It has been 9 weeks since I have colored my hair. I have made a BIG decision. I am going to let my hair go to its natural color. Which is probably white. I have been thinking about doing this for a long time.
When I started going gray, probably in my late 40's, I started getting root touch-ups. I could not face the thought of losing my beautiful red hair. Yes, I admit to having been vain about my hair all my life. It is my crowning glory! I have always loved being a redhead!
I inherited my red hair from my mother's father, although I never met him. He died when my mother was 3 years old, and there are only a couple of pictures of him, all in black and white. My youngest brother also had red hair (now faded), and there is a distant cousin who inherited the gene. But all of my other siblings have brown hair. And neither of my children are redheads. I long for a redheaded grandchild, but none so far. See, redheads are rare! So I have hung onto my red hair over the years.
But lately - I don't know. I haven't liked the way it looks. It almost ages me. It looks fake. My roots grow out too quickly. The dye doesn't "take" very well in areas. It is not my natural color now. I want to see how it really looks. I've got to go for it sometime.
I have found support in the strangest places. My hairdresser, for one, is very excited to see how it looks. He promises to help me along the way. Both of my sons say, "What's the big deal?" Yeah, they think I'm old anyway. I found a group on Facebook called "Gray and Proud". There are many, many women going through the same process and supporting everyone by telling their stories and posting their pictures.
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| This is a picture of my hair about a year ago when it finally started to get long (obviously edited). Color wasn't the issue - length was. |
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| I have found that it is difficult to take a picture of the top of your head. This was taken about two weeks ago. See how the roots are beginning to show? |
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| This is one of the pictures posted on "Gray and Proud". This is how I imagine my hair will look. Eventually. |
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| I love this hair-do. |
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| Another picture from "Gray and Proud". She is half-way there!
These pictures give me hope. I know it will be a long road, but kind of an adventure too! Just another step into the next phase of my life. Oh my. And in my heart, I will always be a redhead!
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this is so sweet and heartfelt. I was always so proud of my little girl with the red hair, maybe that's why you loved it so. yes, there comes a time when you accept your natural color and seldom think about it.
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In Japan there is a trend among women who have gray or as they say "white" hair, they dye it purple. It is so funny to see these older women with a purple head of hair. Some darker but some really bright. Some dye it red too. Of course the majority dye it their original natural color and others let the gray show. Good luck with the change! I stopped dyeing my hair about 4-5 years ago as a new years resolution and haven't dyed it since. Sometimes I think about dyeing it again because I get bored but I like my natural color, it's healthier, easier and cheaper to maintain too!
ReplyDeleteMy mom is in her late 50s, and she finally decided to let her hair go. She is a brunette, like me. She dyed her hair for several years before finally choosing to let it grow out. The texture is the same, just the color is different. Her dark brown hair has faded into a lighter mouse-brown color, and her roots are definitely gray as well. I think she's finally comfortable with her hair, even though she may not be FULLY used to it. It takes time, I think. I don't know what I'll do in the future. Probably put off growing it as well. My mom just decided it wasn't worth the hassle to continue dyeing it. Also, my aunt--who is a few years older than my mom--has vivid curls and red hair. Her color is fading now, too, and she has many gray hairs. However, she never dyed it; she just let it grow and grow and grow. I will almost remember her fiery, red hair, though. I wish you much confidence!
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