Our cover girl, Chazz, likes to tell me stories of the women from her gym. As you can imagine, her snow-white hair causes quite a stir. So women are always coming up to her asking how she got that way. What are her tips? Her hair was naturally dark (it had been tons of other shades), but when she made the decision to go “natural,” she had a lot of gray and a lot of dark hair. She did what you can read about in Transitioning. Used a lighter shade on her hair that didn’t touch (or bleach) the natural dark color, but did tint the grays. She said it just looked like she had highlights. As more and more gray came in, she stopped using the lighter color altogether. Chazz thinks most women are really afraid of transitioning. That’s one. There are other “fear factors,” too. Like being afraid you’ll just pale out all over. Being afraid you’ll look older. Being afraid it won’t come in well. I’d like to hear what you’re afraid of. What are your worst fears about going gray? I think this is something we should all talk about.
Posted by on 12/06 at 04:03 PM
Lori,
I’m going to be 60 in July. I have two children. My daughter is 40 and my son will be 25. I’m a college senior—let’s hear it for we women who go for it in our later years! I was born in Pasadena, CA, but my dad worked all over this state, so I moved a lot. Now, I live in west Los Angeles and love it. Wouldn’t live anywhere else!
Posted by on 02/15 at 02:19 AM
Hi KSK --
I wanted to say Welcome earlier, but you and Lori were chatting, and I think she gave you some great info about PCOS. I love it when we can all help each other. But now, what I would like to deal with is your fear of embarrassing your family with gray hair. First—did you go to the section about What do Men Really Think About Gray? It’s under the Gray Today tab. You might be surprised. There’s also a whole lot of feedback from men, families, women, mothers, etc. in the book. (Yeah—how our mothers react gets a whole section, because it really is important.) Your husband already sounds like he’s loving and supportive about you going gray, so that’s really great. It’s never a “turn off” if you continue to be YOU, and not turn into a GHOL. (Gray Haired Old Lady!)
As far as comments from others, well, keep reading through here, and other places in the Café. You’ll see how everybody handles it. With a lot of humor. The point is always to do what you feel best doing, but why not just give it a shot? Your BEST shot, of course. Your fears will vanish, because you’ll be dealing with what IS, not what COULD be. If you do it, you’ll know. If you hate it, you’ll know. And nothing prevents anyone from “going back.”
Just remember, transitioning is the hardest time. The time many women get discouraged. It really doesn’t last all that long if you’re willing to cut your hair. But I’d like to see you get through transitioning, get the point where you begin to see that it can be fun, and NOT even close to GHOL-dom. And THEN, make your decision. Best of luck, D.
Posted by on 02/15 at 11:31 AM
Hey there! Nice to see other Californians on here. Someone mentioned hats earlier. What do ya’ll think of Fedoras? I’ve seen a few of those and I wouldn’t mind getting one. What do ya’ll think? K
Posted by on 02/16 at 09:03 AM
dear diana
i am 44 going very silvery but at the same time losing colour from my face.i have blue eyes with gold flecks.i used to look ok with dark eywabrows but they are also going white.please please could you reconmend some colour ideas for someone who is colour shy. im hoping for your book for my birthday but i have a wedding to go to in the meantime thanks so much.
Posted by on 03/22 at 09:11 AM
Hi Sprintime—Welcome to the Café! I hope you DO get the book for your birthday, but we’ve got to get you wedding-ready first! If you haven’t already, go to the Beauty Basics tab, and then click on “Should I apply my makeup in a New Way?” There’s a whole thing about brows there. Now, secondly, I need to know your skin tone to give you really good advice. Would you say it tends more to blue or to yellow? Are you very fair? Or slightly tawny? I know you say you’re “color shy,” but there are ways to boost your skintone just a bit without looking artificial or overly made up. But first, let’s start there. Tell me more about your skin tone—and while you’re at it, the color of your hair (when it had more color!), and we’ll go from there. D.
Posted by on 03/22 at 07:47 PM
Dear Diana
Thanks for your quick reply. My skin is very very pale more yellow than blue, and i had black hair that went from salt and pepper to silver and white. Would the make-up be the same as the clothing colours and this is the first time i am actually looking forward to a birthday, just to get your book !
Many Thanks 
Posted by on 03/23 at 03:17 AM
Hi Sprintime—ok, now I’ve got something to work with here. You fall into the category of needing to revamp your makeup palette because you’ve got those blue eyes, fair skin, and silver/white hair. A great combination! HOWEVER, you say your skin tone has a bit of yellow in it. TILT. I’d love to see you using colors in the rose/lavender/plum family, but you’ve got to do a little “adjustment” first.
If you’re not used to playing with color, you might think this is a little tricky, but really, it’s not. Smashbox has some very nice, SHEER products that can help. Here’s what I would suggest:
Use their Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in a shade called Balance. Don’t let this shock you—it’s pale lavender! You can read about Photo Finish in Products You Should Know About/Face. What this “primer” does is to create a nice “canvas” for makeup application, smoothing the skin, eliminating a lot of shawdows and fine lines, and adding a bit of brightness. The bonus of the “color correcting” version is that it gives an undertone to the skin that gets rid of sallowness. Once you’ve primed the skin, you can use a fair foundation. If you want to stick with Smashbox products, I’d recommend their High Definition Healthy FX Foundation in Fair F2. Double check that shade, though, on your skin. If it goes too “pinky” for you, look for something more in the ivory/light beige range. These products are light and sheer enough for someone who wants a natural look, plus they deliver great anti-aging peptides, vitamins, and SPF protection.
Once your skin has lost its “yellowness,” you can then use a pinky blusher, and a nice rose shade on your lips. For your eyes, I’d use a smoky plum powder eyeshadow to create a very soft line at the lashline for both upper and lower lashes. Go to Makeup Tip of the Moment, and read the Be Precise article. Just a small TOUCH of color, in the right place, will add a more dramatic focus to your eyes. On the browbone, I’d use a very soft pale pink, just to highlight it.
Your brows could benefit from a touch of taupe. I know, you said they were dark. The taupe will only shade the white stragglers. So you’ll get a bit of a softening. It’s the same principle of “blending” in white roots with dark hair. You just want to blend and soften dark brows.
I know—all this sounds like a lot, but now’s the time to experiment. There’s no reason to fade away just because your hair color is changing. The new “frame of color” around your face can seem to drain color from it. So it’s definitely time to take action! Just have fun playing. D. 
Posted by on 03/23 at 08:34 AM
ddear diana
thanks for all your great advice.i am really going to give it a go.when i said i was colour shy i meant it, heres the shocker ive never worn makeup and my wardrobe is all grey.i
really do have some adjusting to do.i like the sound of the colour rose. with this wonderful website and your book as my security blanket i am going to step out of my shadow and be brave.i may be some time but ill keep you posted of how it goes.so many thanks 
Posted by on 03/24 at 02:22 AM
Oh, good for you, sprintime! I’m so proud of you! And, hey, no need to re-vamp your “mostly gray” wardrobe. There are all kinds of ways to jazz gray up—take a look at Fashion Finds, and click on the Hooray for Gray! article. For Spring, you might want to add a few splashes of color. Look at Spring/Summer Sneak Peak (get to it from the Homepage.) See what’s right for you. When you DO get your “birthday present,” you’ll find lots of other tips in the book, too. Good luck with this exciting new adventure! D.
Posted by on 03/24 at 05:26 AM
Diana, I just sent some more pictures to you; it’s been almost 4 months now since I last dyed my hair, and I think it’s safe to say I have close to 2 inches of natural color now. My next haircut will be even shorter than last time. I went about 2 inches shorter end of March, and go back in about 10 days for another. Don’t know how much dye will be left after that!!!
Posted by on 04/14 at 01:37 PM
Ok, Suzy2u, get ready to go into Newbies!
Posted by on 04/14 at 02:27 PM
Please help me!! I am not sure if this is the best place to post, but I really need some advice.
I have not colored my hair since dec 07, so almost 5 months YEA!! However, my wonderful husband is taking me on a cruise in June and I don’t know what to do with my hair. I have been trying to talk myself into getting a cut to get rid of some of the old color, but I am really afraid to see the gray without the old color there to hide it(not really!, but my mind thinks so) also, I have a fear of the negative comments from the stylist, because it seems no matter where I go to get my hair cut, I always have those comments to deal with. I really don’t want to color again but I also don’t want to be worrying about my hair the whole vacation either. Please let me know if there is anything I can do besides shaving my head. Thanks for listening and sorry for rambling!
Posted by on 04/28 at 12:08 PM
Hi KSK—Panic not. You certainly don’t have to shave your head, or even get a buzz cut. What I WOULD do is get something short, layered, and modern. You’ve probably got what now—about 2 1/2 inches of gray grow-in? As you’ve noticed, you’re not going to “hide” behind your old color. You could go with the ColorMark root cover, which would get you through. Although you won’t want to do this on a regular basis with roots of that length. For the vacation, it’s ok. You could also do a temporary rinse—and I mean TEMPORARY. The wash-out kind. Trouble is, it washes out with every shampoo. Still, that would get your through. But, this is a lot of applying, washing out, re-applying—NOT what you want to be bothered with on a holiday.
My best advice is to just get a nice short, modern cut. You’ll be amazed how much time that will save you as you’re galavanting around on your vacation. Sure, you’ll have a bit of grow-in, plus you’ll have your natural color, but if it’s choppy and layered, it confuses the eye. Try a zigzag part, bring it forward, fluff it around, and it helps camouflage things. What’s really great about a shorter cut is that you can just slick it back with gel, and you don’t have to worry about your hair “the whole vacation.”
Another bonus—you’re going on a cruise. Think humidity. Slicking hair back with gel works wonders. It’s simple, fuss-free, and can be very sophisticated. Your hair doesn’t have to be cut out “over” your ears to achieve this look. It can be a bit longer at the sides, maybe to the bottom of your ears, but it still works. Choppy bangs. Shorter and layered in the back. Make it look touseled and a little spikey. Done! You can swim with it and be ready for the Captain’s dinner in NO time. Just think how pretty it would look with a wonderful exotic bloom tucked behind your ear. A great way to “formalize” it for evening events.
I know some stylists are going to give you grief. It’s too bad. With the publicity this site has been getting in the professional magazines, I truly believe more and more salons are going to start listening to us. And working with us to achieve gray in an easier way. This is a whole campaign of mine right now. If it hasn’t hit your city yet, keep shopping around. Look for that stylist who will work with you, not against you. They’re out there. None of us should put up with “negative comments” from our stylists. We’re in charge here. Where are you from, by the way? I’ll see if I can get a good salon recommendation for your city. Hang in there, D.
Posted by on 04/28 at 03:15 PM
Thank you so much Ms. Jewell, I am in the Monterey area. That would be wonderful to have a good salon recommendation!! I love this site and visit it daily, it really helps when I am having a bad day and really consider running to the nearest store to pick up a box of color!! I just see all of the beautiful photos on here and pray that I will look half as good when I am done with the transition and it gives me the strength not to color and start the whole cycle once again.
Thanks again!
Posted by on 04/29 at 07:02 AM
Hi again KSK—You live in a beautiful area, but it’s a little “thin” on great salons. I asked Beth Minardi for some recommendations, and these may be a bit of a drive for you, but worth it. Hard to tell—they may be just a freeway away! 
In San Mateo, there’s George Ferrer at the XL Salon (Beth says he’s GREAT), in Palo Alto, there’s Yosh Salon, and in San Francisco, go see Gina Khan at the GIna Khan Salon.
I scouted one other listing, with nary a salon, but if none of these are geographically desirable, let me know, pinpoint your location a little more, and I’ll see what I can do. Going to someone who can really help you through transitioning is the best way NOT to “start the whole cycle” again. I’m glad you’re thinking about switching stylists—enough with the negative comments!! D.
Posted by on 05/02 at 09:27 PM
Hi,
I hope it is OK for me to post on this thread. I am new to this site. I purchased your book Diana about a year and a half ago and wanted to go natural then. I couldn’t stop reading it! But I had just finished grad school (I’m 53 but went back to school) and to get a job and was afraid to make the change. I know that doesn’t sound so good.(:
Well I got a great job--been there a year and now really want to start this process. The thing I am afraid of is that being gray (probably salt and pepper now) will somehow hurt me at work. It’s probably irrational I know.
My natural color is brown but I’ve been getting blond highlights and lowlights for about 15 years! I now feel inauthentic somehow and of course am so tired of the expense both financially and time wise. Also my hair just doesn’t seem to have good quality anymore, probably because of all the color. My hair is shoulder length. I have about an inch of brown/gray roots at this time.
I go between wanting to cut all the blond off and then wanting to keep it and go gradually.
The last time I went to get my hair done I brought up the idea of going gray and the person kind of freaked. So I am wondering if you or anyone here would know of a salon in the Phoenix metro or Glendale, AZ area that would be good for me to go to.
Thanks so much. I didn’t plan to write so much! I really appreciate all of your posts here. It’s very scary for me but I want to do it!
beth
Posted by on 05/03 at 08:21 PM
Hi Beth—so glad you got here! I see you’ve posted in another section, too, so I’m going to hop over there after this response. Just want you to know, a lot of people put off transitioning because of later-in-life grad school. See “grannycoed’s” first post in this section. And then, when you do graduate, there’s the job market. Ouch. No harm in keeping your color if that’s the way you feel you present yourself best. But, as you say, it’s getting old. You’ve proven yourself in your job, and confidence is the best—and ONLY—starting point for going gray. It’s all about reaching the point where you can say “I want to be ME.” (Discovering that your hair doesn’t look so healthy is also a great incentive!)
So now, you’re there, and the cut thing is the big issue. I see from your other posting that you did find someone who gave you a great cut. And, most importantly, she’s willing to work with you. That’s a keeper, in any salon. She doesn’t have to be a color expert because you’re saying no to all that. So let her work her magic with the cuts. That goes a long way towards living with the gray. Now—what about sending in your pictures so we can track your progress? That would be great!
Posted by on 05/05 at 07:33 AM
Hi again,
Thank you Diana so much for your replies.
I’d be glad to send you some photos. How do I do that, I mean, where to I upload or email them to?
Sorry for all the posts in different places. I guess I was just a bit keyed up this weekend.
beth
Posted by on 05/05 at 08:24 AM
You email your pics to . It’s simple! D.
Posted by on 05/05 at 09:16 AM
Thank you Diana, for the salon suggestions. I don’t think I will be able to visit any of them at the time, but hopefully I can make it to one of them before it is time to move again!! What do you think about using the beauty school services? I have heard both good and bad reviews. Anyways, I hope to have the nerve to get a cut soon, I am tired of the old cut and color!
Thanks again,
KSK
Posted by on 05/07 at 10:41 AM
Hi-newbie beth here,
Going through some inner changes as I transition away from hair color. Mostly I feel very good about it, and can’t wait for the old fake color to go away. But other times I will look at the blond highlights when they are looking good and kind of feel a loss at the prospect of no longer having them, feeling some undefined fear.
Is this strange or what!!:-/ It is almost hard to admit this. I’m also in the dating world--meeting new people--and feel like I have to say “I’m transitioning to my natural hair color--like a disclaimer.
I know what matters in the person I am inside, but I guess I am just having a few self-image adjustments.
A neat thing is that as my natural brown and gray shows more I am starting to find that some colors like royal and even darker blue look good again like they use to when I was younger. It’s fun!
Also-when I am feeling doubtful I just come here and read and look at all of you beautiful people!
Thanks Diana for providing this forum!
Posted by on 05/13 at 07:07 AM
Hi Beth.
I can relate to your fears of watching the dye leave and the gray arrive. I have no intention of dying my hair again, but I have moments when I worry what I may look like the rest of my days. :o) And then yes, I have those other moments when I love seeing my natural colors. I have to remind myself of how important this decision is to me, and not focus on what anyone else may think. Until the dye is completly gone, it’s impossible to know exactly how we will look, since the dye seems to make the gray look duller than it really is. I also revisit all the great gray pictures of those who are “there” - that is the best encouragement I can find.
So, hang in there. The waiting seems long, but we can do it!
Posted by on 05/13 at 09:25 PM
Thanks greeneyes! I was having a low moment yesterday. I am feeling better today.
I know we are all waiting together and that really helps!!
Posted by on 05/14 at 04:47 AM
I totally understand, Beth! Glad you’re feeling better today. :o)
Posted by on 05/14 at 05:20 AM
Hiya
I am new here and just wanted to say what a great site!
I am 48 and wondering about letting go of the fortnightly colouring for health and skin sensitivity reasons - my hair was naturally medium warm blonde but now white at the front and about 50% white on top, the back is still pretty much a darker blonde shade. I have been using an all over colour for about 5 years now.
What am I afraid of? How long a list do you have patience to read..... ?
I am worried that I will look older and must say I am vain enough to like it when people say they thought I was younger than I am, and they’re already asking what has happened to my blonde hair (+ 6 weeks untouched regrowth), so I’m feeling the loss of my identity I think....
Is anyone else blonde? - it should make the transition easier, but I don’t know, I am worried about 3 tone effect and considering highlights to blend in the regrowth and then being brave. Or what if it isn’t white enough and I just look mousy?
One good thing - if you are in the UK, in ‘Boots’ (a big chain of health/beauty/pharmacy stores) the Boots ‘Expert’ range does a grey hair rejuventaing shampoo and conditioner. I used it today and it was great!!
John Frieda is also doing a ‘Sheer Blonde tone corrector’ range for blonde hair and I like that too - it seems to help equalise the tone difference between yellow/blonde and white/grey root regrowth.
Hey anyway, thanks for reading - and I do love the photos of transitions and the reveals of silver-haired loveliness!
Posted by on 06/04 at 07:38 AM
Hi Silverlake—and welcome to the Café! I’m going to be very frank in answering your questions, because that’s the best kind of advice. For starters, natural blondes do run the danger of gray coming in “mousey.” At least for awhile. You can’t get a good contrast going with the remaining pigmented hair, and it all begins to look blah.
I have an interview ready to roll (except for good pictures!) of a natural blonde. Let me tell you what she does. She goes every 2 1/2 - 3 months for whole head highlights. Three hours’ worth. Now, she has a fabulous pure white streak in the front, but towards the back, her hair is darker. She estimates she’s 50% gray, but the back part is the “mousey” part. So with the highlights, her overall hair color comes off as pale platinum, with that white streak in the front. It looks great. In fact, when I first met her, I thought she had gorgeous white hair. But in the daylight, it’s definitely platinum—platinum blonde. And this looks terrific on her. It’s quite a signature!
So with your “white at the front”—maybe it will come in as a streak. It’s a great start. And you might want to investigate doing highlights. Your sensitivity could be a problem, but with highlights foiled in, nothing has to touch your scalp. Just make sure you inform your colorist of a possible PPD allergy.
As far as your other concerns—loss of identity, fear of looking older—join the club! Those are always first fears. But that’s what this site is all about. Getting over that—getting through that—and celebrating ourselves for what we are. Besides—any shade of white/silver/platinum is now very modern, very cool. In fact, many women here have received compliments that they look younger with the silver—why? Because it does tend to light up the face. As a blonde, you know that effect.
You have many options available to you. I’d probably try the highlights. If you like them, keep doing them until you have lots more white at the roots. Your transition will be far easier—and less “mousier!”
Let’s hear from more natural blondes here—what are YOU doing??
Posted by on 06/04 at 09:59 AM
Hi Diana
Thank you, a lovely welcome - what a wonderful positive place this is!
Your frank advice is great and means I feel I can move forward - I’m very interested in your natural blonde’s story and feel that it sums up my problem exactly. I’ll look forward to reading your interview.
I have been busy today and had a consultation with my hairdresser. He also thinks that highlighting in a couple of weeks to a pale blonde is the way to go to blend in the regrowth line, and then I’ll keep having top-ups perhaps at the mid and back and see how it all starts to grow in.
I am going to have a half head of foils and we are going to be very careful with my skin sensitivity. In my case it isn’t a proven PPD allergy, but more an contact irritation to the overall chemical mix in the dye, either way we’ll be very careful.
Thank you again - I may keep a photo diary, and it’d be great to hear from anyone else with similar colouring!
Posted by on 06/05 at 03:45 AM
Hi Silverlake --
If you look fast, the “blonde” on the homepage top story “Do Blondes Have More Fun” is the gal I was talking about. See why I thought her hair was pure white? In a closer shot, though, you can actually see yellow strands, and that’s what gives it the platinum blonde look
The interview won’t be going in for a long time—at least until I get better shots, but you have the general gist of it re: highlighting above.
I think the plan you worked out with your hairdresser sounds good, keep us posted on that. And yes—please keep a photo diary. Not only that—send it in!
Posted by on 06/05 at 07:37 AM
Hey yes! there she is, now that’s an elegant look!
Thank you Diana
Posted by on 06/05 at 07:48 AM
I have just bought the book and I absolutely love it! Such a great inspiration accompanied with a ton of advice! Thank you Diana for a great job. I am letting my hair go natural after an allergy reaction from my last coloring when my scalp practically bursted in a volcanic erruption. I am 35 and somewhat “girly” type (petite, soft child-like voice). I guess, my biggest fear is, I am going to look like a troll at the end of the process, since there will be such a mis-match in how I look & sound vs. how my hair will look. Also, I have noticed that grey hair looks its best on women with steely blue eyes or super dark brown/almost black eyes. Though, I have dark brown eyes, they are not super dark. Accompanied with dark hair, they really sparkle and I am used to get a lot of compliments for my eyes. Now, of course, I am panicking I am going to lose the “sparkle”. Vanity is my name.. Does anyone here have similar fears?
Posted by on 06/13 at 12:59 PM
Oops. Greeneyes here...neither blueeyes, nor dark browneyes. In spite of my green, I feel the gray looks fine with my coloring. In my humble opinion, I think gray looks great with any color of eyes. For one thing, gray also does not come in only one shade. Somehow your gray will go along with your eyes and complexion...just one of those things that works out! You will match yourself! :o)
Also, from what I’ve seen in these great grays hanging around this site...instead of losing their “sparkle,” they seem to shine brighter....eyes and all!
Welcome to the world of transitioning! I hope you’ll send in pictures and join us in the newbies group!
Posted by on 06/13 at 01:14 PM
A troll!! Well, Lady Correll, that’s one of the most original fears I’ve heard. The thing about transitioning is, it doesn’t turn you into anything you weren’t before. Nobody waves a magic wand and says “Poof! You’re a troll!”
You’re not alone in your allergic reaction. Have you read Elizabeth’s story? Carol’s story? Dede, in Newbies, also had a horrible reaction. As did Morningstar, who posts in here a lot. And one story I have in the wings tells of just such a reaction. Yours sounds terrible, too, and the one thing you should not do is EVER use dye again. If you don’t know all about this already, read “A Burning Question” in the Transitioning section. I’m pointing you to all these places because I don’t know how familiar you are with the site yet. And it’s really not covered in the book. Which I’m so glad you like!
Now, the brown eyes thing. Not true. You don’t need almost black/brown eyes to make it work. I don’t have ‘em. I’ve wished for blue eyes (and even thought about blue contacts!), but I’ve got what I’ve got, so you learn to make the best of it. You’ll find the right colors to highlight your eyes, and nobody will ever say they don’t sparkle. You’re never going to lose your sparkle—and, as greeneyes says, with shining silver hair, you might even sparkle more!
So welcome to this journey. And I do hope you send in your pics so we can support you all through this fascinating process!
Posted by on 06/13 at 01:53 PM
Thank you for a warm welcome. I will send my picture, as soon as I cut my hair. I am going to see my hairdresser in two weeks and I am going to cut my bob into a pixie (I cannot do it before, since my husband does not like very short hair and he is deploying into a war zone next week… I don’t want to spoil his last picture of me, since I plan to let my hair grow into a bob again anyway- it’s my favourite hair style). I feel blessed I found this site, as I don’t know many women in my area, who would embrace their greys (though I am one of the youngest wives around). I always had a pioneer spirit though. I also noticed that people tend to copy me at times, so, maybe, I will manage to start a grey fox movement here. Having said so, recently, I ran into an interesting confrontation with one of the ladies.She noticed my bigger-than-usual grey roots (my hair grows with cosmic speed) and asked about it. So, I told her about my plan and she was horrified. From what she said, she did not seem to be horrified by me being grey, but rather by the fact that if I, as the youngest of all, could be grey, logically, all other women must be greying as well. What I am trying to say is that she looked threatened by my grey-hair plan, because it meant, she could no longer pretend she was 45 going 14… Who do these ladies think they are kidding? Has any of you had a similar experience?
Posted by on 06/13 at 04:02 PM
Hey Lady Correll
How did you bob to pixie cut go? I love the bob too.
I know what you mean about the horrified reaction to grey. Most of my friends are really supportive, they think it will look great, but there have been others who have said ‘Are you mad?!!!’.
I think you’re right , other people do feel threatened by it.
You’re going to look great and sparkly, think of all the fun you’ll have trying new colours and looks out. Diana has some good tips about colour, I am finding that pink & aqua are going well with the new look, I normally wear stronger colours.
Hope your DH stays safe, all the best.
Posted by on 06/27 at 07:47 AM
Yes, Lady Correll—I see by the calendar, it’s pixie time! Hope you’ll send in your pics soon. And, Silverlake—where’s that photo diary you promised? Don’t mean to nag.
I’m sure, with packing your husband off, Lady Correll, you’ve been concentrating on other things. I join Silverlake in wishes for his safety, and speedy homecoming.
Until then, ladies, those “horrified” reactions are just part of the territory. We’ve been chatting about that all over the Café. I think it’s not just the gray that threatens “color-ers”—I think it’s our attitude. The one that comes across when we want to be who we are! Some people are just uncomfortable around confidence!
Posted by on 06/27 at 10:43 AM
Thank you for best wishes for my husband, Silverlake and Diana. He will need all the help he can get. So, finally, I did cut my hair, though my hairdresser refused to cut a pixie. She said, she “did not want me to run crying from her studio.” In her opinion, an ultra-short layered bob should have been enough, and that was exactly what she cut. She said, I had approximately 50 % gray on the front & top and hardly any gray on the back of my head.Also, since I never colored to change natural color of my hair (only to cover gray), it seemed to her that my growing pepper/salt blends in quite naturally. Thus, at this moment, I have my natural hair on the back of my head, where she cut off everything and a layered blend of dyed and natural hair on the top. You cannot really tell the difference though. I am asking my friends next week to take some picture to upload for you. All in all, I am not sure how my gray is going to turn. I am a bit disappointed, since I thought I was already more in the silver white territory. I hope my pepper/salt hair is not going to create a profound mouse effect. A propo, what do you think about a sapphire jewelry set in white gold? I just got a beautiful sapphire/ diamond pendant shaped like a lily and I would like to add a pair of similar earrings to it. It looks nice now, but I am not so sure with gray hair… What kind of gems are you guys wearing with your gray? Do you switch to brighter colors, such as aquamarine? For me, dark blue always looked terrific on me (better than black) and I absolutely LOVE sapphires. Along with diamonds and ruby, they are my all time favorite gems (although this pendant is my first sapphire piece… I waited a long time).
Posted by on 06/28 at 03:47 PM
A profound mouse effect? Is that like the troll? I always get a little giggle out of the way you put things, Lady Correll. But, in all honesty, it’s hard to tell. I don’t know if that 50% gray is giving off a good contrast. I would guess the overall effect is more charcoal/pewter because the non-pigmented hair is still surrounded by 50% dark hair. But you have to like that color! Since you had such a horrible allergic reaction, you know you DON’T want to put dark dye on your hair again, that’s for sure. The other option is to go for foil highlights, but that takes down the darkness of the remaining hair, which can result in a lighter—maybe mousier—look, depending on the percentage of highlights you have put in. If you decide to do that, I’d advise a few chunky streaks only. But first, I’d keep what you’ve got going for awhile—let more come in, live with it. I never advise jumping into a new color process until you know, absolutely KNOW, that you don’t like what you’ve got.
In the meantime, check out Laura and Dara in the Newbies section. Laura has dark hair, had highlights put in, and felt it looked brassy. She hated it from the word go. But that’s a personal thing. You might not. Dara has dark hair, and is just letting the white/gray come in, and you can see that it doesn’t look mousey at all.
As far as jewelry goes—girl—you wear whatever you like! I adore sapphires too, and they’re gorgeous with charcoal, white, or silver hair! Deep, rich amethysts are nice, too. Any “jewel-tones” in fact. The thing with gemstones is the sparkle—anything that catches and bounces back light brightens up your whole face. At least that’s the excuse I give my hubby! 
Posted by on 06/28 at 09:35 PM
Hi Lady Correll
Your hairdresser sounds like she really listened to you and the snappy short layered bob is stylish and fashionable, good for you! Interestingly that’s just what I had cut too and I love it.
Diana’s right, just leave it to grow in for a bit. I hated my first regrowth, it looked so grey with a capital ‘Gr’ and dark too, a real shock to a lifetime blonde. But after 9 weeks or so it’s lightened up and I had some light foil highlights to blend the regrowth line. I’ve decided I like this silvery tone, my hairdresser John has called the process ‘snowcapping’ Yours is going to look great, have a look through the newbies section, not everyone is at the light silver/white stage and there are no trolls or mice, just happy & lovely-looking women. I think everyone must go through this stage of ‘is this really going to work, is that me?’
I love the sound of your jewellery, sapphires and white gold look fab, They will complement both the silver and darker tones in your hair, go for it you lucky lady!
Posted by on 06/30 at 01:25 AM
Yikes. Mousy sounds very unappealing. Diana - I had never thought about looking mousy, and was so glad when you mentioned I didn’t! Whew! Who knew?! :o) Good news! In fact, I have never seen a darker gray and thought about a mouse.
Silverlake - I love what your hairdresser said - “snowcapping!” Though I haven’t had any highlights added, my top layer is much like that - a snowcap! So glad you shared so I now have a new name for the top of my hair!
Posted by on 06/30 at 06:53 AM
Hi Greeneyes
I just looked at your latest gallery pics. I love those streaks coming into your new parting. Makes you look young and suits your skin tone.
Snowcapping !
Posted by on 06/30 at 01:47 PM
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