Embracing my gray hair
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

free skin care · Sun Jul 04, 2010 6:57 am

Here's a lovely site with lots of great photos.

http://goinggraylookinggreat.com/

Gentian Violet is the way to go to keep the yellow at bay, but, BEWARE, a little goes an awful long way!

free skin care · Thu Jul 08, 2010 7:31 am

Hi Miranda,

I do at times use herbatint or naturtint, health food store brands healthier for body and hair. I really play with my color quite a bit from the beauty supply I buy wella color charm in tube form (lasts better no air gets in) Loreal Professional I think makes Mega Reds. What ever brand I use I use a deep auburn color I have a lot of auburn highlights on what's left of my natural color.
My most important "tricks" on my roots I leave color on 40-45 minutes and only drag color down for about 5-6 inches the last 5 minutes to blend. It prevents too much color build up on the ends and keeps a multi-dimensional color instead of that "flat one tone look". I also use Jazzing either in a auburn or clear color over my hair with a heat cap as it coats/protects and adds shine. And I deep condition at least weekly. My length is a good 8-9 inches past shoulder length now, I do cut just below shoulder when the mood strikes and let it grow longer at times depends on my mood. I don't know how much help this all is I am a bit of a mad scientist when it comes to coloring, but manage to keep it in very good condition. Smile

free skin care · Fri Jul 23, 2010 11:06 am

(thanks darkmoon)

Anyway, i don't let my hair go gray cause it's still got too much black in it..too 'salt and peppery' which i don't like...

but i also don't like the idea of coloring my roots every 12 days or so..so io've become very profiicient with doing interesting 'arty' kinds of things with scarves....

right now ..in the summer..i get fabric that i love from the fabric shop (I'M LIKE A KID IN THE CANDY STORE WITH FABRICS!)....in 2"-3" wide strips..and hae them hemmed on the sides..and 'do' my hair with them after the roots begin to show...wrappin them around the front of my head..where the roots show predominantlt...and then making sure i don't make a part in the rest of my hair...i might let myhair loose...or make braids or pull my hair back and do crative kinds of things with intwining the fabric in my hair.....works great for cover-up!

free skin care · Tue Jul 27, 2010 6:06 am

This is where I buy mine from. You want to make sure that you are using body art quality henna.
http://www.mehandi.com/shop/hairhenna.html
With my dark hair, I wasn't that interested in a lot of henna color coming through, so I always bought the jamilla or the henna from pakistan. When I buy again, though, I might go with one that is geared more towards grey/white coverage.

Henna will stay good in the freezer for a year. I have some that is older than that, but because I am only doing the glosses now, I am not as concerned. If I really wanted a lot of color, I would order fresh.

free skin care · Thu Mar 03, 2011 10:04 am

Glad I found this thread and I must say I love reading all of the points of views regarding gray hair. I have come to the conclusion that like many things, the individual must decide what is best in her situation. (I'd love to know the latest with you gals btw)

Here's my story. Long winded post ahead - beware lol!

I will be 53 in October. I have bad some gray hairs since probably mid 40's. I have most always had some haircolor and for the past years I did my own hair gradually letting more and more gray come through. I used Natural Instincts (nothing natural about it lol) and wet my hair first and only applied to the roots for like 10 minutes and then lathered the rest through my hair when rinsing out.

When we moved to the coast I decided (since I swim, run, cycle, do weights and live outside a LOT) that I would cut my hair shorter and let the gray come in and stay in! I got my first set of professional highlights last December to help with the last of the transition and a few months ago I got the very last of any color cut completely from my hair.

I get compliments often and I also get remarks like "I can't get used to you not being a blond" or "Are you ever going back to dying your hair" or "You need to consider coloring again as you do look older."

Well, the older part isn't why I necessarily dyed my hair. I did it because I DO look great as a blond. I truly do not mind looking my age, what I want though is to be a HEALTHY looking 52 year old woman. Someone who takes care of herself and has a glow of health. The gray hair, in my case, shows my age yet at the same time it might be said that I look good and fit for a woman "her age" lol.

Here's two shots taken within the past week or so.

I will say that I am having to "rebuild" my wardrobe focusing now on cooler tones. The olives and golds and oranges I used to wear as a blond are being replaced by aquas, purples, pinks, whites, blues and navy blue. What a difference that makes let me tell you! Also, less is WAY best when it comes to makeup! And jewelry overwhelms me so I wear very little - but when I do I focus on silvers instead of golds now.

So that's my story and the change is very empowering in a way. I hope it empowers others who are on the fence. Remember, you can always dye it back if you don't like it Wink

I will add a "THANK GOODNESS" for good skin care and right now the ASG and AALS. Years of facial exercise and my green smoothies and diet routine help me accept the gray hair. Without those things, IDK if I'd been able to pull it off, that is if I have pulled it off. I've decided to keep the gray and keep up the things I know work to keep me healthy and fit into my 60's and beyond. WAY BEYOND! Very Happy

Thanks for reading this ever so lonnnnnnnnnnggggg-winded post.

Gidget

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.