriend. I used to be that age and now there is a new generation who seems to be replacing me. It’s kind of scary. So is coloring my hair going to make a difference or do I have to start thinking about things differently??
If any of this sounds familiar, I suggest you read Anne’s diary. It’s funny and sad and will give you lots to think about. And some of her anecdotes are hilarious…
“But my stylist wanted me to grow out my bangs (after 35 years). He thought I’d look more glamorous without them. I’m all for that. But growing out the bangs has added a whole new level of hating-my-hair-ness: I end up clipping them back with little bobby pins, which further emphasizes the gray and makes me look like I’m 12 going on 60. A few months back, my colorist applied toner to the ends of my hair to blend the gray. Now it has turned to an orangey grunge. Frankly, it all sucks.”
But wait until you see her now. You won’t believe the difference.
Pretty impressive! So what are your thoughts on letting the gray show??
I think it depends on the color and one of the gray and how it compliments (or not) your skin tone.
My gray totally washes me out, with the hair too ashy, making my skin look sallow. For now, at least, blonde highlights and lowlights make everything one big mess of color. And that’s much better than the gray.
I know I’m growing older, and I want to do it gracefully and graciously, but I still want to look my best.
Sucks getting older doesn’t it
When I was ten… I could care less if I even combed my hair! Everything changed when I turned twelve!
I am trying to locate the online support group, “A Gray Club”, who was created by the screen name, Second Act. I would like information on steps in transitioning with my professional hair dresser, to going completely gray. Are there hair colors, products, etc?