You look awesome, both with the color and the cut. Rock on girl!!
Posted by on 05/14 at 07:02 PM
Sharon’s Story
feelin' so right!
Facing the mirror (and the music) on her 44th birthday. September, 2007
January, 2008. Sharon gets a bob cut and has her "final dye job."
Watching the roots come in over the next few weeks
Sharon Rogers, who posts as moonlit_hair, is very representative of the “Newbie Evolution.” But the whole transitioning process seemed to go at warp-speed! Hailing from the UK, Sharon’s been through 30 years of coloring, and decided that was quite enough, thank you. I’ll let her tell you about it in her own words.
"I found my first grey nestling in my otherwise dark brunette hair at the age of 15. I spent the next almost 30 years experimenting with every hair colour, but usually dyeing it either red or an approximation of the "natural" dark brown I had as a child. Over the years I had seen evidence of my increasing grey as my roots appeared, but didn’t really know how much I had. I know I had a lot of silver in my mid-twenties, but never saw more than a few millimetres of re-growth before reaching for the dye.
I began to feel wrong with this long, dyed hair and became increasingly fed up with the root touch ups. In January, 2008, as my roots were coming in, I just couldn’t face a life time of hair dying, and I decided I was ready to go natural.
Even though much of my identity was tied up in my hair, in March I decided to hell with it, and asked my hair dresser to chop off all the dyed parts. This was scary, but I’m glad I did it. I’m surprised to find I still have some areas that are naturally dark, mainly around the side burns and at the back of my head, and I still have very dark brows and lashes.
I now have dye-free hair for the first time in 30 years and it is so freeing not to have the bind of touching up my roots. My biggest critic is my mother. At the age of 67 she is still colouring her hair every 3 weeks and feels I should be doing the same. She says this short grey hair makes me look old and she doesn’t pass up any opportunity to tell me I should go back to colouring it. However, she is wasting her time! I am now planning on growing my hair long again and am looking forward to seeing how the patterns of silver and dark come in."
Ed. note: Maybe your mother will see that silver is a color!
Seems to be rooty enough to make a statement.
The March Chop. All the dyed ends hit the cutting-room floor.
Bye-Bye Dye. Hello a whole new adventure in silver!
If you’re counting, it took Sharon 3 months to transition. Pretty speedy, but she started with a goodly amount of silver/white to begin with. And the cut always helps.
way to grow, Sharon!
Proving that a “down to the wood” haircut does grow back, Sharon just sent in these two pictures, taken three months after the big chop. Sporting soft waves, and a bit of a summer tan, she’s embarking on new color adventures in her wardrobe.
Better in brunette or prettier in pewter? Share your comments below.
Sharon - You look great! I truly think you look more beautiful, and even YOUNGER with the pewter, and the cut suits you!
Thanks for your story! I am also 44 - must be a special age to give up the dye!
But hey, no fair on such a quick transition! :o)
Posted by on 05/15 at 06:56 AM
Incredible!!!
You look stunning! Thank you for sharing your story and your beauty with all of us!
“silverfox” is a great way to describe you 
Posted by on 05/15 at 07:08 AM
Thank you for the comments everyone. Greeneyes, the transition WAS quick, yes. You can see why I was having to touch up my roots every 2 or 3 weeks, it grows so fast. Now that I’m not dyeing it the fast growth is an advantage. Going short meant the transition was quicker than it would have been otherwise and now I have the fun of seeing it grow long.
Posted by on 05/15 at 09:51 AM
Sharon,
You are going to absolutely love the feel and touch of “healthy” hair! That was one of things that I was so facinated with...and the longer it grew the more amazed I was at the “healthy feeling” of my hair! And the shine that just comes from the shimmer of the silver is amazing!
I’m excited for you!
Posted by on 05/15 at 11:47 AM
Hello Elizabeth,
My hair has been consistently damaged for so many years with various combinations of dye and bleach that I’m sure it must be breathing a sigh of relief now! I’m really looking forward to having longer healthy hair but am already noticing how soft it feels even at this ultra short length. I’m also noticing how shiny it looks in sunlight and how florescent light makes it looks silvery. I’m excited for all of us gorgeous greys!
Sharon
Posted by on 05/15 at 02:01 PM
Hi Sharon,
Have fun discovering the “new” you;-) Like I said before...I’m cheering you and your hair on!
I’m dying (pun intended) to see it long;-)
Cheers, Elizabeth
Posted by on 05/15 at 02:30 PM
you look gorgeous! I agree you look younger with the pewter....and yes, no fair having hair grow so fast 
Posted by on 05/15 at 08:52 PM
Thank you for the compliment. I too think I look younger, and most people have been complimentary about my hair. I’ve only had two people say it makes me look older - my mother of course, and a man I know who is in his early 30s. He said with my dyed hair I could have passed for 30 but now I look my age! Haha, I don’t mind looking my age, there is nothing wrong with being 44!
Posted by on 05/16 at 12:42 AM
Hello Sharon
I have just read your story. Your hair looks great. It is maybe the extra boost I need to “go for the chop”.
I have been transitioning since early March 2008 and now have a distinct pewter/white regrowth of about 1"-2". My hair just now is a chin length bob but I have been swithering about going for a short, sharp shock to get rid of a lot of the dyed hair by having a chop like yours.
Next weekend I am going on Eurostar to Paris and on Friday morning before I leave I have a hair appointment. Your pictures are fabulous and I feel I should follow suit. I only hope my stylist is as dextrous as yours. I haven’t posted any pictures yet. Not quite reached that level of confidence!!
Did you have any qualms about going so short? My feelings see-saw from worrying about looking too masculine/old/invisible to longing for an easycare wash’n go style. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Maria
Posted by on 05/16 at 06:02 AM
Hi Sharon,
Wow--I think our mothers must have been separated at birth! Mine is also 67, dyes every 3 weeks, and vows to dye her hair “to the grave.” At least she hasn’t gone so far as to say I look older, but my transition is not yet complete…
At 42 I’ve been colouring since age 17 and would describe my reason for going natural the same way you have. I love being able to say “It’s been 9 months since I last dyed my hair.” Woo-hoo!
I also find I don’t care what anyone else thinks or says; I am going forth au natural.
You look gorgeous and YOUNGER in your natural state.
Lisa
Posted by on 05/16 at 09:26 AM
Hello Maria.
Yes, I did have qualms about going so short. The last time I’d gone really short I absolutely hated it and was nervous that would happen again. I collected photographs of what I had in mind so that I could discuss it with my hairdresser and she was very supportive. I’d previously talked to another hairdresser who was very much against my stopping the hair dye so I didn’t want her to cut it. I felt that if she hated the silver she would have no respect for my hair so I didn’t want to let her loose on it.
What helped me to make the decision was the realisation that last time I’d gone very short it only took me 3 years to grow it from a crop to waist length when I was in my late 30s. I also thought that whatever it turned out like it would be better than the huge contrast I had between my new growth and the old dyed hair. I know what you mean about fearing looking masculine/old/invisible. I had those fears too. However, a few weeks after my cut I feel free and none of those fears I had have materialised.
I should also say that the amount of time I have to spend on my hair is less that a tenth of what it was before - seriously! No more dying, detangling, combing, waiting for it to dry. Oh, and the amount of money I’ve saved is considerable - no dyes, no products to try to fix my damaged hair, I now use so little shampoo and conditioner.
Whether or not you decide to go really short I look forward to seeing your photographs. Have a wonderful time in Paris - I went there on the Eurostar last year and had a great time.
Sharon
Posted by on 05/16 at 09:44 AM
Hello Lisa, yes our mothers sound very similar! I realised today that I haven’t dyed my hair since for 5 months. If you knew me you’d know how incredible that is - for 30 years I dyed my hair ALL THE TIME, stripping out colours with bleach and trying new colours. I’m with you, I don’t care if someone doesn’t like my hair. I consider it their problem and nothing to do with how I see myself.
Sharon
Posted by on 05/16 at 09:48 AM
Hi Sharon,
You look beautiful with your new silver hair! I don’t know how I missed your story, but did not see it until this am. Thank you so much for sharing your experience here.
I was in my 30’s when I saw my first gray and I immediately started getting it colored. I’m kind of sad now that I didn’t let myself see the natural transition through the years but now at 53 I’m ready to see the real me and yes, own my age!
You look fantastic!!!
Posted by on 05/17 at 07:58 AM
Hello Beth
My story only appeared a couple of days ago which is why you have only just spotted it. Thank you for the compliment! I look forward to seeing your photographs on the site too.
Sharon
Posted by on 05/17 at 08:11 AM
Sharon, you look awesome! Just stunning with your new cut and natural color. Boy, you sure gave me the inspiration I needed today. At 12 weeks post last hair dye, I’ve been vascillating between doing the “chop” or not at this point but after seeing how almost “painless” it seemed for you, I think I will be ready when I see my hair stylist next month at my 4 month point. While I don’t think my hair will have the incredible white/dark contrast as yours, the thought of having chemical free hair just seems so extraordinary. I, like you, have colored my hair since my teenaged years and am sooo looking forward no more “root alerts” after only a few weeks. ....seems like so many of us have been inspired with sharing our stories and of course, special thanks to Diana for getting this all going in the first place. THANKS ALL!
Posted by on 05/18 at 11:56 PM
Hello Shara and thank you for all the nice things you said. I have to admit that the first hour or so after the really short cut I felt a bit panicky! I left the hair dresser and walked straight into a thrift shop and bought a scarf which I promptly put around my head! From there I walked into Boots (large store here in the UK that sells health and beauty products) where I happened to see a woman who had beautiful cropped silver hair - how is that for synchronicity? I approached her and complimented her on her hair and asked her what she used on her hair to make it look so sparkly and shiny. She recommended VO5 wax gel and thanked me for complimenting her hair. I bought the product, whipped off my scarf there and then and never looked back.
I love the sense of freedom I feel now I don’t have to attend to my roots every couple of weeks and am fascinated by the silver.
If you do decide to go for the chop I hope you will share photos here. And I have to agree with you about Diana - her book helped me enormously in making the decision to do this.
Sharon
Posted by on 05/19 at 12:44 AM
Sharon: You are striking with your contrasting dark eyes, brows and moonlit hair.. and beautiful. Don’t you just love the way your hair feels? That was one of my pet peeves while still coloring my hair..the dead, dry, lifeless texture. Now that it’s been gray for more than 3 years, I’m so happy that I stopped with the dye jobs. I never felt quite authentic. I’m a “take me as you find me” woman, and dyed hair just didn’t fit into that scenario.
Your Mother sounds like she is afraid someone will actually know that she is getting older when they see her daughter with gray hair. You sound as if her opinion doesn’t matter to you, and at 44, it shouldn’t dictate your life. I was watching the movie “Miss Potter” recently, and there was the cutest line spoken by Beatrix Potter’s friend when she discovered that her brother had asked Miss Potter to marry him. She advised her ‘to accept and be married immediately’… and then realizing Miss Potter’s Mother wouldn’t approve, she said ‘I’d trample my own Mother if she stood in the way of me marrying the man I loved.’ I don’t suggest you trample your Mother, but just follow your own heart…
ChesTeena
Posted by on 05/28 at 08:17 AM
Hello Ches
Oh you are so right about the hair feeling healthy. I’m saving a small fortune on the intensive conditioners and styling products I used to slather all over my hair in an attempt to make it feel healthy. I was fighting a losing battle then though, it always felt dry and nasty. Now days I don’t need any of that stuff to make it soft. It is still too short to fully appreciate the improved condition but already it feels better than it has in decades. I’m so looking forward to it growing long enough to run my fingers through.
Sharon
Posted by on 05/28 at 01:38 PM
Dear Sharon,
I just read your story and felt compelled to compliment you on your courage as well as your beauty...what’s 3 months compared to a lifetime of beauty and being the real you?...it looks like it was worth it…
I have not looked back since I shaved my ‘sudo dark’ head of hair 2 1/2 years ago to start ‘anew’...going through all the stages, from short cropped hair to long again is great fun, take lots of pictures for posterity.
Enjoy,
Shira
Posted by on 06/06 at 08:54 AM
Thanks Shira,
It’s now 2 months since my really short cut and I’m already noticing changes as it grows. It’s a fascinating process. I love your hair both very short and with the longer curls. What length is your hair now?
Sharon
Posted by on 06/06 at 09:15 AM
Hi Sharon,
It’s just a little bit shorter than the latest photo, easier for the Summer, looks better with hats, and I like to slick it back in a little ponytail - I may cut it short again one of these days (no shave this time though, although it was fun), I love playing around with it - when my hair was dark I didn’t experiment 1/2 as much as I do now…
Enjoy,
Shira
Posted by on 06/06 at 09:32 AM
Sharon!
Your new growth is beautiful!! Just sitting here looking at your photos is so inspiring! I went for a short cut and am in the process of growing off the last bit of color, and after seeing your new pictures, I wish I had done what you did!
Your natural color is stunning, and makes your face look even more lovely. Looking at your new photos compared to your photos with your hair colored is amazing. Your features are so much softer, and you look so peaceful and approachable! Great Job!
~dede
Posted by on 07/14 at 08:50 AM
So glad you sent in the updates! It’s fun to see your colors in a bit longer hair and watching the whiter streaks grow. Your hair looks so healthy and the waves are nice. Love it!
Posted by on 07/14 at 09:05 AM
Hi Sharon,
I just saw your most recent photos. You and your hair look beautiful! Thanks for sending them in! I just got a super short cut and look forward to growing in some waves like yours. I was wondering how long it would take. It’s good to see it can happen in 3 months.
Posted by on 07/25 at 12:15 PM
Hi Sharon!
Looking good!
It has been a while since I have visited the site, and it was great to read your story, new since I had been here last, especially since it reads alot like mine. I will be 42 in August and all the dyeing had really started to bug me. I knew there was alot of silver/white in there because of how fast I had to dye (like every two weeks) After finding this site, and gettig the book… I started my plan, and have grown my roots out for 2 months so far. Next month is the big chop for me!
Thanks for the story to inspire me!
Posted by on 07/26 at 05:22 AM
Hello ruthmgon, I’m pleased to have inspired you. It is now over 7 months since my last dye and the hair is growing and looking different every day. It is amazing how the silver looks bright one day and almost pewter the next. It seems to change with whatever light conditions there are. Good luck with the big chop, I hope you will send Diana some photos for us to see.
Best wishes
Sharon
Posted by on 07/26 at 01:03 PM
Hi Sharon, just read your story. I love your hair and it doesn’t make you look old at all. How long are you thinking of letting it get? I’m growing mine as well. I’ve had a lot of different cuts since letting it go natural. I’m in the long hair mode at the moment. Take care. Sallee
Posted by on 07/29 at 03:54 PM
Hey Sharon, I’ve noticed you’ve let your web journal expire. Any plans to get it back going again? Liking the waves coming in with the silver, by the way!
Posted by on 07/30 at 09:17 AM
Hello AngieFaye
No, no plans to reinstate the journal. Thanks for the compliment on my hair. I’m wearing a silver clip in the front today and enjoying the waves as it begins to grow.
Posted by on 07/30 at 11:14 AM
Hi Sharon,
Your story inspired me to write my own. You look great! I am growing mine as well. Unlike you, my mother loves my hair. She compliments my all the time. Keep updating so we can enjoy your progress together. Blessings, Melody
Posted by on 08/05 at 06:55 AM
Sharon, you’ve made a great choice. Why dye one’s hair based upon others’ desire or request? They’re not the ones who will be wearing it, just like they’re not the ones who dealt with all the hassles of keeping your hair coloured.
The idea that grey should be avoided and/or makes one looks old is obviously not a concensus opinion, and we are proof of this. The times they are a-changin’—and it’s about time.
The silver looks great on you, woman! Don’t give it up!
By the way, I was only a few years younger then you when mine started to “turn”, so I know that story well.
Posted by on 08/09 at 01:27 AM
Melody and Ruzsa
thank you for the encouragement. As my silver hair grows longer I find I am ‘growing into it’. It has taken some mental adjustment but it is now starting to feel like ‘me’.
I will keep going
Sharon
Posted by on 08/09 at 03:07 AM
Hi Melody, I am Lulu one of the newest newbies. I have been having such a good time discovering this entire site. You look so gorgeous with your beautiful, short haircut!! How fortunate you are to have transitioned so quickly. I have moments when I just want to run to the salon and say “off with it!” This is one of them. Lulu
Posted by on 08/10 at 01:48 PM
OOPS, you can tell I’m a newbie, I meant to say, HI SHARON!! I have so many new names to remember. LULU
Posted by on 08/10 at 01:53 PM
Hi Lulu
My hair is growing so fast it seems to look different every day. There is a lot to be said for the chop,it certainly hurries along the transition. Not for the faint hearted though!
I’m glad you found this site, Diana has done a great thing in bringing us all together.
Sharon
Posted by on 08/10 at 03:41 PM
Sharon,
I’m so glad I saw your story. It’s really helped me with the growing out process! My color is very dark brown and my gray is about 90% white. I’ve got a little over an inch grown out. So it’s very close to where you were when you did the chop. I’ve been wondering if I could do that at about 2” growth and what it would look like. Seeing your pics really helped a lot. I don’t think I have the nerve to do it just yet, but your pics really have given me courage. I’ve always had at least shoulder length hair. In May it was a little shorter than yours in your very first pic. Now it’s a medium/short cut. But a long way from an inch long! I’m very encouraged by the recent pics of how much yours grew in 3 months. The color looks wonderful on you at any length. Thank you so much for sharing. With no touchups and such a high contrast in the new growth I was getting a little antsy about the whole process. Your pics were just what I needed. (Tried to post earlier, but I think it just disappeared. Hope you don’t get this twice.)
Thanks again! 
Sheila
Posted by on 08/13 at 12:56 PM
Hello Sheila
I’m amazed how fast my hair is growing. I think in a year it will be close to shoulder length. I’m glad to have encouraged you and look forward to seeing your photographs here.
Sharon 
Posted by on 08/13 at 01:41 PM
Dear Sharon, I just love your story, my own story parallels yours! I will be turning 44 in 2 wks. Last week I decided to stop dying my hair. I’ve been coloring since age 28 and the last 3 yrs i’ve been doing it every 3 wks. My pics will be in the newbie section soon. Today I made an appt to cut my hair on my birthday. I’m not ready to cut as short as yours just yet! I think you look younger, your eyes are gorgeous, you are much more attractive with the silver. Thanks for sharing your story, Veronica
Posted by on 08/14 at 11:25 PM
Hello Veronica
I think having the short cut on your birthday is a great idea because it will be such a present for yourself. I’m looking forward to seeing your photos. I’m sure you will love the freedom of the short cut.
Sharon
Posted by on 08/15 at 02:18 AM
Hi Sharon,
Wow! The difference between the dark dyed hair and your beautiful hair now is amazing. And your real color is so much more flattering. You look beautiful! It’s fantastic not having to rush to the salon every few weeks, isn’t it? ---- Anita
Posted by on 08/15 at 09:12 PM
Hello Anita,
oh the freedom is wonderful after seeing roots every couple of weeks. I also realise I had an itchy head for YEARS which I no longer have. And oh the softnes of my hair now after being used to dry, frizzy hair. This process has brought out the evangelist in me!
Posted by on 08/16 at 02:13 AM
Hi Sharon
You have given me the courage to go really short to speed up the process. My last dye was July 3rd, and that left me with a terrible burn, that has just now healed. My hair normally grows fast, but the irrated scalp took its toll with hair loss at the temples, it is now growing back. I had one haircut, but it was horrible, it would be fine for a young gal, but not for 60 me. I normally wear a chin length bob, this haircut was choppy, and unmanageable. I am going to take it to the next level of a pixie. My growth is about one inch now. I would be pulling my hair out if not for the stories like yours. I love the book, and I love your new look. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by on 08/24 at 06:34 AM
Hello karlee.
For me the pixie cut was the best thing as I was so impatient to be rid of the dye. The good thing about very short cuts is they do seem to grow out very fast. Four months on my hair is looking so much longer again. Sorry to hear about the burns to your scalp, that must have been very scary. I look forward to seeing photographs of your new cut.
Sharon
Posted by on 08/24 at 12:51 PM