Heidi’s Story

Artfully Gray

Four years ago, Heidi was into "major highlighting."

But two years ago, she was back to being a deep-dyed brunette.

Then it was back to highlights when she began transitioning.

Going blonder in the summer of '08.

Now the silver starts to show, late summer '08.

Early Fall, transitioning in earnest.

Heidi Harner, 38, is a fine artist who loves to paint horses, landscapes, and all kinds of animals. An associate member of Women Artists of the West, she found much of her inspiration in the badlands of North Dakota. She also spent many years in Colorado, and her paintings reflect many of these fond memories. Now she thinks "It will be cool to be a hippy-chick artist with long silver hair!"

But she didn't always think that way. It took Heidi three years to make the decision to go natural, and now she can't wait until it's "really all done!"  I'll let her tell you about her journey in her own words.

"I started noticing white strands when I was in my early 20's. It wasn't really a surprise, since my white-haired mother started graying in high school. Her hair was always beautiful, and I always admired her for never coloring. I didn't mess with coloring or lightening my dark hair either even though lots of girls in school had. I liked the natural shine in my hair, and I was lucky to have a really rich brown-colored head of hair. It was also thick and strong, so I could grow it out as long and wild as I wanted in my high school years in the hair-crazed 80's.

Still, when the gray started coming in faster, my hairdresser started me on some semipermanent color...it was to wash out with shampooing, avoiding the awful root line. It looked fine and I did that for several years. After I got married in my late 20's, I had to go permanent color to keep the stubborn grays from popping up. I started to hate the white roots that came in so soon. I would alternate salon and home coloring to save some money. After 10 years of doing the endless and tiring coloring-routine, I started thinking about letting it all go natural, and how freeing that would be.

My decision to go naturally gray took me about 3 years, as I debated how it could affect me and others in my family. Thankfully my family is really supportive, and no one questioned it except me and my then-hairdresser. It does make you think about some things, like how your youth would seem light-years away, never to return, or how you will feel about yourself, peering in the bathroom mirror first thing in the morning before your contacts are in, and you see this blurry mass of grey where it used to be a dark head of hair.

Well, I thought, I liked my hair better before when it was natural. Maybe I would like it again, even though natural meant a lot of salt and pepper. Try it, I told myself, who are you trying to impress anyway? No one, and besides, most people can tell that you're coloring your hair. I liked the thought of being real, letting everyone know that this is the real me...here I am! Nothing fake here, and being graceful and accepting about aging seemed like a good idea to me.  

When I timidly mentioned going natural to my hairdresser, he almost cut my head off with those shears. Okay, I'm exaggerating, but he really was against the idea. He said that it would make me look 10 - 15 years older. I love the guy, dearly, but I just had to find someone else who would support my decision and be my cheerleader. And that's when I found Juanita. She was kind and receptive to my idea. We discussed the different ways we could do this. I soon found out she really knew her stuff, so I was able to kind of 'sit back' and let her do her work.

She started lightening my hair, trying to tone down all the years of dark color saturated in each strand. She said there was a lot of red in my hair...probably from the home coloring kits. She could see the lighter white hairs surrounding my forehead, so she worked on getting the current color the same value as the new natural hair, so we could avoid the dreaded root line. I wasn't ready to go cold turkey, or cut it all off, because I like my hair longer. I'm a tall person with long large limbs, and big hands and feet, and I just look and feel more feminine with my hair long.

Juanita made my transition so much easier than I had anticipated. I thought I would be wearing knit hats for a year. It did take a good year for her to get the hair highlighted and varied so you could hardly see the real from the fake. You could see the color was different, warmer, than the real color, but not so much that I wouldn't go out in public! I currently have about half of my real hair and the rest is colored yet, but she did such an amazing job of blending you can hardly tell.

I feel like I'm done, but I know I'm not... maybe another 6 months to a year. I'm planning on growing it out very long, I think long gray hair is really cool looking. Of course I would love to look like Emmy Lou Harris in all her pure white, but I'm a ways off from that yet. But for now I'm really happy I made the decision to finally take the plunge. I feel better knowing that people see the real me, and I'm not so concerned about my looks anymore like I was before...maybe that's part of it, letting go of some of that. I like my hair, it's interesting now...with lighter white in the front and a nice charcoal color in the back. And my husband thinks I'm gorgeous with any color hair!"

Ed. note: Well, we can't blame him, Heidi!


Heidi's silver-streaked shiny "mane" gets a nod of approval from her friend.


And she gets closer to her wished-for color!


By November '08, she feels she's still "getting there."


And by December, she’s ready for her gallery show!


Deep brunette or cool charcoal? What do you think?


Heidi's finally done! Her stylist says she's all natural now, and Heidi's thrilled with the silver.


The family that grays together, stays together! Three generations of silver, and a brother too!


Cool Charcoal! cool smile

Posted by graytnw on 12/14 at 06:45 PM

Heidi,

You are GORgeous.  I love the highlighting effect your silvers give.  The paintings are lovely, too smile

Posted by SSaS on 12/14 at 06:49 PM

I vote for cool charcoal!

Heidi, I agree with SSaS .... you are gorgeous!  And Diana was telling me to keep an eye out for an inspirational story on a young, great gray!  It must have been you!

I wouldn’t even know where to begin with the compliments ... there would be so many!  I am hoping that once I get some length going mine will look as good as yours does!

Keep the pictures coming!

Posted by grayincali on 12/14 at 06:53 PM

Yes, grayincali—this was the story!! Nice to hear you’re looking forward to getting some length, rather than grabbing some color! wink

Posted by Diana Jewell on 12/14 at 07:04 PM

Heidi - Thanks for sharing your story. Definitely the cool charcoal compliments your beauty more than the dye that seems to distract, somehow.

Posted by greeneyes on 12/14 at 07:34 PM

Cool charcoal!
I wish I had been able to see this stage of my hair! I agree with greeneyes, what is it about the dyed hair that distracts? The true hair color lets the eye focus on your features more.
Ruth

Posted by ruthmgon on 12/14 at 07:41 PM

Heidi, your eyes shine with a youthful vibrance!  Your silver hair only adds to that vibrance, so I cast my vote for the natural “you!” smile Your paintings are beautiful!

Posted by lulubell on 12/14 at 07:50 PM

Charcoal rocks!!

Posted by kendall88athlete on 12/14 at 08:23 PM

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Heidi.  You are looking naturally beautiful and it is wonderful to see.

Posted by Christie on 12/14 at 09:10 PM

Beautiful!!  It totally suits you.  I’m praying I look half as good when I’m done!!

Posted by RunnerGal on 12/14 at 09:43 PM

You made the right decision Heidi, the natural hair is so much more becoming. Is there a website where we can see more of your paintings?
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 12/15 at 01:44 AM

Heidi~
You are an amazing woman and I love your story! I showed my daughter your paintings(she’s a horse lover) and she thought they were the best horse paintings she had ever seen...then she asked if you were the Artist...’Mom, she’s really pretty and her hair looks cool that color” So, outa the mouth of a 14 year old cheese

I love how Carol described your transition, “graceful” and “beautiful”...I agree!

Posted by elizabeth on 12/15 at 04:41 AM

My vote? Charcoal of course.  It looks great.

Posted by grayme on 12/15 at 09:00 AM

Heidi, once again, Mother Nature proves we shouldn’t mess with her. Look older, I DON’T THINK SO. It’s so great proving that statement wrong. You look amazing.

Posted by sallee on 12/15 at 09:09 AM

What a beautiful, beautiful young woman!  A stunner!  grin I agree with Sallee, mother nature definitely knows best - you look a lot younger and softer and definitely more beautiful.  What an inspiration you are.  Thanks so much for sharing your photos with us Heidi.  Jane xx

Posted by Jane on 12/15 at 09:15 AM

Heidi, charcoal is best! What an inspiration for those hanging on to the length. Those of us who were impatient chopped it off, and now we have to exercise patience while it grows (argh!)

Beautiful story, beautiful girl!

AnaB

Posted by anab on 12/15 at 09:26 AM

I am thrilled to be a part of this website and thank you to Diana for all the work you’ve done! To all of the wonderful women who’ve already commented...thank you for the support and encouragement, it means a lot to me. I hope to see some of your stories on this site, too!!!

Heidi

Posted by heidi on 12/15 at 09:48 AM

P.S.
Sharon asked if I have a website of more of my paintings. Yes, I do. I would love for anyone interested to visit my site. The name of my art business is Sweetwater Art Studio, website is:

http://www.sweetwaterartstudio.com

Heidi

Posted by heidi on 12/15 at 10:02 AM

fun fun love new stories!! i can only echo everyone else !!! lovely hair and lady...i have seen your website before when i was looking around at the members list ...wonderful artist too!!!

louann smile

Posted by louann on 12/15 at 10:25 AM

Heidi= it makes me so happy to see how GREAT and YOUNG you look ‘au naturale’.  I, too, am keeping some semblance of length, so it is taking a long time to transition completely, but it is worth it, as your pictures show.

thanks for sharing, M

Posted by MsMika on 12/15 at 04:59 PM

Just wanted to add my vote for the charcoal! You look wonderful Heidi and I think long gray hair is very cool!

Mary

Posted by Silverhair on 12/15 at 05:58 PM

Heidi

Thank you for sharing your story and your photos AND YOUR ARTWORK!!! Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!

Your natural color really enhances your beauty ... and in a very chic and unique way.

You made a great decision!

Posted by RuffDiamond on 12/16 at 01:44 PM

Heidi - what beautiful hair!  This web site, filled with all these silver foxes, has proven to me over and over again that gray hair does not necessarily mean you will look older.  Matter of fact, those that have transitioned - well, when I look at their pictures the first thing I see is their eyes!  Always so bright and shiny and content - like they are saying to us - this is me - all me - and I’m happy to be me!  Certainly true in your case as well Heidi.  Now I’m off to look at your beautiful paintings - talented to boot, you are, you young lady!

Posted by SBKaren on 12/16 at 01:47 PM

For Diana -

You really do a wonderful job in presenting these stories, and letting us “get to know” each other.

Thanks again, Diana

Posted by RuffDiamond on 12/16 at 01:54 PM

Hi there Heidi!  I definitely vote for the charcoal!  And I am excited because you had hair about the same color as mine is, except for my roots.  I am planning to go natural beginning now, and I don’t want to cut my hair off either, so the approach you took appeals to me, except for the expense.  I may have to keep cutting mine and just deal with the line, but regardless, your pics really encourage me.  By the way, I am an artist, too.  Becca

Posted by Becca on 12/16 at 01:56 PM

My pleasure, RuffDiamond. I think it’s great when these stories can offer so much encouragement. It helps women to say “maybe I could do that.” Especially if they see a similarity, a possible Plan, or even a goal. And, as you say, it’s fun to get to know these remarkable women!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 12/16 at 02:59 PM

To Becca - I’m glad I could be an example for you on one way to do the transition...the expense was a lot at the very beginning, but I would only have to get color every few months or as long as I could stand it, so it was not so bad. Now I think I can just let it grow until the old color is gone. My husband and I are thankful that we can now spend or save that $100 or so per month that was used for my hair!

Posted by heidi on 12/16 at 03:38 PM

Thank you RuffDiamond and SBKaren for your comments about my artwork! smile

Posted by heidi on 12/16 at 03:42 PM

Hi again Heidi!  I was so focused on the hair thing that I didn’t look carefully at your apintings!  Beautiful!  I hope to get back into my art before long.  You truly are beautiful in your natural plumage!

Posted by Becca on 12/16 at 05:02 PM

smile Love your hair color, and your paintings
zoe

Posted by zoe on 12/17 at 05:26 PM

Hi Heidi! Enjoyed seeing the transition as well as your animals and lovely art...you make a fantastic charcoal with all those natural highlights!
Shara

Posted by Shara on 12/18 at 12:12 AM

You look so much prettier with the silver streaking in your hair.  Has a wildness to it.

Love your paintings!

Jadejou

Posted by Jadejou on 12/18 at 10:34 AM

Thank you so much for this article.  I’ve been dying my hair for years at home.  I’m going to be 40 in March and I am just so tired of dying it every 3-4 weeks.  I started noticing a few gray hairs here and there in junior high and as time wore on, more and more.  I hadn’t dyed my hair for a few months because I’ve been debating what I want to do.  This morning I woke up early and started searching websites for some sort of hairstyle that would compliment my fast growing gray hair.  Your article helped immensely.  Thanks.  smile

Posted by Hollie in Texas on 01/01 at 06:32 AM

Welcome Hollie - you are surrounded by women who will support you through this journey - you will never be alone - and we will cheer you on each step of the way!  Happy New Year!

Posted by SBKaren on 01/01 at 06:46 AM

Yes, welcome Hollie.  You are amongst like-minded friends here.  Jane xx

Posted by Jane on 01/01 at 07:09 AM

and hollie...there are lots of texas gals here !! check out their get together!!!
we really do have lots of fun here...there and everywhere!!!
welcome
louann cool smile

Posted by louann on 01/01 at 08:36 AM

Hi Hollie! I’m so glad my experience of going grey is encouraging to you. Be sure and keep photos of yourself along the way, it really is fun to see the progress. Keep us posted! Sounds like you are off to a great start!

Posted by heidi on 01/01 at 12:14 PM

Hello Hollie!  Your story sounds a lot like my story.  I just turned 40 in July and right around my birthday is when I decided to ditch the dye.  It was funny, b/c I think a lot of my friends and family at first thought I was suffering from some turning 40 crisis or something.  But, I have been steering clear of the dye since then and am so glad!  I’ve noticed a lot of positive changes ... softer hair, less hair falling out, a softer color even though it’s not as silver/white as I thought it might be.  But anyway, you found this site the same way I did and I think it will be a valuable tool for you in your transition.  Welcome to a great group of ladies!  And, if you haven’t already, send some pics in and join the newbies 2009!

Posted by grayincali on 01/01 at 03:50 PM

Hi Hollie,

So glad to have you with us on GGLG.  Love the color of your hair.  Also, I checked out your website and love your art work.  I’m a young gray too at 35, 36 next month.  Thanks for you story.  I sure can relate.

Leeja

Posted by Leej on 01/19 at 12:40 PM

Heidi you look beautiful with your gray comming in, I hope i can look as good when more of my gray comes in over my reddish brown and gray hair. grin

Posted by joannt50 on 01/24 at 04:31 PM

Hi Heidi,

I had to add my 2 cents - and you are looking really good!  I also think long silver hair would be really cool, like those models in the Great Inspirations gallery - wow!
Congrats on setting yourself free, ain’t it great?!?

Posted by Graydiva on 01/26 at 09:03 PM

Heidi, your hair is amazing.  As you transitioned, it looked like a professional “icing”.  No fair.  smile

I only hope mine looks half as good as yours.  AND it seems like yours didn’t take long at all.  I stopped coloring my hair November of 08.  I’m a “newbie”. It’s only 3 months, but my silver is really coming in, but I’m having 2nd thoughts, but when I see yours, it inspires me again.

Thank you.

Posted by saucyandsilver on 02/16 at 09:50 PM

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.  I love it! I am 37 and planning on transitioning this fall and it is great to see another example of someone under 40 taking the plunge.  I have found a stylist who is very supportive of my plan to go natural.  These stories help calm my nerves about the process.  Thank You!

Posted by lynneo on 02/25 at 05:41 AM

From one Heidi to the other!  I loved your story and it was wonderful to see a “preemie” going for it.  You look absolutely great, and were a huge inspiration for me! At 38, I’m free of the bottle and loving every minute of it! 
Thanks so much,
Heidi

Posted by hydro1 on 03/22 at 01:13 PM

So many younger women ditching the dye bottle, it’s amazing!  I’m the only one I know in “real life”!!  I’m 36 and no one understands me but I just love seeing my grey coming through in the mirror.  I love it and it’s mine.  Well done Heidi, you look stunning!  I know I’ve already commented but when I see other younger women doing the same thing as me it is the most tremendously exciting feeling!!

Jane xx

Posted by Jane on 03/22 at 02:03 PM

Hi Heidi and Jane! Thank you for sharing your lovely comments. I love to hear about other 30-somethings going natural! Don’t you feel good treating the earth better as well? Not only am I saving tons of money not dying anymore, I’m not throwing chemicals around the waterways either.

Congrats on being naturally you!

Heidi H.

Posted by heidi on 03/23 at 08:12 AM

Heidi - I was just wondering, do you still have the same style or have you cut it or just continued to let it grow?  I am trying to let mine stay at least to my shoulders.  My husband saw your picture and thought that your style would look nice on me.  Hope you are having a great day - - have you have any more gallery shows?

Posted by grayme on 05/09 at 12:56 PM

Hi Grayme,

I’ve continued to have my hair trimmed about every 6 weeks, but only to my shoulders. I really look funny with hair any shorter than that! This last cut was quite short and I didn’t want to go out of the house much, but now it’s better a few weeks later. I’m still planning on having it very long. The dyed brown ends are nearing their last days! I am excited to have it all ‘real’.

Hope you’re progressing well and feeling great about being the natural, lovely you!

And yes I’ve had art showings, have a few coming up. Busy summer! : )

Posted by heidi on 05/09 at 01:23 PM

Heidi i love your new hair the charcoal IS BEAUTIFUL.  grin

Posted by joannt50 on 05/16 at 06:30 PM

Hello Heidi, my first gray was at 16 with my first color at 18. Now 44yr with salt & pepper hair & 90% of it around my hair line cut to my shoulders. You look great Im keeping the natural look. Thank you

posted by patsy gomez 5/26/09 @ 12:37am grin

Posted by plgomez on 05/25 at 10:38 PM

Heidi, your hair is just beautiful!!!  Your story was a true inspiration to me as I have just recently noticed my 38yr old dark brunette hair graying at an alarming rate.  I’ve been having fights with myself- I ALWAYS said I would never dye my hair when the time came.  I’m not a conventional sort and have never bought into the fashion and beauty standards that are placed on us at an early age.  But, the more the gray started to show up, the harder it became.  You tend to look around you to see if other woman have any gray hair- and it’s really difficult to find any!  I am so happy to have found this site- and to see your beautiful streaks!!! Thanks for allowing you to be you and giving others the courage to do the same!

Jen in St. Louis

Posted by Krnflakgrl on 06/03 at 11:05 AM

Hi Jen in St. Louis,

It is so fun to hear about others going ‘against the grain’ of our image-obsessed society. You sound like you have the courage to do this! I wish you the best. This website is a great way to keep motivated. I am so glad I stopped coloring. If you start coloring, it is really hard to stop, and the transition can take years (if you keep your hair long like I am). There are days when this is challenging, especially when people I know have not seen me in a while, and they can’t help but exclaim, ‘oh my...you’re so, uh, GRAY!’ I have to remember I’m not out to please people with my hair color. I usually reply, ‘it’s so freeing not to hide behind a bottle of hair color anymore!’ I admit it is nice when I receive a compliment from total strangers. I accept it as a nice bonus to my day but try not to live for it.

Keep growing that lovely, natural hair. Everyone is beautiful just the way God made them.

Posted by heidi on 06/21 at 03:08 PM

Hi Heidi, As a “Story Girl,” you’ve inspired so many of us here on GGLG. But imagine what your story could do on Oprah! As you may or may not know, Goldie is doing a write-in campaign. But it’s more than that.  As a former Oprah makeover girl herself, she knows the producers to reach and is going to send in a book of our “Letters to Oprah.” I know some of us have written individually to Oprah before, but these can get easily lost in the 20,000 emails a day the show receives.  This effort will be carefully targeted, and we will have strength in numbers. I urge you to go to the homepage, and see the “Hello, Oprah” link. Called Goldie’s Campaign, it will tell you all you need to know to share your story, once again, only this time, you may have Oprah herself reading it! Please join us in this campaign. Begin your letter “Dear Oprah,"-- and don’t forget to mention the website and/or book. Doesn’t have to be long, just from the heart. Thanks,

Posted by SoCalSilver on 08/04 at 06:51 AM

Heidi - Beautiful updates! Your color is so pretty and congrats on being totally transitioned. Also, I totally love the family shot with all the shades of gray. Thanks so much for the new pics and more inspiration.

Posted by greeneyes on 09/10 at 09:00 AM

Heidi - What a beautiful family!

Posted by grayme on 09/10 at 11:20 AM

Congrats Heidi!!  I agree with grayme, you have a beautiful “silvery” family!! smile

Posted by lulubell on 09/10 at 11:42 AM

Love the generations pictures.  You all look fabulous!

Posted by SSaS on 09/10 at 11:51 AM

Aww..I love the family picture!  What a cutie your brother is too!  It is so inspiring to see these transitions not just to the “arriving”, but to the “thriving”, as well!! Thanks, Heidi!

Posted by Goldie on 09/10 at 12:11 PM

Thanks for the great comments everyone. I’m sooo happy to be all natural! Wonderful feeling.

Some of you may have recognized my brother in the family photo...he’s the “Engineer’s Guide to Cats” guy. His silly videos are a hit on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHXBL6bzAR4. check him out.

Posted by heidi on 09/10 at 04:14 PM

thanks for the update!! everyone looks splendid!

Posted by louann on 09/10 at 05:10 PM

You and your family look so nice au natural!  I was wondering how you’d been doing with the transition and am happy to see your final results which are really beautiful!  As your length or style changes, keep those updates coming!  You are a real inspiration!

Posted by grayincali on 09/10 at 05:33 PM

Wow!! you are truly beautiful and the silver looks fantastic..
a huge inspiration to those of us still in transition, and those who chopped and now want to grow...your long hair is gorgeous. You are a very talented artist and I will be looking on your website at those stunning horses.....your family look amazing in all their gorgeous silver and white shades...really makes me wish I had done it sooner!!

PS. your brother is def a cutie

tongue wink

Silverchic

Posted by silverchic on 09/11 at 01:01 AM

Sheri—did you also watch the Yodeling Cats one? I laughed so hard, I had tears coming down. I’m sorry, Heidi, we should be looking at your silver. And we ARE! LOL But that brother of yours. . .Anyway, guys, if you all want a good laugh, go check it out.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 09/11 at 06:08 AM

The kids & I watched them yesterday!  What a riot!!! Your brother is as cleaver as he is cute!

Posted by Goldie on 09/11 at 06:20 AM

Cleaver??? um...that was supposed to be c-l-e-v-e-r…
Heee...I watched too much vintage Julia Child last night....

Posted by Goldie on 09/11 at 06:21 AM

Leave it to Cleaver! wink

Posted by Diana Jewell on 09/11 at 06:24 AM

Beautiful new picture, Heidi!  Love your charcoal and I am so glad you put up the family shot!  What a good-looking silver-haired group!

Posted by HomekeepingGran on 09/11 at 06:32 AM

Heee...June Cleaver had an unearthly small waist..ever notice that?  I am more of the Julia Child variety...yea..pass the butter please!!

Posted by Goldie on 09/11 at 06:32 AM

That was SO funny!!  We are a family of cat lovers here, they are so much fun, even when they ignore you 50% of the time (unless it is time for lunch!)

Posted by lulubell on 09/11 at 06:32 AM

Thanks for sharing your brother’s talent with us. :o) I was laughing and my dog was getting upset as he searched our home for the yodeling cats. :o)

By the way, a little piece on meaningless information… I have a shirt almost identical to the one you’re wearing in the family photo, Heidi.

Posted by greeneyes on 09/11 at 06:42 AM

OK, I just left to go watch your brother’s video, Heidi.  Do give him my regards!  LOL.  (Can’t wait to show this to my husband!)

Posted by HomekeepingGran on 09/11 at 06:45 AM

Speaking of talent, let’s back to Heidi’s for a minute. The link to her art site was posted a little while back, but I’m going to post it again. Go check out her work, everybody. And Heidi, time to update your photo to the new Silver You! LOL http://www.sweetwaterartstudio.com

Posted by Diana Jewell on 09/11 at 06:52 AM

Heidi- Your work is truly beautiful.  What a gift to be able to see something & tell the story on canvas.  The soul longs to tell the picture the eyes see...you convey it well!

Posted by Goldie on 09/11 at 07:04 AM

Heidi - I love your hair! Mine is growing out too. I really need to update my photos...I’ll get on that. My hair, right now, is the longest it’s been in about 5-6 years...maybe more.  I go back and forth between wanting to keep it long, and wanting to shorten it up.

Your brothers video cracked me up.  We have lots of cats in our family. We have one, mom =2, older daughter =1; younger daughter=2.  We have, at one time, had 4 cats here (as we will watch them when the kids go out of town).  Oh - I forgot to mention we have 2 dogs too....sometimes they aren’t thrilled with all those visitors!

I also LOVE you family picture....and I’ve really been noticing A LOT more folks with gray hair around here. Maybe it’s just because of the area where I live, but it seems as if more and more people are just going natural.

Posted by SBKaren on 09/11 at 07:30 AM

Heidi,
Loved your story, checked out your website, you are one talented lady!
Watched your brother’s video’s, I screamed with laughter, have sent the link to my brother in Ireland (engineer and cat-person) LOL

Posted by Chrissy on 09/11 at 07:43 AM

I loved reading all the new comments everyone! I know, my brother is a cutie pie and a natural comic...since we were Air Force brats and moved all the time, we grew up being best friends. He always had me laughing! I’ll pass all of your comments onto him, he’ll love it.

Sheri, your story of going makeup-less is very interesting. I’m really inspired by you! I do wear some makeup, but I think I put so little on that it looks like I’m not wearing any. I too dislike the feeling of wearing lipstick, and have gotten hooked on my SunShades lipbalm...it’s like lip gloss but not as sticky, and it nourishes my lips as well as protecting them from the sun. I also like the subtle shine it gives. Can you give your skin care regimen? I don’t know the best way to take care of my skin. I’m bad about not wearing sunscreen unless I’m out all day.

Thanks again, ladies, for your inspiration!

Posted by heidi on 09/12 at 09:40 AM

Heidi, your skincare needs are going to change through the years. If you’ve never needed to pay much attention to good skincare rituals before, you can start here. Go to the Beauty Basics tab and read the article “Practice good skincare.” It can’t get into all the specifics that the book does (there’s a chapter in there called Great Skin: Beating the Blahs that actually names names and tells you why and how these products work.) There’s really something in there for everybody, whether you’re a serious “skincare junkie” or just someone who needs an easy regime.  Take a look, if you have the book.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 09/12 at 10:32 AM

OMG!! The Cat Yodeling guy is your brother?!?!  I just watched the video you posted again, and have sent the yodeling one around a couple months ago - he’s genius!! 
Oh, and love your hair too!!  Ha ha

Posted by Graydiva on 09/13 at 05:29 PM

Heidi, LOVE your hair! I enjoyed reading your story because even though I don’t have near as much gray yet, your hair was similar to mine--very thick and naturally chocolate brown (looks like you have brown eyes and fair skin like me too). You’ve inspired me to do this now, and just let it keep coming in from here on out, no matter how gray I end up going as the years pass!

Posted by GoingNatural on 10/18 at 06:28 AM

Hi to GoingNatural! Yep, I have brown eyes and fair skin, and I love how my natural hair looks now. It is fun to see the variations of the real stuff...I still have some nice brown mixed in with the silver, and somtimes the lightest parts around my face even appear blonde because it’s so light. This is SO much more fun than one shade of fake brown. The best part is never worrying about getting to the hair salon every three weeks! So, the best to you and your quest for going natural. I promise you’ll love it. You should post some before and after pictures on here, we’d all love to see you!

Posted by heidi on 10/18 at 07:48 AM

Hi Heidi, I’m actually an official Newbie now and am located in the Newbies 09 Second Semester section of the Transitions tab. grin I’m just beginning, having had my last color just a little over 7 weeks ago. I am hitting that fuzzy post color fading phase and I hate it...ugh. I have not experienced the somewhat damaged look before because, by now, a fresh color job would have smoothed the hair shaft back out. I know that once the color is all grown out it’ll be back to super healthy again though and I can’t wait! Once I get there, I’m sure I’ll wish I had as much gray as you so I could look as fabulous as you do, but for now, I’m glad I only have minimal gray, as it makes the transition a bit less painful.

Posted by GoingNatural on 10/18 at 07:59 AM

Heidi, you look lovely.

It is your story that has really inspired me to do this myself.

I am 34 years old and scared!

But seeing how beautuful you look really helps, and that you want to grow it long...yes!

I wish more women would do this.

Posted by Carly on 10/24 at 02:14 AM

Hi Carly,
Don’t be scared. You just have to put on a brave face and not let anyone (or your own inner negative thoughts) get to you! I admit I had days where I just wanted to hide, but I’m telling you, it is so worth the effort. I’m happy to hear you want to grow your hair long, I think long silver streaks are so lovely! Go for it! You can do this!

Posted by heidi on 10/24 at 07:03 AM

Hi Carly,
As Heidi says, no need to be scared, you will look beautiful too! smile
Join us in Newbies, we all have our ‘negative’ days, but we have a lot of smiley ones too! grin

Posted by Chrissy on 10/24 at 08:06 AM

Thanks for your support! I think i am scared because i know that i am serious about it now, after wanting to do it for so long. I will make my way over to newbies smile

Posted by Carly on 10/24 at 10:16 AM

You look gorgeous Heidi!  grin

I love the picture with the three generations of silvers too!

Posted by dorsetlady on 01/07 at 07:41 AM

I love you hair color and it highlights all the beautiful features of your face.  My family is all gray too.  I am on my journey to join them.  Wish me luck!

Posted by Dotcym on 01/14 at 06:11 AM

Leave a comment

Please Login or Register to leave a comment.

In this Section