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Going Gray - would you do it?
Annie_WebMD_Staff posted:
Hi Everyone!
I've been reading the most fascinating book, "Going Gray - What I Learned About Beauty, Sex, Work, Motherhood, Authenticity, And Everything Else That Really Matters" by Anne Kreamer. She wrote an article for "More" magazine a few years ago that covered the same topic and turned it into a book.
She is one brave lady to decide to ditch coloring her hair brown and although she doesn't go gray without a transition and help from her hair dresser, I think the book is an interesting experiment in what it means in this society, especially for women, who decide to go au naturel with their crowning glory.
I myself won't go gray, I'm going to be coloring my hair brown forever! I'm also a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to coloring my hair and touching up roots. I have a celtic complexion with freckles and I think I would look totally washed out with gray hair.
My mom on the other hand has an olive complexion and her silver hair shows off her youthful face.
But gray hair doesn't mean no maintenance. Just because you decide to go gray doesn't mean that you can let yourself go or wear your hair unstyled, in my opinion.
I think gray hair.... if you are a baby boomer and want to look good and look youthful... means taking care of your hair and your face.
Anyway, that's just my opinion, but whether you are thinking of giving up the bottle of hair dye or not, this book is a fun read!
- Annie
I've been reading the most fascinating book, "Going Gray - What I Learned About Beauty, Sex, Work, Motherhood, Authenticity, And Everything Else That Really Matters" by Anne Kreamer. She wrote an article for "More" magazine a few years ago that covered the same topic and turned it into a book.
She is one brave lady to decide to ditch coloring her hair brown and although she doesn't go gray without a transition and help from her hair dresser, I think the book is an interesting experiment in what it means in this society, especially for women, who decide to go au naturel with their crowning glory.
I myself won't go gray, I'm going to be coloring my hair brown forever! I'm also a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to coloring my hair and touching up roots. I have a celtic complexion with freckles and I think I would look totally washed out with gray hair.
My mom on the other hand has an olive complexion and her silver hair shows off her youthful face.
But gray hair doesn't mean no maintenance. Just because you decide to go gray doesn't mean that you can let yourself go or wear your hair unstyled, in my opinion.
I think gray hair.... if you are a baby boomer and want to look good and look youthful... means taking care of your hair and your face.
Anyway, that's just my opinion, but whether you are thinking of giving up the bottle of hair dye or not, this book is a fun read!
- Annie
66 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?Hi Everyone! <br><br>I've been reading the most fascinating book, "Going Gray - What I Learned About Beauty, Sex, Work, Motherhood, Authenticity, And Everything Else That Really Matters" by Anne Kreamer. She wrote an article for "More" magazine a few years ago that covered the same topic and turned it into a book. <br><br>She is one brave lady to decide to ditch coloring her hair brown and although she doesn't go gray without a transition and help from her hair dresser, I think the book is an interesting experiment in what it means in this society, especially for women, who decide to go au naturel with their crowning glory. <br><br>I myself won't go gray, I'm going to be coloring my hair brown forever! I'm also a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to coloring my hair and touching up roots. I have a celtic complexion with freckles and I think I would look totally washed out with gray hair. <br><br>My mom on the other hand has an olive complexion and her silver hair shows off her youthful face. <br><br>But gray hair doesn't mean no maintenance. Just because you decide to go gray doesn't mean that you can let yourself go or wear your hair unstyled, in my opinion. <br><br>I think gray hair.... if you are a baby boomer and want to look good and look youthful... means taking care of your hair and your face. <br><br>Anyway, that's just my opinion, but whether you are thinking of giving up the bottle of hair dye or not, this book is a fun read! <br><br>- Annie
auntmena responded:
been thinking about this same dilemma for months...seems like i color my hair and a week later, those beautifully shiny, silver grays are showing!!!!!!!!!i just hit 66 and keep telling myself it's ok...i can go gray now...so why haven't i??????????????
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?been thinking about this same dilemma for months...seems like i color my hair and a week later, those beautifully shiny, silver grays are showing!!!!!!!!!i just hit 66 and keep telling myself it's ok...i can go gray now...so why haven't i??????????????
Steph2888 responded:
My natural hair color is nearly black, so coloring my hair to keep it natural is not an alternative - I hate dyed black hair on older women. So I have let nature lighten my hair and I love it. I am salt and pepper, with more salt added as I age, but it is really pretty. I get compliments all the time. Even my hairdresser says she loves my hair color.
I will say that very few women in my company allow their hair to go gray for fear of it aging them and hurting their growth potential. I think they have a good point, but I also think that women can fight that prejudice. We are a youth oriented society and even men are coloring to cover gray these days, so I can't recommend it for everyone. I can only say that it has been fine for me and that I am a Vice President a Fortune 500 company.
I will say that very few women in my company allow their hair to go gray for fear of it aging them and hurting their growth potential. I think they have a good point, but I also think that women can fight that prejudice. We are a youth oriented society and even men are coloring to cover gray these days, so I can't recommend it for everyone. I can only say that it has been fine for me and that I am a Vice President a Fortune 500 company.
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?My natural hair color is nearly black, so coloring my hair to keep it natural is not an alternative - I hate dyed black hair on older women. So I have let nature lighten my hair and I love it. I am salt and pepper, with more salt added as I age, but it is really pretty. I get compliments all the time. Even my hairdresser says she loves my hair color.<br /> <br />I will say that very few women in my company allow their hair to go gray for fear of it aging them and hurting their growth potential. I think they have a good point, but I also think that women can fight that prejudice. We are a youth oriented society and even men are coloring to cover gray these days, so I can't recommend it for everyone. I can only say that it has been fine for me and that I am a Vice President a Fortune 500 company.
gramellie responded:
I went gray about 6 months ago and have gotten nothing but compliments since. Everyone thinks it make me look younger than I did when I was coloring it. On top of which I save around $75 every six weeks. And I love it too.,
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?<b>I went gray about 6 months ago and have gotten nothing but compliments since. Everyone thinks it make me look younger than I did when I was coloring it. On top of which I save around $75 every six weeks. And I love it too.,</b>
DebKG responded:
I have been "going gray" for over 17 years. After my 40th birthday, I decided that coloring my hair was a waste of time and money, plus an unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals.
The only negative is that people think this former brunette is a blonde ... egads!
The only negative is that people think this former brunette is a blonde ... egads!
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?I have been "going gray" for over 17 years. After my 40th birthday, I decided that coloring my hair was a waste of time and money, plus an unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals. <br /><br />The only negative is that people think this former brunette is a blonde ... egads!
abused_____telsum1 responded:
grandma judi I am 68 and am just starting to show more gray, but most would say my hair is brown. Hoping for that beautiful white. I will never color unless it is to make the gray whiter....do they even do that with salt and pepper?
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?grandma judi I am 68 and am just starting to show more gray, but most would say my hair is brown. Hoping for that beautiful white. I will never color unless it is to make the gray whiter....do they even do that with salt and pepper?
I'm 55 yrs young and have had my hair colored for almost 20 years and would continue to do so except when I got shingles 6 weeks ago, it was over and on my left eye and on my scalp. I was advised by my doctor's office to not color my hair for at least 2 to 3 more months. By that time the white...not gray, will be in and so I have accepted and decided to just let it go. It will also save me about $50 to $60 a month. I guess I will have to find other ways to keep looking younger. I can always change my mind and start coloring it again when it is safe to do so.
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?I'm 55 yrs young and have had my hair colored for almost 20 years and would continue to do so except when I got shingles 6 weeks ago, it was over and on my left eye and on my scalp. I was advised by my doctor's office to not color my hair for at least 2 to 3 more months. By that time the white...not gray, will be in and so I have accepted and decided to just let it go. It will also save me about $50 to $60 a month. I guess I will have to find other ways to keep looking younger. I can always change my mind and start coloring it again when it is safe to do so.
coolredfox responded:
I would love to go Grey, I know that must sound absolutely crackers, but my natural colour is mid brown but since the age of 16years I have always had it bleached blonde so that is for the past 50 years and still no signs of going grey why oh! why have I not gone grey I do wish someone could tell me.
All my family where grey parents, grandparents, even my own children all in there forties are going grey, my daughter as her hair coloured every 6-8 weeks, I have told her I will have her grey hair and she can have mine..........
I just wonder if perhaps it as got something to do with me having it bleached for all these years, as they do say if you have your hair coloured with a dye from being quite young you will go grey quicker......perhaps bleaching it works the oposite.
If there is anyone who knows the answer to my question I would love to hear from you...........
All my family where grey parents, grandparents, even my own children all in there forties are going grey, my daughter as her hair coloured every 6-8 weeks, I have told her I will have her grey hair and she can have mine..........
I just wonder if perhaps it as got something to do with me having it bleached for all these years, as they do say if you have your hair coloured with a dye from being quite young you will go grey quicker......perhaps bleaching it works the oposite.
If there is anyone who knows the answer to my question I would love to hear from you...........
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?I would love to go Grey, I know that must sound absolutely crackers, but my natural colour is mid brown but since the age of 16years I have always had it bleached blonde so that is for the past 50 years and still no signs of going grey why oh! why have I not gone grey I do wish someone could tell me.<br />All my family where grey parents, grandparents, even my own children all in there forties are going grey, my daughter as her hair coloured every 6-8 weeks, I have told her I will have her grey hair and she can have mine..........<br />I just wonder if perhaps it as got something to do with me having it bleached for all these years, as they do say if you have your hair coloured with a dye from being quite young you will go grey quicker......perhaps bleaching it works the oposite.<br />If there is anyone who knows the answer to my question I would love to hear from you...........
dpbf6 responded:
Women can get away with coloring their hair -- they all too often do so long before the first gray hair makes an appearance; it's a fashion statement, in that respect so they might as well keep at it when the gray does come in. I'm salt & pepper and while I am told it looks "distinguished" I never bought that line. But I still would never color my hair. On men it looks so cowardly and pathetic -- no one is fooled and it always gives the impression of being more about fooling younger women than about simply changing hair color. I earned every damn one of my gray hairs, so rock & roll!
DF
DF
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?Women can get away with coloring their hair -- they all too often do so long before the first gray hair makes an appearance; it's a fashion statement, in that respect so they might as well keep at it when the gray does come in. I'm salt & pepper and while I am told it looks "distinguished" I never bought that line. But I still would never color my hair. On men it looks so cowardly and pathetic -- no one is fooled and it always gives the impression of being more about fooling younger women than about simply changing hair color. I earned every damn one of my gray hairs, so rock & roll!<br />DF
h20lah responded:
I am a 38 year old black woman with threechildren who's age's range from 19-2, I'm really busy, so I have been wearing a perm for years, but recently I decided to come out of my perm and go with my natural texture of hair, that meant cutting the perm out of my hair, so I went for it the "BIG CHOP" and ooh-yeah did I mention that I had been wearing a henna"oriental black" since I was 20, well I discovered that my natural hair color is black brown, and I have more grey that I can count, and I am loving it. Although I still have a youthful appearance, it's sort of gracefully allowing me to inter the next phase of my life's look, I'm trendy, active and looking forward to bringing sexy back to grey hair.
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?I am a 38 year old black woman with threechildren who's age's range from 19-2, I'm really busy, so I have been wearing a perm for years, but recently I decided to come out of my perm and go with my natural texture of hair, that meant cutting the perm out of my hair, so I went for it the "BIG CHOP" and ooh-yeah did I mention that I had been wearing a henna"oriental black" since I was 20, well I discovered that my natural hair color is black brown, and I have more grey that I can count, and I am loving it. Although I still have a youthful appearance, it's sort of gracefully allowing me to inter the next phase of my life's look, I'm trendy, active and looking forward to bringing sexy back to grey hair.
I am 62 and not too sure how much grey I have yet, but previously I have been using a permanent light brown color on my hair, but recently I have been doing some reading up on going grey naturally. I am getting tired of dying it every month, so now I am just putting a wash-out color on my hair (dark blonde.) I talked with my hairdresser about having some "Low lights" added, but she didn't seem to go for the idea.
I want to go grey gracefully (if there is such a thing) and realize that grey hair is coaser than regular hair and needs more conditioning, so I have been looking for a good shampoo and conditioner. Does anyone have any suggestions, or hints for me ? Thank you.
I want to go grey gracefully (if there is such a thing) and realize that grey hair is coaser than regular hair and needs more conditioning, so I have been looking for a good shampoo and conditioner. Does anyone have any suggestions, or hints for me ? Thank you.
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?I am 62 and not too sure how much grey I have yet, but previously I have been using a permanent light brown color on my hair, but recently I have been doing some reading up on going grey naturally. I am getting tired of dying it every month, so now I am just putting a wash-out color on my hair (dark blonde.) I talked with my hairdresser about having some "Low lights" added, but she didn't seem to go for the idea.<br /> <br />I want to go grey gracefully (if there is such a thing) and realize that grey hair is coaser than regular hair and needs more conditioning, so I have been looking for a good shampoo and conditioner. Does anyone have any suggestions, or hints for me ? Thank you.
gojobo responded:
I have had my hair professionally colored since I was 27. The other girls used to pick the grays out of my hair in home ec.when I was in junior high. We have recently started adding color to my eyebrows for the last 5 minutes the color is on my hair, but that is as far as it goes!
Go gray now?!? Why would I do that!?!
Go gray now?!? Why would I do that!?!
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?I have had my hair professionally colored since I was 27. The other girls used to pick the grays out of my hair in home ec.when I was in junior high. We have recently started adding color to my eyebrows for the last 5 minutes the color is on my hair, but that is as far as it goes! <br /> <br />Go gray now?!? Why would I do that!?!
Juanitaville responded:
I am 66 years old and have been "naturally" gray for about 8 years. I enjoy my natural hair color especially since I don't have a lot of wrinkles. (Well, actually I do have wrinkles, but I recently gained weight and my face filled out which minimized my lines.)
It is such a pleasure to go to the beauty shop for a hair cut only and not have to spend hours getting my hair colored. I don't even miss looking like everyone else with dyed brown or blonde hair. I am my own person.
Hooray for the gray! I am one happy camper with my natural color. Now, when you want to talk about freedom from Miss Clairol, I'm here for you!
It is such a pleasure to go to the beauty shop for a hair cut only and not have to spend hours getting my hair colored. I don't even miss looking like everyone else with dyed brown or blonde hair. I am my own person.
Hooray for the gray! I am one happy camper with my natural color. Now, when you want to talk about freedom from Miss Clairol, I'm here for you!
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?I am 66 years old and have been "naturally" gray for about 8 years. I enjoy my natural hair color especially since I don't have a lot of wrinkles. (Well, actually I do have wrinkles, but I recently gained weight and my face filled out which minimized my lines.)<br /> <br />It is such a pleasure to go to the beauty shop for a hair cut only and not have to spend hours getting my hair colored. I don't even miss looking like everyone else with dyed brown or blonde hair. I am my own person. <br /> <br />Hooray for the gray! I am one happy camper with my natural color. Now, when you want to talk about freedom from Miss Clairol, I'm here for you!
CASUAUL responded:
Iam 52 years old have been going gray since I was fifteen. It runs in my family.I dyed my hair until ten years ago at which time I quit doing so. My hair is silver white for the most part. I have dark brown/black hair naturally. I keep it long with some layers. I have to tell you that I have received more nice remarks from men then I ever thought would. They have told me that my hair was beautiful and they hoped that their wives hair would be the same if they ever got to see it.Due to the fact that I have German, Scot, Native American, Irish, Welsh, and French, in my DNA, I have a little darker complexion, than some. To me, my silver hair is as natural and I think better for my hair then the dyes I used to put on it. To me if silver/gray hair was a bad thing then I dont think God would have created it. I have learned to embrace it like my getting older since I cant change that either. Robin Branson
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?Iam 52 years old have been going gray since I was fifteen. It runs in my family.I dyed my hair until ten years ago at which time I quit doing so. My hair is silver white for the most part. I have dark brown/black hair naturally. I keep it long with some layers. I have to tell you that I have received more nice remarks from men then I ever thought would. They have told me that my hair was beautiful and they hoped that their wives hair would be the same if they ever got to see it.Due to the fact that I have German, Scot, Native American, Irish, Welsh, and French, in my DNA, I have a little darker complexion, than some. To me, my silver hair is as natural and I think better for my hair then the dyes I used to put on it. To me if silver/gray hair was a bad thing then I dont think God would have created it. I have learned to embrace it like my getting older since I cant change that either. Robin Branson
igotpsorarth responded:
Hello Annie,
I'm not even sure if anybody is still reading but, I'm 40 y.o. now and have been going steadily silver since i was 14. At first i was kind of embarrassed and shy about it. The strange thing was everyone thought it was really cool. So now that i am more experienced,(tee hee),i'v come to embrace what nature and God has intended 4 me. I've been known to dye it every now n then, or as i prefer 2 say "enhancing" my grays. Of course, i enhance my hair electric colors, violet or raspberry.(i may go gray but i refuse 2 grow old). And even at 40, i get alot of questions and compliments from both young and "experienced" alike. So even if your genes and follicles are rebelling, i say that i am who i am whether i like it or not. I might have lost my "jet-black" hair i was born w/but i get to choose now!(whether anyone likes it or not)
I'm not even sure if anybody is still reading but, I'm 40 y.o. now and have been going steadily silver since i was 14. At first i was kind of embarrassed and shy about it. The strange thing was everyone thought it was really cool. So now that i am more experienced,(tee hee),i'v come to embrace what nature and God has intended 4 me. I've been known to dye it every now n then, or as i prefer 2 say "enhancing" my grays. Of course, i enhance my hair electric colors, violet or raspberry.(i may go gray but i refuse 2 grow old). And even at 40, i get alot of questions and compliments from both young and "experienced" alike. So even if your genes and follicles are rebelling, i say that i am who i am whether i like it or not. I might have lost my "jet-black" hair i was born w/but i get to choose now!(whether anyone likes it or not)
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?Hello Annie,<br />I'm not even sure if anybody is still reading but, I'm 40 y.o. now and have been going steadily silver since i was 14. At first i was kind of embarrassed and shy about it. The strange thing was everyone thought it was really cool. So now that i am more experienced,(tee hee),i'v come to embrace what nature and God has intended 4 me. I've been known to dye it every now n then, or as i prefer 2 say "enhancing" my grays. Of course, i enhance my hair electric colors, violet or raspberry.(i may go gray but i refuse 2 grow old). And even at 40, i get alot of questions and compliments from both young and "experienced" alike. So even if your genes and follicles are rebelling, i say that i am who i am whether i like it or not. I might have lost my "jet-black" hair i was born w/but i get to choose now!(whether anyone likes it or not)
Annie_WebMD_Staff replied to igotpsorarth's response:
Hi igotpsorarth,
Yes, people still read this thread, it's one of the most popular ones on this board. I think it's always an interesting topic whether people want to go gray or color their hair.
I'll bet you have a vibrant head of silver hair!
I still won't go gray. I have no idea how gray I am, but I am going to color my hair forever!
Take care!
- Annie
Yes, people still read this thread, it's one of the most popular ones on this board. I think it's always an interesting topic whether people want to go gray or color their hair.
I'll bet you have a vibrant head of silver hair!
I still won't go gray. I have no idea how gray I am, but I am going to color my hair forever!
Take care!
- Annie
Report This| Share this:Going Gray - would you do it?Hi igotpsorarth,<br /> <br />Yes, people still read this thread, it's one of the most popular ones on this board. I think it's always an interesting topic whether people want to go gray or color their hair.<br /> <br />I'll bet you have a vibrant head of silver hair!<br /> <br />I still won't go gray. I have no idea how gray I am, but I am going to color my hair forever!<br /> <br />Take care!<br /> <br />- Annie
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