Definitely the gray Carol!!!
Posted by on 03/03 at 09:58 AM
Carol’s Story
Makeover Magic in Months!
Here’s a great progress report from one of our Members who developed a PPD allergy to hair dye. Didn’t take her long at all to transition from too dark to fantastically silver. But I’ll let her tell you in her own words.
May 2007. Two months before the big decision, freshly colored. Still in my Marlo Thomas stage.
Just starting, July 2007. Swore off color, roots are starting to show.
Late July 2007. Touching up roots with Colormark for parties, NOT coloring.
I like to consider myself a “young” 65. My choice to go gray was decided for me, when I developed a PPD allergy in July of 07. That was the last time I colored my hair and as a result of this new development, I then started to research online about the going gray process and how I could do it gracefully. That is how I found your book “Going Gray Looking Great”. I checked it at my local Library and then bought my own copy through Amazon used books. I love it, it has been my inspiration to not only be O.K. with the process but to feel good and positive about myself during the last 8 months of grow out.
As your book advised, I consulted many different hair colorists and received a different idea of how to gray gracefully from each of them., some of which included lightening my whole head and putting an ash toner on it to just doing highlights and lowlights. I then decided to just go ‘cold turkey” and not use any camouflage at all, since I did have the allergic reaction to deter me from using chemicals. I bought some hats and used Colormark for special events.
Every time I got a little iffy about the whole thing, I only had to open your book to feel great again. Thank You and your book for helping me through it all. I am only ½ way there, but I am getting complements and my Husband says “I didn’t think you could get prettier –but you have” I should have done this years ago and I admit I did try a few times, only to give up when that white line showed more than an inch down my front part. I am really happy with the change and am looking forward to the complete gray grow out and also getting a chic graduated mid length bob haircut with some movement to it since I am more comfortable with longer hair.(when it grows more). I have also started to experiment with makeup changes, and different hair products to find what is right for the new me, and it is all such fun!
I would absolutely encourage anyone with thoughts of going gray to read your book. Thank you and your book for giving me the support that I really needed to go through this.
Sincerely
Carol Diane Quinley
Ed. Note: Thanks, Carol!
August 2007. Color continues to fade. Turns orangey. Roots are white. Took guts to walk around like this. I had always been used to dark, glossy hair.
September 2007. Now I’m seeing something!
October 2007. A little cut, a little progress.
November 2007. I like anyone gray!
January 4, 2008 – Two reasons to celebrate! My Grandaughter’s birthday and the “new” me!
January 16, 2008. I am so glad now that I am evolving, growing and enjoying it!
February 22, 2008. Lighter, brighter, me! The only thing I miss is the body coloring gave my hair, but I’m trying to learn new ways to use different products to achieve body and shine.
This Just In from Carol!
Can you believe it's only been 9 months, and Carol's got a gorgeous crop of silver hair! As promised, she's letting it grow longer, and getting ready to celebrate her one-year "Good-bye Color" anniversary in July. As Carol says, she's going to have "GGLGREAT attitude for sure!" Way to go, Carol! For all of you who are counting the days, weeks, months, this is super encouragement -- there's light (a shining silver light) at the end of the tunnel.
Now, I ask you. . . which Carol looks naturally pretty? Post your comments!
(Please be brief. If you want to chat longer, come visit us at Café Gray!)
Definately, Carol with the natural frost!! You are beautiful!! It looks like your hair is very thick. I let mine grow out last winter, love it, but am low struggling to find where I go from here. I started graying at 23 (51 now). Up until I was 40, the gray was “cool.” Then I was old enough to be gray (very dull-salt n pepper) so began coloring. My hair grows VERY fast, so at 50 I realized I was needing to touch up my roots (1/4 inch growth) every 3 weeks and my hair was thinning. So I stopped the color train!! Within a month my bangs were completely white (the good color, and from my ears back I am salt and pepper. NOW THE LOST HAIR IS GROWING BACK!! I have some pepper in my bangss. My hair is curly, will blow out and with straightener I can get the smooth look, but humidity, gray texture, and curl equals frizz. So I’m looking for help. Any suggestions, ladies??
Posted by on 03/03 at 10:00 AM
Hi Talena.
Thanks so much for the complements! Yes, my hair is thick and also has some natural curl. This site contains a lot of suggestions and experiences by other members and what to do with frizz. Also read the Care and Treatment/ New Products section. As I said in my letter, the book “Going Gray Looking Great” offers a wealth of information also, along with some famous hairdressers ideas and thoughts. There is a whole chapter on curly hair. I highly recommend it to anyone with not only with thoughts of going gray, but also for anyone who might already be gray.
Hope this helps,,
Carol Q.
Posted by on 03/03 at 04:43 PM
Hi Kendall
thanks for the vote of confidence in my new image. I just want to say that I have been reading your comments in the cafe and I think it is really wonderful that you have embraced the idea of being a young silver haired woman. I too, started graying early, and I remember being very proud of my first gray hairs at age 15. I kind of considered myself “unique”. I did start coloring in my 20’s though,, and looking back, I now wish I had just let it go gray, or white, or silver, and just enjoyed being different. I really admire what you are doing,,stick with it and I encourage you to be “unique”.
Carol Q.
Posted by on 03/03 at 06:48 PM
Carol, you have looked great at every age since I have known you! Congratulations on your new look and better yet, how you feel! Love, Lori
Posted by on 03/04 at 09:16 AM
Carol has always been a beautifurl lady.Going gray made her more beautiful than I could imagine.I work with a nurse that did the same thing at 60,and she looks fantastic.I’m letting myself go gray too.What I have left.Good going,Carol.
Jon
Posted by on 03/04 at 02:16 PM
Carol, good for you for going grey. Grey doesn’t age you - attitude ages you. I started graying at 20 (now 52). I was lucky - I greyed gracefully and never had the problem of white patches and salt & pepper areas at the same time. I’m always told by others that they would pay a fortune to get the color I have naturally. I only colored it once in 1992 (actually my sisters forced me to) and hated it. I have done lowlights a couple of times, but it’s not really worth the money. The greyer my hair got, the shorter it got. But now, I’m looking for a short but soft and no fuss style. Good luck to anyone making the switch. - Sylvie
Posted by on 03/05 at 05:22 AM
Hi Sylvie
Thank You,,yes, I do agree, it is all about the attitude. I’m having fun with this new color, and would love to see a picture of you with your new “do”.
Carol
Posted by on 03/05 at 05:58 AM
The gray Carol looks younger than dark Carol!
Posted by on 03/05 at 07:49 PM
Carol,
You look awesome natural! I’m 5 months behind you in the process (also cold turkey due to a PPD allergy).
I second your enthusiasm about Diana’s book it was/is my bible and inspiration on a subject foisted upon me by nature. It’s wonderful she now put together this site! You were a young 65 with dark hair and even younger with silver. Sometimes nature is smarter than we are!
Posted by on 03/06 at 03:42 AM
You’re an inspiration, Carol! I have to tell you, not only do you look prettier gray, you also appear SO MUCH HEALTHIER. It’s really amazing, the contrast. Good for you!
Posted by on 03/11 at 02:40 PM
Carol, your newly acquired silver tresses are wonderful and very becoming. The first picture of you, above, with the long, dark hair, is not nearly as flattering as the later pictures with silver/platinum hair. Keep it this way, and enjoy the freedom from constantly coloring and fussing with your hair. I’ve finally decided to leave mine alone and leave it silver.... where it once was very dark.. eventhough the texture is somewhat changed, it is much more comfortable and easy to care for without constantly keeping up with color… and, after all, life should become easier as we age, not harder. Thanks for sharing your story.
Posted by on 03/20 at 12:00 PM
Ches Teena
Thank You, I love the freedom too!
I agree,,,Life is just about changes and growing, and loving the process,,,,, even with hair color.
Carol
Posted by on 03/20 at 03:38 PM
Carol, your hair looks like it grows super fast! It’s also amazing how soft it looks! The texture of the hair looks so healthy! It’s no fun having a reaction is it? The itch after the burning stopped was the worst for me. You are definately a natural silver beauty!
Posted by on 03/24 at 11:11 AM
Elizabeth
the reaction was the pits! ears and eyes swelled up too!Actually looked like chemical burn around my hairline. I put baking soda on my head and took Benedryl because it started happening in the middle of the night, before I could get to Dr. I am an RN. so I knew to watch it closely.
BTW: Please look up PPD allergies because there is a correlation between that and some local anesthetics and you must alert your Dentist?Dr.
Re hair:It looks like it grows fast because if I combed forward with bangs it camouflaged the gray more and then if combed back the gray showed up,, so I started cutting it and that showed the gray even more,,,,wish it grew faster--grows really only 1/2 inch a month,,,(yes, I measure it) It is way too short for me now so I’m impatient to get some hair with “movement” back. ---feeling so good with the silver gray color, just need more of it to feel like “me” again.
thanks for the complements, hope we can all get together some day
best, Carol
Posted by on 03/24 at 12:58 PM
Hi Carol,
I “cheated” when I was growing my hair out. I purchased hair pieces that you wrap around your hair when it’s in a small pony. I also had a longer piece that I would clip on, that one was like a long ponytail. I loved the freedom and flexability when using those. If your the type of person who likes to play with your hair and have different styles for the “mood” you’re in that day...they are great!
I also had burns...my eyes didn’t swell that time...they swelled about a 1 1/2 later while using a product for my face. I can’t even go into a chlorinated pool anymore w/o having a reaction to my face. It’s really a bummer. We are so unaware for the most part how toxic some hair and beauty products can be.
I found myself smiling when you said that you measure your hair...I do too! Remember...a watched pot never boils;-)A good friend told me to eat flax 2x a day and fish oil...that was supposed to help it grow. Now that summer is on it’s way, you’ll be “Cousin It” by fall
Posted by on 03/24 at 01:34 PM
Good Mornin’ Carol
I wanted to explain my “Cousin It” joke...When I was growing out my hair, I kept telling my kids I wanted my hair to be as long as “Cousin It” They then asked..."we have a cousin named It”! So...my husband went to the library and rented The Adams Family series...they were then introduced to “Cousin It”
My hair always seems to grow faster in the summer...Maybe it’s from the boost of vitamins that we get from the sunshine?:coolsmile:
Posted by on 03/27 at 05:58 AM
Hi Elizabeth
Funny you should write today,,,I had scissors in hand to cut some more of the old dyed hair off, Right now after almost 9 months, my hair looks sorta like your Summer 2005 picture.. Needless to say I am having a bad hair day today and thought if I just trimmed a little it would look better. I so want a longer look to my hair though, so what to do? Speaking of the Adams family,,, My sister loved to tease me that when I was growing out and had my skunk stripe I looked like Morticia,,,,which I don’t think was in that family after all---it was actually the Munsters?? Anyway,,,I’m glad you wrote this morning,,must have been Karma,,,so,, I’ll try to tough out this grow process and hope for Summer to come fast. Maybe I should convince my Husband to leave this snow in Michigan and go someplace warm so that I can get a “head start” (literally) --on the growth. Where is my patience that I had growing this out so far? Seems to have
carol
Posted by on 03/27 at 06:47 AM
Boy do I remember those days!!! Isn’t it funny how for years we fought to hide the gray...now it can’t grow out fast enough! Hang in there...it is growing! Did you like the idea of trying some hair pieces? They were a sanity saver for me! I wish I could just give you mine...I don’t use them anymore...I have them neatly stored in the back of my drawer.By the way, I think that you have a very valid reason for a post winter warm up!!!!Good luck with the vacation;-)You’ll for sure come back looking like “Cuz It”
Posted by on 03/27 at 07:31 AM
HI again
Elizabeth , found gray hairpieces on http://www.ultimatelooks.com/hairpiecelistingpages/hairpiecesofferedingray1.htm
take a look--not sure what to order--kind of like Appertif??
Since my hair is not long enough for a pony tail yet, need something that doesn’t wrap around,,,but don’t want ot look like I am going to a 1980’s prom either --HA Ha
Carol
Posted by on 03/27 at 09:29 AM
Hey! The 1980’s were great! BIG hair...BIG dresses...BIG banana combs;-)I’ll take a look and get back to you;-)
Posted by on 03/27 at 10:11 AM
Don’t they look like fun?!? The “something special” looked a little smaller if you think the other is too “prom” like. I tried to find the type that I have...it’s got a metal comb in the middle and 2 bendable hair wires that come out from the center of the comb. Then you wrap them around your tiny pony tail...it looks real! It falls naturally...They’ve come such a long way with this sorta thing. Do you have a Mall that has a hair kiosk? The bigger Malls usually have someone selling hair peices. I know that some also have “home based” buisnesses too. Maybe look in the Yellowpages, it would be nice for you to try them on 1st so you can see what style works best for you.
Posted by on 03/27 at 10:23 AM
Elizabeth
Just got some great news,,, we found a “way” to handle getting the hairpieces. Thank You so much for the offer, I very much appreciate it. Needed a pick me up today, and this just about did it for me,, thank you.
Carol 
Posted by on 03/27 at 12:08 PM
There’s nothing as sweet as a “pick me up” when you need one most!Glad to hear that you are the recipient of one! have an awesome day! Keep smilin’ 
Posted by on 03/27 at 12:13 PM
I hear sunshine will be coming to you on Saturday or at the latest Monday 
Posted by on 03/27 at 01:47 PM
So Carol...anything new??? Any sunshine where you are
Posted by on 03/31 at 02:18 PM
Elizabeth
Yes, I have been playing with “moonglows” all afternoon.
Now I am Really Going Gray and Looking Great! Thanks for sharing and caring. (S3)
Love Ya, Carol
Posted by on 03/31 at 05:18 PM
Hey!!! Life is so good! Many warm smiles come your way
P.S.did you hear of the email plan to Rachel Ray? (S3)
Elizabeth
Posted by on 03/31 at 05:41 PM
Yea we’re going to try to get Diana, her book and website on Rachael Ray, Ellen, and Operah. We’re all emailing Rachael Ray’s show this week suggesting they do a segment on Going gray.
email RR show this week at
Lori
Posted by on 03/31 at 06:07 PM
Have been busy at work and though I have kept up with the board messages here haven’t posted in awhile.....loving the activity and the buzz!
Time for TV indeed! Ellen and Oprah are a natural....especially Oprah. I’m confused though...thought Rachel Ray was solely cooking/food network fare? Does she do lifestyle and beauty on her show too?
Posted by on 04/01 at 03:00 AM
You are a Morningstar!! Looks like you were shining way before the sun came up this mornin’
Yep...I went onto the Rachel Ray web page and she has a lot of different facets to her show. Lots of cooking ideas of course...but there was also a number of other categories that she touches on.
So...let the adventure begin;-)
Have a great day!
Posted by on 04/01 at 04:55 AM
Hi all
Just logged on and see I missed a lot of new happenings! Rachel Ray? I heard she was not renewed and that her replacement show would be Marie Osmund,,could be just a rumour.
I’ll put in my 2 cents today and join the campaign.
You gals are “Gray Activists”!.
Diana, you have opened “pandora’s box”
Carol
Posted by on 04/01 at 07:06 AM
Mornin’
I just posted on Ellen...she was asking for fun/interesting websites! Of course I knew of one right away;-)
I’m trying to figure out how to “link” her website...if someone knows how to do it (lori;-) can you help?
Posted by on 04/01 at 07:14 AM
I read RR show is contracted to stay on air through 2010.
She has a lot of beauty/lif style segments on the show.
Now her shows on foodnetwork is all food related.
Next week will bombard either Ellen or Oprah.
Will keep it until we get a response! LOL
Posted by on 04/01 at 07:15 AM
Here’s Ellen’s site to make show suggestions:
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/show/respond/?PlugID=10
Lori
Posted by on 04/01 at 07:41 AM
Here a statement from King world coning the rumor the RR show being canceled:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/13/report-rachael-ray-getti_n_91288.html
So keep emailing her show too
Lori
Posted by on 04/01 at 08:06 AM
Hi Lori
You are a terrific “Tech”!! Thanks for making things easier for “computer challenged” individuals like myself
Posted by on 04/01 at 08:28 AM
What can I say? THANKS, ALL!!! I’m so amazed that you’re taking this “on the road.” Well, on the air. . . HOPEFULLY! D.
Posted by on 04/01 at 09:47 AM
Hey,Oprah has a thing on Jamie Lee Curtis going gray and everything. And asking if she has inspired you. I said yeas and Diana’s book. So lets all get on their and send her to this site
https://www.oprah.com/plugger/templates/BeOnTheShow.jhtml?action=respond&plugId=323900002
Lori
Posted by on 04/01 at 12:15 PM
Hi Lori --
Thanks for this tip. I did it too—bragging about ALL of you! D.
Posted by on 04/01 at 02:20 PM
hello everyone
I have just found this site and am very excited about it. I tried to go natural a couple of years ago and when I look back at pics now I wish I had persevered, but lack of confidence and support meant I caved in to stylists advice and started colouring again. Since the grey/white roots show within 2-3 weeks now, I want to pack in the colouring game and spend the ludicrous amounts of money it costs at the hairdressers on something more rewarding. I only hope I can be as brave as the women featured here. A trip to Paris, the capital of chic women, in May will be the biggest test of my nerve! 
Posted by on 04/08 at 02:07 PM
Ohhhh!
Good for you!!!! It will be so worth it! You have a wild and crazy support group here! It takes a “village” to grow a great head of gray/silver/salt-n-pepper,etc… hair!!!
Keep the faith
Posted by on 04/08 at 02:13 PM
Hi Elizabeth,
Speaking of support,,,,you mentioned flax or was it flax seed for your hair,,How do I buy it?? vitamin shop? what form does it come in? I take the fish oil capsules now.
also Coconut oil was mentioned on this site,,do you use it too? and again,,,is it in the hair products area or where?
Have a great day!
Carol
Posted by on 04/08 at 03:29 PM
Hi Maria—want to say Welcome, too! And I see you’ve ordered the book already, so thank you! 
Now—how long are your “roots” at the moment? I so wish we could send you a ColorMark, but as they only ship to Canada and the US, I’m afraid I can’t. But if you have itty bitty roots, you might try a root-hider for your trip to Paris. That will get you through without permanently affecting the color of your hair. Be sure to cruise the Café Gray section of this website for lots of Member tips! And do stick around for all the encouragement in the world! D.
Posted by on 04/08 at 03:38 PM
Good Evening Carol
O.K...I get my flax seed(ground) and the coconut oil at our local Whole Foods Store. The coconut oil comes in a plastic jar...it looks like lard or pale yellow butter. You put a little in your hand and the heat from your hands rubbing together turns it into a liquid. I then apply it mostly to the ends of my hair. I like to use it after I shower in the evening, I just put a pillow case on that I don’t care about. I like that it has all night to soak in…
The flax I get ground, you can buy your flax in seed form and grind it at home too. I find that it is easier to just buy it ground. It is found in the vitamin section but in the fridge/cooler. I have my flax with my yogurt or on a salad...it has a pleasant nutty flavor.
Sweet Dreams Carol 
Posted by on 04/08 at 08:54 PM
Good sunshine morning Elizabeth
loving this spring! I am off to Whole Foods this morning, thank you,, I do love that store--I’ll probably be there awhile just ‘grazing’ Will I smell like a coconut?
BTW: Sweet Dreams? drink the tea every night before bed,,, its a ritual.
Have a sunny day
Carol
Posted by on 04/09 at 05:18 AM
Happy Hunting
Gonna have to try the tea!
Posted by on 04/09 at 05:55 AM
Diana or “all”
Questionn: Summmer is coming, and I am getting a jump start with a pending vacation. How do I treat my hair in the hot sun? Is it necessary to keep it covered? What effects will sun have on my now silver/white with no yellow tones haircolor?
thanks, Carol
Posted by on 04/11 at 06:15 AM
Hello Carol
Could I suggest a product called Philip Kingsley Elasticizer. http://www.philipkingsley.com
I buy it in the Uk but I believe it was developed for woman experiencing burnout frizz from the hot summers in the Hamptons so should be available in America. You put it on pre shampoo and leave for 10-20 mins. It certainly leaves hair very soft and shiny and only needs to be applied every few weeks.
Hope this helps
Posted by on 04/11 at 07:19 AM
P.S.
I have a question for you Carol. From your first picture above how long did you let the new natural hair come in before you had your hair cut into the shorter style? My hair is about the same length and style as yours in that pic.
Was there a certain optimum length you let the regrowth reach before you went for the layered look?
I am 5 weeks now from last colour and coping ok with regrowth, although I am thinking of chucking out all the mirrors in the house to stop me constantly checking my image as I pass!!
Posted by on 04/11 at 08:11 AM
Hi Carol --
Want to add more to your question about sun affecting the color of your hair. I know you’ve read the book, so you know all about sun bleaching away the “blue” molecules (and yes, there’s “blue” in silver, too), leaving a yellow tinge. Just want to say—don’t worry too much about this. In my 4 years of “pewter/ice”, nothing drastic has happened. And I’m one of those loonies who sit out in the summer sun in the Hamptons. (Which, Philip Kingsley, isn’t any hotter than anywhere else!)
Now, there ARE times when I feel it’s lost its crispness of tone (could that be a little yellow sneaking in?), so that’s when I use a “blue” shampoo. Only about once a month. And it brings it right back.
Maria is right about doing something special for your hair, though, because sun is drying, frying and damaging. So a good conditioning treatment, like the one she recommended, or really any on these pages never hurts. Check out the Soleil collection from Kérastase (available in salons). It’s formulated for hair exposed to UV rays, salt and chlorine. Lots of good choices there—from a mist spray that protects hair from UV rays, to a balancing shampoo, mask, and deep conditioning treatment. Hope this helps—have a great vacation! D.
Posted by on 04/11 at 08:54 AM
Hi Maria
Thanks for the tip on the Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer,,I will look it up.
About your question, I statted the gray journey in early July and did not start cutting until September. I wore hats and covered the area using my sunglasses as a “headband” alot. The bang style also helped alot because they covered the root area fairly well and all I really had to show gray was the center crown. Then in September I started cutting a little at a time and each time I cut,,, more of the silver showed, so I started wearing it more off my face and pulled back to sort off show off the color. I continued to cut it myself (since I always have) just a little at a time when I thought it needed it just to get the old dye off.
My hair is about the same as my last picture right now and most of the dye is gone, so I have started growing it back to a length that I am used to wearing again, which is at least below chin length and with some movement to it.
Summer is a very good time to grow out the gray because there are many ways to cover it. (ie) hats, headbands, sunglasses, I was never a baseball hat person, but I wore them during the grow out,, and I love a straw fold up packable hat that comes in all colors and looks great on most people. Hang in there, you said you are at eight weeks,,it really starts getting easier at 12 weeks, Because the gray shows more and it looks pretty. Right now, as I remember, you are at he “just roots” stage,,,,, when more of it grows out I believe it actually becomes easier.
Hope this helps
Take care
Carol
Posted by on 04/11 at 04:23 PM
Carol!!!
You look beautiful and so does that gorgeous head of hair!
Congrats!! Have fun on your vacation!
Posted by on 04/14 at 05:01 AM
Carol
Thank you so much for explaining the cold turkey process you experienced. As the saying goes “forewarned is forearmed” so I feel much more prepared now for what lies ahead.
I have just seen your latest photo and think how much younger and fresher you look with your natural colour.
Here’s hoping I am so lucky!!
Have a jolly good holiday.
Posted by on 04/14 at 11:34 AM
Carol, I just saw your newest pic. you look just beautiful, and your hair, WOW, the color is so pretty. I smiled at the bit where you mention you measure your hair, I thought I was obsessing when I did that-nice to know many of us do!! I can’t wait for mine to be long enough to cut off all the dyed hair.
Posted by on 04/17 at 05:09 AM
Hi Pam
Yes ,,I know exactly how you feel,,Patience not being my strongest virtue !! I did learn to deal with it and got though the “hard part” with the help of Diana’s book. (The Web site was not available when I started to Gray in July.)
You can do this! and know the whole time that you have the support of these amazing strong glorious gray and turning gray women,,not to mention Diana herself. I feel free and actually younger with my new silver,,I decided early to treat it as a fun experience knowing that there is “light at the end of the tunnel”. I embraced it, and felt stronger in doing so. Think of it as a fun and learning experience. I learned that yes, I have more patience than I thought, and even more —I learned this freedom of being natural on the outside has made me stronger in my inner self too.
Posted by on 04/17 at 10:29 AM
Your hair looks great. I,m letting my hair go gray also, I hope it does not take to long for it to grow out. I,m in the three tone stage right now gray/brown/and dye on the end.
Posted by on 04/17 at 03:32 PM
Punky
I remember being three colors,,the dyed part took on a reddish/brown tone, that did not enhance the silver that was coming in. Just hang in there, and you will see results in less time than you think. Consider joining the Newbie"s they are all starting out just like you and have some really great thoughts on it and a great support system. Also there are some products to help you through it,,Like Colormark, Roux fanciful rinse(washes right out and can be applied just to the gray roots with a applicator) also a product called “Streaks and Tips"--available at Sally’s beauty supply in my area. It is a spray cover up. Some members have used hairpieces, to help them transition. Good Luck with the grow out!
Carol
Posted by on 04/17 at 04:26 PM
Carol, your latest photo is wonderful and the red and blue that you are wearing really sets your new gray off. I’m at 8 weeks now which is the beginning of a rough stage but hearing that you felt 12 weeks was better is giving me the encouragement I need for the next month ahead. I have to travel in a week or so and meet some people I’ve never met before so I think I will bring some hats and Roux Fanciful. I’m sure the hotel won’t be pleased when they see the towels!
Posted by on 04/21 at 08:49 PM
Hi Carol!
I gotta tell you about this hat that my friend gave me as a gift! It’s a “Helen Kaminski”...I wasn’t familar with the name, but I sure am a fan now! You’d love it! It’s a classy version of a baseball cap...its wonderfully feminine and a great way to protect our precious grays from the intense sunshine of summer!
The hat designer is out of Australia...look her up, you’ll love them!
Till next time...S3
P.S.Did you go on your vacation yet?
Posted by on 05/06 at 05:23 PM
Greetings Elizabeth
Yes, and we had a wonderful upbeat time!! I used the Kerastese’ Solei products that Diane recommended for my hair and its in great shape. I think I may give up on my hat wearing days, but thanks, I’ll look it up.
Been really busy lately and haven’t had as much time as I would like to be able to visit and enjoy the GGLG site, but today I noticed alot of new faces in the newbie section--way to go--girls!!! You have joined the best group for support and also just ‘talk’ too.
I consider myself a late-bloomer in “blooming” to gray so I think it is a beautiful thing to see all the brave young converts.
Elizabeth, I am really starting to notice all the beautiful long haired gray women around me, including you, and others on this site, and it helps me to have some patience with this slow grow city that I am doing now. Thanks for the inspiration. I love my hair color in the sun, looks more white than silver. (such fun it is to change!!!.)
More about S3 coming later)
Love ya, C.
Posted by on 05/07 at 02:34 PM
Hello Carol
I wanted to tell you how much I like your natural hair colour. With this softer frame around your face your skin really glows and radiates health. It is so much prettier on you than the old dark colour. Oh, and I too measure my hair! I like to work out how much growth I can expect in a year and in two years and how long my hair will be.
Sharon
Posted by on 05/15 at 04:42 PM
Sharon
Just read your story and enjoyed your pictures;
all I can say is “You Look Amazing!”
Absolutely younger,,, and the silver Highlights (which is how it is growing in) are more flattering, somehow makes your eyes look darker, bigger, and more expressive. Looking forward to more pictures of your progress. At the rate that you transitioned the growing out in length should not take long. I have to say that I do like the short “do” on you very much, you have the face for it. I am also in the grow out stage,,we’ll see if I like it when it happens, right now just the “change” and continueing to change and grow is a fun experience.
Jolly great!!!
Jolly good! 
Posted by on 05/16 at 04:14 AM
Hello Carol, thank you for the compliments. I think you look amazing too. Isn’t the process exciting?
Posted by on 05/16 at 04:58 AM
Hi Carol, I just read your story and you do look wonderful with your natural color. And so happy too! I hope more women find this site and Diana’s book. I think of her as our Moses come to set the slaves of Lady Clairol free. Take care. Sallee
Posted by on 07/29 at 03:47 PM
hehehee—I’ve been called a lot of things, but never Moses! Geeeeesh. Maybe I should whip off a few commandments—Thou shalt not color thy hair! Nahh, doesn’t have the same ring. Besides, if you want to color to get through transitioning, it’s not a sin! Sallee, you’re too funny!
Posted by on 07/29 at 05:43 PM
Hi Carol, newbie Lulu here, I am waiting for my newly ordered book to arrive and cannot wait to read through it!! You look so good with you beautiful silver hair. I am so excited to see my own transformation, although I certainly have a ways to go. If it turns out like your hair I will be so happy!!
Posted by on 08/10 at 02:24 PM
Lulubell
Wow! You have wasted no time,,,already a newbie ---(and welcome to the group of grays and going grays) and you also ordered Diana’s book!!
Good for you!,,,You are on the fast track now,, and the time will really fly,, with all the support that you will recieve online and in the book.
I am wishing you the very best
Carol
Posted by on 08/10 at 02:45 PM