Shira Levy, a vibrant, attractive brunette, read Going Gray, Looking Great!, then carefully considered all her options. One, I never suggested: shaving your head to go gray! Why on earth would she do such a thing? I'll let her tell you in her own words.
“It was really the only solution for me after ten years of coloring my hair every few weeks. It felt dry, unhealthy and, most of all, fake. I felt like I was hiding something – like a secret. My curiosity was growing about the real color with every peek-a-boo session from my roots, begging me to touch them up. I had a feeling that the only way I could get to the true natural color quickly and successfully, was to start the growth process from scratch, even it meant shaving it all off. I never considered an alternative, and was confident that I could deal with it no matter how it grew back. Brave? Maybe, but what a liberating feeling! I could finally start over with a brand new “virgin” head of hair, free of artificial color and chemicals... I must confess that a few wigs and hats helped me through the first two weeks in public, but by week three I had a funky and artsy “do” and I was ready for anything. I’m hoping that by sharing my story I may inspire you to take the plunge, and together we will make it more than just okay to go gray – we will make it “in,” chic,” “the new glam,” and safe to go for a new kind of sophisticated, sexy, wise and cool look.”
Shira now has a modeling career, and journalism one, too. She published her story in Balance Magazine! You go, Shira. And stay looking as great as you do!
Brunette Shira? Silver Shira? Post your comments!
(Please be brief. If you want to chat longer, come visit us at Café Gray.)
WOW, girl, you look great with or without hair.. I was never so brave as to shave my head, and went through months and months of growing it out. Are you naturally curly, or have you added some curl and body? Whatever, it looks wonderful with your complexion.. and the red dress and sterling silver necklace really enhance the POW-WOW factor.
Posted by on 03/20 at 12:09 PM
Thank you for your feedback and compliments...yes, I am naturally curly, the curls came after my hair grew back to a certain length...I like to wear colors to enhance the hair like red, royal blue, deep purple, black, and silver jewelry ...it has become a conversation piece ever since I shaved it off, and I especially love what it stirs up in other women and people in general, mostly positive.
Thanks again for sharing, I appreciate it.
Blessings,
Shira
Posted by on 03/21 at 07:55 PM
Shira,
I think yours was the first story I saw on this site, but didn’t remember being able to post a note!
Your hair looks so shiny and soft! Such a beautiful silver color, too!
Thanks for sharing your story...it really does encourage me to keep on with the time of transition, though I’m not as bold as you are, shaving it all off! :o)
If your hair is different now, an updated photo would be great to see! :o)
Posted by on 04/07 at 06:57 AM
Dear Shira,
I applaud your boldness! You have inspired me to also take the plunge. This Friday I will have all of my artificially colored hair cut off. My hair is quite short to begin with, so perhaps less of a shock for me than others. I just ordered some beautiful tiechels (scarves) to help me (and my co-workers) get through the earliest part of the growing-out stage. I can’t wait to see what my natural hair will look like after 18 years of coloring it.
Thank you for sharing your story,
Lori Webert
Posted by on 04/14 at 11:38 AM
Wow Shira,
You look fantastic! I use to have curly hair too, I am encouraged and am thinking of maybe cutting it short to get rid of the color and then regrowing. I like the length of my hair now (shoulder length) but should probably cut it to start the process. Thanks so much for sharing. You have courage!!!
beth
Posted by on 05/03 at 12:21 PM
Hi,
I hadn’t read some of these comments until today and wanted to reply and say thank you for your feedback and comments...it is so special to know you have inspired or had an effect on people you have never even met, just by doing what you do and sharing…
Just this weekend I had a 24 year old guy tell me that he thought my silver hair was beautiful and how cool it is that I don’t dye it - I really get a lot of positive feedback, especially when I least expect it, and it is so much fun…
One of the real ‘perks’ of not coloring my hair anymore, besides the obvious low maintenance, is the opportunity to make a bold statement, create a new look in my forties, and the freedom to be whatever and whoever I want to be without regard for others’ opinions...I have found that most people respect and admire that, especially the ones you would probably want to have in your life.
It’s been 2 1/2 years since I shaved my hair off and grown it back naturally, and in that time I have made a number of new friends and acquaintances who have only known me with this look, as opposed to old friends, acquaintances and family members, and it is so interesting that my ‘hair color’ has never been an issue with the new ones, but is always a topic of conversation with the old ones…
Anyway, enjoy the process and keep in touch, and please send in pictures, I’d love to see what you look like -
With love & blessings,
Shira
Posted by on 05/05 at 06:44 AM
Hello Shira
I just wanted to tell you how much I love your hair
Sharon
Posted by on 05/17 at 05:27 AM
Am I the only one who thinks it makes you look 10 to 15 years older? I just don’t get it?
Posted by on 08/16 at 11:56 AM
Well, from all the positive feedback I have received in the last 2 1/2 years it appears that you are the only one...it’s just a hair color, my face is still young at 46...and it’s a unique and real color in a sea of fake ones...I’m very proud of it…
Are you thinking about taking the plunge?
All the best to you.
Posted by on 08/16 at 01:01 PM
Hello carrots1
I’m surprised you think shira looks older. I think the silver around her face gives her skin a youthful radiance and actually makes her look younger.
Posted by on 08/16 at 02:51 PM
Because we live in a society where for so long gray has = old, I think many people ignore the face entirely and look at the silver hair and think “old.” I think there was a harshness to Shira’s face when she had dark dye on her hair...and I agree with Moonlit_hair, that Shira’s natural silver gives her a healthy glow which makes her look vibrant! I have come to the conclusion that we all look better with our natural colors. We may look nice with dye, but better without! :o)
Posted by on 08/16 at 04:14 PM
I agree with you 100 per cent greeneyes 
Posted by on 08/16 at 05:31 PM
i totally agree...greeneyes...we live in such a youth oriented society (probably hasn’t changed much over the years in reality)...i was “colorfully challenged” i always liked my hair for the first few weeks..then the fading/brassy/sun damaged look would set in...then the roots...then living is so cal with the santa ana winds blowin...whew those roots would really show…
hats off ladies let’s show the doubters out there that gray hair does not equal a weekly “beauty parlor appointment” and a hair net every night ...or as my dear sweet mom would do wrap her hair in toilet paper then the hair net!!(although she had the most gorgeous white hair and embraced every one of those hairs till the day she died!)
Posted by on 08/17 at 07:32 AM
Shira, I have often kidded with my friends that I would shave my head when I was ready to finally “go gray” (after age 50). Right now I have about 7 wks growth of silver white contrasting against oriental black hair ( I have jet black eyebrows/very dark eyes). I’m not ready to shave my head, but I do have a haircut appt in 11 days (my 44th b-day!). I’m not ready for a boy cut but I am ready for a makeover. I admire that you just went for it, I love your attitude and I think you look great!!
Posted by on 08/18 at 10:35 PM
Thank you, I appreciate your feedback and wish you the best…
Posted by on 08/19 at 06:08 AM