I agree, Donna’s hair looks fabulous.  I love Jill’s hair though.  A lot of women don’t look good with longer gray hair, but Jill can definitely pull it off!!

Kendall

Posted by kendall88athlete on 03/07 at 06:44 PM

I would love to see an update on Ashley’s hair.  I understand she’s not even 30 and she’s practically all gray.  I wouldn’t mind seeing an updated pic on some of the other ladies to see how much their hair has changed.

Posted by kendall88athlete on 03/16 at 06:15 PM

Thanks, website, for showing these beautiful pictures of ‘BRAVE WOMEN’ who aren’t slaves to the hair color industry… Since growing my hair out silver, I get constant compliments… which were never offered when I was coloring and coloring and coloring it…

Posted by ChesTeena on 03/20 at 11:05 AM

"Website” says. . . You’re welcome! So how about a pic of YOU, ChesTeena?  D.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 03/22 at 12:49 PM

Jade...I love your hair!!! Yahoooo! 54 and a long head of hair! This is by far the longest I have ever had my own hair...I was going to grow it till I was 40...I might have to add another decade Have you done anything special to keep it strong? I’m afraid of the ends of my hair getting dry and brittle the longer it gets.

Posted by elizabeth on 03/31 at 12:48 PM

Hi Elizabeth-

Thank you for the compliment.  I love your hair...Wow!

I take vitamins: fish oil, primrose oil, flax oil and folic acid. Usually use just shampoo and mousse. 

You may want to use coconut oil on your hair as a pre-conditioner before washing your beautiful locks.

Long gray and white hair is so beautiful.  Diane Sawyer interviewed a Dr. Nancy ? about a year ago, and she had white hair past her waist.  She looked awesome.

Keep growing it...you can always get a trim.

Take care…

Jade

Posted by Jadejou on 03/31 at 08:11 PM

Thanks Jade!

I have been implementing some of the things that you suggested...it’s nice to know that I’m on the right track;-)

How often do you use the coconut oil? I probably should use it more than I do.

I think that you look wonderful! I can’t wait to see your hair the longer it gets, it’s already stunning! You definately are a “trail blazer”...lead on!

“Happy trails”...I’m right a long side you!

Posted by elizabeth on 04/01 at 03:19 AM

Hi Elizabeth- I think deep conditioning once a month is adequate.  What are your thoughts?

Posted by Jadejou on 04/09 at 03:56 PM

Hi Julie- You look so pretty and young!!

Posted by Jadejou on 04/09 at 03:57 PM

Hi Jade,

I think it depends on where you live, your job, what elements your hair and scalp are being exposed to.

I live where it can get extremely COLD!!! There is not a lot of humidity here either, so I deep condition once a week.
When it’s warm enough to go to the beach with the kids I never leave home w/o the coconut oil for my hair...I read that it is a natural spf(do not quote me on that one;-) and I put a hat on and let the heat from the sun do it’s work.

Posted by elizabeth on 04/09 at 04:41 PM

Julie,

I love your picture! I love the hair! My fav. is that adorable little one in your arms! Look out! Your ice cream is dripping

Posted by elizabeth on 04/09 at 04:43 PM

Oh! Love the two new additions - Teri and Tina! Both ladies look great!

I am finding I have more pepper than I thought, so it’s fun to see hair that still has a good mix with the salt. :o)

Thanks for sending the pictures in, ladies!

Posted by greeneyes on 05/03 at 06:48 AM

Hi Greeneyes—yup, any minute now I’m putting something on the homepage about all the many “colors”—you’re not alone in the pepper department!!  Stay tuned.  D.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 05/03 at 07:36 AM

Diana - so glad you added some great grays for those of us who are still leaning toward the darker side. :o) We’ve seen many great shades featuring salt; it’s nice to see pepper in the spotlight, as well.

Posted by greeneyes on 05/03 at 08:19 AM

Diana,
I love the color of their hair! The texture of Tina’s hair is wonderfully “wild”! Thanks for introducing 2 more stunning examples of beautiful graying hair!

Posted by elizabeth on 05/03 at 10:56 AM

Diana-

So excited to see your smiling face among the great grays! (Personally, I think it would be great for you to do a story on yourself, as well.)

I love the color and length of your hair! You are a wonderful role model for all of us.

Posted by greeneyes on 05/21 at 06:47 PM

Well, thanks, Greeneyes. Gee, never thought I’d be responding to a comment about myself!  About that “story”—I didn’t document my hair while it was growing in, I was too busy writing the book at the time, doing the shoots, etc. I had never intended to go gray—thinking a writer can write about something without being it. Then I got caught up in the whole thing, started to find every shade of silver fascinating, and decided to give it a go. The funniest story was, when I finally had to take my “author’s picture” for the book jacket (the three-tone shot), the publisher complained that my hair wasn’t gray enough!  Sorry, it was the best I could do at the time! So I know that newbie feeling quite well—grow, gray, grow! Only I had a deadline!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 05/21 at 07:12 PM

Too funny about your publisher...obviously they never went through the dreaded transition! :o)

Well, I still think you should leave your beautiful picture in the gallery. Before now, we had to hunt for you on the site - and it’s fun to see you out in the open! We really do want to look at you and your hair on a regular basis. :o) You really are an inspiration!

Posted by greeneyes on 05/22 at 05:06 AM

Gee—you mean I’ve been “outed?” I thought I was hiding nicely in “About DLJ” and Transitioning/Choice 4. Okay—I’ll listen to everyone’s comments, and keep a pic in. Hope I get one one day without the flash in the glasses! My hubby better work on his photographer-in-residence skills!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 05/22 at 06:32 AM

Yay!!! Thanks for listening and remaining out in the open, where you belong. :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 05/22 at 06:36 AM

Yay Diana, You are going to stay out here!
I second greeneye’s sentiments!

Posted by beth on 05/22 at 06:57 AM

Thanks Diana for all the additions, including yours! Just like there needs to be more acceptance in this society for our so many differences, it’s nice to see so many beautiful shades of gray.

Posted by Shara on 05/22 at 08:17 AM

Hi Shara—thanks. Glad you like all the new pics. See you’re thinking about a cut!  I find it so amazing what the power of support can inspire people to do. It IS good to see the transformation that comes with short hair. We’ve got a lot of great trailblazers here!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 05/23 at 06:19 AM

Lisa you look fantastic!! Congratulations!

Posted by beth on 05/29 at 02:07 PM

Hi Y’all,
I’m a newbie here but can identify with every insecurity, anxious moments and then acceptance of how I’d love to throw away the bottle. Dye bottle,that is!

I have such mixed feelings now. I was totally loving how my hair is growing out until I was with my dad and a stranger introducing himself to my dad and myself, mistook me for my dad’s wife!(He’s 83 and I’m 55).
My convictions feel a litle shaky now!

Posted by Shernobyl on 05/29 at 05:32 PM

Hi Shernobyl—welcome to posting! It’s funny, but someone else wrote of the exact same experience back at the Café (Café Gray, if you haven’t been to it yet.) It was deannablueridge, and she posted under “The Best and Worst of Being Gray.” Yeah, I guess this qualifies. Ages were similar, too.  Her dad’s 81, and she’s 57. So I guess this is a not too-uncommon experience, even though you were probably mistaken for a very young wife!

Don’t let it throw you. There are people who will equate gray with age. But that, in itself, is old thinking! If you LOVE how your hair is growing out, that’s the whole ballgame.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 05/29 at 06:35 PM

Thanks Diana,
I have actually gotten some great comments from peers. When I first asked the “should I?” question, my brother-in-law vehemently said, not NO...but #%** NO and now he loves it.

When he told me that I shouldn’t,I told him that it was a trend among a lot of us Boomers and oh by the by...when did we Boomers ever do everything our moms and dads did?

I feel better already and LOVE this site and have told friends and strangers about it!

Posted by Shernobyl on 05/29 at 07:03 PM

heehee—good point, Shernobyl. Boomers have always been the rebels. But you know what I’m finding (and this site proves it)—the gals in their 30’s and early 40’s aren’t boomers. Gen-X has joined us. That’s what makes this really a movement—it cuts across generational divisions. Hey, united we stand!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 05/30 at 06:32 AM

That’s so true! And I think its so cool that these gals are so brave to show their gray when I look at their young faces! At that age it never occured to me to let it happen naturally. (Kind of ironic since I’m a child of the 60’s...not that I was dancing naked at Woodstock or anything.....)
So its so cool to see the variety of ages looking so beautiful. When I’m in a crowd, my eyes gravitate to the whites, silvers, etc.
The reason I’m loving this evolvement is because it’s like natural highlighting. It seems to light up my face.

Posted by Shernobyl on 05/30 at 12:16 PM

Absolutely Carol.....I wish I’d done this years ago too! My natural hair color was chestnutty red and it was always hard to match it. All those years of trying to cover up roots because my hair grows too fast. (now there’s ANOTHER irony...while coloring my hair, it seemed like it grew my roots out so fast, but while trying to get to my now natural gray it seems that time is standing still. Sheesh!) All those years of coloring my hair and having my tub look like the shower scene in “Phsyco”.
But we’re free now!

Posted by Shernobyl on 05/30 at 01:14 PM

Diana,

Thanks for the picture of you.... you are, indeed, a beautiful woman.  This is a great website for we women who are confident enough to go with our naturally, graying hair.  I’ve copied this site to several friends, and had already purchased your book last year.

Posted by ChesTeena on 06/04 at 02:09 PM

Congratulations Jennifer!

I like it very much.
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 07/01 at 02:12 PM

Jennifer, your hair looks awesome!!!!!  I’m a runner and a hiker and I love the fact the just because you’re gray doesn’t mean you can’t be active.  I have short curly gray hair(preemie here) and you could definitely be a role model for active women who want to go gray.  You go girl!!!!

Kendall

p.s. I am hoping to walk on and run track next spring

Posted by kendall88athlete on 07/01 at 05:04 PM

Thanks, Sharon and Kendall!  I’m enjoying the freedom from coloring, the short cut, and the compliments I’m getting on my new look. Lots of women tell me “I wish I were brave enough...” and they’re considering making a change. I tell them all about this website.

Posted by Runner on 07/01 at 06:13 PM

Jennifer, you have to feel empowered being a runner and also being able to do what you did.  I’m all about empowerment!  We’ll have to talk some running sometime.  Jennifer, you’ll end up being a role model, that’s for sure!!!

Posted by kendall88athlete on 07/01 at 06:38 PM

Jennifer - I wanted to chime in my congratulations on moving into the gallery! You look great with your short hair, and I love the color!

Posted by greeneyes on 07/02 at 06:31 AM

Congratulations on your graduation Jennifer, and what a “Great Grey” you are! A very chic style and a gorgeous colour to match.

Posted by Christie on 07/02 at 08:09 PM

Congratulations Jennifer!!You look fantastic!!!

Posted by beth on 07/03 at 09:24 AM

Congratulations Jennifer!  That color of blue looks terrific against your silvery hair. I think short hair is flattering and really accents yours eyes. You look great!

Posted by Shara on 07/03 at 09:45 AM

Thank you so much to everyone for the kind words. I’m enjoying the freedom of the short cut, and loving the color too! It’s great to have everyone’s support-- I struggled with this choice for awhile, and I don’t know if I’d have made the decision--and enjoyed the process so much-- if I had not found this site. 

Jennifer

Posted by Runner on 07/03 at 10:43 AM

Congrats Jennifer!  You look beautiful!

Posted by Thisyear on 07/03 at 04:26 PM

Congratulations - you actually made it look easy!

Posted by morningstar on 07/04 at 02:02 AM

I have to admit that if you’re willing to ‘chop,’ it IS easier… I don’t think I could have done it with the length-- not enough patience.  JB

Posted by Runner on 07/04 at 07:43 AM

hi i am going grey! i am 45 years old and soon to be 46 my name is Sue,i love this web site it gives me such encouragement,i am now a member.I am a bit scared to tell you the truth but i just do not want to do this anymore.My mother has beautiful white hair at age 65 she is the best and she has encouraged me all the way,i will look for support through your comments.Now i can go to this web site and feel Great!i do have an e-mail address if anyone can give me more advise,i am still a bit scared,but hopefull!

Posted by prettyawsome2 on 07/05 at 12:38 PM

Hi prettyawsome2—glad you’ve joined and are posting. You’ll find lots of support at Café Gray, as well. Just to let you know, we do not accept postings of personal email addresses on this site. But, as you’ve noticed, there’s lots of advice in the chats!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 07/08 at 02:30 PM

Hi Jennifer, Congratulations on being the first graduate.I think you look great with the short cut. I go back and forth with mine. I got my first short cut when I was 37 but still coloring my hair. Actually, a lot of my friends think I look better with short hair, so when i decided to let it go natural I already knew what the short cut would look like. It did look a bit funny until the second cut when all the color was finally off, but I kept it short for a long time after. I’m just now growing it again after it being short for the last few years. Are you planning on keeping it short?

Posted by sallee on 07/21 at 10:42 AM

Sallee, your gray looks really awesome!!!!  You do look good with shoulder length gray hair.  You definitely don’t look 50.  You must run or bike or keep in shape.  I’m a premature gray at 20 and also a runner.  As a matter of fact, I ran a 5K this morning.  Do you feel empowered with your gray hair?  By the way Jennifer, I think you look great w/ short hair.  I hope you keep it.  Thanks for all the posts and pics ladies.  You are all role models to us younger grays!!!

Kendall

Posted by kendall88athlete on 07/26 at 05:38 PM

Hi Kendall. Thank you. I lucked out in the color department. I’m never sure just what color to call it so I just refer to it as gray and leave it at that. Actually, I’m 55 in the gallery pic and now that I think about it I was one month from 51 when the pic was taken with my granddaughter. I’ve done all kinds of things to stay in shape, but again, the gods have smiled on me and I never really had to think about any of that until I was in my 40’s. I all of a sudden realized I couldn’t eat everything I wanted and not gain weight. I don’t run, as I had a knee replacement 10 years ago from all the roller-skating, basketball and volley ball I played. I took kickboxing for a while a few years back. That’s an awesome workout!! Keeping up with all the “kids” in the class was a challenge. I held my own. Now I walk and do weights.

I know that when all my color was off and I didn’t have to ever think about roots or if the color was going to come out right, had a few mishaps in that department, it was wonderful and I think, yes, empowered knowing I was 100% me now and I was okay with myself and that was all that mattered. So you don’t color your hair? How much is gray? What do your friends think? I’m just curious since you are so young and curious what people your age think about it. Take care.

Posted by sallee on 07/28 at 08:30 AM

Thanks,ladies. I can’t make up my mind-- I was going to grow it, then it started sticking out around my ears (it’s curly) and I had it trimmed. I do have more hair on my forehead now and I like that (covers those, uh, frown lines...) The short style is so easy and looks modern-- and I’m afraid the in-between stage won’t look so great (been there and done it before.) But, I’m missing my longer curls and dying to see what it looks like! I have a trim appointment Aug. 19-- we’ll see…

Jennifer

Posted by Runner on 07/28 at 02:47 PM

Sallee, here are the answers to your questions.  No, I don’t color my hair.  I love my hair the way it is.  I’m pretty well all gray.  I started going gray at around 16, but it accelerated in the last year or so.  My hair is normally very curly, but in the only gray pic I have(taken about 2-3 months ago), I let my hair down per se(forgive the pun).  My friends for the most part love my hair.  I’m originally from Arkansas and flew back late last week and my friends had some nice things to say.  I’m an oddball for 20.  Most girls my age freak at the least little thing and would color at the drop of a dime.  I am who I am and that’s who I am.  I do get the looks and the dumb questions like “Wow!!  Who dyed your hair like that?” or “Is that your real color?” Seeing other premature grays on these sites has really re-enforced the fact that I love my gray and will not color.  BTW, Jennifer, I think you should keep the short hair.  It seems to really fit you.  I did a 5K this last Saturday and bettered my PR by almost three minutes!!  Anyways, Sallee, thanks for the nice words and hope to talk to you soon!

Kendall

Posted by kendall88athlete on 07/28 at 05:20 PM

Jana - I know a woman with hair past her knees, but it’s not gray! Thanks for sharing your picture. It’s fun to see grays in all lengths and styles!

Posted by greeneyes on 07/31 at 06:22 AM

Jennifer,

Some very late congrats from someone usually lurking in the newbie cafe page...you really have gorgeous steely gray and the short cut is really flattering.  Glad you’re enjoying the colour and cut and I’m hoping to join you soon in the graduate gallery…

Posted by newbie2 on 08/14 at 05:07 PM

YAY!  Congrats Carole and Ellenina! 
I’ve been checking all weekend ever since Diana said there would be news on this page!

Both of you look great...67 days - incredible!

Helen G

Posted by Thisyear on 08/17 at 08:57 AM

Ellenina - You sure wasted no time! You really do look great.

Carole - Now you’re back to your natural color, which is such a pretty white.

Congrats to you both!

Posted by greeneyes on 08/17 at 09:21 AM

Ellenina has set the speed record!

Posted by morningstar on 08/17 at 09:44 AM

Congratulations to the graduates

Posted by Sharon on 08/17 at 10:58 AM

Ellenina-congratulations on the speedy transition. Don’t you just love the different colorations of your gray?! It’s stunning on you!

Carole! Your natural color makes many of us newbies drool. You no doubt will get tons of compliments.

Posted by Shara on 08/17 at 11:13 AM

I would also like to say CONGRATS to the new grads! 

Posted by lulubell on 08/17 at 12:08 PM

Congrats to you both!!! You both look wonderful!

It constantly amazes me how colorful and vibrant shades of gray can be!
You’re FREE at last!

Posted by elizabeth on 08/17 at 12:08 PM

Congratulations Carole and Ellenina!  So happy you have reached the big goal!  Now you can cut if and when you want to.  I’m looking forward to joining you soon…
Lisa

Posted by newbie2 on 08/17 at 12:28 PM

Thanks to everyone.  Just returned home from moving my son back to college and found a nice surprise on the computer.  Feels great to be a graduate.

K.Mom, Congratulations to you too!  You look beautiful!

Now, I’ll be in the “growing my hair back” transition.  Gotta have those goals!

Posted by Carole on 08/17 at 01:54 PM

congrats ladies…
wow 67 days is all for you k mom? the cut is fabulous
and anita welcome back from that college thing ..i have done that a few times too one left to go!
you both look great and what an inspiration!!
i showed my sisterthe site today and she got a kick out of it! she has been s/p for many years and with out any difficulty as far as upkeep...she will be 75 in sept but looks 60...so i am still sticking to the “attitude attitude” mantra!!

Posted by louann on 08/17 at 02:23 PM

You’ve done it! And looking truly great now, Carole and Ellenina, you must feel fantastic. Thanks for the inspiration to keep going.

Posted by Christie on 08/17 at 03:27 PM

Congratulations to Carole and K-mom!
Inspirational for sure
I hope to be joining you soon!
Ruth

Posted by ruthmgon on 08/17 at 07:07 PM

Congrats to you both! I’m happy to have more “newbie” grad on this page and am looking forward to seeing more!
And speaking of soon-to-be grads, thanks, Lisa, for the congrats. I have more curls now than in my pic-- still deciding what to do with the length ‘cuz I’m SO curious to see how I look with gray curls…

Posted by Runner on 08/17 at 07:14 PM

Way to go K-mom and Carole.  K-mom I love your short cut with your “new” color. Carole, your color is just awesome.  Look forward to being here soon. Rosa

Posted by Rosa on 08/18 at 10:14 AM

Hi Rosa!  Just wondering if you and your daughter had your “buzz” done at the hairdresser or did you do it yourself

Posted by lulubell on 08/18 at 10:23 AM

Hey lulubell!  Actually, I was trimming up my husbands hair and he started teasing me saying he could cut mine for me.  We kind of laughed about doing it for a while, then, I told my oldest daughter.  She said let’s do it, so we did.  He used a one inch guard.  I will probably go next week to the salon and get it done again, simply so the neckline and area around my ears can be a little “crisper” if you know what I mean.  But I love it short and have had sooo many compliments on it. My silver is really coming through and my tips will be really close to being gone next time.

Posted by Rosa on 08/18 at 11:11 AM

You both look fabulous! Carole: I bet you aren’t looking back and changing that beautiful hair again - and Ellenina -your hair looks so cool!  I wish I had the nerve to go that short - Congrats to the both of you!

Posted by MaryJane on 08/19 at 07:38 AM

Mary Jane - I agree with you....K.Mom’s cut is fabulous.  It suits her very well.

Posted by Carole on 08/19 at 08:03 AM

Hey New Grads!  Congratulations!

K.Mom-you look GREAT!  Your hair looks so soft and healthy, and you appear more confidant than ever!  I’m so proud for you! Yea Biker Chick!

Carole-WAY TO GO! You look like a million bucks!  You really do have the hair we all dream of!  You’re a beautiful reminder of why I started my transition!

Thanks to you both for sharing your stories!
~dede

Posted by wtxgray on 08/20 at 12:58 AM

Thanks Dede!  It’s always great to hear from you.

Posted by Carole on 08/20 at 12:21 PM

well one of the gals i work with was really rethinking the whole color thing today...her problem is that she is leaving for a trip to italy in a few weeks...i told her the italians don’t care about your roots!! anyway she is thinking about doing this too...she and i have the same hairdresser ...i bet my hairdresser is going to get mad at me!!! 

louann

Posted by louann on 08/20 at 04:02 PM

Thanks, Everyone!  I feel fantastic.  it was easier with all your support. My husband keeps petting my hair because it’s so soft.  He can’t get over it.  I’m getting stopped a lot now by strangers complimenting me on my hair and my “look”. How cool is that?!  I LOVE all the different colors going on.

Posted by karate_mom on 08/20 at 06:20 PM

Welcome Gladys, I love your curls!  I too have plenty of curls and hope they look as pretty as yours once I have transitioned.  Are your curls tighter or looser or the same as when you were coloring?  PS What shampoo and conditioner do you sue?  Your hair looks so soft.

Posted by lulubell on 08/21 at 06:35 PM

oops   I meant to say, what shampoo and conditioner do you USE, not sue!  I guess I should proof read my comments

Posted by lulubell on 08/21 at 06:38 PM

Gladys, you have a lovely mix of colours that really are very flattering on you.  Thanks for sharing your photo!

Posted by newbie2 on 08/21 at 07:20 PM

Gladys - You have such an interesting mix of white and charcoal - very pretty and totally unique, which is one great benefit of being natural.

Posted by greeneyes on 08/21 at 08:43 PM

Welcome Gladys!  You have beautiful hair!

Posted by Carole on 08/21 at 09:30 PM

Hello Gladys, your hair is absolutely beautiful. Welcome.
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 08/22 at 12:20 AM

Dear Lulubell, Thank you for your encouragement and welcome. I try to co-wash with White Rain conditioner. I use shampoo rarely. Then I use a hair moisturizer since my hair is very dry- Cantu daily shea butter oil moisturizer. Sometimes I use an alcohol-free gel that is clear in color.

Posted by pua57 on 08/22 at 03:38 AM

Lulubell, BTW I think my curls are a little tighter since I quit the dye.

Posted by pua57 on 08/22 at 03:39 AM

Dear Newbie2 , Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it! :O)

Posted by pua57 on 08/22 at 03:41 AM

Dear greeneyes, thank you for your encouragement. And yes, we are all unique and all beautiful!

Posted by pua57 on 08/22 at 03:43 AM

Hi Carole and Moonlit_hair, Thank you for your welcomes and your kind comments. I am enjoying learning more about things like fashion colors, makeup colors, hair care and especially sharing thoughts with beautiful women like you!

Posted by pua57 on 08/22 at 03:46 AM

Good Morning Gladys, thanks for the info.  Since going short my hair seems much curlier especially since we tend to have very humid summers for the most part here in Southern Ontario, so I am always searching frizz control products.  I too only shampoo a couple of times a week, but I always condition daily.  I also like the John Frieda clear gloss.

Posted by lulubell on 08/22 at 04:22 AM

Good morning Lulubell, You are welcome for the information. It is dry dry dry here in Colorado. I have to hydrate my hair as best I can using less expensive products as I am on a limited income. Your hair sounds really pretty! Short curls rock!

Posted by pua57 on 08/22 at 05:44 AM

Hi again Gladys, I never would have thought that short curls rock until I had my first short cut!  We have a discount drug store here where I can usually find discounted hair products.  My hairdresser is very nice about giving me sample size products also.  Now that my hair is short I am going to have to have it cut quite often, but still much less expensive than the less than monthly color jobs.  Having it long [one length] meant only a few trims a year!!  Most of the time when I was coloring I did it myself with drug store products which turned out very nice [most times].  I could write a short novel on all the not so nice results (green hair no less)

Posted by lulubell on 08/22 at 06:19 AM

Welcome Gladys and I love your hair and the curls as mine was pin straight most of my life until about 5 years ago when it started waving and curling, although neither one of my pics on the site shows the waves or curls. Goodmorning lulubell and I have to tell a story about home coloring which I did for a few years until the time I used the same product and color the day before I was to leave to attend a friend’s wedding,and when I was finished, my hair was pink! That’s when I started going to a colorist. I bet most of us probably have those stories! 

Posted by sallee on 08/22 at 07:58 AM

Welcome Gladys!
It’s clear from that photo that your hair just shines! I love the multicolor gray tones and that silver in places just pops!
You certainly make me feel more comfortable with my own curlyhead. Talk about stories! When I was a teen, my poor mother would drape my hair over her ironing board, throw a thin fabric over my hair and then iron it straight or I wouldn’t go to school!!!! It’s so freeing to embrace the hair you were given, don’t you think?

Posted by Shara on 08/22 at 09:42 AM

Hey Diana-- did I graduate from the Great Grays gallery too?! I tried to show my daughter all the photos (including mine) and I’m gone! :( Jennifer

Posted by Runner on 08/31 at 11:51 AM

OK, I figured it out. The newbie grads have our very own space! Sorry to jump to conclusions. Jennifer

Posted by Runner on 08/31 at 11:53 AM

Hey Jennifer—just saw this.  The “bonus” is—in the Newbies Gallery, we get to see the before-and-afters!  You’re not gone. . . or forgotten! 

Posted by Diana Jewell on 08/31 at 02:15 PM

Diana - I LOVE the newbies gallery for the graduates! I tried to post on it, but to no avail. Anyhow, thanks so much! It looks great!

Posted by greeneyes on 08/31 at 02:46 PM

Can’t post on it either-- but love the idea and the before/afters! Thanks.

Posted by Runner on 08/31 at 05:27 PM

Yeah, we were having some problems with the posting part today—remains a mystery. But it’s fixed now, and I see you got there, Greeneyes. Runner-- it’s now open for business!!

Boy, these websites are tricky business!! Now it appears a page is acting up in IE6, for those of you who have it. Just when you think it’s safe to go back in the water again. . .

Posted by Diana Jewell on 08/31 at 06:47 PM

I love everyone’s look - it shows how individual it can be.  I particulary love Tina’s wild hair.  My hair used to be like that before I had the children.  Something to do with the hormones I guess but my hair is finer and not so curly nowadays.  All you ladies look GREAT

Posted by purpleygirl on 09/13 at 02:16 PM

Beautiful pictures.  I turn 52 on Tuesday, October 14th and decided this was the year, after 12 years of coloring a dark chocolate brown, to let God do His artwork on me.  I have cut my hair shorter to quicken the process, and it has been nine months since my last color job.  I have had more positive comments on my hair in just the last couple of months than in my whole life combined.  One lady was staring at me and asked me how I got my hair to look this way.  I’m 90% gray on top and about 60% around the sides and back.  She thought I had spent hundreds to get this look!  I now plan to let mine grow back long again (between shoulder blades in back) and keep it layered and in a youthful style like it was before.  I have been noticing many more ladies with gray hair, and some were so striking I had to speak to them.  It is a real ice breaker, this white stuff on our heads, isn’t it????

Posted by rocksister on 10/07 at 11:55 AM

It’s amazing how a lot of us have had the same thing as far as compliments on our hair when we’ve gone natural. I never had anyone comment on my hair until I stopped dyeing it.

I think more and more women are saying they’ve had enough and this is who we are so take it or leave it. And with Diana and her wonderful book out there and this website it’s really helping women to make that decision.

Okay, rocksister, we loooooooooove pictures on this site. Are you going to post some?  Please, I would love to see the “look” the woman wanted to know about.

Oh, and welcome to the site.  It’s a great place for support, ideas and just sharing with likeminded women.

Have you posted before, because if you have I missed it. I guess it’s okay to say welcome twice.

Posted by sallee on 10/07 at 12:13 PM

I’ll add my welcome too, rocksister. Love the name! And I echo Sallee’s request for pics. If you’re not comfortable with that, that’s fine, too—you can always chat.  And maybe you could add your pic to the Member’s Album. That way, only Members can see it. Nice to have you join us.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 10/07 at 12:24 PM

Diana, I didn’t know that only Members could view the photos in the Member’s Album. What a great feature!  Welcome from me also rocksister, so nice to have you along for the ride!

Posted by lulubell on 10/07 at 12:31 PM

Well, yeah—because you have to login before you even see the words “Members Album” up by the words Members login/register on the homepage.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 10/07 at 12:46 PM

Right, I am always logged in (never log out) so now I “get” it.  Thanks Diana!

Posted by lulubell on 10/07 at 12:55 PM

Thanks for the welcomes, everyone!  I don’t have pictures, as I live alone and my dog has not mastered the camera yet.  Ha!  I’ll try to do self pictures, although I won’t be able to get the back of my head that way.  Maybe I’ll find a timer function.  I have one of those where you need a college degree to figure it out.  My user name comes from books written by my favorite author, and was only used once in a series of ten books he wrote.  If anyone has read Stephen R. Donaldson’s Covenant series, you will know what that name means.  Anyway, I’m also an old school rock and roller, so it fits both ways.  I got tired of the mess I made in my bathroom every time I colored, not to mention the odor and not being able to let my head near anything while it was developing.  I did it myself all along and did a passable job, but this is sooooo much better!!!!  I"m using Jhirmack Silver to wash and condition, but I might go one step further and try Wen by Chaz Dean.  No lather, so it won’t strip the moisture out.  Expensive, but look what I save on coloring!!!  I’ll try to do pictures soon.  I hope they are good enough for you to see my coloring.  I’ll do my best.

Posted by rocksister on 10/07 at 02:18 PM

welcome rock sister and if you are from so calif. you are welcome to join us for a very happening lunch!!  ...we can take your picture!!!

wow 9 month grow out ...you can start out as a graduate!!
welcome!!!
louann

Posted by louann on 10/07 at 02:38 PM

I am from South Carolina, 3,000 miles from you.  But take a bite for me!  I just submitted pictures; I don’t know if they will post both of them.  One is a side shot, one is mostly the back.  You can see brown tips left over from my former dye job in the back shot. After a few months, that will also be gone. I didn’t realize how old I looked until I saw my pictures.  Yikes!!!!  I haven’t had my picture made since 1997!!! Major difference!!!  I’ll be checking to see what you ladies think of my new God-given color.  I love it!!!!!!!!

Posted by rocksister on 10/07 at 02:53 PM

Does your phone have a camera, rocksister? Some of them take pretty good pics and they’re easier to handle then a regular camera. I know, my dog hasn’t mastered that one yet either. I havent heard of Wen, I’ll have to check that out. Yeah, I seem to be able to justify some things when I think how much I save by not coloring. When I stopped, I was going every 3 weeks at $150 a shot. and when I finally did the math, that did it, and off it came. Anyway, you should post on the Let’s Hear It For The Newbies. More post there then most other places, although anywhere is good. 

Posted by sallee on 10/07 at 02:54 PM

Thanks, Sallee, I’ll look in the Newbie’s hangout now.  I am waiting on my pix to get posted now.  Be looking for them!!!!

Posted by rocksister on 10/07 at 03:01 PM

Drat, my pix aren’t here yet!  I told a lady here at work I was going to be on the Internet.  She is also going gray (because I did) and is anxious to see it.  I might get her to post her picture, too.

Posted by rocksister on 10/08 at 08:26 AM

Hey rocksister, they’ll be there. Takes a bit for Diana to get them up. Can’t wait to see you.

Posted by sallee on 10/08 at 08:32 AM

Facts of life on a site. . .when a page is a “designed” page, as the Gallery is, the pictures must be sent to a web designer. They do not go up instantly, nor do they go up cost-free. In your case, Rocksister, I asked for a pic other than a back-of-head shot and a profile. I like the best possible shots to really show off Great Grays to their best advantage! Still waiting. . .

Posted by Diana Jewell on 10/08 at 08:47 AM

Hey, all, while you are waiting to see my newly-grown-out gray hair posted here, I have a question to ask you.  What did you do, if anything, to make your eyebrows match your gray?  My brows are still dark brown, almost black, with not a single gray hair, but the front of my hair is almost totally gray.  They are starkly different, and I don’t know how to fix that.  I know that coloring my brows is not safe nor an option; no way could I make them look natural.  Anyone have any ideas I could try?  I’ve never seen a gray eyebrow pencil, and I’d make a mess of it anyway; I have huge bushy eyebrows and have never had them plucked nor have I ever used a pencil on them. Never needed to.  When my pictures get posted, take a look at my brows and you will see how different they are from my hair.  No one has said anything about them yet, but I"m waiting.  Someone surely will.  Thank you.

Posted by rocksister on 10/18 at 08:39 AM

Rocksister --
You should go to the Beauty Basics tab and check out “Should I Apply My Makeup in a New Way?” There’s a whole thing about brows. Including how important they are to the definition of your face, and why a gray pencil is NOT the best idea. There are a lot of them out there, but in some lights, they can look blue. You also might consider having your bushy eyebrows plucked and shaped by a pro, it will go a long way to “lightening” the strong contrast you mention between brows and hair.  Your pic, by the way, is still waiting for a time when the web designer is less busy. There are still a lot of problems “underneath” the site that must be attended to first. It doesn’t look like it, but believe me, they exist!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 10/18 at 09:18 AM

Hi Rocksister, My brows are darker than my hair, Diana’s right, they do define your face, I don’t think you’d want them to be really light.  And as Diana said if your brows are bushy have someone shape them for you. It really does make a difference.

Posted by sallee on 10/18 at 09:24 AM

Thank you for the advice.  I’m an avid do it yourselfer, so if my brows get done, I’ll probably tackle it myself, with the right tools and know how of course.  I have never had a manicure or pedicure, and I cut my own hair and always colored it myself.  I just don’t like paying money for something I can do myself.  You’ll know my haircut is done at home when you see it; professional hair stylists, please be merciful.  I am the only breadwinner feeding five mouths, so luxuries like professional haircuts are not an option!!!  I bet lots of you know how that feels.  Diana, I do understand about the site problems.  It’s a little scary putting my image in cyberspace anyway; this will give me time to grit my teeth and get prepared. 

Posted by rocksister on 10/18 at 11:02 AM

Hi Rocksister
My eyebrows are still jet black while the front of my hair is silver, part of it is even white. I find that as long as I shape my eyebrows I like the contrast between the brows and my head hair. It gives it a dramatic look.

Posted by Sharon on 10/18 at 02:53 PM

Hey rocksister, you made it to the gallery!  Great color indeed!

Posted by lulubell on 10/25 at 05:48 PM

Thanks, Lulubell, I had no idea how it was going to grow out, but now that it’s pretty much over and I now know, I’m going to put aside the money I save on color and pay a pro to give me a rockin’ new cut as soon as I get some of my original length back.  This is a short cut for me; I slashed it to get the brown cut off.  No patience.  Speaking of hairdo’s, I wondered if any of you know how gray hair would take a perm.  I had one for many years before I started coloring and loved the ease of caring for it.  Wash, towel dry, and pick out the tangles.  I don’t want to fry my hair, but perming never hurt it before, and I"m sure they have come a long way since then in removing harmful ingredients.  Thanks, Diana, for getting me up there.  I’m telling my friends to check me out.

Posted by rocksister on 10/26 at 08:29 AM

Couple of things to keep in mind, Rocksister—first, gray hair is internally more fragile than hair with pigment. Not to say it won’t take a perm, because look at all the women in the “old days” who used to just go gray, get permed, and go.

But, secondly, when hair is smoother, it looks shinier. And since shine is harder to achieve with gray hair, you might find a perm won’t give you the “diamonds dazzling in the light” look.  If you do get a perm, just make sure you have plenty of curl definition.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 10/26 at 08:43 AM

Thanks, Diana, I was fairly certain that perming would be unwise.  Matter of fact, the damage that dyeing was doing to my hair was one reason to stop doing it.  Although it felt healthy right afterwards, I could tell it was changing it.  I am interested in trying Chaz Dean’s Wen products, made from natural ingredients and containing no detergents.  Has anyone gone that route?  Celebrities have been touting it on an informercial and QVC has been carrying it for quite some time.  Sounds like a good idea if your budget can stomach it.  All these ladies look killer in the photos.  I am definitely in great company!

Posted by rocksister on 10/27 at 10:15 AM

Rocksister—there was plenty of chat about Wen in “Talk On” this weekend—check out page 14 of that chat. Saltnpeppa even sent in the link to their website. So you can order it from there. In fact, it sounds so good I almost ordered it myself!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 10/27 at 11:10 AM

WoW!! Everyone looks so good, I never thought going gray could be so fun! I am very excited to be part of this expirence. It’s almost that I don’t care what anyone else thinks it is such a free feeling. I look forward for mine to grow fast so I can shine too!

I like what one sister said I think it was on this site, she said “I have this halo of light that surrounds me every where I go! Who else can say that!?!”

Posted by .925 on 11/03 at 11:44 AM

I’m so glad someone asked about getting a perm.  I always had wavy hair and I could mousse it up and scrunch and it was so easy, but the last few years my hair just wouldn’t hold a curl and now it is the strangest thing for me to have straight hair… but it is so shiny and healthy and I get so many compliments.  But I had been thinking about getting a perm and now I don’t think I will.  But I have to share something.

I walked into a restaurant the other day and two women were waiting by the door and they stopped talking when I walked in.  I placed my order and was at the drink station and one of the women came to me and said, “your hair is absolutely beautiful”.  I was so tickled ... she was a young, very pretty woman and I just felt like a million dollars.  I don’t think I have ever enjoyed a meal so much. 

Pei Wei Ginger Broccoli and Orange Tea = $8.93
The way I felt = Priceless

Posted by Lynn on 11/04 at 08:25 PM

hi lynn,
love these stories!!
how long is your hair? do you have a pic on here somewhere??
louann

Posted by louann on 11/05 at 07:35 AM

Go Lynn!

Posted by .925 on 11/05 at 08:45 AM

I can’t seem to get a picture uploaded but I am attending the Silver Sisters Event in Fort Worth this Saturday so maybe I can get a picture taken.  My hair is a little past my shoulders. It’s the longest it has been in years.  Sallee and I are growing our hair out together.

Posted by Lynn on 11/05 at 07:33 PM

Lynn,

How cool is that! To have a sister to grow hair together. We will take lots of pics of you and show everyone just how beautiful your hair really is. I can’t wait to see everyone.

GO GREAT WHITES!!
Judy

Posted by .925 on 11/06 at 07:02 AM

hey diana
love the shorter look!!!
very stylish i think the big crown and your magic wand will complete the look!! 
louann

Posted by louann on 11/08 at 01:32 PM

You look great, Diana! Love the cut! Thanks for sharing it with us. :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 11/08 at 01:44 PM

Thanks for the nice words, guys. I think my hubby has improved his picture snapping skills. But this time, I didn’t give him the challenge of glasses!

Now, Louann—Glinda I ain’t!

Gotta say, I’m having fun with these layers. Washed it today, then set it in rollers, floofed it around, and it looks even shorter and more touseled. You can get a lot of looks out of layers. The other day, I clamped it back, and had all these nice little “fringes” around the face. I’m havin’ fun!

Word of the day—LAYERS!!!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 11/08 at 03:52 PM

Oh Diana - your hair is beautiful.  My new ‘last’ cut is actually growing out.  I’ve had so much fun with the layers that I’m going to keep them.  I’m going to continue to let my bangs grow out though as I like to have the flexibility of pulling my hair all back when I work out.  I get so hot and sweaty and I can’t stand to have my hair on my neck.  But - I love the way it moves so freely.

I’ll work on that picture this weekend!  I should be in the graduate’s gallery now - I’m done!

Posted by SBKaren on 11/08 at 03:55 PM

ok diana i am done with the wizard of oz cracks...i’ll think of something else though .."don’t you worry my pretty”
louann

Posted by louann on 11/08 at 04:02 PM

You know, SBKaren, I wanted to pull my hair back in a ponytail this summer, and was told I couldn’t have layers and do that. Well, guess what?  I still have layers on top, and still can pull my hair back in a ponytail when I want to. So if you want your hair off your neck, don’t think you can’t have layers. And if you want to keep your bangs back, put on a headband when you work out.

OK—waiting for that pic. I hope it looks as silver as your last “back” shot.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 11/08 at 04:11 PM

Ah, shucks, Louann. I may not be Glinda, but I LOVE being the great and powerful OZ. Pay no attention to what’s behind the curtain!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 11/08 at 04:33 PM

I can pull my hair back in a pony now - but it’s a pretty small pony.  That’s irrelevant to me, it’s just being able to get it up off my neck when I work out - I ‘run’ so hot (I don’t run - I just am a heavy sweater) - boy none of that sounds right

The bangs almost make it entirely into the pony, but a few are left strangling along the side.  Fine if I’m heading out to work or anything else, I can style them up a bit and they provide a softening around my face, but annoying when I’m working out because my they flop around!  I have worn a headband before...and I still have a couple.  I went back them when I got my layers because in the beginning I couldn’t quite make all my hair into a pony.

So - all said, I’ll still have a bit of a short layer look in back, but a little bit longer of bangs...but still layered and shaped.  We went as short as we did to get all the color off the ends.  That was my condition on my last haircut - get it all off!  Didn’t realize how much I would like the layers!

I grew my hair out about 4 years ago (bangs and layers) and after going through all that and then the angst of growing out the color, I was really hesitant to go back to something I had before.  But it’s really different this time.  I love the layers now!  My bangs are not very cooperative when they are short though - which is why I need them a bit longer.

So - if I haven’t thoroughly confused everybody by now...well, I can try again! 

Posted by SBKaren on 11/09 at 07:05 AM

Donna P. - You have beautiful hair. So glad you joined the gallery. I look forward to checking out your blog!

Posted by greeneyes on 11/09 at 03:58 PM

donna i checked out your blog...do you mind if i ask where abouts in so cal??? we are the same age...one never knows…
louann
ps welcome

Posted by louann on 11/09 at 08:00 PM

Louann—Thanks for checking out the blog.  It’s a work in progress.  I was raised in Fullerton (Orange County).  How about you?

Posted by rockthesilver on 11/10 at 03:23 AM

Welcome, Donna!  Great blog site!  There were 4 of us in Ft. Worth this past weekend...I so wish we had been able to add you to the list!  Next time!!  Welcome and thanks for the Silver Support!

Love your hair Diana!! 

~dede

Posted by wtxgray on 11/10 at 09:07 AM

Donna,

What a great look you have!! The first few seconds I saw it I though t you were Jamie Lee Curtis!

What a ture inspration you are to me!! I’m a newbe!!

Judy

Posted by .925 on 11/10 at 10:41 AM

rockthesilver (Donna) - I read your blog, and you so beautifully state how I feel.

I feel comfortable with my charcoal/silver/gray hair(I’m never quite sure what color to assign to it).  I don’t really worry about what people think even if they think it might make me look older....what they think doesn’t really bother me.

What I think does.  I’m happy and content, yet at the same time, I know with our American conditioning, people will see my hair color first and think...."hmmmm she’s old”, then I want them to really look at me and think ... “Wow, she looks great for her age!”

I try hard to stay in good health and shape - and when you are over the age of 50 that does get a bit harder.  I’ve always been a bit on the chunky side - was always called ‘pleasantly plump’ when I was a girl (anyone else remember that?). I’m not the least bit concerned about being skinny - but being healthy is of utmost importance to me.

I stay pretty active, exercise regularly, maintain physical and emotional strength, and most importantly exercise my brain.  I’m trying to find my new fashion sense too.  I’ve never been one to be into clothes - if it fit and was comfortable, then that was fine with me.  I do find that the darker colors look better on me now - tans, light colors just sort of wash me out.

I look forward to reading more on your blog - I promise to keep up!  Welcome!

Posted by SBKaren on 11/10 at 01:19 PM

Diana!  Beautiful new do!  I like it ... I really like it.  I think there’s always something so fresh about taking away a little length (not too much).  You look really good!

Posted by grayincali on 11/10 at 04:40 PM

Thanks, grayincali. Ya know what I love about it? My hair’s fluffy when I wake up in the morning. Not straggly. It actually has enough body to just finger comb and go. No product, no nothing. I am a layer convert!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 11/10 at 08:37 PM

Diana--I love your new haircut too! I hope you don’t mind if I am a copy cat! LOL That is a style I hope to reach. How cool that the style is ready to go in the morning. You look beautiful!!

Posted by beth on 11/11 at 08:15 AM

Another layer fan checking in. I have to have ‘em, myself. You know, to go with my bangs. :o) I’m just waiting for my layers to get a bit longer, though, so they pull back better.

Posted by greeneyes on 11/11 at 08:23 AM

The last time I had my haircut, I think this past April, I had layers cut and since my hairs gotten all wavy and curly, wow, the layers have made a huge difference. I always had it one length and it worked when it was straight and the few times I had layers cut it looked silly, but now with the layers it’s so much easier and I don’t have to do anything to it, except run a bit of product through and I’m good to go. Like Diana, I can just run my fingers through it and I’m off. I knew you shouldn’t wash your hair everyday either but I had for such a long time with the straight hair and now, with it curlier and layered I wash it maybe twice a week. Sooooo much easier.

Posted by sallee on 11/11 at 08:53 AM

ok guilty as charged i do wash my hair everyday...maybe that will change...i just can’t get used to the idea( like my mom used to do) of having that “standing “ weekly appointment at the hair dressers.. you know me it’s mo blo and go!!
louannn

Posted by louann on 11/11 at 10:52 AM

Diana, you look so lovely, as usual!!!

Posted by lulubell on 11/11 at 03:10 PM

Love the new ‘do, Diana.  I have had layered hair since the 70’s out of necessity; my hair is very thick.  I dry it most of the way with my head upside down, then turn my head over, using a paddle brush to shape the top and front, and I put velcro rollers in back while it dries the rest of the way and while I do my face and get dressed.  This “poofs” it out a bit more and keeps me from having to continue drying.  I don’t like a curling iron; putting heat directly on my hair just doesn’t seem like a good idea, so I came up with this way of doing my hair to avoid that.  It works really well.  I am in the growing-out stage now; I want it about halfway to my bra strap like it was when I dyed it.  Beautiful cut, Diana.  Love it!!!

Posted by rocksister on 11/17 at 05:07 AM

Thanks, Lulubell and Rocksister.  I’m still lovin’ it, although it went TOOO poufy after my last shampoo.  So, Rocksister, your step-by-step above was a great reminder of what I should have done! Bless you!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 11/17 at 06:23 AM

Diana,

This is the first time I’ve seen your new photo.  Your hair looks really, really nice!!  Super classy!

Laura

Posted by RunnerGal on 11/26 at 10:03 PM

Hi all of you look beautiful!!! I am contemplating going gray. I am 57....mother of four and grandmother of 3. I spend two hours and easily $100 a month at the salon.  I am a public speaker and trainer and travel throughout Canada and the USA - I need to know the best way to maintain my professional image while going through the transition.
Any advice is appreciated.
You all inspire me.
Thanks so much for your honesty and courage.
graywannabe

Posted by graywannabe on 11/27 at 03:53 PM

Dear Graywannabe,

You are at the right place and the right time! Speaking as a “Gone Gray and Loving It” gal the first suggestion is to order Diana’s book through the website.  It will be your bedside bible.  Combine that with the advice, support and inspiration you’ll get on this website and you’ll be golden....I mean ‘silver’ in no time! 

As you will see in the Newbie sections under transitioning there are many ways to go depending on your tolerance to shorter hair and many cover-up transition tips shared to get you through.  Thanks to all gglg members who have been willing to share the experience with pictures and advice as they go through it.

There might be some rough spots - I took the long route since it was before this website was created but even at that managed much better than expected through my professional career.  Attitude helps a lot - Diana’s book was a Godsend!

Besides unless you have a PPD allergy - you can change your mind.

So if you decide to go for it, save a bundle and have healthier hair in the end - good luck and remember the silver sisters are here for you!

Posted by morningstar on 11/27 at 06:29 PM

Well said morningstar!  Welcome graywannabe, so nice to have you along!!  Morningstar pretty much summed it all up so I will just encourage you to send a photo to Diana so she can post it in the newbies second semester section.  This way you will be part of a very special group of woman who feel the same as you and want and need support, advice and encouragement while transitioning!

Posted by lulubell on 11/28 at 06:12 AM

Morningstar and Lulubell
Thanks for your encouraging comments and the fact they were posted so quickly! I will post a photo this weekend and order the book. I know I will be meeting with resistance from my family. My hair is very thick, chin-length and “honey blonde” - I would like to maintain the length during transition if possible. Thanks again for your encouragement.
Graywannabe

Posted by graywannabe on 11/28 at 06:31 AM

You are so very welcome graywannabe!  Many of the ladies here at GGLG have maintained their length and would not have had it any other way!  I chose to go much shorter only because of my lack of patience, and in the end, I just love my pixie.  I have to admit though, it is a challenge due to my curls having a mind of their own! It will be one month next Wednesday since my pixie cut and already it has grown out quite a bit. I truly believe the absence of hair dye being applied to my scalp every 3 to 4 weeks has improved the quality of my hair and the rate at which it grows, a fine testament to all that GGLG stands for!! Oh yes, I should also say this, I no longer have weepy eyes that always teared up for no reason.  This must have been a result of the chemicals used in hair dyes, there is no other reason for this sudden change that I can think of!  Yippee!!

Posted by lulubell on 11/28 at 06:56 AM

Hi Graywannabe,
I am in a visible position for a Fortune 100 company, so it was also important to me that I continue to look professional. Morningstar and Lulubell are right—get the book. It will give you lots of ideas for managing the transition. I had a chin-length bob and it looked good as I was growing it out.  I got impatient at the end and had it cut short.  I kept telling myself that plenty of people in high-profile positions have dark roots on blonde hair, so why couldn’t I have gray roots?  I think my credibility went up even during the transition and certainly now—people respond to authenticity.  Think about what that could do for your speaking/training career.  As you move forward, take this opportunity to recalibrate your whole appearance.  Wardrobe, makeup.  You need to look contemporary!  Also, be sure to check out Diana’s picture on the back of her book.  Her hair looked great during the transition!

Posted by rockthesilver on 11/28 at 07:14 AM

Rockthesilver—my hair was three colors during transitioning! But thanks for the compliment. As someone attending many meetings in that most-critical-of-all industries, the beauty industry, it should have been an “issue,” but it wasn’t. At least not for me.

Graywannabe—that’s because I chose to let the color come in naturally. You can see a picture of this in transitioning, Choice 4. It honestly didn’t bother me. But if you feel any qualms at all, review all the other choices here. The pros can help you transition in a better way. And of course, you’ll find many more tips throughout this site and in the book. Look forward to getting your pics and Welcome!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 11/28 at 07:47 AM

Hey, a friend of mine had chin-length dark brown hair, cut it short and dyed it blonde, and is now, a short three months later, almost completely done with her transition and looking forward to growing her hair back out.  This year has flown by, so imagine that one day, you will look back on your transition as only a small part of your lifetime. I had long hair in February 2008, and went cold turkey from dark brown.  I did not dye it blonde, do highlights, nothing, I just toughed it out.  I did cut it up to collar length, and now that is is over, I am saying, “Jeez, that wasn’t so hard.” And I’m letting it grow out.  Tonight on “Inside Edition,” there will be a section on celebrities going gray.  I missed the first part of the promo for it, but tune in (if you get the show) tonight, Dec. 1st, to see Nicole Kidman’s gray hair!!!!  I hope she lets it keep growing out.  She is so phenomenonally (sp?) gorgeous that she can’t help but inspire the rest of us.  I hope someone will post something about the show on this web site.  Hint. 

Posted by rocksister on 12/01 at 06:55 AM

Would love to take your hint, rocksister—what time is it on?  I don’t know if we get it or not, though.  Give me another hint—channel?

Good point about this whole process really not being too bad.  It isn’t. It may seem like the days drag by, but these are days that just lead to your goal. And, yes, we complain about our roots, our skunk stripes, but it DOES actually go by somewhat quickly. Even if it takes a year. At the beginning, you can’t imagine devoting a year to looking—um, half-baked. And then you begin to play and change your hairstyle, and maybe do other things, and before you know it, you’re really getting someplace! Your hair starts to feel silkier and look shinier. People start to notice your eyes, or something “new” about you.  From that point on, it starts to get exciting.

So thanks for your perspective on it—it really isn’t so hard!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 12/01 at 07:46 AM

In my opinion, it isn’t hard EVERY day.  But man, there are some days that can be VERY challenging.  It’s a rollercoster.  It’s daunting to think I still have a year to go.  But one of these days I’m sure I’ll look back and say, “Wow, that wasn’t so bad”.  I hope so anyway!!

Posted by RunnerGal on 12/01 at 08:31 AM

RunnerGal, have you given any though to going short to speed things up??  Perhaps the answer is obvious now that I think about! You just said you have a year to go, so long it is!!

Posted by lulubell on 12/01 at 08:38 AM

we took our silly christmas card family pic last night...honestly you can not tell a difference...maybe it was the lighting...but it still looks dark with “highlihgts” but in natural light and in the lovely department store lights wow it pops!!
and speaking of those lovely department store lights...did i ever get a “i sure look washed out “ feeling the other day ...that was the first time...i think it was just an off day...maybe after stuffing my face for days and probably ingesting a bit too much of the “grape” had something to do with it ...but none the less my daughter and i hit sephora and i bought myself some new lipstick..and some eyeliner…
99.9% of this transition has been painless...and i am really doing this alone (except of course for all of you out there) i think everyone really likes it and i think they are surprised that they do...as far as looking older...well heck i am 53 it takes way tooo much effort to look 35 so what’s wrong with looking great at 53??? i haven’t been carded in awhile even when i was coloring my hair !!!

i love how people think “well when i turn 60 i will go natural...” as if that is the “old age” number!!!

whatever...you know the neck and hands speak the truth anyway so why have jet black hair hit the chin level won’t that just draw attention to the “lines"…

wow am i long winded or what!!

happy december everyone...can hardly believe this year is almost gone…

Posted by louann on 12/01 at 09:01 AM

Lulubell,

I’d go for the chop if I didn’t want to be married anymore!  But I kinda like him. 

Laura

Posted by RunnerGal on 12/01 at 09:09 AM

I hear you!!  Like Louann just posted above, “can hardly believe this year is almost gone...” Before you know it you will be all done!!  Oh, and you will still have your Honey!

Posted by lulubell on 12/01 at 09:30 AM

Laura - Don’t know how you feel about layers, but if you had some, you could be transitioned sooner without going really short. My husband only notices the overall length - where the longest layer of hair comes in relation to my shoulders - but doesn’t mind if I have shorter layers. I’m at a year in a couple of weeks and will be completely finished. Plus, my shortest layers are getting quite long now. Just a suggestion! :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 12/01 at 09:47 AM

Kris, welcome to the GGLG Great Grays Gallery!!  Your silver is lovely and good for you for inspiring your Mom to stop coloring!

Posted by lulubell on 12/13 at 05:04 PM

Diana - I just love the new hair cut.  You look radiant and so sophisticated!!!

Posted by lisagreen on 01/03 at 01:01 PM

Well, thanks, Lisagreen—nice to hear from you! I think I posted that in November, and it’s already growing longer. Time to go back for more layers!!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 01/03 at 01:06 PM

wow..how fun is this ! a new update!! i like the curls on you lisa..really looks so nice..do you get lots of compliments??
and nice to see kris from penn.  (sorry usc beat ya in the rose bowl although i am a ucla fan myself)…

this place is just too busy for me....

off to our last holiday gthering...this time it is with all the “old high school gals”!!!
louann

Posted by louann on 01/03 at 01:57 PM

Lisa Green - Nice length you’re getting! Looks like you’re back to your pre-silver length.

Posted by greeneyes on 01/03 at 02:11 PM

Lisa your hair looks absolutely stunning - you glow!

Posted by Sharon on 01/03 at 03:23 PM

lainla3 - Thanks.  I like my curls too.  I also like wearing it straight.  It’s really weird… I like my hair SO much better now that it’s silver.  I can see the different colors, the tones, nuances, highlights, lowlights, etc.  When I was dying it, it was just flat black and so lifeless.  I’ll have to have hubs take a photo with my hair straight and post that too.  I do get a lot of compliments.  I think the best one was when my mom tried to snatch the “wig” off my head and realized it was actually my own hair.  Painful, but amusing.

Posted by lisagreen on 01/04 at 08:03 AM

greeneyes - Thank you.  Actually, it’s longer now than it was before the buzz cut.  I can’t believe it’s been less than a year.  It makes me wonder whether the hair dye was stunting my hair growth?  YOU look amazing!!!  Your hair is really pretty with the silver AND you have amazing bone structure.  You are a true beauty.

Posted by lisagreen on 01/04 at 08:09 AM

Lisa, wow, love the curls, great picture. And Kris, welcome to the Great Grays.

Posted by sallee on 01/04 at 11:21 AM

Lisa - Yes, there’s no telling exactly what all hair dye was doing to us.

And thank you for your encouraging comments. When I was younger, I always thought my bone structure was too masculine - maybe because I look like a female version of my dad. :o) The older I get the more I appreciate everyone’s unique beauty and have settled into my own skin. AND natural hair color, of course!

Posted by greeneyes on 01/04 at 12:29 PM

Sandra G.  It is so nice to see you here in the Great Grays Gallery.  You now belong to a group of lovely, super silvers!! I hope you don’t tire of your silver, it is so pretty!

Posted by lulubell on 02/01 at 05:31 PM

Lulubell, Thanks for the welcome to the Great Grays Gallery. Who’d a thought!  I still take a double-take in the mirror - is that really me with that gray hair?!
I’m honored to be part of this group. Really some great positive vibes from all of you! It is so encouraging.

I’m still having a little trouble navigating through the site and knowing where to post, but I’m learning.

Posted by sandygee on 02/02 at 04:15 PM

You’re welcome!!  Before long you will be a navigation expert just like the rest of us.  Be careful though, this site can be be addictive! It has been raining all day here in Central Florida so I went to Ocala to the Ross store to do a bit of bargain hunting and you will never guess what I found.  A pair of DKNY jeans in my size for $1.49!!!!!!  I KID YOU NOT!!!  They fit perfect and there was only one pair on a rack in the clearance centre.  I am leaving the price tag on to show all my girlfriends (gloat, actually) We always try to out-do one another.  The fact that the original price was $69.00 should mean that I WIN!!!!!  OK, I got a little off track here, I was going to say that it is still raining so I will cruise through GGLG while watching House and 24.

Posted by lulubell on 02/02 at 04:55 PM

Sandygee, welcome to the site. Lulubell is right, just hang in there and keep clicking on different blogs and they all have threads to other areas. There really is a lot going on! You’ll figure it out. Oh, and you look wonderful with your natural color.

Lulubell, Ross is my favorite store! I’m jealous. $1.49!!!! Don’t ya love it when that happens?! I’ve found so many great things in that store. You just have to be patient and look at everything. Which apparently you did.

I’ve seen House a few times and have never seen 24 but I hear it’s quite the show. I don’t have a t.v. but I do go on websites where you can read about the shows.

Posted by sallee on 02/02 at 05:46 PM

Do you just choose to not have a television Sallee?  I only watch in the evening, but I always seem have other things on the go at the same time so I rarely see a show from beginning to end.  I am a reality show fan and always try to see Survivor and Dancing with the Stars.  When my girls were young and in school the TV was only on between 7 and 9 in the evening.  To this day they both still watch minimal TV themselves, but my Grandchildren love to watch!

Posted by lulubell on 02/02 at 06:05 PM

ok lulu how about medium??? that starts tonight!! that is a fun one…
i am afraid i am one of those criminal show types...love ncis...(c’mon gals mark harmon is a great gray...) and then there is criminal minds and then the new one the mentalist…

we just “record” on the dvr and watch at our leisure…

did see the wrestler..wow mickey rourke is really pretty darn good but i warn you now it is a very “dark” film...not real uplifitng like SLUM DOG ...
ok i am not a film critic and the way it sounds you’d think i was a couch potato(e)but...i do enjoy the quiet time while i knit those scarves…
raise your hand if you’re table/desk is piled high with tax
paperwork???

Posted by louann on 02/02 at 06:45 PM

LouAnn...I’m raising my hand!!  But not tax paperwork for me...safety blitz time and I’m the safety coord. here...so i’ve got about 7 different programs to go through...uugghh!

You look great Sandygee!  I don’t think I’ve every seen such beautiful eyebrows too!  They match your hair perfectly!  I need serious eyebrow help!!

Back to work!
~dede

Posted by wtxgray on 02/03 at 07:02 AM

Lulubell, oh, don’t get me wrong I LOVE to watch TV and do whenever I’m at someone’s home who has it, but, yes, I choose not to have one. When I did, I was like you, could never sit still so I never watched a show all the way thru. Drove my daughter crazy, Mom SIT DOWN, was what I’d hear all the time. I have a portable DVD player and I do Netflix. I’ve rented lots of cable shows and watched them like ROME and the Tutors. Love history.

Louann, I heard and ad for Medium on the radio the other day and that would be one I’d watch for sure. And I loved watching the CSI shows.

Okay, dede, I’ve got to go look at the eyebrows. I think you look great in all your pics.

Posted by sallee on 02/03 at 08:25 AM

OK, count me in for CSI (but only LV), and Criminal Minds. Those are the only 2 shows I will make time to watch. I just love the whole riddle-solving aspect. Probably why people read who-dun-its.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 02/03 at 08:34 AM

Thanks to all for the compliments and welcome.

wtxgray -I hate my eyebrows! I think I never get them right and I was always pulling out the white hairs.  I had to take a look in the mirror to see what you were talking about.  Never saw them like you do. 

Diana - just had to thank you for commenting on my “richer skin tone” - what a lovely description - I really like it and I’m going to use it in the future.  My coloring comes from my mixed bloodline - a black father and an italian mother. I was a little nervous about how the gray would look with my complexion but I have been pleasantly surprised.

24 is my very favorite tv show!  Never miss an episode.  I am hooked on tv and movies.  i used to watch house, but don’t that much any more.  i dvr most shows, too, and catch up on the weekends.  not much into reality except for american idol and so you think you can dance.

louann agree totally about wrestler and slum dog.  I went to see wrestler because i wanted to see mickey r. again.  wasn’t that impressed with the movie, but he was the mickey i remembered.  every year i try to watch as many academy award nominees as possible and the night of the awards is a big thing at my house - like the super bowl of movies.  I have snacks and drinks and who ever is with me is given a voting ballot and we see who gets the most correct winners.
my family thinks i’m whacko! But they humor me.

Posted by sandygee on 02/03 at 08:44 AM

I loved Slumdog...like The Reader even more (but dark as well)… And, Sallee… just had to say--I’ve not had a TV for over 10 years! I have no clue about popular culture-- people think I am really weird-- but, I always have a book I’m reading in bed, another on my ipod for running and a 3rd in my car (I drive ALOT for work)…

Posted by Runner on 02/03 at 08:40 PM

Hi Jennifer, I’m so bummed I missed meeting you. I know, it strikes people speechless when I say I don’t have a TV, one guy at work even offered to buy me one.   I am always reading a book. I have about 30 that were given to me by someone that I’m working my way through. I’ve always loved books. I’d listen to them in the car too, but I only live 6 miles from where I work.

Barbara, an Oscar party would be so fun. I don’t go to the movies very much but I do eventually see them on DVD. I do read about all of them though and hear about them from my friends who go. Isn’t there always one “whacko” in every family? The one that has always marched to their own drummer? My kind of people.

Posted by sallee on 02/04 at 08:39 AM

Ditto on the reading.  I usually have at least one good book going by my bed and then another that I’ll be reading for a group I’m in, our just because the topic interests me.

So you movie buffs, who do you think will walk off with best movie?

Posted by sandygee on 02/04 at 01:14 PM

Betty has arrived!  I was just looking around and saw your post on Elizabeth’s page.  You are a great example of gray = beautiful!  Thanks for sending your pic in!

Posted by grayincali on 02/19 at 02:23 PM

Yes, Betty, glad to have you join us. Sounds like you and Elizabeth have some things in common and now you have this website. Welcome.

Posted by sallee on 02/19 at 02:30 PM

Welcome Betty!  Yes, you are a great gray alright!

Posted by RunnerGal on 02/19 at 02:32 PM

Sallee - is there a new pic coming in for you?  You just got a cut right?  Would love to see a new shot of that gorgeous hair of yours!

Posted by grayincali on 02/19 at 02:33 PM

Well, thought I better take a peek at your member photo ... great new cut!  You have such a great color, Sallee!

Posted by grayincali on 02/19 at 02:37 PM

Sallee, Can you send in a new photo for the Great Grays Gallery?  Member pictures are so small, it’s hard to tell how it really looks!

Posted by RunnerGal on 02/19 at 02:42 PM

Betty!

I’m so happy that you sent in your pic! Once again...WELCOME!!!!

Posted by elizabeth on 02/19 at 03:25 PM

If it’s okay with Diana, yes, I could send a new one in.

Posted by sallee on 02/19 at 03:39 PM

Love your hair Betty! Its so beautiful!

Posted by Shernobyl on 02/19 at 03:57 PM

Sallee-- of course it’s OK! Send it in. We update shots of our Great Grays too, ya know!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 02/19 at 04:22 PM

So glad you sent in an updated picture, Sallee. Beautiful, as always! You are such an inspiration for all of us. :o)

And to all you new ladies at the top of the page - thanks for sending in your pics! I never tire of seeing all the beautiful, unique colors. You all look great.

Posted by greeneyes on 02/21 at 07:11 AM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Sallee!  Stunning as always!  Do you have birthday plans?????

Posted by lulubell on 02/21 at 07:18 AM

Sallee - love the new cut and Happy Birthday! Like greeneyes said, I never tire at looking at all my silver sisters!  Everyone just look so fabulous!

Posted by SBKaren on 02/21 at 07:21 AM

Happy Birthday Sallee, what a gorgeous photo!

Posted by Christie on 02/21 at 02:07 PM

You look beautiful Sallee!  Happy Birthday!

Posted by grayincali on 02/21 at 02:14 PM

Thank You for your warm welcome. Being that its a little cold up here its nice to go to a spot where you feel comfort and cozy all in one setting. I love to look at the beautiful gray colors and different styles. Makes me think of getting a new hairstyle myself.

Betty

Posted by Betty on 02/23 at 05:47 AM

Happy birthday Sallee, love your new pic, but I think the date on your birth certificate is off by quite a few years!

Betty, welcome. Very pretty, love the waves and color.

Lisa, with the length of your silver curls silver you look much younger and still sophisticated and elegant.  Thanks for send in an update.

Posted by Marisa on 02/24 at 03:49 PM

Thank you all for the birthday wishes and the compliments on my new pic. I’m one of those people who just lucked out in the gene department. Sorry it’s taken so long for me to post my thank yous. On my b-day I took my 5 year old granddaughter up to LA to the Pantages to see Phantom of the Opera. It was a belated b-day gift for her and one to myself. We had just the best time. She loved it! (she’s seen the movie at least 30 times) On Sunday I woke up with a horrible migrane that kept me in bed until yesterday. Feeling WAY better and am back at work. So much going on, Diana, I have to go catch up!!!

Posted by sallee on 02/25 at 09:13 AM

Patty and Jade,

Love love love the hair!  I am glad to see that more ladies of gray are growing their hair long.  I like my hair longer (never felt comfortable with it short).  Some still think that when it starts to turn gray that you immediately cut it short and get a perm.  Don’t get me wrong - some people (like Jaimie Lee Curtis) look fantastic with it short.  I am just saying that it is not for me.

Thanks for the great inspiration!!—grayme

Posted by grayme on 03/01 at 08:00 AM

Welcome “Silver Near Seattle!” I love your silver hair! 

Posted by lulubell on 03/01 at 03:24 PM

Jade, oh my, your hair HAS grown and it is lovely!!!!

Posted by lulubell on 03/01 at 03:26 PM

Welcome to the site Patty, and Jade, your hair looks gorgeous!

Posted by sallee on 03/02 at 09:09 AM

Thank you for the warm welcome to the Great Grays Gallery!  Jade, you are my inspiration to have waist length silver hair!  May I call on you if I get weak and want to cut it!  I need a long-hair buddy!  Thanks, Silver near Seattle

Posted by Silver near Seattle on 03/02 at 07:19 PM

Patty - how long is your hair?  In your picture it looks like it is longer in the back than the front.

Posted by grayme on 03/06 at 05:05 AM

Hello Grayme, My hair then was below my shoulders. It is so very easy to pull it back and up in a loose bun!  I am following in Jade’s footsteps!  Care to come along?  Let’s keep in touch!  Silver near Seattle

Posted by Silver near Seattle on 03/07 at 09:33 AM

Mialeyna - your hair is gorgeous!!!

Posted by grayme on 03/08 at 10:11 AM

Mialeyna- Wow with your eye color , your hair is perfect. Looks very soft.

Betty

Posted by Betty on 03/09 at 06:45 AM

Heidi - You still look like you’re in your 20’s! Awesome transition to beautiful silver.

I think I’ve also missed welcoming Mialeyna, Silver near Seattle, Betty, and who knows how many others! Such beautiful shades of grays, silvers, and whites on this page. Thanks to all of you for sending in your pictures and inspiring all of us.

Posted by greeneyes on 03/21 at 05:19 AM

Welcome Heidi (hydro 1), You certainly made the right choice, you look stunning with your silvery pixie!!  You are truly an inspiration to all of the “preemies” lurking out there who are considering the “plunge!”

Posted by lulubell on 03/21 at 05:24 AM

Good Morning Greeneyes!!!! 

Posted by lulubell on 03/21 at 05:25 AM

Good morning to you, Lulubell! :o) Glad to see you up and around the site this morning. It seems I usually follow you around on Saturday mornings. :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 03/21 at 05:28 AM

Yes it does, it is the best time for the wireless connection here, not so busy. Also, late evening is good for me to log on!  Off for the day, happy Saturday!!

Posted by lulubell on 03/21 at 06:26 AM

Woah!  Heidi!  You look incredible in your silver pixie.  It does so much to compliment those gorgeous eyes you have.  You must love it .... it looks like it would be very easy to maintain and it’s very stylish at the same time!

Posted by grayincali on 03/22 at 07:42 AM

This gallery is great. This whole website is great.  GGLG is great!
Very few of my women friends and family have taken the plunge. 

Seeing these women who have embraced their natural hair color, brings out their great looks perfectly whether long, short, straight or curly.

I now know that I’m not alone in this journey. 

Since I have only shortened my hair a bit, it’s taking me quite a while to get to where I am today.  I think I’m 6 -8 months away from there not being that funky line of demarcation. 

These gorgeous women are inspirations! 

Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 04/17 at 04:24 PM

Well, thanks, Barbara.  And speaking of inspirations, have you also checked out our Great Inspirations story, also in the right-hand column above?  There are just so many women who look fabulous—and better!—being silver!  Good luck to you on your journey.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 04/17 at 04:48 PM

Thanks Diana for steering me in another direction here. 

Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 04/17 at 09:15 PM

Margo, I just saw on the homepage that our fearless leader, Diana, pointed us to your newly posted pic.  Boy, Diana, you’ve been busy lately!!! 

So anyhow, Margo, both you and your hair are just beautiful!  You look great!!  I think you posted elsewhere regarding whether or not your friend “likes it” or just said that b/c she thought she should .... I say she MUST really like it.  I mean, really, you look so fabulous, how could she not?!  I know I didn’t see your before pic and sometimes people have to get used to our new look, but as much as some of my friends didn’t like my gray earlier on, I think it’s beginning to grown on them! And you have such a pretty shade!  Lucky, lucky!!

Posted by grayincali on 04/23 at 09:04 PM

Wow, grayincali~ You are soooo nice and very supportive.  Thanks!  I haven’t seen her since my 30th class reunion, so that’s almost 4 years ago!!  I have to say it was a shock to see how much white I have.  I’d been coloring for so long that I had no idea there would be so much.  But, I do like it and I feel fortunate that it turned out so “nice”.  My Mom has a drab gray.  She’s very envious of mine.  So, yeah, I think I am lucky.  I think it will take some time for others to adjust, just like me Thanks again!  When did you complete your transition?  Yours is very pretty too.

Posted by Aziza on 04/23 at 09:30 PM

wow margo welcome aboard!!! stick around and throw out the advice to others out there who are in a “should i or shouldn’t i?? “ you and your hair are lovely!!

Posted by louann on 04/24 at 05:49 AM

Margo - Thanks for joining the gallery! I know your beautiful hair will inspire many to find out what natural shade they have!

Posted by greeneyes on 04/24 at 05:57 AM

Aziza, welcome!  You have the shade of silver we all want!  Lovely!

Posted by lulubell on 04/24 at 05:59 AM

Thanks lovely ladies! You are all so kind.  After reading through some of the posts, I can certainly see why this site has such a loyal following.  You all are good for the soul.  Just wish I had found it when I first started the transition.  It’s been a ride of ups and downs.  I am SO glad to finally be where I am today.  Still adjusting to the new me.  I think probably because of the color and the cut.  It hasn’t been this short since my late teens. Interesting change for me is that I used to have very curly hair and now it’s pretty straight.  It doesn’t seem to want to hold much of a curl anymore. I used to have to fight with it on those humid days. Oh how we have a tendency to wish for what we don’t have and then when we get it, we wish for what we had before.  Funny isn’t it?  As the saying goes, “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it”

Posted by Aziza on 04/24 at 07:43 AM

Aziza,Thankyou for coming to the site,I think you look just beautiful.You are very lucky your Mom is supportive!My Mom keeps telling me ,that I will age myself,But that is coming from an 84 yr old,that colors her hair red.I Love my silver coming in,I cannot wait to have a full head of silver or white,not to sure at this point re; the color.What I do know ,It will be all me.!

Posted by new york on 04/24 at 01:28 PM

new york, I’ll try this again.  I wrote last night but it never posted.  Hopefully today it will work. Thanks for your kind words.  Yes, I am lucky to have support, pretty much from my whole family. Actually, it’s my friends who are having a harder time with it.  I think maybe because it’s a reminder to them that THEY are getting grayer too and they aren’t ready to acknowledge it!?!  It’s not like I’m trying to convince them to let go and be free.  I’m not judging them for continuing to color so why should they judge me?  I just know it liberated me and I am LOVING my new look.  Giving up the bottle has saved me so much time and anxiety over, “oh my gosh, my roots are showing.  I need to color!” I absolutely HATED the whole process and would dread it whenever it was time to do it. That’s when I knew it was time for me.  It’s an individual thing.  I say “do whatever is right for you”.  Make the decision and stick to your beliefs.  Don’t let anyone try to guilt you into doing something you don’t want to do.  Embrace your new silver and be happy!  You never know, once you are through the transition and everyone sees how awesome you look they may decide to give it a try too.  BTW, where’s your picture?  I know we would all love to see how you are coming along.  It’s inspiring to watch a new butterfly breaking out of it’s cacoon.

Posted by Aziza on 04/25 at 09:54 AM

Welcome to the Great Grays Gallery Tami!!  If I ever get my curls to grow back I hope they look as soft and pretty as yours!

Posted by lulubell on 05/02 at 05:52 PM

Tami, just lovely. Your pictures arrived just in time to really cheer me up. Now I can see what is in store for me. I’m only 4 months into this transition, but what I see in my roots looks much like your color. Light on top and darker in the back. And curls. Thank you for sending your picture in. Now I just have to wait 2 more years ... .
Did you cut your curls short at any time?
Eva

Posted by silvercurl on 05/03 at 04:44 AM

Lulubell and Silvercurl, thanks for the compliments! Silvercurl, Yes, I did cut my hair short (but not too short) and let it grow out gradually. I’ll admit, there was a few times when I thought about coloring again (especially when my then 15 year old daughter hated the gray) but I’d always refer to my Going Gray, Looking Great book for inspritation. Now my daughter is 17 and loves mom’s “cool” gray hair now. To all of you, just hang in there it is worth it! Best wishes. Tami

Posted by TamiTatro on 05/03 at 10:30 PM

Thanks Tami. I’m sure I’ll be coming back to your picture when I feel unhappy about my SLOW progress. Nice inspiration!
Eva

Posted by silvercurl on 05/04 at 03:47 AM

When my 84 year old mother, who has always colored her hair, introduces me to a friend, I make sure they know I’m her sister, (ahem ...) and not her daughter. I gets some laughs, but not so much from the women who color.

I have not really gotten the support of my family, but I haven’t asked for it either.  Each has some passive-aggressive comments that they manage to sneak into our conversations.  I like to say nothing or smile! 

They are getting used to the new me ... a long time in the making.  Do I make them feel old? 

Besides, it’s all about what’s in (not on) your head. 

Our group has IT goin’ on!

Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 05/07 at 05:35 PM

Hi Barbara,I loved reading your last comment.That was so funny re; your Mom,That would be something,I would do! My Mom is 84,also.I just do not get people.What the heck? I guess,it comes down to fear,for the women,that still color.Man,it is so crazy,they way,some people react.Cool Rules

Posted by new york on 05/07 at 05:56 PM

Hey New York,
Just yesterday when I was chatting with my mother, I was informed that I could (more like should) have my hair thinned.  “Do you like your hair?”, was her passive-aggressive, leading and trick question.
Of course there was the ever present weight question, too.

Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 05/09 at 06:38 PM

Tami- Truly, you make the Great Gray Gallery even greater!  Thanks for inspiring all of us to continue our great gray journeys!

Posted by Goldie on 05/09 at 07:51 PM

oh barbara ...moms and their"ways"....
which makes me say...happy mothers day.....anyway....

Posted by louann on 05/09 at 08:01 PM

Hi Barbara,I really think with your Mom,You are doing the right thing.Just smile,I guess sometimes,they still think we are little kids&they;want to protect us.Your hair,like mine has been dark brown,so it is a big change!What our Moms do not realize is ,we are on a mission.They ,could stand on their heads in Macys window,and that is not going change our minds.LOL I know,My Mom can be pushy.But I either smile,or I say,Mom trust me on this.Today,I was with my sweet Rosalie,my Mother inlaw.She asked,Are you growing your hair out? I said yes! The only thing ,she said ,was I think your gonna have more pepper.Trust me we are not alone,with this! We will get thru this!!!! At the end,Our Moms,will like it the best!!!!

Posted by new york on 05/09 at 09:12 PM

Sallee- You are truly one of those people who can wear your hair long or short! You look fantastic!

Posted by Goldie on 05/21 at 03:36 PM

Thanks, Goldie.

Posted by sallee on 05/21 at 04:28 PM

Sallee - Wow!  LOVE the short silver and you have such a beautiful smile to go with it! 

Posted by jules on 05/21 at 04:51 PM

love the earrings sallee!!!! what a great cut...i love short hair!
la

Posted by louann on 05/21 at 04:59 PM

Sallee - You definitely can DO hair in any length! Isn’t it fun to wear earrings that actually can be seen? Now that my hair is longer, no one ever sees the great earrings I bought when my hair was shorter. :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 05/22 at 06:04 AM

Jules, Louann and Dara, thanks so much. I love the cut more every day.

Earrings!! I know I didn’t wear certain kinds because when I’d go to brush my hair out of my face I’d catch the earrings and out they’d come. I have a lot of just one earring set because of not realizing that’s what happened. Now, I don’t worry about that.

Posted by sallee on 05/22 at 07:47 AM

Hi Sallee,what a cute new cut!! I said it also on another topic,but dont know where anymore...It looks so hip and fresh on you..
Petra.

Posted by catweezle on 05/22 at 12:16 PM

Hi Petra, thank you. I do love it and I hope your cut turns to be a great one. I think you look fantastic with your hair short. Those blue eyes of yours are something!!

Posted by sallee on 05/22 at 12:27 PM

Lisa~ Just noticed your new pictures. LOVE your hair!  It is so gorgeous!  Good for you going to law school.  And on an academic scholarship!  WOW, that’s awesome.  What a great inspiration you are.  Your beautiful hair rocks!

Posted by Aziza on 06/05 at 09:01 AM

Lisa - Love the longer hair and what a fantastic color too!  You look beautiful!

Posted by jules on 06/05 at 09:08 AM

Lisa- You better get that law degree soon...because you’re going to have to defend yourself after being arrested for looking so good!!! Thanks for the picture update- very inspiring!

Posted by Goldie on 06/05 at 09:12 AM

Tami I love your silver curls. The silver is so soft and light around your face. Gorgeous.

Posted by Sharon on 06/05 at 02:32 PM

Mialeyna you have a particularly lovely white shade going on

Posted by Sharon on 06/05 at 02:33 PM

Aziza, jules and Goldie - thank you so much for the kind comments.  It’s only been 16 months since I did the buzz cut.  I had no idea my hair would grow so quickly.  I’m very excited about beginning law school.  Nervous and tense… but excited.  Thanks again!  The positive feedback is really welcome.

Posted by lisagreen on 06/05 at 03:02 PM

Wow lisagreen - love the longer length - it is gorgeous.  How do you keep it so straight?  Good luck with school!

Posted by grayme on 06/05 at 03:34 PM

What a wonderful flattering silver mane, lisagreen.
All my compliments for you. Great combo the colors you wear.

Posted by Barbra on 06/06 at 03:08 AM

Lisa Green - Yes, the white fuzzy tennis ball is but a memory! You look wonderful! Being a long-hair girl, I really like the length you have.

Posted by greeneyes on 06/06 at 06:31 AM

grayme - Hello and thanks.  To answer your question about keeping in straight, I have 2 flat irons that I use.  One, a Remington Wet 2 Dry, which I use after I wash it.  And a Conair that I use for touch ups.  I have very thick, coarse, curly hair - so I have to use common sense.  If it’s raining or really humid, I just leave it alone.  No sense fighting a battle I can’t win.  I’ve discovered, though, it’s actually easier to maintain when I straighten.  I live in Chicago, so when it’s straight I don’t mind the wind.  When it’s curly, I feel like a frizz bomb.

Posted by lisagreen on 06/06 at 12:53 PM

Barbra and greeneyes - Thank you for the compliments.  Isn’t this a wonderful site?  I don’t know about you, but there have been times when just having this as a resource has made all the difference in the world.

Posted by lisagreen on 06/06 at 12:56 PM

Lisagreen,
That is for sure! Even after I transitioned, I still keep checking in to get some positive energy from everyone here.
Ruth

Posted by ruthmgon on 07/11 at 07:33 AM

Lisagreen—I LOVE your longer hair. I am growing out my super-short crop. Getting closer to a bob, which I think will look good, but yours is truly inspiring!

Posted by rockthesilver on 07/27 at 01:07 AM

rock the silver ...send in a update!!! like betsy!!

Posted by louann on 08/12 at 01:52 PM

GeordieBC and Patty Brady, aka “Silver Near Seattle” - Love your hair!!

Patty - did’nt your hair use to be long?

Posted by grayme on 08/28 at 06:41 AM

GeordieBC, your hair looks so good!!  I just love the spiked look!

Posted by lulubell on 08/28 at 09:36 AM

Patty, looking good!  love your silvery shade!

Posted by lulubell on 08/28 at 09:37 AM

GeordieBC - what a funky look!
Sílver Near Seattle - what a beautiful silversilver.

Posted by Barbra on 08/28 at 11:48 AM

Greetings-

I got the extensions put in.  The lady did a fab job of matching my hair color.

Will post a new picture on my profile.

Jade

Posted by Jadejou on 08/30 at 08:02 PM

Newleaf, WELCOME to the Great Grays Gallery!!  Your hair color is gorgeous, in fact, it is the shade that most of us here at GGLG would LOVE to have!  It looks quite a bit longer now, do you plan to keep growing?

Posted by lulubell on 09/13 at 04:54 PM

Hello Lulubell, thanks for all the encouragement! I am growing it currently, and will post a new photo soon. xx

Posted by newleaf on 09/14 at 01:37 AM

Newleaf - Your “silver” is gorgeous!

Posted by grayme on 09/14 at 11:35 AM

Newleaf~ Your hair is absolutely gorgeous!  I wouldn’t be apprehensive at all because you look fantastic. And, lucky you, living in London, England.  I was fortunate enough to visit there 5 years ago (along with 7 other countries).  Beautiful place. Do you travel much?

Posted by Aziza on 09/14 at 11:43 AM

Ahh..newleaf...your hair looks beautiful!

Posted by Goldie on 09/14 at 11:45 AM

Wow, Charlotte, gorgeous!  No worries in the workplace!

Posted by SSaS on 09/22 at 06:40 PM

newleaf...charlotte...your hair is beautiful!! the color “rocks” as has been said on this site before!!! as far as the workplace goes...well we are the “new wave” so i figure technology has to keep up WITH US !!!

Posted by louann on 09/23 at 05:25 AM

wow Salle!!!!  Love the short cut the best on you!

Posted by graytnw on 09/30 at 06:06 PM

Thanks, graytnw. I’ve been the gamut of hair lenghts and I must admit I like the short best myself. Even when it was long I usually wore it up or back.

And there is a reason Diana is our Oz. Wow, D, great new cut, you look wonderful.

Been a while since I’ve posted, but I’ve been checking in and so many new silver sisters, returning sisters and graduates. Hello to everyone and I think you all look fantastic! I’ve always said Mother Nature knows best and we all prove that. 

Posted by sallee on 10/01 at 07:55 AM

Hello Sallee, so nice to hear from you!!!! 

Posted by lulubell on 10/01 at 08:02 AM

Welcome back, Sallee!! Glad you’ve been checking in, but we also love hearing from you!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 10/01 at 08:02 AM

Thanks, lulubell and Diana, been too long, but I have been following along with everyone. So much going on!! Love the new book club, Oz.

Posted by sallee on 10/01 at 08:25 AM

Hey there, it’s been a while.  Just checking in to see how everyone is doing.  I just finished my first month of law school.  It’s a good thing I transitioned before I started or I’d be skunking for sure right now.  What a lot of work! 

I’ve noticed, since I started working on my length, my hair is starting to turn yellow.  It’s really obviousl on the top and sides, next to my face.  I used an Ion clarifying treatment, which helped.  And I switched to Prell, which also seems to be helping.  My hair is whiter now.  I just wondered if anyone else had dealt with a similar situation and found something to help.  I like my hair a lot better when it was really silver.  I also used a bit of peroxide to get the yellow out.  Big mistake.  NOBODY do this!!!  Yes, it makes the white hairs whiter.  It also bleaches out the dark hairs.  Now my pepper looks like paprika.  I have an appointment for low lights.  Has anyone done this?

Any ideas on products to lift the yellow, leave the pepper and keep it shiny? 

Posted by lisagreen on 10/05 at 04:46 PM

Lisa, I have been using warm vinegar rinses (white vinegar) to help remove some slight staining. I only use it once, sometimes twice a week. I dilute it quite a bit so as not to dry out my hair too much and then I follow up with a conditioner. (Burt’s Bees)

Posted by lulubell on 10/05 at 05:43 PM

Hi Girls! This question is so timely. I use a shampoo for silver hair that comes out of the container violet and it is doing a great job on most of my hair. However like LisaGreen said my top layer areound my face and back to my ears has a yellow kind of greeinsh cast since I began growing it out. I have nauturally coarse curly-ish (ok more frizzy) hair and I use a ceramic flat iron, which I thought was the issue, but I stopped it for about a month and it has no effect.

Will try the vinegar and report back. (ps after you rinse it do you shampoo again due to the smell?)

Charlotte xx

Posted by newleaf on 10/06 at 01:53 AM

Hello Newleaf!  No I don’t shampoo after the vinegar rinse. What I do is wash first, then rinse very well and pat dry with a towel, then I pour the warm vinegar/water rinse over my hair and let it sit for a couple of minutes (careful not to get it in your eyes) Lastly I rinse very well, pat dry again and then add a conditioner, let that sit a couple of minutes and finally, I rinse very well one more time.  Sounds like a lot, but my hair feels very soft and is quite shiny in the end! I hope it helps to brighten my silver and get rid of the tinge!

Posted by lulubell on 10/06 at 06:27 AM

Charlotte~ I do the vinegar rinse.  Afterwards, I just use conditioner and it takes care of the smell of the vinegar.  I just bought some Prell shampoo to see if it will work for me.

Posted by Aziza on 10/06 at 06:42 AM

Jill, you are stunning!  I love your haircut WELCOME to the Great Gray Gallery!  Did I mention that I LOVE your haircut??

Posted by lulubell on 10/29 at 06:34 AM

Jill~ Just gorgeous!  Beautiful hair, beautiful face. You could be one of the models in your fashion magazine. Very fashionable cut. It suits you well. Welcome!!

Posted by Aziza on 10/29 at 06:40 AM

Jill .... you are gorgeous!  Love your cut and color and, yes, you look very young!  The color you are wearing also suits you perfectly.  Thanks for joining the Great Grays!

Posted by grayincali on 10/29 at 07:02 AM

Wow Jill- beautiful hair, lovely cut!An inspiration!

Posted by Chrissy on 10/29 at 07:20 AM

Jill, Love your look - it is very pretty and suits you perfectly.

Posted by grayme on 10/29 at 08:54 AM

This is a beautiful head shot Jill! Welcome to the Great Gray Gallery. 

I am naturally curious. I confess.  I Googled you. You, are an amazingly accomplished lady!  I enjoyed reading the Code Green article with your notes from Style Magazine Nov. 2003.
Are you still editor-in-chief?

Posted by Goldie on 10/29 at 09:37 AM

i have been hit and miss here lately so really trying to catch up today...welcome to the “gallery” jill… like all the other comments above i love your great cut and of course the color...is enviable!!

Posted by louann on 10/31 at 06:55 AM

Welcome to the gallery Jill! You are beautiful! Beth A

Posted by beth on 10/31 at 07:03 AM

Donna (rockthesilver) your hair has grown so much!  I love your hairstyle, it is so flattering and of course your shade of silver is just beautiful!

Posted by lulubell on 11/21 at 07:16 PM

Donna aka “rockthesilver” how fabulous to send an update!  I love your sleek, chic bob & your website is fun & informative!

Posted by Goldie on 11/21 at 07:59 PM

Thanks for the encouragement! I am really glad I decided to go longer. The sides are still catching up to the back, but the worst of growing it out is over. I will probably keep it bob length, but I haven’t ruled out the idea of going even longer. Being silver is fun.

Posted by rockthesilver on 11/22 at 06:49 AM

Donna, the nearly bob looks great on you. Being silver IS fun, if you own enough.
For you it’s fact.

Posted by Barbra on 11/22 at 12:03 PM

rock the silver… fantastic...your website was a blast too!!

Posted by louann on 11/22 at 05:34 PM

Sandra G.  Your silver hair is STUNNING!  I doubt you will ever find an artificial hair color as beautiful as what God gave you naturally.

¡Qúe viva el pelo plateado!

Mari

Posted by Mari on 12/09 at 06:26 PM

LisaGreen, gorgeous!

Posted by Cyrhen on 01/06 at 07:40 PM