Tag Archives: going silver

  • 26
    Sep 15
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Twenty-three months, no color: Sep 25, 2015

Going Silver: A Youthful Perspective

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It’s been almost two years since I started this journey down Silver Linings Lane. I’m not all silver, yet. In fact, I’m surprised how much dirty blonde is still coming out. Fortunately, it frames my face well for a smooth transition (as you can see in the featured image). Scroll down to see some close-up shots of my shining silver! Look for the big silver streak at the back of my head! I hope it’s a precursor … 🙂

In my humble opinion, learning to love yourself…in your natural state…is a whole new way of relating to yourself that is much more fulfilling than trying to cover up who you are. I can’t describe it. But, I’m glad I did it!

Last weekend, I went shopping with a friend who is my age. We went into BCBG in Chevy Chase (MD) just to look. We ended up trying on a few items. As we were checking out, we had an interesting exchange with two young girls who worked there. They were both in their 20s. We started out with normal chitchat about how good the outfits looked on us … I expressed surprise that my new grey shirt looked quite good with my silver hair. The lights over the register were very bright and both of the girls agreed and said they “loved my hair color”! Woo-hoo! Silver hair victory shuffle at the checkout counter!

Then, the young women started to talk about how young celebrities are coloring their hair grey … how it is a fad and they think it’s cool. The more they talked the more it hit me … they are so lucky to have this healthy way of looking at aging. I’m so proud of women who are standing up to the “norms” and feeling comfortable in their own skin. And, I’m so grateful that my mother showed me how to age gracefully and enjoy the process! We only get one chance at this thing called life … so I’m going to enjoy every phase and savor each step … and, in my case … silver step!

So, if it’s the right time for you … join me! Subscribe to my blog. I would love to hear from you. Remember … we’re in this together! Whether you color or not, we’re going silver. That’s the plain and simple truth! Accept it and enjoy the journey! 🙂

Twenty-three months, no color: Sep 15, 2015
Twenty-three months, no color: Sep 25, 2015
Twenty-three months, no color: Sep 25, 2015
Twenty-three months, no color: Sep 26, 2015
Twenty-three months, no color: Sep 26, 2015
Twenty-three months, no color: Sep 26, 2015
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    Aug 15
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Twenty-two months, no color: Aug 8, 2015

Going Silver: Line of demarcation

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For the people out there who still think I look blonde – here is a picture that shows the line of demarcation!! This was not an easy picture to take – kudos to the photographer! This pic really shows my progress. I love it! I’ve been through a lot to get here. And, as you can see from the pix below … I’m enjoying my journey down Silver Linings Lane.

This past week I was at Bed, Bath, and Beyond picking up some household necessities. I was standing in the checkout line when a slightly-turning-silver woman behind me said,

“Excuse me, I came in here to buy some hair color to touch up my roots. I had decided to let my hair go naturally grey, but because of some not-so-nice comments, I’m having second thoughts. What do you think?”

I’ll never know if she noticed my silver streaks, I didn’t think to ask. I responded with a resounding, “Do what feels right for you. Look at what I’m doing!” And, with that, I pulled out my pony tail and showed her my resplendent shades of silver. We had a short exchange on authenticity, I wish it could have been longer. She was a delightful woman. Since I was ahead of her in line, I do not know if she bought the hair color, or not. I love that she had the courage to speak to me. And, I love providing affirmations, when needed. We’re in this together!

This past week, I read a witty article by Sarah Hampson titled, “I’m fed up with the age-defiance game, so my ‘granny’ hair is staying” … what a great sense of “humor”. Her experience resonated with me. Love these thoughts she shared,

“Women of a certain age like to say how wonderful it is to discover that they don’t care what others think any more. And that’s true. We can spend our lives worrying about how others perceive us as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, career women, etc. etc. And you reach an age, post 40, where you finally have more confidence in who you are and what you have accomplished.

We believe we’re becoming authentic but that’s the very point when we’re encouraged to cover up what is really happening with our bodies.”

So, for those who are fed-up with covering up, join those of us who are letting our hair down, or as my cover pic displays – shaking things up and having a ball doing it! 🙂 I invite you to subscribe to my blog and join in the conversation. I would love to hear from you. Remember … we’re in this together! Whether you color or not, we’re going silver. That’s the plain and simple truth! Accept it and rock it! 🙂

Twenty-two months, no color: Aug 14, 2015
Twenty-two months, no color: Aug 8, 2015
Twenty-two months, no color: Aug 8, 2015
Twenty-two months, no color: Aug 8, 2015
Twenty-two months, no color: Aug 8, 2015
Twenty-two months, no color: Aug 8, 2015
Twenty-two months, no color: Aug 7, 2015
Twenty-two months, no color: Aug 7, 2015
Twenty-two months, no color: Aug 14, 2015
Twenty-two months, no color: Aug 8, 2015

 

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    Aug 15
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Twenty-one months, no color: July 28, 2015

Going Silver: Shades of Silver and Gold

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I’m closing in on the two-year, no-color mark … and, I am psyched! So far, I’ve resisted the urge to follow the crowd and continue the high- and low-light game. It’s taken a lot of soul-searching and struggling with who I am. I have a lot of questions. Why do we throw away our youth … and then struggle to hold onto it? Why are we so caught up in thought … that we miss the present moment? Think less, live more! I’m trying to veer away from that incessant voice in my head telling me I’m not good enough. I’m trying to accept myself just the way I am. And that means living in the moment with gratitude and grace while embracing the real me.

This period of reflection has brought me back in touch with my youth. For example, when I was young, I used to love to swim. I would go underwater and then stand up with my hair in front of my face and marvel at the many colors of hair in the sunlight. Well, I am doing the same thing now, minus the swimming part. 🙂 I look at my hair in different lighting and see so many awesome colors. I love it! Each angle provides a different type of color. I’m blessed. This transition was easier than I thought it would be, but (IMHO) that is because I have chosen to accept the changes of aging. It is, what it is …

Speaking of changing colors … check out the photos below … they were taken minutes apart. Three inside, three outside. The outside pix show my hair color in a whole new light! I just love the silver streaking through … I think it will be magnificent when all my hair is silver. Until then, I’ll treasure the silver streaks! If you are thinking of naturally going silver … please sign up for my blog, share your thoughts (dark or light – my new way of highlighting and lowlighting – ha), and let’s help each other along the way! Until next month … all the best!

Twenty-one months, no color: July 28, 2015
Twenty-one months, no color: July 28, 2015
Twenty-one months, no color: July 28, 2015
Twenty-one months, no color: July 28, 2015
Twenty-one months, no color: July 28, 2015
Twenty-one months, no color: July 28, 2015
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    Jul 15
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Twenty months, no color: June 21, 2015

Going Silver: 20 Months, No Color

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I’m starting to really enjoy the color of my hair … this twenty-month journey has been one of ups and downs. But overall, I’m so grateful for my perseverance. One takeaway for me … is that natural blondes have it easier than brunettes when it comes to naturally going silver. That said, my mother is a natural redhead and she also had a smooth transition. Her grays made her hair look blonde making the switch to silver smooth. I’m finding the same thing. After I stopped highlighting/lowlighting it wasn’t such a big deal. I could see the line of demarcation, but others could not. And now, my silver looks like natural highlights.

In fact, recently I had my hair cut and a woman walked up to the desk to pay when I did and said, “I’m admiring your hair – it’s beautiful.” That comment led to a conversation about me going natural and she thought I had just had highlights. How cool is that?! I hope our exchange in the salon made others think about what is possible. I hope they ask themselves, “I wonder what is under my layers of color treatments?” I’m not trying to say that everyone needs to stop coloring their hair, I’m just here to say that there is a real sense of freedom on the other side. No more worries about roots and scheduling appointments to “cover up”. I love the freedom that comes with being who you are … here’s to no more cover up! 🙂

As always, here are a few pictures from my 20th month of no color! With the length of my hair it will take a while to make the full conversion. But, I’m getting there. If you are toying with the idea of naturally going silver … please sign up for my blog, share your thoughts (dark or light – our new out of highlighting and lowlighting – ha), and let’s help each other along the way! Until next month … all the best!

Twenty months, no color: June 21, 2015
Twenty months, no color: June 27, 2015
Twenty months, no color: June 29, 2015
Twenty months, no color: June 29, 2015
Twenty months, no color: June 29, 2015
  • 28
    Jun 15
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Nineteen months, no color: May 29, 2015

Going Silver: A graduation of sorts

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The month of May 2015 marked my 19th month of no highlights and lowlights! I feel as though I am adjusting nicely to my own color. The color changes from day-to-day. It’s almost like my hair has a mood. I never know what I’m going to get: a dark, light, wild, or wiry day.

There is a surprising amount of blonde left. I’m so glad I tried this experiment. My newfound awareness has led me to strike up conversations with other women who have chosen to go with their natural hair color. Recently, I spoke with a woman who said that she was tired of having three colors of hair. She grew so weary of the covering up process and constant appointments with her hair dresser, that she just said, “forget it”. Now, she was getting a special rate because a close friend had colored her hair for 20 years. So, this wasn’t a financial decision. This was about the tri-color and time issue. She was over it.

This woman had streaks of silver in the front that nicely framed her face and dark hair in the back. She looked beautiful, very natural and her hair matched her skin tone. I’m finding that the women who are in this together really support one another. That said, on the going gray online forums I see where women are hurt by their friends who color their hair with comments like “Why do you want to look old?” Or, by comments that people unwittingly make like “Is that your grandchild?” when it is actually their child. Well, as I see it, that’s life. Face, it we aren’t getting any younger. It is … what it is!

I experienced something like that when I went to pick up my graduation gown at the Barnes & Noble/Johns Hopkins bookstore in Baltimore. Yes, I just got my Mid-Life Masters and I’m sure that’s why I have a few extra silver hairs! 😉 While walking into the store, a gentleman asked me, “Is your son or daughter graduating?” He was quite surprised and embarrassed when I said I was the actual graduate. We had a good laugh over it. He apologized, I said there was no need to apologize. I didn’t let his comment bother me. Afterall, it could have been my son or daughter! I am that age and am totally cool with that!

Enough of my rambling! If you are entertaining the idea of going silver … just do it! Join the amazing and growing group of Silver Sisters on Silver Linings Pathway. And, if you want support, sign up for my blog. Let’s do this together. It’s easier when you have support! As always, please see below some pictures – as you can see, the theme this month was graduation, I may have attained my mid-life masters … but, I have a ways to go before I graduate with a full head of silver! I’m up for the challenge, are you?! 🙂

Nineteen months, no color: May 29, 2015
Nineteen months, no color: May 22, 2015
Nineteen months, no color: May 22, 2015
Nineteen months, no color: May 22, 2015
Nineteen months, no color: May 19, 2015
Nineteen months, no color: May 16, 2015
Nineteen months, no color: May 16, 2015
Nineteen months, no color: May 16, 2015
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    May 15
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Eighteen months, no color: Apr 29, 2015

Going Silver: What George Clooney and I have in common

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I’ve always been a George Clooney fan, because face it … the man is sooooooo handsome! But, now more than ever, I like what this man has to say! And, in this case, I would like to add, “great minds think alike”! For those of you who haven’t heard his thoughts on aging, here’s a snippet from the Huffington Post article I read this week:

Screen shot of Huffington Post - May 27, 2015

Screen shot of Huffington Post – May 27, 2015

I love it … this quote is all about acceptance. And, for me that means accepting my gray/grey/silver hairs! If we reject the gift of aging and try to cover up or deny reality … we are not truly living in the present! Accepting “what is” … is liberating. At least, for me it is … and for those of you struggling with this … I say break free and accept your age! It is God’s gift to you and better than the alternative which George Clooney hits on with this quote:

Screen shot of Huffington Post - May 27, 2015

Screen shot of Huffington Post – May 27, 2015

As always, I have included several pictures that showcase my gradual switch to silver. The pictures below are from my eighteenth month of no highlights/lowlights! If you are also on the Silver Linings Pathway or know of someone who is thinking about it, please subscribe to my blog and join the conversation. It’s important that we stick together on this and buck the old stereotypes on aging – especially as it pertains to women! Come on, let’s empower others to accept their age and be proud of what they look like. And, that message – at least this week is from – George and Glenda (G&G)!

Eighteen months, no color: Apr 29, 2015
Eighteen months, no color: Apr 29, 2015
Eighteen months, no color: Apr 30, 2015
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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
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    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
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    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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