Calling all “post-newbies!” Once you’ve finally “arrived” at official silver-dom, do you ever really stop trying new things with your hair? As we all know, gray is always a work in progress, and as our hair changes, we change our thinking about it. Yes, we have good gray days, and bad gray days, just like we did when we were coloring our hair. And, sometimes, we keep waiting for that fab flash of white that never seems to come. So here’s our spot to talk about what we’re thinking of doing with our hair. Or share some wonderful compliments, or talk about the changes our “new” hair color has inspired us to make. And, yes, if you want to vent, that too!
Posted by on 05/20 at 02:20 PM
Ya know, I’m going to start this out because you should all know that, much as I love every COLOR of gray, there are days. . . And today was one of them. It’s gray and rainy here, and I was feeling a bit gray to boot. So I decided to follow some of my own advice, and have “spa-day” at home. Sat with an Ojon treatment pack on my hair. Used a divine coconut-sugar scrub in the shower. Used cleansing grains on my face. Guess I really wanted a “glow.” Then I spent about, no kidding, an hour on my hair. First blow-drying. Then using the flat iron. And you know what? In the end, it was sleek, shiny and so worth it. I don’t usually wear my hair like this, but it’s a change. And change is always good for the spirits. By the way, it’s still raining. But I don’t feel gray. 
Posted by on 05/20 at 02:30 PM
Oh Diana…
I LOVE having “me” days like the one you just had. My life gets so busy with all the kids and their crazy schedules!
I find that when I do take a time out and just enjoy doing those sweet yet simple things for myself, it is so therapeutic! Good things come in all kinds of packaging 
Diana...you should take a picture of your beautiful glowing face and silvery shiny sleek hair!
Posted by on 05/20 at 03:06 PM
Heheheh—I just learned it’s not so easy taking pictures of myself! I’ve been asking everybody to send in shots like it’s simple. Sorry, everybody. 
Ok, I finally asked my husband to snap one. But now the question—where do I put it on this site? This is a funny predicament! Maybe I’ll slip it into the Gallery, but just for a minute. Because this site isn’t about me—it’s about all of YOU!
PS --I really appreciate you guys being so brave and sending in those shots. Now that the shoe is on the other foot—I KNOW! 
Posted by on 05/20 at 04:15 PM
Jade,
Are you out there 
I sure what like to “chat” and see what you are up to!!!
Wishing you a wonderful day!!!
Posted by on 05/21 at 06:16 AM
Dear Fearless Leader Diana -
I realize I am lurking in the wrong chat - but just thinking ahead! :o)
So, one question, and I’ll head back the the newbies section where I belong...where’s the new picture of you!!!??? :o) And, of course, you DO belong in the great gray gallery - you are one of our hugest inspirations - so we want to stare at your hair.
And about taking your own picture...geesh...I looked like a freak when I took my own. Thankfully my husband helped me out, and saved you all from my shots. I don’t know how some of these ladies do it!
Thanks SO MUCH again, for this site - where we all can talk, and even see each other. Okay now, post the picture! :o)
Posted by on 05/21 at 06:46 AM
No such thing as the “wrong chat.” Just as all of us can drop into “Newbies” and give encouragement, you can drop in here! Any ‘ole time. 
Believe it or not, even “fearless leader” can’t rush web designer! I did send the pic in, but so far, it hasn’t appeared. Uh, let’s just say this isn’t a “huge inspiration” shot. But it’s real, and it was just snapped at the end of a rainy day. Reflections in the glasses and all.
Geesh—the ones I took of myself—you know, the old holding the camera at arm’s length—DID look freaky. I am so impressed with the gals that can do this—and survive!!
I appreciate the thank-you! It just makes me feel good to see you all chatting. But, hey, DO drop in any chat! D.
Posted by on 05/21 at 07:00 AM
Diana!
You LOOK beautiful! I love your hair, it’s such a pretty color. Gotta love those “great hair” days. Your hair looks so thick and healthy...I’m gonna have to do an Ojon treatment in the morning...I’ve been inspired!
Thanks so much for putting in your picture, it was well worth the wait.
P.S. tell the “photogragher” he took a “great gray shot”
Posted by on 05/21 at 10:46 PM
Good Morning Diana! I just saw your photo. You look beautiful, well scrubbed, and perky! I love your hair and the bangs look great. I’ve always been told that I shouldn’t wear bangs with glasses, and I’ve always ignored that advice. I know what my forehead looks like, they don’t. The bangs remain! You should keep a photo in the gallery. We wouldn’t be here without you. Your hard work and dedication has made this metamorphosis possible for us all. This site is about all of us. You included. Please keep a photo in the gallery.
Posted by on 05/22 at 07:21 AM
I second the motion!!
Listen...yep! I heard the gavel drop! It’s decided then...Diana stays! heheheheheeeeeeeee
Posted by on 05/22 at 07:39 AM
Awwww. You have no idea how much your words mean to me, Lisa. That’s what makes it all worthwhile. OK, I’m caving—greeneyes in the Gallery postings requested that I leave the shot in, too. So I will. But I hope to change it when I get one without the “glass-flash!” One day.
And, thanks, Elizabeth, for your kind words, too. Now I know what it feels like when I put a picture in of a great gray, and they get all kinds of compliments. It really IS good for the ole’ soul!
OK—let’s get back to “Fellow Great Grays. . . what’s up???”
Posted by on 05/22 at 07:49 AM
Gee, Elizabeth—I was posting the above when your gavel was dropping! Didn’t hear it. I guess your seconding the motion musta worked! Have a great gray day!
Posted by on 05/22 at 07:54 AM
Me!!
I have been jumping on our trampoline with my kids alot lately. I heard that jumping for a 1/2 hour is equal to an hour on the treadmill!
There’s only one problem...I find myself in quite a predicament, I’m needing to get off every 2 minutes to use the bathroom! The bladder just aint what she used to be!
It’s hard to find time to exercise...and this sure is a great way to do 2 things at once. Be entertainment for my kids as they win in “flip wars” and I get a little “get up and go” (pun intended;-)
Anytime you gals wanna jump...come on over!
Posted by on 05/22 at 08:02 AM
Oh I get it—I asked What’s Up? And you said Me! heheheheh. Guess that only proves one thing—ya can’t keep a great gray down!
But we should all get “jump” started (Oh, I can’t stop myself) on exercise, now that it’s summer. Any other fun ideas, gals? Gyms are sooooooo boring.
Posted by on 05/22 at 08:36 AM
Hey Diana:
Glad you’ve decided to leave your picture in. You are absolutely the original “great gray”!
Just found out my hairstylist is away until June 3rd, so it will be a bit longer until my next cut. I was trying to move it up to next week (inspired by all the other Newbies who are speeding through their transitions). Oh well. That patience thing again.
Sending a new pic soon so I can find out if I’m progressing.
Lisa
Posted by on 05/22 at 06:47 PM
Hi Lisa—
Well, I don’t know if I’m the “original”—I think that title will always belong to Carmen. But, yeah, I’m leaving it in, for better or for worse.
Oh rats! Well, June 3rd is really around the corner. I know—you’re still counting the inches! Can’t wait to see your new pic. Your last one looked like you had a lot of grow-in. Surely you’re progressing!! Send soon.
Posted by on 05/22 at 09:22 PM
Diana - you look dynamite....stay in the Gallery...please!
Posted by on 05/23 at 05:24 PM
Thanks, Morningstar. It’s staying in—I’ve been voted ON the island. BTW, I just tried to answer your post in the Newbies blog. Looks like we’ve done it again—maxed out the board. 
Man, this is a chatty one. We’ll be working on that this weekend, you can be sure! In the meantime, everyone who has clicked “notify me of future postings” will still be getting them in emails.
What’s that word the Newbies so love to hear? Patience!!!
Posted by on 05/23 at 06:03 PM
I’ve just seen your photo in the gallery Diana and your hair looks fantastic - silver and shining, thick and healthy. I’m obviously still very short haired since it is only a few weeks since my ‘down to the wood’ cut. I’m glad I did it as I was impatient to get to dye free as soon as possible but I do envy all you women with LONG silver hair. I look forward to lovely long locks like yours and Elizabeth’s in a couple of years.
Sharon
Posted by on 05/28 at 01:46 PM
Thanks, Sharon. You know, it’s funny, but I don’t remember it taking that long at all for my gray hair to grow long. I had finally gotten it cut really short just towards the end of transitioning, and liked it so much, I kept it that way for about a year. One early summer ‘til the end of another. It was a breeze, so enjoy it for awhile. I still remember those carefree hair days with particular fondness.
Then, in the Fall when I made the decision to just let it grow in, my stylist didn’t see me for about 15 months. Avoidance therapy. Always works. After that, it was time for a shaping and then trims every once in awhile. But my hair could officially be called long. So see? Your two-year-plan may go faster than you think! Of course, for Elizabeth-length hair, yeah, that’s probably right!
Posted by on 05/28 at 03:05 PM
Lisa Green,
I absolutely love your hair! The color is incredible!
You are a beautiful classy Great Gray!
Posted by on 05/29 at 05:53 AM
I agree with Elizabeth...Lisa, you look great! So glad to see an update!
Posted by on 05/29 at 05:59 AM
I realise this is not particularly relevant to the discussion topic but wasn’t sure where else to post this. Those of you who have already transitioned or are almost there, do you find you have changed your wardrobe? What colours now work for you (and which don’t?)
Before the transition I’d had my hair dyed all colours but mostly had either brunette or red. I was then drawn to all kinds of earth tones, lots of autumn golds and rusts, browns and also wore a good deal of black. When I began the transition process I invested in lots of grey clothes (good old eBay bargains) because I’d seen lots of photos of grey haired women in grey clothing and thought it looked spectacular. However, last weekend I saw some photos of myself in my pale grey outfits and was surprised and disappointed to find I looked rather washed out and faded. I felt I’d lost all my contrast! I’ve realised that for the grey clothing to work for me I need a colour with a bit more impact close to my face - a bright scarf for example. Although the charcoal greys seem to work for me.
For the past couple of days I’ve worn strong black and white patterned tops with black trousers and feel the increased contrast is more flattering for me. My old earth toned clothes are a dead loss for me now.
So, what about the rest of you? Has the transition altered your clothing choices and in what way?
Sharon
Posted by on 06/03 at 03:33 PM
Hi Sharon --
This is the perfect place to post this. Because now that we’ve “gone gray,” we need to talk amongst ourselves.
First suggestion—go to the Fashion Finds section of this website, and check out the article Hooray for Gray. There IS a trick to playing gray all the way. I personally love it because of its coolness, palette-wise, and feel oh, so much better in gray than, say, beige or camel. You are definitely on the right track. Ditto with adding brighteners near your face.
Then check out Spring/Summer Sneak Peek in the same section. Because there are times when we want a little life to our wardrobe, a little zing, and color is the quickest way to achieve it. But not just any color. You’ll find by adding a drop of blue or gray to the shade, it works better. As in jade instead of olive, or teal instead of deep green. There are lots of tricks to try.
If earth-tones worked for you in the past, you may have just a tinge of yellow in your complexion. So you don’t have to go completely cool. But I’d do coral instead of rust orange, and black, of course, provides more contrast than brown. These are all the tricks we learn as we go along.
That’s why I always say—don’t throw out your faves. Think of ways to work with them instead. Create a strong focal point between your outfit and your face, and that will do it until you replenish your wardrobe. Eventually, you will—only because you FEEL more attractive in certain shades.
Posted by on 06/03 at 04:39 PM
Hi Moonlit! Oh, without a doubt my wardrobe has changed. I used to wear mostly black and white. Even that, as high contrast as it is, is okay, but not spectacular. I’ve made the switch to turquoise, plum, dark teal, lavendar, and cool pinks. I feel schlumpy in anything else. The bright colors work well with my pale skin, blue eyes and pewter hair. My husband really likes me in purple.
I didn’t have to change my cosmetic colors, probably because I am so pale. What I did notice, though, is that I look dead without a bright lip color. And I wear a bit more eyeshadow than before.
Regards - Lisa G
Posted by on 06/03 at 04:40 PM
Hello Diana. I don’t know how I’d managed to miss that section of the website! I went to the shops today, not to buy but to try things on and hold things up against my face to see what worked for me and what didn’t. Teal works really well and I’m delighted to discover that aubergine is great with my new natural colouring. I tried coral but it made me feel ‘blah’. The mustard and ginger tones that I used to like now look pretty awful, but I’m not worried, this is an opportunity to discover a whole new palette. Deep purples and blues seem to work well too. Bright jewel tones are overpowering me now (I could wear them when I dyed) the deeper versions of those colours are better.
Posted by on 06/04 at 08:41 AM
Hello Lisa G, thanks for commenting. I haven’t changed my cosmetics either, I don’t seem to need to. I have pale skin and pewter and silver hair but with brown eyes. I tried on some turquoise, teal and plum today and they really work for me if in a dark tone and not too bright, but for me the lavendar and cool pinks are not really working. It’s exciting discovering my ‘colours’ all over again after years of khaki, olive, brown, rust etc. I will probably continue to wear a lot of black and white as I feel good in them and they seem to flatter but I do like to jazz things up with some colour at times.
Posted by on 06/04 at 08:47 AM
Hi Moonlit,
I have been shopping in the smaller boutiques lately, they seem to have a more unique selection, and have found some wonderfully fun feminine tops. I too love the simple yet classy combo of b/w, and I’ve been gravitating towards the flowy print tops. A little bit of the updated version of the “hippy” print~ Can’t help myself!
When I had my hair super short...I really focused on V neck tops, I felt more feminine in showing longer graceful lines.
Enjoy the discovery of the “new you”! And of course SHOPPING!!!!
Posted by on 06/05 at 06:05 AM
Hello all, I have been reading this site and really enjoying it! I am a 38 year old British woman living in sunny Sicily (with darling silver fox sicilian husband and our two small children) after dyeing for 10 years - well every month for 10 years and more occasionally before then - first white hair at 15 - I just was so curious to see how white I actually was - very is the answer! but I am so loving not worrying about roots. I had shoulder length dark brown curly hair - my “natural” colour when I decided to go for the chop - I had driven my husband crazy asking him what he thought - how much white is there? will I look older? will I look terrible? should I cut it short bla bla bla bla will I find a hairdresser who will go with me on this one (I thought it would be difficult as in Italy in general they are in to long hair for women and raven to the grave - fair enough but I am not an olive skinned med beauty by any stretch of the imagination - half Scottish - very pale (you know so white I reflect the sun...)and blue eyes) anyhow after putting up with me wrapping white towels around my head and asking for his thoughts he said “I will do it for you ...NOW” enter the kitchen scissors (yes he did enjoy it and I did shiver that my mild mannered sweetheart had a hidden sadistic streak....as he snapped off most of it)I sat with my back to the mirror saying “just cut the dye out” - you know I felt like I had the longest roots imaginable - we moved on to the electric hair trimmers - more hair fell - “only the dye amore only the dye!” well to get all the dye out he went down to a quarter inch!!!!!!!! I showered and felt the fuzz and then looked at myself (alien? sinead o’connor? ) I actually had v short hair as a teenager - curly remember and I wanted it straight back then and that was the only way - so I didn’t mourn the length toooo much just that I had gained a couple of chins a few lines and twice as much face since I last had it short - yep have gained 30lbs since I was 17 but that’s another story… the next morning my children (3 and 5) did not even NOTICE!!!!!!!! I like to think their love for me is blind! hey they are still small enough for me to illude myself. I have had mostly positive feedback but want to grow my hair back long and am struggling a bit with the length it is now - a no style curly blah - how did those roots grow in roughly four minutes after colouring and now it is taking forever to grow!!! I did the first chop in September then my at home stylist redid me a few times - last time mid Jan when I decided I wanted to have it grey and long - I know it will take a year and it is just at the worst length so please offer encouragement!!!! good luck to all Catriona
Posted by on 06/20 at 04:28 PM
Dear Catriona—I honestly don’t know WHAT encouragement a woman who lives in sunny Sicily with a silver fox amore husband and two darling young children needs! 
But, ok, I’ll try. . .First of all, your story was hysterical! I love a man who takes action! Heehee—AND is obviously talented with the scissors. You were very brave to let him do that. Brave, too, because of the “raven to the grave” attitude there. But you’re so right that coal-black hair just doesn’t look wonderful against pale, pale skin. After a certain age, it just looks dyed. No two ways about it.
Since you’ve been at this since last September, your hair is probably “in”—especially since it’s short. So now the only problem is just to grow it, right? And now you’ve probably got, what, 6 or so inches? Yeah, that not long, not short length can be troublesome. I remember using a lot of gel to slick it back when I went through that, and also hair accessories. Maybe little combs or little barettes at the sides. If I used a headband or something, I could pull curls all around it, and it looked soft and pretty. Fuller too, and I probably convinced myself, LONGER. I’m doing a story soon on new headband and barette styles—there are some really cool ones now. Watch for it.
It just seemed like one minute I was doing this, and the next minute, my hair was chin-length again—honestly!! It seems to go very fast once it gets past your ears. After that, you’re good to go and grow! So even though it probably does take a year to get that length back, the last several months of that year, you’re still dealing with some length—it feels long—people think it’s long.
So just hang in there, it will happen sooner than you think when looking at things from the “short end.” And thanks for this wonderful story.
Posted by on 06/21 at 07:00 AM
So I tried to go back to grey, atificially, and the salon fried my hair 
but then I let the hair just grow and now i Have exactly what I want, salt and pepper grey. I used the “color away the grey” hair color and the highlighting cap and instead of highlights I just added the brown to the grey 
I am so happy with my hair now, and I love my grey.
Posted by on 06/21 at 05:16 PM
Hi Tyffanie—That’s great! Well, not about the salon experience, but sounds like you did well after that. Are you still adding brown to the gray? Or was that just during your transitioning?
If you’ve achieved the “glorious gray-dom” you like, hope you’ll consider sending in your pic as a Gallery Girl—could inspire others!
Posted by on 06/22 at 10:13 AM
I’m loving the silver again after having a ‘wobble’ about it a couple of weeks ago. I was on holiday in Italy where I saw very few women with grey hair - I believe someone on this site referred to Italian women as ‘Raven to the grave’ (I can’t find the post now but that phrase stuck in my mind). I allowed my inner frump to surface and felt very unsure about the process and expressed my doubts to my partner who said I should definitely stick with the silver. One of the first things I did on returning home (even before unpacking!) was to log in to this site and before long my enthusiasm for the process returned. Next time I go on holiday where there is no internet access I’m taking your book in my luggage. Incidentally Diana I have the copy of the book which has a different cover to the one on here. Are the contents identical?
I’ve not touched the dye since December and it is now almost 3 months since my ‘back to the wood’ haircut and I now have enough hair to be able to add a little silver hair clip in the front. It is great to be able to ‘play’ with my hair again and this morning the colour looks great. A slate grey at the back with silver sparkles, more silver towards the front and a definite white streak appearing on one side near the hairline.
Happy with my hair!
Sharon
Posted by on 07/02 at 03:16 AM
I’m cracking up! You needed an emergency “fix” of gglg in Italy!! Yeah, that’ll do it to ya. So glad you came back—to us, and to the reality of the beauty of silver. And so SO glad you’re happy with your hair! Tuck the book into your suitcase any ole time—I love to travel!
Posted by on 07/02 at 09:34 AM
Hello Diana
Remember you suggested the coral and I said it wasn’t right for me. Now that I have a light tan on my skin it works really well. The spicier earth tones that I used to wear as a brunette are working again. I don’t have much of a tan but it has made a big difference. I think I may have to have a rethink on my colours - again!
Sharon
Posted by on 07/04 at 08:57 AM
I stopped coloring my hair last August. I just love my grey hair. I had my hair cut very short and it is so easy to care for. It’s never been in such great condition!
Some of my co-workers were shocked that I cut my hair and “let it go” grey.
Now I have to consider new eyeglass frames to go with my hair.
It’s silver in front and salt and pepper in back.
Any suggestions?
Posted by on 07/05 at 10:01 AM
Just remember—tans don’t last. So don’t do too much re-thinking! Coral and peachy shades respond to just the hint of yellow that a tan can give to the skin. So, for summer, these are better shades than violet or blue-ish pinks. Always look for that little drop of yellow in the color. The other good thing about corals or teals or “candy” pinks is that they’re bright—setting up a nice lively contrast to charcoal or pewter-colored hair. And fabulous with white. Summer shades are great! Come autumn, though, you still may not like the spice/earth tones you used to love.
Posted by on 07/05 at 10:04 AM
I just came back from a weekend down in NY to catchup with our best friends (a couple who also grew up in NY and live in CA). Last saw them in 2006...she knew about the hair....he didn’t and when he saw me - OMG he was in shock for the entire time we were there!!! Se thought it was ‘becoming’. It sort of unsettled me back to some insecurity about the drastic change...guess its a homeland ‘wobble’ as opposed to Sharon’s European wobble (great way to put it Sharon!) Mine too is way shorter than I have worn my hair most of my life...and the color is sooo different.....as he kept pointing out...I know this will pass but right now I am feeling 
not so confident. Need to get the ‘tude back!
Posted by on 07/06 at 04:27 PM
I just wanted to share this ....
Someone said to my boyfriend “I see Sharon has decided to grow old gracefully”. Boyfriend’s response? “I call it elegantly”.
Posted by on 07/06 at 04:50 PM
Amen - thanks Sharon - I needed that! And thanks for loving boyfriends and husbands! So I Minardi pre-washed the hair this morning and gave it the royal cleaning and blow-dry...must remember...BG (before gray) had bad hair days too! 
Posted by on 07/07 at 02:13 PM
Hey, Morningstar—Sending a giant-sized helping of TUDE your way!! Emergency Kit! But, listen, what was the problem with “different?” What if you had gone flaming red? Coal black? That would have been different, too, but not as natural and probably not as “becoming” as the silver. So, do go pamper it and let it shine! I KNOW it has to look better than a “Snow White” I saw at a 4th of July parade I went to. Solid black, black hair, bright, bright makeup. And obviously old enough to know better. Now that’s a look to wobble over!! Go smile at yourself in the mirror!
Posted by on 07/08 at 02:40 PM
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