Author Archives: glenda nelson

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    May 15
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Seventeen months, no color: Mar 12, 2015

Going Silver: Do you believe me now?

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Finally, some selfies that prove I’m going silver. You can see my old blonde highlights in the bun on my head. Interestingly, there are still strands of blonde around my temples. I’m so glad I started this transition at this time in my life. And, I’m grateful that I always did the highlight/lowlight thing. That way I always knew what was brewing between the highs and lows. I could see those silvers for years – even though others could not, or said they couldn’t.

This week, I read an interesting AARP article, “Going Gray the Right Way” by Jen Reeves. Jen will be featured in one of AARP’s “The Best of Everything” videos that will document her transition to silver. Like me, and so many others, she was tired of the demands of sticking to a color routine. Jen referred to it as the “every-three-week ritual” of touch-ups. Ugh! Who wants that … it’s expensive and time-consuming. So, she took the plunge and now she says, “I am looking forward to being the authentic me. If things go well, I’ll be able to focus on keeping my hair texture healthy but not worry about color for another six months. I’m already less stressed. I don’t have to hide. I’m ready to live openly with my grays!”

I love it! See what can happen when you liberate yourself from the societal expectations of looking younger. Be yourself … let your own true beauty show. It’s time to fix our culture’s obsession with youth and enjoy the days that the Maker has given us. We’ll never be worry-free, but we can reduce stress by accepting the fact that we are aging and it’s not a bad thing. In fact, let’s be frank … it’s a privilege to age! How’s that for a new perspective!

While I was reading Jen’s article, I clicked on one of the links and it brought me to a bunch of pictures of celebs/notables who have gone silver. I’ve always admired Christine Lagarde – I think she is beautiful and classy. Women like Christine encouraged me to go for the silver. There are so many beautiful shades of gray out there. It’s amazing! I love to see it and I’m seeing more of it!

Screen Shot of AARP's "Over-50 Shades of Gray" on 2015-05-09

Screen Shot of AARP’s “Over-50 Shades of Gray” on 2015-05-09

So, join me, Jen, Christine, and many others as we accept our age and the changes that come with it! I’d love to hear about your journey, if you decide to go silver. And, if you need some encouragement along the way – subscribe to my blog and join me! I’d love the company! All the best …

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    May 15
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Sixteen months, no color: Feb 28, 2015

Going Silver: How to save money and be trendy

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This week, I heard from two male friends about the turning gray trend, or as some call it, the “Granny Hair” trend! My friend Steffen, sent me a link from a German website and his message was, “You are in trend without spending any money”. So, Lady Gaga, Hilary Duff, Jourdan Dunn, Pink, and more have done it! Interesting …

Screen Shot of 'Granny Hair'-Trend: So entseht der Look mit den grauen Haaren

Screen Shot of ‘Granny Hair’-Trend: So entseht der Look mit den grauen Haaren

I love what Steffen said and it’s so true! I didn’t realize–when I started this journey–that this was a trend, but the reality is … I’m lucky I don’t have to spend any money to be trendy and I’m not damaging my hair in the process. I’m really shocked that young girls are doing this and find it fascinating. I wish I could talk to someone who has done it or is considering the long and expensive process of going grey so young.

Apart from that, my friend Sunil sent me the following link from People Magazine which is also about stars who have died their hair gray:

Screen Shot of "Stars Who Went Gray (on Purpose!)"

Screen Shot of “Stars Who Went Gray (on Purpose!)”

Most of the Twitter responses were negative and I get that. I’m not sure why young people would want to color their hair gray. After watching the video of the process and reading up on how damaging it is for your hair, I don’t think it’s wise. But, ‘to each her own’!! Very interesting though … again, I want to know WHY!

Screen Shot from Twitter 2015-05-02 at 7.50.55 AM

Screen Shot from Twitter 2015-05-02 at 7.50.55 AM

So, since I am doing this Silver Thing the natural way … which I think is the best for your overall health and especially that of your hair … I have shared some pix below that really show the progression to silver. Lighting matters … as you will notice in the Feb 8 pictures. Also, there’s a big difference (to me) when I have my old blonde highlights draped in front versus held back. And so, the journey down Silver Linings Lane continues … so far, so good! 🙂 And, now that I’ve learned I’m saving money and in-trend … I feel even better about my new look!

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts about going silver no matter what age you are … and please subscribe to my blog! Let’s do this together!

Sixteen months, no color: Feb 8, 2015
Sixteen months, no color: Feb 8, 2015
Sixteen months, no color: Feb 8, 2015
Sixteen months, no color: Feb 28, 2015
Sixteen months, no color: Feb 28, 2015
Sixteen months, no color: Feb 28, 2015
Sixteen months, no color: Feb 28, 2015
Sixteen months, no color: Feb 28, 2015
  • 25
    Apr 15
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Fifteen months, no color: Jan 1, 2015

Going Silver: Fifteen Months, No Color

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I made it … fifteen months and no highlights/lowlights! I visited my best friend–Sandy–in Atlanta to bring in the New Year! Sandy took pictures (see below) after we did a functional workout training session. I was a sweaty mess, but at least you can really see the silver. After looking at these pix, I feel like I’m making the transition at the right time. I will miss my blonde locks, that’s for sure. But, I’m willing to discover what I’ve been covering up. It’s kind of exciting … and, it’s interesting to learn how others are adjusting to their new colors. For example, a fellow friend on Silver Linings Lane said the following on Facebook and I can relate:

Screen Shot from Facebook - Edited out name for privacy

Screen Shot from Facebook – Edited out name for privacy

I have found this to be true. For example, my hair color shifts in different lighting. Sometimes I have my doubts when I catch a reflection of myself in bright lights or outdoors. But, I’m determined to keep going … after all, I’ve made it this far!

If you are on the fence about going silver, I’d love to hear from you! Please subscribe to my blog and/or tell others who are thinking of...or, in the process of going silver to subscribe and join me on the journey down Silver Linings Lane!

Fifteen months, no color: Jan 1, 2015
Fifteen months, no color: Jan 1, 2015
Fifteen months, no color: Jan 1, 2015
Fifteen months, no color: Jan 1, 2015
Fifteen months, no color: Jan 1, 2015
Fifteen months, no color: Jan 1, 2015
Fifteen months, no color: Jan 1, 2015
Fifteen months, no color: Jan 23, 2015
Fifteen months, no color: Jan 23, 2015
Fifteen months, no color: Jan 23, 2015
  • 18
    Apr 15
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Fourteen months, no color – Dec 25, 2014

Going Silver: Love it or leave it?

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Another month flew by, which makes 14 months with no highlights or lowlights, yet my hair still looks blonde … in pictures! In person, I see the change. But others, well … they either haven’t notice or decided not to make a big deal out of it. So, this color and aging thing … it’s on my mind a lot! And, apparently … it’s on the minds of a lot of other people … especially young people! There is a trend out there to go silver at a very young age. Go figure!? Are these young people the children of women who color their hair?  Why the obsession?

A friend on Facebook shared the article “Granny hair is the hottest” with me – this page had over one million views! Incredible! That led me to other links and searches. I found #grannyhair on Instagram and what fascinates me are the young faces and silver/gray/grey hair! How weird is it that women who naturally go gray are covering it up while young people with beautiful hair colors are bleaching to look silver/gray/grey?! Humans are strange creatures! This discovery made me wonder what these young people will think when their hair starts to turn silver naturally? What will they do? Will they look back on the days in their twenties when they bleached their hair and chuckle as they color their hair to look like it was in the “good ole days”? Or, will this experiment in their younger days make it easier to accept the natural aging process? What do you think?

Interestingly, the granny hair article had a survey. I took it and what amazes me are the results. Over the years, grey/gray hair has gotten a bad rap by marketers, but I’m beginning to think we can rebrand old age. Check out the results of this poll:

Screen Shot 2015-03-28 at 3.37.50 AM

83.1K versus 46.3K votes … wow! Which camp are you in? Love it or Leave it? Let me know … I’d love to hear from you! And, please subscribe to my blog or tell others who are thinking of...or, in the process of going silver to follow me and enjoy the journey on Silver Linings Lane!

As always, below are a few pictures to show the monthly change in color:

Fourteen months, no color – Dec 25, 2014
Fourteen months, no color – Dec 25, 2014
Fourteen months, no color – Dec 25, 2014
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    Apr 15
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Thirteen months, no color – Nov 29, 2014

Going Silver: Thirteen Months, No Color

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Wow … thirteen months and people still think my hair is “blonde” … of course, the ends are, but the top side is getting pretty silver! That said, Mom and I worked hard on our “photo shoot” to get a shot that showed how silver I really am. I know, I know – we could both use a photography class. But, back to the point … my blonde ends really catch people’s attention. Once they are gone, the true story will be told. I’m using a toner now to even things out … those pictures will be coming soon. For now, please see the pictures below to see the progress at thirteen months. Notice how–in the picture of me by my suv–from a distance I look blonde and that’s with my hair up with the blonde ends tucked away! I’m happy with the transition and thrilled with the response from others.

My advice to others who are on the fence about taking the Silver Linings Path … try it!!! What will it hurt? You can always go back to color. If you do try it, please subscribe to my blog and let me know how the transition going. And, if you decide to blog about it … let me know … I’d like to follow your blog and journey. Remember, we’re in this together.

Thirteen months, no color – Nov 24, 2014
Thirteen months, no color – Nov 25, 2014
Thirteen months, no color – Nov 29, 2014
Thirteen months, no color – Nov 29, 2014
Thirteen months, no color – Nov 29, 2014
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    Apr 15
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One year, no color - Oct 18, 2014

Going Silver: One Year, No Color

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I made it … one year and no highlights or lowlights! Unfortunately, these are the only photos I have of that time period. The lighting was awful. That said, it’s really not obvious that I no longer color my hair. I’m so lucky that I do not have the extreme hair color differences that other people deal with. I think such subtle color change makes the process easier. My heart goes out to those who have dark hair … the growing out process is tough. Fortunately, this phase is going fairly well for me.

This week, I ran into a woman at the grocery store and commented on her natural silver look. She said something quite curious. First of all, she thanked me and then, as an after thought said, “You know, I didn’t color my hair because it was expensive, I was too busy raising kids and working. But, I always felt like such a frump compared to all of my friends.” I told her I thought she looked beautiful and her face lit up. So, why is it that we are made to feel “frumpy” when we are accepting our age and the changes that come with it? And, why is it that men are thought to look more distinguished with their salt and pepper. It’s time to turn the table on that fable … 😉

One year, no color – Oct 18, 2014
One year, no color – Oct 18, 2014
  • 21
    Mar 15
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Going Silver: Eleven Months, No Color

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Well, well … I made it to eleven months! Almost a year without highlights/lowlights! And, the cool part … you really have to zoom in to see any silver sticking out! 🙂

In this picture, I am hanging out with some dear friends who live too far away … we all went to high school a “few” years ago! What an awesome group! And, what a spectacular afternoon/evening we all shared together! God is good! I thank God on a daily basis for the gift of age … and the opportunity to make more memories with wonderful friends! Life is good … even if you are going silver! 🙂

If you are inspired to try a trip down Silver Linings Lane, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. Also, please subscribe to my blog. Let’s do this together!

Eleven months, no color - Sept 6, 2014

Eleven months, no color – Sept 6, 2014

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    Mar 15
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Ten months, no color - Aug 23, 2014 (My 50th Bday)

Going Silver: Ten Months, No Color

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So, the month of August is all about family celebrations – we have tons of birthdays (including my own). For me, August 2014 was all about finishing grad school, turning 50, and making it to 10 months with no color! And, I did it ALL! As for the no color part – I feel so liberated!! I’m sure the Statue of Liberty would be proud of me. “Enlightening the world” … with my silver! 🙂 Free and brave … yes, liberated is the word of the day! Especially in the going silver context – I hear and see it – A LOT! For me, the word illustrates tackling and overcoming the voices in my head and the negative social norms that permeate our environment on aging and hair color! I love feeling liberated …

And, I’m not alone! I have mentioned before that I find myself seeking out silver-haired people and making positive comments about their hair. At first, it wasn’t an intentional process, it was a curious one. Now, I can’t help myself … I want to know more of the stories behind the silver. Several weeks ago, I met a woman at the grocery store who at the end of her short silver story said, “Going natural is so  liberating”. That really resonated with me and now, due to awareness, I see women using the term online a lot! For example, here are several screenshots from a Facebook thread that a woman posted this week. The picture that went with this post showed a woman with a beautiful head of silver hair:

Screen Shot of Facebook Page

Screen Shot of Facebook Page

Good for this woman!! Now, I’m going to share some of the responses – they are priceless:

Screenshot from Facebook

Screenshot from Facebook

Now, if you liked those comments … you are going to love her final response:

Screenshot from Facebook

Screenshot from Facebook

Need I say more? If you are on the fence about going natural, I encourage you to join us and more specifically, join a support group to boost your confidence along the way. There are several on Facebook. I’m thinking of starting one myself. Life is easier when you have a strong support system. Let’s do this together. Think how nice it would be to post something and get the responses above and the confirmation that you are on the right track. In less than 48 hours, this shining silver star tallied up the following “likes”:

Screenshot from Facebook

Screenshot from Facebook

As always, here are some pictures to chronicle my journey down Silver Linings Pathway! If you are so inspired, I would love to hear your thoughts on going silver in the comments section below. Also, please subscribe to my blog. Let’s do this together!

Ten months, no color – Aug 3, 2014
Ten months, no color – Aug 3, 2014 (Yes, that’s the Kennedy Center in the background)
Ten months, no color – Aug 3, 2014
Ten months, no color – Aug 23, 2014 (My 50th Bday)
Ten months, no color – Aug 23, 2014 (My 50th Bday)
Ten months, no color – Aug 23, 2014 (My 50th Bday)
Ten months, no color – Aug 23, 2014 (My 50th Bday)
Ten months, no color – Aug 25, 2014 (Gma’s 93rd Bday)
Ten months, no color – Aug 26, 2014 (Mom’s Bday)
Ten months, no color – Aug 26, 2014 (Mom’s Bday)
Ten months, no color – Aug 26, 2014 (Mom’s Bday)

 

 

  • 07
    Mar 15
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Nine months, no color - July 24, 2014

Going Silver: Nine Months, No Color

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I made it … nine months and no color! In these pictures, the shift to silver is starting to show. The pix were cropped ( a lot), so the images are not very clear. But, this is when the doubts started to creep in. Thankfully, I had people like Cindy Joseph to encourage me. Her videos on the Pro-Age Rally and Revolution really helped me. Seeking support is important, I joined a few Facebook pages started by women who chose to go gray. If you are contemplating the natural look … I encourage you to join a support group. It is a great way to see that others have doubts and a place to seek encouragement from those who have gone all the way to gray!

I belong to two Facebook pages on going gray and will share a snippet of what I read this week. I am not going to expose the names of the people because the FB pages are “closed” to the public. One woman said: “Not having to color my hair every 3-4 weeks is almost as good as not having a period anymore! Just sayin’, lol” Love it and the sense of humor! 🙂 Totally agree! Here’s a note from someone in the contemplation stage and the initial response from the FB community:

Screen Shot

FaceBook Screen Shot

Facebook Screen Shot

Facebook Screen Shot

I am grateful for the Facebook platform because it offers a collaborative and supportive environment for those of us on the silver path. Aging is a gift and why our culture treats it like a curse is ridiculous and shameful. It’s time to change and there is a growing number of us who feel that way! Join the Pro-Age Mindset.

If you feel the same, please share your story in the comments below! And, join one of the going gray FB pages! I’m sure you will enjoy the experience.

Nine months, no color – July 24, 2014
Nine months, no color – July 24, 2014
Nine months, no color – July 24, 2014
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    Feb 15
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Eight months, no color - June 26, 2014

Going Silver: Eight Months and No Color

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It is really fun to look back  through my photos and see the stages of going silver. This is my eighth month with no color and in these pictures it is still difficult to tell I’m going silver. Of course, these shots were taken with a camera phone and have been seriously cropped, but I think they are a good representation of me enjoying my life and going silver at the same time!

Eight months, no color – June 26, 2014
Eight months, no color – June 26, 2014
Eight months, no color – June 26, 2014

A dear friend of mine from high school is aware of my journey down Silver Linings Lane due to my Facebook posts. This week, she shared with me an article titled, “Gray hair becoming hallmark of coolness“. Well, how cool is that?! In the article, Baltimore City Councilwoman Helen Holton who has beautiful, long gray hair said, “Attitude and presence have a lot more to do with someone thinking that you are older than you are.” Now, isn’t that the truth!? How refreshing. And, I think she looks fabulous. Check her out:

Councilwoman Helen Holton ... Love her hair!

Councilwoman Helen Holton … Love her hair!

Now that I am determined to “go silver” … I find myself striking up conversations with random women who have silver sparkles and I absolutely love the stories they freely share. Today, a woman I met told me about her ‘aha’ moment.  She was closing in on the BIG 5 0 and had been coloring her hair for years. Her silver was so prominent that she had to color her roots every 2 weeks. She was growing weary of the process and demands on her time. One day, while coloring her hair at home some of the dye hit the wall in her bathroom and she couldn’t get the stain out. That was it. Her ‘aha’ moment. She hasn’t colored since and feels so liberated. I just love hearing these impromptu stories. These women are so inspiring to me. I’m so glad I’ve ventured down Silver Linings Lane. And, for those of you who are on the fence … this saying by Robyn O’Brien below might help …

Love this ... and, am living it!

Love this … and, am living it!

 

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