Maureen - You look great - I too am 49 (will be 50 this December!!!) Do you get comments (or sometimes just a look) from others that think that you should dye your hair?  It just seems that gray (or silver, pewter...) is just another color.

Posted by grayme on 09/27 at 12:15 PM

love the color!! i am so enjoying all the different shades..
i sometimes wonder if mine will be in that “shade” family although.... my mother was that pure white… comming from a true dark auburn in her non gray days!...what about your moms hair or siblings color??

enjoy this site and welcome !! where in so cal were you???
louann

Posted by louann on 09/27 at 01:18 PM

Maureen, you look incredible!  Oh my goodness, I am blown away by how terrific you look.  That dark hair was ageing you but grey hair has given you youth.  Thank you so much for letting us share your journey.  What an amazing inspiration you are.  I salute you!!

Posted by Jane on 09/27 at 01:56 PM

I should just add as a ps. that I am in my 30’s and I have decided to let my grey hair grow out (still debating whether to have a few brown foils or not to help transition but have just read how bad dark hair dye is for health so I might not now afterall!) but reading that you decided to stop dying your hair in your 30’s has been personally very interesting for me.  Your story will help others, so thank you!!

Posted by Jane on 09/27 at 02:00 PM

Maureen - Thanks for sharing your story. Your hair looks very thick and is a very pretty color. I love another reassurance that going natural is really the best way to be!

Posted by greeneyes on 09/27 at 02:13 PM

Maureen, I love your hair it looks so good. You have an exotic quality to you which the grey sets off beautifully.

Posted by Sharon on 09/27 at 03:51 PM

You look great Maureen! Thank you for sharing your experience.

Posted by beth on 09/27 at 06:41 PM

Maureen, I’m in southern California, am 20 and a premature gray myself.  Your hair looks stunning and awesome!!  Thanks for showing that not all southern cali chicks are bleached blonde.  I bet there’s a lot more graybabes like us in southern cali than people think?

Kendall

Posted by kendall88athlete on 09/27 at 07:03 PM

Hi Maureen, what a great transition, I definitely cast my vote for the after photo

Posted by lulubell on 09/27 at 07:20 PM

Great story.  Absolutely beautiful woman.  It’s definitely encouraging to us that are just starting on this journey.  Maureen, you look great! - Deb B

Posted by Debbie on 09/28 at 03:52 AM

Hello Maureen, you look softer and younger with silver....Its very beautiful.

Posted by catweezle on 09/28 at 08:09 AM

Simply beautiful! I am convinced that you younger gals that gray early, end up with the prettist shades of gray/silver. I am still in the very early stages, but am excited to join the club. I just love these stories, and pictures of the gorgeous transformations.

Posted by karlee on 09/28 at 09:17 AM

After years of experience one begins to respect equally what we know and don’t know. And so, there was a time when an elder prepared to speak, the room would become silent because everyone knew they only spoke wisdom otherwise they would remain silent.  Going gray all these years for me is not just about looking great but about growing into my authentic self. I want to thank all of you for your generous compliments and I support each and everyone of you on your own personal journey to evolve your authentic self as well - whatever color your hair may be.
Maureen

Posted by momo on 09/28 at 11:42 AM

You are increadably gorgeous!!!! Keep the silver chic!!! You truly look more beautiful with the silver. I am in the transitioning stage right now and there are days I want to give up. Seeing your photos keeps me going.

Posted by Silver Lining on 09/28 at 12:06 PM

Hey Girl! So very good to see you finally made it! I told you your hair looked great and I’m happy that you’re letting everyone ELSE see it! You looooook MAVALOUS!!!!!!
When I grow up and let mine go that way, I will be sure to let you know so we can be twins......I hope you sent this article to your “Photographer” who will also be famous!!!!!!!!

Posted by Lady Stardust on 09/28 at 05:17 PM

Speaking of photographers......who is yours? You are very photogenic. Someone really knows how to capture your beauty.

Posted by Silver Lining on 09/29 at 06:27 AM

You are sooooooo stunning!  Mother Nature knows best, doesn’t she?! Welcome to the site.

Posted by sallee on 09/29 at 07:42 AM

Wow!!!  Your photos are beautiful!  I take it you decided to go cold turkey when you decided to go gray.  That’s what I’m doing so far and I can only hope to look as stunning as you when my transformation is over!  Thanks for sharing and welcome!

Posted by grayincali on 09/30 at 08:33 AM

Maureen - how do you get your hair so straight in the more recent photos?  One of your pics your hair is longer & with bangs and is curlier.  Just wondering if you use a hair straigtener product or a flat iron—

Posted by grayme on 09/30 at 08:52 AM

Thanks for sharing your photos, Maureen.  You are certainly an example of going gray and looking great!

Posted by newbie2 on 09/30 at 08:57 AM

Regarding the question of my currrent straight hair.  I blow dry my hair so that it turns under a little for the bob cut that I have.  I have also noticed just this last year that for many years I had darker eyes that were hazel.  Most of the time they were a golden brown - on occaision they were dark green.  Now I find that my eyes are always green and a very light green.  I also have found that my hair is in general much straighter now that it is completely gray. I am so happy to have the many changes during our lifetimes because I have a difficult time with monotony so watching my hair become whiter and changing my eye color is very exciting for me. -Maureen

Posted by momo on 09/30 at 09:18 AM

This should be great news to “grayincali” who was worried that her golden eyes wouldn’t look right with silver hair!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 09/30 at 09:24 AM

Diana, you are so good at remembering everyone’s details!  As I’ve mentioned before, my eyes are a hazel, golden brown and depending on what I wear they look really green sometimes.  I was worried that the gold in my eyes would clash with the silver in my hair.  Now I have hope that mine will look more green just like yours do, Maureen! Thanks!

Posted by grayincali on 09/30 at 09:34 AM

Grayincali, I also had to change my makeup over the last year.  Now that my eyes are more green, I wear the following shades of eyemakeup:  green, rust, mauve and dark grey.  I discarded all my brown, beige and navy blue eye shadow.  It just makes me look pale.  I now use the following shadows:  Temper Temper on the outside of my eyelid and Socialite in the inside of my eyelid.  Both shades are from Two Faced.  For green I use Woman of Means on the outside of my eyelid and Honesty in the inside.  Both of those shadows are from MAC.  If I want the dusty look, I use a soft shimmering white shadow on the brow and eyelid, not beige but not too bright white and then a little smoky grey on the outside of my eyelid.  I hope this helps. -Maureen

Posted by momo on 09/30 at 10:06 AM

Yes, it does help!  Thank you, Maureen!  Today it seems that my questions are being answered before I can ask them!  I was just looking at my makeup bag and opened up a shimmery brown and gold combo shadow that will have to go!  I love Two Faced and Mac eyeshadows so I will most certainly be checking those shades out!  First I have to be more rid of the faded orange/brown hair that I’m sporting!

Posted by grayincali on 09/30 at 11:34 AM

Maureen, thanks for coming on and sharing your story and pictures!  You are very stunning and your hair is beautiful!

Posted by Debdo on 09/30 at 11:35 AM

Maureen, You would be fabulous no matter what color your hair was, but you make gray hair look good.  You have got it going on!

But I do want to pose a question.  I have always loved gold jewelry because I thought it looked pretty with my blond hair… but now… what do you guys think?  I had a friend that has been gray all her life and everything she wears is gray and even the car she drives is gray… all of her jewelry is silver or white gold. Should I give my gold to my “still coloring” sister?

Posted by Lynn on 09/30 at 01:01 PM

Lynn, Do not give away the gold jewelry.  Take a good look at the photo above of me wearing the hot red and pink dress with hat.  I am wearing a very wide gold necklace.  While it is true that I wear silver and chrystals more often now, I still take out the gold for bright reds and hot pinks. The only gray I have in my closet is a very dark gray for slacks.  I celebrate all colors but find that not only do I not look good in beige, brown or bright yellow but that I don’t feel good wearing them either so I avoid those colors for the most part.  -Maureen

Posted by momo on 09/30 at 01:32 PM

Grayincali, I also had to stop using rich blushes and bronzers on my face.  They made me look too much like a renaissance character with painted on blush.  Just because I am gray does not mean I have to color my face to look like I still have some life in me.  I like to think of myself more as a dynamic individual with striking hair. Ulta sells a very soft rose blush loose powder called Mineral Blush Lotus.  I use it lightly on my cheek bones, chin, and forhead and then blend a Bare Minerals foundation powder over the entire face.  This makes me look healthy, not made up. -Maureen

Posted by momo on 09/30 at 01:54 PM

Maureen~

Love the cut and the color! It frames your face beautifully!

Welcome to the Greatest Gray Site on the WWW!

Posted by elizabeth on 09/30 at 02:53 PM

Lovely, inspiring pictures, Maureen.  Your hair looks great.  Especially love the picture of you on the bicycle as it is nice to see an active, rather than formally posed, shot of grey hair in action. Thank you for sharing them.

I always like to pop in and be encouraged and your pictures did just that.

Posted by chocolatesilver on 09/30 at 06:55 PM

Maureen - you have me inspired.  Your photos are striking.  I too have noticed that my hair has straightened considerably as I have gotten older - for me I think it was with each pregnancy.  I also have hazel/green eyes.  As a child - my hair was blond & my eyes were green - as an adult I have had dark brown hair & greenish-brown eyes.  I have noticed more green/gold coming out lately, so may be I have even more to look forward to as my transformation continues.

I love the look of the non-layered bob on you - really fabulous.
mika

Posted by MsMika on 10/01 at 01:01 PM

This is totally unrelated to any of the topics above, but I can’t send anymore pm’s for the day, I’m over limit   and I didn’t want you to think I’m ignoring you.  I’ll respond tomorrow. Hi everyone.

Posted by sallee on 10/01 at 02:55 PM

duh, that post was for Suzanne.

Posted by sallee on 10/01 at 02:56 PM

Got it! 

Posted by grayincali on 10/01 at 03:22 PM

Wow! Maureen...I remember the colored hair back in the day...and I must say, dahling...you look so fab silver.  Much better than the dyed hair.  Thank you for submitting your photos and story.  You are so hot.  Love, Jade

Posted by Jadejou on 10/10 at 08:37 AM

Maureen,

You look incredibly awesome! I wanted to add my thanks for sharing your story and pictures. They are so inspiring.

Mary

Posted by Silverhair on 10/16 at 04:55 PM

Just a question for you Maureen. What brand/kind of shampoo/conditioner to you use?

Mary

Posted by Silverhair on 10/16 at 05:00 PM

Mary, Because my gray hair is so thick and wiry I have found that I need to buy a heavy conditioner like Paul Mitchel’s “The Mask” or something similar to leave on my hair for about 10-15 minutes each week.  This smooths out the hair and conditions it.  Otherwise, I just buy whatever daily shampoo and conditioner I find and use that. -Maureen

Posted by momo on 10/17 at 08:33 AM

Two Words: ABSOLUTELY GEORGOUS!!!

Posted by Kimberly on 11/01 at 11:38 PM

Maureen - you look stunning with your silver hair! I just made the decision this weekend to stop coloring. I’m an athletic 52, and just had my very long hair cut VERY short on Saturday. My last coloring was 4 weeks ago, and that was the last one! Lots of silver glistening in the short brown layers I have. I can only hope my color comes in as beautifully as yours. I’ll post pics as soon as you can see something viable!

Thanks for sharing your story and pics!

RuffDiamond

Posted by RuffDiamond on 11/17 at 12:05 PM

I want to be you when I grow up! 

Posted by RunnerGal on 12/16 at 12:39 PM

You could be a model! You look sooo cool in your natural hair. I also felt a need to take care of our earth and not pollute it more with hair dye. Also, I’ve noticed my hair does not fall out as much as when I had the dark hair dye.

thanks for being an inspiration to many!

Posted by heidi on 12/20 at 09:15 AM

Maureen- Just read your story and love the look. Long or short you are beautiful.
I love the pink color photo. We shouldn’t be afraid of color when we are gray. It makes us more youthful. Thanks for your story.
Betty

Posted by Betty on 03/04 at 07:28 AM

All I can say is wow,You look so beautiful,SometimesI feel like Kicking my self for all the years of coloring and having my scalp so sore,it got so bad,I did not want my Husband to touch my hair ,it would just hurt so ,I know I can not go back ,Now I am so looking forward.I like to quote Mya Angelo, WHEN WE KNOW BETTER WE DO BETTER. Thankyou for being my inspiration!!!!!! Ruth

Posted by new york on 03/13 at 09:12 AM

WOW, Maureen, You look absolutely stunning in your new silver tresses.  Just beautiful!  What a great inspiration for all the newbies!  I just recently had my last cut and now I’m in the process of accessing makeup and clothing.  Such fun!  It really does make a difference.

Posted by Aziza on 04/26 at 10:11 AM

Maureeen, I just read through all of the posts and I am delighted that you shared eye shadow colors.  I too find that my eyes are a lot greener after making the transition.  I’ve been wondering what colors to try. Thanks! 

Posted by Aziza on 04/26 at 10:31 AM

Dear All,

I want to express my awe of the going gray looking great website which is absolutely beautiful.  I am very impressed with Diana Jewell’s professionalism - her artistic talents and incredible energy to envision all of us women as so beautiful.  I would like to extend much gratitude to all who have contributed so much beauty and radiance to this site.

I haven’t been logging in much lately to the site.  I have been very focused on my inner transformation years. There is so much power in these years where we become a direct extension of wisdom.  We move inward and begin a new process of all-seeing which carries this wisdom to us on its wings. Each person has their own pattern, some are fire, water, metal, earth, and ether. I am a fire person so my transition into the wise womb has been so incredible sweating each day to the kundalini fire yoga.  I have never felt so alive.  Each person will have to find their way. Those who are water people may find their power in the Vinyassa flow yoga.  There may be others grounded to the earth and find their power this spring and summer each day while gardening.

I began to watch myself loose power as my face became ash to match my gray hair.  I began to blend into a dingy gray energy being until I began to incorporate exercise and laughter into my life on a daily basis.  If you sweat and laugh every day, you will find wisdom, love, compassion and energy to create an incredible life.

Also, the liver is the organ which begins to work overtime during these wisdom years and can get very tired. If you find your complexion is turning gray to match your hair remember a healthy liver means healthy skin.

Most importantly is finding a way to live in happiness and joy.  Get really happy and it will show on your face.

I send you all love and blessings on your own journey as you radiate beauty in the wisdom years.

Maureen

Posted by momo on 04/26 at 12:28 PM

Thank you for your very kind words, Maureen. It has been my joy to do so.  Maybe that is tapping into that inner source of happiness you speak so eloquently of. Yes, we all do have to tap into deeper powers within ourselves. Many women are great examples of this—Yasmina, Cindy Joseph, Susan McGraw (all from our Great Inspirations article) to name just a few. They are inspiring, but we can all be inspiring—and it is all about finding that energy of the soul. So happy you are making this complete journey. Stay with us, you have a lot to offer!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 04/26 at 12:49 PM

Hello Maureen,

As a “Story Girl,” you’ve inspired so many of us here on GGLG. But imagine what your story could do on Oprah! As you may or may not know, Goldie is doing a write-in campaign. But it’s more than that.  As a former Oprah makeover girl herself, she knows the producers to reach and is going to send in a book of our “Letters to Oprah.” I know some of us have written individually to Oprah before, but these can get easily lost in the 20,000 emails a day the show receives.  This effort will be carefully targeted, and we will have strength in numbers. I urge you to go to the homepage, and see the “Hello, Oprah” link. Called Goldie’s Campaign, it will tell you all you need to know to share your story, once again, only this time, you may have Oprah herself reading it! Please join us in this campaign. Begin your letter “Dear Oprah,"-- and don’t forget to mention the website and/or book. Doesn’t have to be long, just from the heart. Thanks!

Posted by SoCalSilver on 08/04 at 10:11 AM

Classy and beautiful!

Posted by Shelby B on 08/27 at 04:28 PM

Gorgeous!!!!!!

Posted by Jill on 01/03 at 07:18 PM

Beautiful and wise words Maureen & Diana, I am also going thru and inner transformation and find that I am often undecided about which direction to turn.  Career as well as my personal life. I know I have joy within me because I know I have all the important things in life, but I still have down and confusing days.  This website is such an inspiration LOVE IT.  Can we hear more about the “Dear Oprah” campaigne?

Posted by "Dare"lene on 01/07 at 06:55 AM

Maureen,
Your transformation is amazing.  You are gorgeous from start to finish. I love your “bike” photo so much that I’ve printed it and am using it as my inspiration during my transition.

Shine on!

Posted by reddy to gray on 02/17 at 05:07 PM

Reddy to gray,

Thank you for your kind words.  I have absolutely no problem going gray and staying gray.  The difficulty is having lifeless hair no matter what color it is.  I have found a product that keeps my gray hair shiny and full of body.  Joico makes a product called “re:nu”.  The conditioner in the blue bottle is incredible.  I understand that they you can find it at TJMaxx now and beauty supply stores.  I haven’t tried the conditioner in the green bottle yet but the blue one makes my hair feel as healthy as it was when I was seventeen.  Hope this helps your transition.
Maureen

Posted by momo on 02/24 at 07:53 AM

You actually look younger and spunkier in your gorgeous pewter! I’m so inspired. I have worried about looking “granola” as mine comes in and you are anything but granola. Thanks for sharing your story. I’m just getting started and need all the help I can get.

Posted by tweedledee on 03/04 at 07:22 AM

As a former managing esthetician, fashion make-up artist, and theatre make-up FX artist, I must say your knowledge of cosmetics is flawless, Maureen.  Yes, we have a dreaded male here! Did some video and film work too.  I went white after breaking my neck doing some stunt work on the side in ‘92. I guess trauma can change your hair color.  I never bothered with hair, so I didn’t know.  From my point of view, very short white hair became the norm until I leave this realm—hopefully a log time from now.  I was forced into early retirement.

Too bad I couldn’t return to writing.

Mo was beautiful at 20 with raven hair and green eyes, she’s beautiful now, and she’ll be beautiful in twenty more years with silver hair and the same green eyes. “Must’ve been the roses.” I know; I was there.

Glad your tomorrow was wonderful, sweets.

Posted by Retch on 03/22 at 08:48 PM

My dear friend,
Thank you for you kind words.  I am sorry to hear of your tragic accident but trust that your journey within towards healing was an enriching experience for you.  The journey through life never ever ends.  You can always return to writing.

For me, I am happy to have a male presence here.  A master is one who walks with both male and female energy in balance.

With all of your experience, could you suggest for us here a moisturizing foundation that is not too heavy?  I’m afraid I can no longer use any powders on my face.

Thank you,
Momo

Posted by momo on 03/23 at 06:15 AM

Momo—you’re not the only one who welcomes men’s opinions on our pages. They’re definitely not “dreaded males.” That’s why we have a “CoolGuys” article, and a “What do Men Really Think About Gray?” page.

And, Retch, I echo Maureen in heartfelt compassion for your accident. How awful! Hoping you can regain a comfortable level of activity. In the meantime, you can also visit us on Facebook—where, you’ll be happy to note, Maureen has been a Great Gray of the Day! Just search going gray looking great, and you’re there.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 03/23 at 06:45 AM

One Important note: the “accident” happened in ‘02, not ‘92.  My bad; I was curled up with my 13” Apple MacBook Pro and working w/o glasses.  Important Lesson: Old Men—44—shouldn’t do stunt work with guys in their 20s.

As for the moisturizing foundation: Wikipedia “Elizabeth Bathory” (Just kidding).  Give me a few days to go over old notes.  I hated doing glamour/fashion stuff; but, it paid some bills and I was rather adept at it.  I was more into the horror FX stuff. I found “models” to be a bit of a pain.  I’ll send some info though.  Often, I found what one did cleansing and prepping had more to do with how ANY type of foundation worked, than the type—powder, whatever—of foundation used.

Maureen: consider this “the neutered ‘mighty fallen’” doing penance.  My stepsisters (hint) will find this hilarious. (If I’m stupid enough to tell ‘em.)

Posted by Retch on 03/23 at 07:56 AM

Well, now that I’ve suffered every “that was her” jab known to (wo)man.  Not to mention every “silky smooth” Cougar joke known to anyone—ironically from over 17 years old training jokes.  I’m even getting fencing academy jokes about beating guys half my age with a green scarf on my sleeve “jokes” —enough.  This is JFR—I move on

Maureen, you asked me to advise. I will.

Ladies (or “women,” if thats more PC): Let us begin.  First, find old blenders and crock pots—drag them out.  Check your herb gardens, look out for those herbal suppliers—oils, etc.  If I don’t get cut off, we’re gonna rock!

The “foundation” question will be answered, I swear. Stay tuned. Let’s deal with the basics first.

Mo, it would have been better If you’d shot me in my youth. At least i’d be a legend.

Posted by Retch on 03/25 at 06:34 PM

i love this back and forth advice here...been absent awhile due to a death in the family ...but always like to “listen” to advice from WHOEVER keep it comming!!!
maureen what length is your hair now? or did you keep it like this ? just curious...your hair is lovely..the pewter outstanding...my coworker has the same color

Posted by louann on 03/26 at 05:47 AM

louann~ so sorry to hear of a death in the family.  My sympathies go out to you and yours. 

Yes, do tell, momo.  How long is your hair now?

Posted by Aziza on 03/26 at 06:06 AM

wow… you are just gorgeous!

Posted by davidsrene2010 on 07/12 at 09:07 AM