Pagesilver hair | Qglenda |

25
Jul 15
2

Going Silver: 20 Months, No Color

Tags : going gray going grey going silver graduation grandma gray hair grey hair hair color highlights lowlights no color silver hair

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

28
Jun 15
-

Going Silver: A graduation of sorts

Tags : going gray going grey going silver graduation grandma gray hair grey hair hair color highlights lowlights mid-life masters no color silver hair

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 19, 2015

Nineteen months, no color: May 16, 2015

09
May 15
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Seventeen months, no color: Mar 12, 2015

Going Silver: Do you believe me now?

Tags : AARP Christine Lagarde cost to color going gray going grey going silver gray hair grey hair hair color highlights lowlights silver hair

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

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 …

: Seventeen months, no color: Mar 12, 2015

: Seventeen months, no color: Mar 12, 2015

: Seventeen months, no color: Mar 12, 2015

02
May 15
-

Going Silver: How to save money and be trendy

Tags : cost to color going gray going grey going silver Granny Hair gray hair grey hair hair color high lights highlights Hilary Duff Jourdan Duff Lady Gaga lowlights no color People Magazine Pink silver hair silver trend trend Twitter

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

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!)”

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

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 28, 2015

25
Apr 15
-

Going Silver: Fifteen Months, No Color

Tags : going gray going grey going silver gray hair grey hair hair color highlights lowlights no color silver hair

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

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 23, 2015

11
Apr 15
-

Thirteen months, no color – Nov 29, 2014

Going Silver: Thirteen Months, No Color

Tags : going grey going ray going silver gray hair grey hair hair color no color silver hair

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

04
Apr 15
-

Going Silver: One Year, No Color

Tags : going gray going grey going silver gray hair grey hair hair color highlights lowlights no color silver hair

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

13
Mar 15
2

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

Going Silver: Ten Months, No Color

Tags : Facebook free and brave going gray going grey going silver liberated liberty silver hair statue of liberty support group support system

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

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

Screenshot from Facebook

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

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

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!