You look awesome, both with the color and the cut.  Rock on girl!!

Posted by kendall88athlete on 05/14 at 06:02 PM

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 greeneyes on 05/15 at 05:56 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 elizabeth on 05/15 at 06:08 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 Sharon on 05/15 at 08:51 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 elizabeth on 05/15 at 10:47 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 Sharon on 05/15 at 01:01 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 elizabeth on 05/15 at 01:30 PM

you look gorgeous!  I agree you look younger with the pewter....and yes, no fair having hair grow so fast

Posted by Thisyear on 05/15 at 07:52 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 Sharon on 05/15 at 11:42 PM

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 marianugent on 05/16 at 05:02 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 newbie2 on 05/16 at 08:26 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 Sharon on 05/16 at 08:44 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 Sharon on 05/16 at 08:48 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 beth on 05/17 at 06:58 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 Sharon on 05/17 at 07:11 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 Shara on 05/18 at 10:56 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 Sharon on 05/18 at 11:44 PM

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 ChesTeena on 05/28 at 07:17 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 Sharon on 05/28 at 12:38 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 shiralevy on 06/06 at 07:54 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 Sharon on 06/06 at 08:15 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 shiralevy on 06/06 at 08:32 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 wtxgray on 07/14 at 07:50 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 greeneyes on 07/14 at 08:05 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 beth on 07/25 at 11:15 AM

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 ruthmgon on 07/26 at 04:22 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 Sharon on 07/26 at 12:03 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 sallee on 07/29 at 02:54 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 AngieFaye on 07/30 at 08:17 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 Sharon on 07/30 at 10:14 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 melody on 08/05 at 05:55 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 Ruzsa Talisz on 08/09 at 12:27 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 Sharon on 08/09 at 02:07 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 lulubell on 08/10 at 12:48 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 lulubell on 08/10 at 12:53 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 Sharon on 08/10 at 02:41 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 gg2006 on 08/13 at 11:56 AM

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 Sharon on 08/13 at 12:41 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 cancun.mermaid on 08/14 at 10:25 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 Sharon on 08/15 at 01:18 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 anita on 08/15 at 08:12 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 Sharon on 08/16 at 01:13 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 karlee on 08/24 at 05:34 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 Sharon on 08/24 at 11:51 AM

This is to let everyone know that I have changed my username from moonlit_hair to Sharon.

Posted by Sharon on 09/02 at 01:36 AM

Wow - I think you look younger, more youthful and more beautiful in your after shots!  That cut suits you to a T - what beautiful hair!

Posted by SBKaren on 09/06 at 06:15 AM

Hi Sharon,

I wanted to see if you had any new pics!?! I can only imagine! You have a great head of hair...and I have to admit I’d love to see it long

Posted by elizabeth on 09/10 at 10:41 AM

Thank you SBKaren. My hair has grown a fair bit since the photos here so I’m planning on taking some new ones very soon.

Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 09/13 at 03:57 PM

Hello Elizabeth

I’ve been away for 10 days and only just found your message. I will be celebrating my 45th birthday in a fortnight so am planning to take some new photos on that day. I’ve just voted for you again. Sorry I wasn’t able to do so while away - no internet!

Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 09/13 at 03:59 PM

Hi Sharon - You are beautiful.  Absolutely beautiful.  Isn’t it amazing, once the dyed hair is gone, how much more FACE we have?  It took me a while to get used to focusing on my face, with all it’s “unique-ness”, but aren’t we something?

Posted by lisagreen on 09/16 at 02:02 PM

Ohhhh Sharon! You look AMAZING!!!

I love the soft silver curls framing your face! What a beautiful picture! I am looking forward to seeing those silver curls flowing down your back! 

Posted by elizabeth on 09/16 at 02:14 PM

Lovely Sharon, just lovely!

Posted by lulubell on 09/16 at 02:29 PM

I’m looking forward to the silver curls flowing down my back too Elizabeth
And thank you everyone for the nice comments

Posted by Sharon on 09/16 at 03:07 PM

Hi Sharon,
You look absolutely fabulous!  An amazing transition continues!

Posted by newbie2 on 09/16 at 04:24 PM

Gorgeous Sharon, your new look is so becoming. You give me hope, and courage to keep going. I am only 10 1/2 weeks into this. I had a shorter cut at last appointment, not ready to go down to the wood. Although, I will go pixie, as soon as I have enough of my gray in. Right now, I am calico, gray, natural color brown in back, and much gray at the front coming in, about one inch. I have another hair appointment October 1st, so I will let my guy decide, when it is time to cut it down to the wood. My scalp still has not healed completely, and itches like crazy. Maybe that is a sign of healing. I sure hope so.

Posted by karlee on 09/16 at 05:36 PM

Hello Karlee
I’ve just checked the calendar and I had the really short cut 15 weeks and 4 days after my last dye job. I sure your scalp will be better very soon now it isn’t being exposed to the harmful chemicals. It was only after I stopped dyeing I realised that the permanent itching I had on the back of my scalp wasn’t a normal thing but was caused by the dye. I look forward to following your progress.
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 09/17 at 02:36 PM

Thanks, that helps, seeing your time table. My next hair appoitment will be 13 weeks, since my last dye job. I am thinking, the one after that, will be the time to go for the short pixie. You are so fortunate to have such soft curls, as my hair is stick straight. I bet your mother realizes you made the right choice, as you look beautiful with your silver hair.

Posted by karlee on 09/17 at 02:50 PM

i love watching the grow backs!!!
your hair looks wonderful and your skin has a HEALTHY glow!!
congrats!!
louann

Posted by louann on 09/18 at 05:19 AM

You look amazing Sharon! I had never thought to come back and check on these stories..silly me, of course they are not finished, they are ever evolving!
I love the soft curls around your face, really, really beautiful, thanks for inspiring me...again!

Posted by Christie on 09/18 at 01:47 PM

Thank you for the compliments everyone - the positive feedback is much appreciated

Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 09/18 at 02:01 PM

Sharon,
More compliments on the way! WOW! I remember writing you four or five months ago. At that time I thought you looked awesome and now with those soft curls and striking color, OH MY!
You really look so comfortable with yourself plus your choice of makeup color, accessories, etc....GOOD GOING! Just fab!

Posted by Shara on 09/18 at 08:50 PM

Hi Shara

I’ve just seen your updated photograph and love your new look. Let’s hear it for working with our natural hair texture and colour instead of fighting it!

Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 09/19 at 01:07 AM

Sharon,
Your hair, and your face and complexion are just STUNNING!  You are so beautiful, and such an inspiration!  Thanks!
~dede

Posted by wtxgray on 09/19 at 01:59 PM

Sharon, I love the newest picture.  you are stunning & shining beautifully.

Posted by MsMika on 09/19 at 07:35 PM

Sharon,
Just wanted to let you know, I am printing out your latest picture to bring to the hairdresser with me this morning.  I hope she can give me the same haircut.

Posted by katydot on 09/27 at 02:53 AM

Gosh katydot, I’m very flattered! I look forward to seeing the results.

Posted by Sharon on 09/27 at 03:30 AM

Sharon, I am trying to post a picture in the members section, but it will not take it. Is there a trick. I zipped the picture to 54kb, but it said it has to be 50 kb. I do not know how to get it smaller. Thanks.

Posted by karlee on 09/27 at 10:39 AM

Hello Karlee

I shrunk my picture using Adobe. If you don’t have Adobe you can email your photograph to me to shrink then I’ll send it back to you. I’m not sure if we are allowed to post our email addresses here, but if you go to my members page and send me a message we can exchange email addresses that way.

Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 09/27 at 10:50 AM

Sharon, Love the hair.  You look so exotic with the short cut - beautiful eyes.  -Maureen

Posted by momo on 10/02 at 06:01 PM

Thank you Maureen, I love your hair too

Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 10/03 at 02:56 AM

Sharon,

You look beautiful! Your hair draws so much attention to your gorgeous brown eyes!

BTW, I definitely prefer the “Prettier in Pewter”.

Posted by Silverhair on 11/02 at 11:25 AM

You really have a wonderful color which gets prettier the longer your hair gets.

Posted by greeneyes on 11/02 at 11:58 AM

Beautiful photo!!!  I love the color and the cut and the waves and so on and so on.....

Posted by lulubell on 11/02 at 03:17 PM

Sharon~

Those beautiful shimmering silver curls! can I have em?   Your hair is so beautiful and you are gorgeous! I love seeing the updates on your hair! I anxiously await seeing those long cascading curls!
Have a great Monday!

Posted by elizabeth on 11/03 at 04:54 AM

I love the color,and the style. Gray really is the new blond. You give me hope. All I can see on my own hair is fading color with lots of gray roots. Not a pretty look. Another haircut this week. Why is this process so slow. 18 weeks this Thursday. Have a blessed day, you look beautiful.

Posted by karlee on 11/03 at 05:03 AM

Sharon-
I so love your curl!  How wonderful you look!  I think you are absolutely stunning! Keep up the good work!
~dede

Posted by wtxgray on 11/03 at 11:27 AM

Sharon, you look amazing. I just now saw the newest pic. Wow, we really shouldn’t mess with Mother Nature, she knows what she’s doing. You just look beautiful.

Posted by sallee on 11/05 at 09:05 AM

Thank you to everyone who left nice comments. The support of others has been vital during this process, I couldn’t have done it without you all

Posted by Sharon on 11/15 at 03:07 PM

just saw the new photo- absolutely beautiful,soft curls!!

Posted by Thisyear on 11/15 at 03:46 PM

GORGEOUS CURLS !!!

enjoy...and i love the color!!!

Posted by louann on 11/15 at 03:58 PM

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

Posted by elizabeth on 11/15 at 11:23 PM

Sharon,
just re read your “story” how is your mom feeling about your hair now???
louann

Posted by louann on 11/16 at 06:57 AM

Hello Louann
She still thinks I’m too young to be grey, but no longer mentions it every time we speak so is apparently resigned to it now. Seeing as I started greying at 15 I don’t see how I can be too young to have it at 45!
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 11/16 at 08:55 AM

Sharon, your curls are absolutely gorgeous! Would you mind sharing what you use on them?

Mary

Posted by Silverhair on 11/16 at 09:20 AM

Hi Mary
After washing and conditioning my hair I leave it to dry naturally. Once dry I use a very small amount of VO5 gel wax to scrunch the curls. Oh and I never comb or brush my hair, just rake my fingers through it during the washing process. When I was colouring my hair it was always frizzy but now it doesn’t seem to be.
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 11/16 at 09:53 AM

Geesh I love your locks too!  I wonder if I would regain that much curl if I went shorter.  Hmmmmmm

As much as I complained about the moisture in the air making my hair frizz I have to admit that it doesn’t do it nearly as much now.  I think it was all the dried out colored hair that was frizzing.  My hair now feels so healthy and I don’t even feel as if I need a haircut - 8 weeks later!  If only for the fact that it looks grown out - I wouldn’t even give it a second thought!

It’s laying flat as a board in this heat though - and the humidity is just too low to give it any bounce at all.

Posted by SBKaren on 11/16 at 01:40 PM

Sharon....just gorgeous! Your latest look is just fantastic although I must say that you are a lucky lady....ALL your photos are great, short, medium whatever.  However long you decide to go, with your style, it is all good !

Posted by Shara on 11/16 at 02:34 PM

Sharon,
It looks great! I know this is what my BF is after for me, long curls again, but I am still enjoying my crop. I am almost finished with the pesky dyed brown ends, so I still want to cut them off.

Your transition from short to long is just as much of an inspiration for us!

Ruth

Posted by ruthmgon on 11/16 at 07:17 PM

Sharon, it looks awesome. Shara is so right, you can pull off any length hair and look gorgeous!! Wow, so how long are you going to grow it and if you’ve already answered that question, I missed it. 

Posted by sallee on 11/17 at 08:18 AM

Thanks Ruthmgon and Sallee

I’m considering growing it REALLY long. As in waist length. I grew it that long 4 or 5 years ago but then, because I was dyeing it, the condition was pretty awful. I recently remembered an occasion around 5 years ago when I was at an art exhibition at the Royal Academy in London. While there I was distracted from looking at the art by a head of hair that was so beautiful I found myself following the owner and staring at the cascade of silver curls flowing down her back. Her hair was waist length, a mix of white and silver, and the most stunning hair I had ever seen. Now if I could attain that.....  at the rate my hair grows I’m guessing it will take about 4 years.

Posted by Sharon on 11/17 at 04:08 PM

Sharon,

Thanks for posting the new picture. I am so encouraged by reading your story and watching your hair grow. I am about 7 months behind you in my “adventure” and couldn’t think of a better person to follow. Keep posting. It keeps us (me!) going.

AnaB

Posted by anab on 11/18 at 06:31 AM

Sharon,

Your so gorgeous.  I love your hair.  I hope mine is as long and beautiful as yours in a about a year. 

I have curly/wavy thick hair and although I’m not going to cut it down to the wood, it’s shorter than I would prefer right now.  I applaud your bravery for cutting it all off and starting fresh.  Mine would stick strait up in the air if I did that.  As it is right now I have to really work at it to keep it somewhat tame and I’m hoping that by Christmas it will at least lay down a little easier.  I dont’ mind the multi-color as much as the style and I’m looking forward to the finished product.

Thank you for posting your pictures.

Marisa

Posted by Marisa on 11/20 at 08:16 PM

Sharon, I think the longer style looks great!!  Is your hair naturally curly?  Do you style it straight sometimes too?  Either way I know it would be beautiful.

Posted by grayme on 11/25 at 09:04 AM

Hi Grayme
Yes, my hair IS naturally curly. When I was dyeing it I sometimes used the straightening irons on it and even chemically straightened it - with disasterous consequences when my hair pretty much melted!
Now that I’m fully transitioned I’m terrified of using straightening irons on my hair, so much so that I gave away the 2 sets I had. I’m scared of scorching my hair and discolouring it permanently. For someone who used to be gung ho about my hair, using bleach over dye over bleach over lord knows what chemical treatments I’m now the opposite and really don’t do anything to it. I rarely even use a hairdryer unless I’m in an enormous hurry. In fact I don’t even comb it, just run my fingers through it.

Posted by Sharon on 11/25 at 11:37 AM

Sharon thanks for posting your new photo your hair looks lovely - it’s so soft and feminine looking.  I love this website - I’m 45 and my hair is only 10% grey I’ve never coloured my hair and was tempted to start but this website has given me inspiration to go grey naturally. 

Posted by dorsetlady on 11/25 at 02:01 PM

Hello Marisa, I’ve just seen your photographs. Judging by the way your hair is waving in the recent photos I think we have similar type of curls. I look forward to following your progress - silverburst is a great name.

Posted by Sharon on 11/27 at 08:31 AM

Hi dorsetlady, I’m glad you found this site BEFORE you got stuck on the dyeing treadmill. I’m sure your hair will thank you for staying natural by being in much better condition than it would be otherwise.
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 11/27 at 08:32 AM

Sharon,, I love your new photo in the Member’s Album!! Your hair is so lovely!

Posted by lulubell on 11/30 at 05:30 AM

i second that cute new pic !! stunning color and curls?? lucky!!
happy almost dec to you!
louann

Posted by louann on 11/30 at 07:57 AM

Thanks for the nice words lulubell and Louann. In that photo I’d straightened the front by putting in flat clips while it was wet and allowing it to dry naturally. I’m too scared to use heat straightneners on it! I don’t want the white bits to discolour.
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 11/30 at 09:22 AM

Yes,
Like Louann said, that members album picture is great. So is the latest on here. You must be so happy with your hair transition! You have great variety now with that cut. Perfect for the curls you have.
Ruth

Posted by ruthmgon on 11/30 at 09:38 PM

Hi Sharon,

I’m going for the big chop tomorrow and plan on showing my stylist your hair cut. I’ll be sure to take before and after pictures. Thanks for being an inspiration to those of us going for the “chop”.

Mary

Posted by Silverhair on 12/01 at 08:58 AM

Hi Mary, it is very flattering to know I’m an inspiration to someone
Eight months on from ‘the big chop’ I’m amazed how much it has grown out. Today I almost had a trim but the hairdresser I visited was ridiculously expensive so I decided to wait a while longer. Surprisingly, eight months without so much as a trim and I have no split or tatty ends. Amazing how much healthier my hair is without the dye.
I look forward to seeing your photos very soon.
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 12/01 at 10:00 AM

Thanks ruthmgon. Yes, I am pleased and especially since I haven’t actually had it styled, it is just the ‘back to the wood’ cut plus 8 months of growth! It has reached a length where it is quite versatile which I do enjoy. Now I’m aiming for ‘Elizabeth length’. 

Posted by Sharon on 12/01 at 10:02 AM

Sharon,

With as quickly as your hair is growing, I’m sure it won’t be long until it is “Elizabeth length”.

Mary

Posted by Silverhair on 12/01 at 10:09 AM

Sharon-Your hair is just beautiful!  It’s so encouraging to see the curl!  My hair has been so short that I thought it would never curl again...but as it gets some length on it...it’s beginning to come back to curlie life again!  Thanks for the spectacular photos for inspiration!
~dede

Posted by wtxgray on 12/01 at 01:01 PM

Hello Dede
Yes, isn’t it encouraging when the curls reappear?

Posted by Sharon on 12/02 at 04:28 PM

Sharon - about your post from 11/27, I use a hot brush to smooth and define my hair.  When I was younger it was curly all over but now its curly is some spots and wavy in others but it’s not even on my head.  In fact I have most of my curl right at my forehead so if I just let it dry naturally I can sometimes look like a poodle.   I actually had a hairdresser purposfully style it that way once.  I never boosted her paycheck again.  This is also why I keep reminding myself that a chop will not be good for me.  I need enough length to wrap around my hot brush.

I can tell that the new hair is a different texture and seems to be more relaxed but it’s still hard to tell what the end result will be.  I’m trying very hard to wait patiently.

I am going to try something different tonight because the more it grows out the more nervous I am about scorching my white.  Especially after the damage I just cut off.

Posted by Marisa on 12/02 at 04:53 PM

Hello Marisa
Let us know how you get on trying something different. Have you tried foam rollers to make the curl looser?

Posted by Sharon on 12/03 at 06:33 AM

I had not really intended to cut my hair but today I did just that. It had been 8 months since my last hair cut and I felt my hair would look better for a bit of a tidy up. I went back to the salon that did my ‘back to the wood’ haircut. Unfortunately the stylist who did that for me and was very supportive of my decision to go natural has emigrated
and I was unsure what reaction I would get from another stylist.
I sat in the chair and the new stylist (30s, long dyed hair)looked at my hair and said “I know this sounds a bit rude but your hair looks..... “ (haha, I was waiting for the word ‘old’).... “a bit mullety”.  She wasn’t in the least perturbed about the silver, she asked me about the transition process, about whether I liked it, had other family members gone grey young like me? Considering I’m 45 I don’t consider I’m young to have grey hair though it did start 30 years ago so I can legitimately claim premie.
So I now have a short, layered bob. My hair looks whiter than before the cut - not sure why - and have found a new stylist I feel happy with.

Posted by Sharon on 12/03 at 07:03 AM

Picture please. :o) We want to see your new cut.

Mullety. Oops. I know I am having an interesting look at times as I grow out the shorter layers. Now I’m wondering if I have a longer mullety effect. :o)

Good for you on finding a good stylist...and for your hair looking whiter!

Posted by greeneyes on 12/03 at 07:17 AM

Oh Sharon I lOVE your new “do”!  Greeneyes...go look at her picture in the Members Album!!  It is just beautiful!!  I think it is a perfect cut for letting the length grow back in too!  GOOD SHOW!!!
~dede

Posted by wtxgray on 12/03 at 07:28 AM

Oh Sharon, please send a new pic soon!  Please, oh please! I bet it’s cute.

Okay, well, I didn’t get to wash it until this morning and I wanted to let it dry naturally to see if it would still frizz up.  My hair is so thick and dense that it takes a long time to dry naturally and I don’t like leaving the house with wet hair but I did it anyway.  Normaly I wash it, blow dry it and then use my hot brush to curl or straighten it how I want.

Although I didn’t like the way the curl dried, messy looking with no direction, it did not frizz on top where most of the white is.  Yea!  I did end up using the drier to dry my scalp which was still damp 3 hours later and it immediately frizzed up, very interesting.  Now I remember when my hair was really long and I was in a hurry I used to just dry it from under in order to dry my scalp but back then my whole head would frizz no matter what I did unless I used rollers or massive amounts of heat.  There is a picture of me somewhere 3 months after we had our first son
and my hair was long and had tons of calming goop on it but it was so BIG that it looked twice the width of my shoulders. EEK!  Thankfully it’s not THAT thick anymore.

I can’t wait for it to be longer and dye free.  It’s like waiting for an awsome gift that you only get little sneak peeks at all year long.

mullety - does that mean stubborn?  or something else?

Posted by Marisa on 12/03 at 07:40 AM

Hi Dede
The photo in the members album was taken a few day ago, my hair is much shorter in the neck now. I’m going to change the members photo right now.
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 12/03 at 07:41 AM

OOO, just saw you pic in members.  Sultry is more like it.  Very nice!

Posted by Marisa on 12/03 at 07:48 AM

Thanks, Dede. I agree. Beautiful! :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 12/03 at 07:48 AM

Sharon I’ve just seen your latest picture and think your hair is gorgeous. 

Posted by dorsetlady on 12/03 at 08:25 AM

Thank you for the compliments everybody

Hi Marisa, I copied this from Wikipedia:
“A mullet is a hairstyle that is short in the front, top, and sides, but long in the back. The hairstyle was popular from the early 1980s to the early 1990s. Mullets have been worn by males and females. The mullet is distinct from the rattail, which consists of a long, narrow “tail” of hair growing from the back of the head. Mullets also vary in length from side to side and do not necessarily share a single, consistent length............ in the United Kingdom the mullet is mostly associated with thugs”. 

Posted by Sharon on 12/03 at 08:57 AM

Ha ha that is funny, I guess I was trying to put an english accent on it and that’s why I didn’t get it.  There are still guys here in Texas that have mullets.  Usually the really out in the country, country guys.  I guess they really are stubborn also! 
Marisa

Posted by Marisa on 12/03 at 09:34 AM

Sharon,

WOW!! (in hushed, wispered, reverent tones) You look...great, fantastic, serene, really at peace with yourself. Thanks so much for sharing and giving such inspiration.

Mary

Posted by Silverhair on 12/03 at 09:39 AM

Holy CATS!!!!!!! Sharon, you got it ALL going on! You look amazing! Your hair looks incredibly soft! Can I run my fingers through it

You and Jennifer are the Queens of gorgeous curls!!!!

Posted by elizabeth on 12/03 at 01:35 PM

Oh my gosh Sharon- you’re hair is even more beautiful than before!  Is all that curl still all natural?  I’m so jealous.

Like Marisa, my hair still gets a bit frizzy when I let it dry by itself.  It definitely looks as if it has a mind of it’s own and goes ever which way.

That said, I don’t need to spend nearly as much fussing with it.  I use medium heat to blow dry it to about 80%, then I use a blow-dryer rolling brush to style my hair.  I can use a brush and blow dryer to get the front done right, but never been quite able to get the back done to my satisfaction.

This blow drying brush combo has heat and speed settings, and I tone it way down to calm the frizz and add some body and curl.  I can be done with my hair in 10 minutes or less -so I’m pretty happy with that.

I’ve been experimenting with make-up lately, and while I’m not crazy about wearing much, I feel as if my face is too washed out.  For me, I just feel like it’s too much work!  I have such small slits for eyes that any mascara I put on my eye-lashes - which need it, end up on the upper lid of my eye.  I also wear contacts, and the older I get the more I ‘feel’ my make up in my eyes as the day wears on.

Any suggestions gals?

Posted by SBKaren on 12/03 at 01:53 PM

First, Sharon, your hair is gorgeous. Wow.

Second, Karen, I haven’t got any suggestions but I’m sure you’ll be getting some. I don’t do a lot of makeup and what I use I call makeup for dummies, but I’m sure some of the other Silver Sisters will come to your rescue. So hang tough.

Posted by sallee on 12/03 at 01:59 PM

Hi SBKaren
Yes the curl is all natural. Amazingly, although I was born with curly hair it changed when I was about 3 or 4 and I had practically straight hair till I was in my 30s when it began to get wavier and wavier again. Odd.
Like you I wear contact lenses and I have the same issues with eye make up which is why I wear very little of it. Fortunately my eyebrows and eyelashes are still very dark so I don’t miss the heavier eye make up too much. I sometimes use a little silver glitter on the lid if I want to glam up.  Rather than the loose powder which tends to fall into the eyes I use a sort of clear gel with pieces of glitter in it that sets when it dries.

Posted by Sharon on 12/03 at 02:33 PM

Hey Elizabeth, it’s amazing to me to be ABLE to run my fingers through it! When it was dyed my fingers always got stuck!! Not now though, it is the softest it has ever been.

Posted by Sharon on 12/03 at 02:35 PM

oh my sharon!!! gorgeous!! aren’t you just so excited?? i think haircuts can give the hair “umph” especially with the curls!! mine is wavy and loads of texture but really no curl to speak of...the stylist did a great job !! keep her!!

karen...i know what you mean about the makeup..ok people aren’t used to me wearing it and i don’t have a problem leaving the house without it ..but i have to say it feels a bit “grown up “ now!!!  to look a bit more “dressed” so tto speak...you know what i mean?  this will be my new phase i guess..it was fun today i bought a plum tinted lip gloss..out with the bronze stuff…

anyway we should hop over the the product chat i guess to yak about this stuff..

again sharon fab fab fab!!!

louann

Posted by louann on 12/03 at 03:05 PM

Beautiful Sharon!!

Posted by lulubell on 12/03 at 05:09 PM

This new pic is so much easier to see.  I love it.  Trully gorgeous.  I see a whiter stream up near the front.  Is that what you said looks more white?  That is like the icing on the cake.

Marisa

Posted by Marisa on 12/03 at 06:31 PM

Sharon

Just viewed your latest photo ......gorgeous!!!!!!

The colors, the curl .... just the perfect frame for that lovely face of yours!

Well done

Posted by RuffDiamond on 12/04 at 06:03 AM

Unbelievable, Sharon,

This seems like it went so fast. Beautiful! - Deb B

Posted by Debbie on 12/04 at 07:50 AM

You are so gorgeous!  Thanks for sharing!

Posted by RunnerGal on 12/04 at 11:03 AM

OMG you look so beautiful!

Posted by Scorpioanne on 12/04 at 04:35 PM

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Can I have some of your curls?)

Posted by DianeW on 12/04 at 06:13 PM

Sharon,

I love your latest cut!  I am a huge fan of bobs and I love the way the front is now more even with the back.  I think you made a very wise decision to trim some off of the back before growing it more.  My hair is a lot like yours, texture-wise, and it always seems to grow faster in the back.  I would love a cut like yours for myself!  And, I agree with what everyone says .... you have beautiful features and they are really being showcased now!

Posted by grayincali on 12/05 at 01:41 PM

Thank you everybody for your nice comments. I have quite the swollen head with all the flattering things people have said.

Yes Marisa, I did think the bit towards the front looked whiter but overall it does too. I was aware of a warm tone to the hair before this cut but now it looks more icy. I think maybe the ends had become a little discoloured. When I had my skunk stripe I put a mild bleaching agent on my hair to try to reduce the intensity of the dyed hair and suspect it made the white ones a bit yellowish. All that hair has gone now.

Posted by Sharon on 12/05 at 02:34 PM

Just want to chime in here to say to all Newbies who have recently done the big chop—Sharon is a great study in how to get through the grow-in quite gracefully. It actually took 9 months from her “March chop” to this new cut in November. And never once did her hair look awkward or “dumb.” Yes, she had curls on her side to help, but it’s always about working with what you’ve got. Adding layers if need be. Keeping it looking fresh and modern.

As you go through grow-in, hair can get top-heavy or side-heavy, or just plain out of shape. So do go get those trims. Your hair will respond the better for it.

Treat every new inch as if it were a hairstyle you love—and work with it. And, as Sharon proves, that’s one way to keep looking gorgeous all the way through.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 12/05 at 09:34 PM

Beautiful!  Sharon you look fabulous! 

Posted by graytnw on 12/14 at 11:51 AM

Hi Sharon

I’m new to the group and your picture just blew me away. What a stunning change! I would have passed the brunette you in the street and taken no notice, but with silver hair the first thing I see is a striking face with beautiful dark eyes. (Funny you would say they are small because they are the first thing that pops out at me!)

It’s weird how those features are not apparent in your “before” picture. The heavy dark hair seemed to mask them somehow. I think you look like a young Anne Bancroft now and you’re inspiring me to take the plunge too!

Posted by Medusa on 12/24 at 01:44 PM

Hello Medusa and welcome to the group. Thank you for the compliments, so nice of you to say those things
If you do decide to go natural this is the best place to come to for support and inspiration. I have photos of some of the members on my wall by the monitor and they give me the boost I need if ever I’m having a bad hair day - I had bad hair days when I was dyed too so I do not blame it on going natural!

Happy Christmas,
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 12/24 at 03:47 PM

I have created a Facebook album called ‘A year of going natural’ which has one picture of my hair for each month of the past year. If anyone would like to take a look the address is:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=81408&id=744171795&saved;#/album.php?aid=81408&id=744171795

I have edited the privacy settings so you don’t have to have a Facebook account to see them.

Incidentally if anyone on here uses Facebook and would like to ‘friend’ me please do! (I’m pleased to say I have the beautiful and inspirational Yasmina Rossi on my friends list).

Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 12/29 at 10:02 AM

Hi Sharon—did try to go there, but the first screen that comes up is your login and password screen. Since many may not be Facebook members, how do you get around that?

Posted by Diana Jewell on 12/29 at 11:17 AM

Sharon -

Love your photo gallery - thanks for adding me as a friend

Posted by RuffDiamond on 12/29 at 11:20 AM

Love your album Sharon.  I’ve requested you add me as a Facebook friend. 

Posted by dorsetlady on 12/29 at 11:38 AM

Thanks for adding me too Sharon - we must get to know each others last names, as that’s the only way to request ‘friendship’.

Diana - having a Facebook account will only help you grow!

Posted by SBKaren on 12/29 at 02:08 PM

Hello Diana
Mmmm, I thought it could be seen by non members too. I believe I can send you a link directly to your email address. I will try that.

Posted by Sharon on 12/29 at 02:23 PM

I believe THIS is the public link and the previous one I posted was members only. Please let me know if this one works for non Facebook members.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=81408&l=1d1c5&id=744171795

Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 12/29 at 02:29 PM

Yup, Sharon—that did the trick!  Thanks! What a beautiful gallery of pics!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 12/29 at 02:40 PM

wow what a great look!! how does your mom feel about your color now? it really looks so great on you!!! thanks for proving grey does not equal old!

happy 2009

louann

Posted by louann on 01/02 at 08:32 AM

Sharon -

I don’t see “bouffant” - I see a wild, sexy mane of silver! And, yes, I’m jealous !!!! 

Posted by RuffDiamond on 01/02 at 10:10 AM

Hi Louann
As far as my mum is concerned.... I have no idea what she thinks about my hair!! It has become ‘the elephant in the room’ and is never mentioned these days

Posted by Sharon on 01/02 at 10:14 AM

Thanks RuffDiamond. I didn’t do a single thing to my hair except get out of bed and that’s how it was. I never brush it!

Posted by Sharon on 01/02 at 10:27 AM

Sharon -

Have you always had wavy/curly hair? Or is that how your silver came in?

Love the coat, by the way! Our taste in clothing is VERY similar! My closet is 95% black. The other 5% is olive/gray-green ... have you worn that color with your silver hair? I’m curious to see if I’ll be able to keep wearing that.

Still don’t have enough natural color going on to tell. Maybe after tomorrow’s haircut I’ll see more pewter

Posted by RuffDiamond on 01/02 at 10:37 AM

RuffDiamond -

Well I was born with curly hair then after I was a toddler it became absolutely straight and was like that until I was in my 30s when it seemd to become wavy. Over the next 10 or 15 years it became curlier and curlier. I don’t know why! Photos of me as a schoolgirl show this long, straight, dark hair so I look very different from now.

I too am a fan of that olive colour. The jury is still out on whether it looks ok with my natural hair. I did wear an olive jacket in early autumn and I thought that looked nice but lacked the ‘punch’ of black or white which really are my mainstay wardrobe colours. I like certain shades of grey too but they don’t all seem to work. One of these days I’ll work out what my skintone is because I honestly do not know if I’m warm or cool.

Posted by Sharon on 01/02 at 10:49 AM

Sharon

I’m not sure what I am either ... but I have noticed that I have “instinctively” been gravitating towards dark purples, gray/lavenders, and gray/blues over the earthtones I use to wear ... and my hair is still in the colored auburn stage ... so maybe my skin tone is/has changed, and is READY for the gray

I’ve recently purchased a gray and black Tahitian pearl choker, an amythest choker, and a blue Topaz choker (over the course of 6 months) - choices I would never have made even a year ago.

My eye color has changed from hazel at birth, to honey brown in high school, to green w/gold in my 30’s, and now seems to be leaning towards blue/gray. !!!!????? What is mother nature doing? hehehehehe

Posted by RuffDiamond on 01/02 at 10:58 AM

Yes RuffDiamond, who knew eyes could change colour!! Mine were originally so dark brown it was hard to see the pupil in them. Now they are a much lighter hazel with gold and green flecks in them. Most odd. I’m jealous yours are now turning blue/grey. My sister has the most beautiful grey coloured eyes, very unusual (but no grey on her head yet despite being only two years younger than me). I suppose it keeps it interesting for us that mother nature makes these changes for us. Who needs hair dye?

Posted by Sharon on 01/02 at 11:04 AM

Sharon - are you using any special shampoo or products in your hair? Do you find your hair has more shine now, as so many others have stated?

Posted by RuffDiamond on 01/02 at 11:15 AM

Hi RuffDiamond

I’m using moisturising shampoos and conditioners on a regular basis but once a fortnight I use a clarifiying shampoo followed by Phyto White shampoo. I don’t use any styling products although I did when it was shorter. On occassion I might use a little serum but most days not. I think it is shinier now unless I let it go frizzy - then I look like Diana’s description of a dandelion gone to seed overall I’m amazed at how soft and tangle free it is now compared with when it was dyed (and straightened and bleached and all the rest of it).

Posted by Sharon on 01/02 at 12:24 PM

Thanks for the info Sharon - hopefully, I’ll be as fortunate.

Posted by RuffDiamond on 01/02 at 12:27 PM

I love the new picture Sharon!  looks like you have our weather...a balmy 31 degrees farenheit today...guess that’s zero celsius (if google didn’t do the math wrong)

Helen

Posted by Thisyear on 01/02 at 01:37 PM

See, there you are again looking so stunning, always. You do the Silver Sisterhood proud!!

Posted by sallee on 01/02 at 01:40 PM

Sharon - your hair looks great!  You have the kind of curly, wavy hair that people crave!  There is a girl at work that has the most beautiful curly hair....but what does she want?  Straight and flat!  Everyone once in a while she wears it natural and it just looks so good - I wish she could see that!

Posted by SBKaren on 01/02 at 02:46 PM

man oh man my poor mother would tie rags in my hair ...i remember standing while she would wrap these rags around pieces of hair…
my other 2 sisters were born with such curly hair you could not even brush it!!serious ringlets… very shirley temple...it was the mid to late 1930’s you know.. then i came along and wham she’s got me to a “beauty parlor” getting a permanent wave at the ripe old age of 6!!! well heck she was 51 at the time so it was probably cheap entertainment too!!! (and now we are talking 1961...)
everytime i see curly/wavy hair i think of my mom!!
anyway boy this takes me back !! (to the “olden days")

keep sendin’ in those pics...we love em all!!
louann

Posted by louann on 01/02 at 03:13 PM

Helen (thisyear) - yes it is about 0 degrees here today. Brrrrrr.

Posted by Sharon on 01/02 at 03:49 PM

OMG—Louann! You were a rags girl, too?? My Mom worked the same “magic” on me—and then she would wind my hair around her fingers and make “long curls”—very Scarlett O’Hara. (Or Shirley Temple.) I think my hair is permanently wavy because of those rags!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 01/02 at 04:06 PM

i was a rag girl..!!! my mom was born in 1909...all she wanted was curly hair...instead she had this incredible thick head of straight (probably had lots of “body") auburn hair!!! but i only knew her as a lovely white haired mom…

louann

Posted by louann on 01/02 at 08:03 PM

Sharon, I love your look - the longer and grayer your hair becomes the better it looks!!  I could only hope for the same for myself.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Posted by grayme on 01/03 at 08:04 AM

i like your pic in the members album too!! is it new???
that is where everyone seems to “sneak” in new pics!!
the sun is hining today but it is still chilly...might need to “borrow” that cute coat!
louann

Posted by louann on 01/03 at 08:34 AM

Hi Louann, yes I sneaked in a new one on my members page too. Still freezing here so I’m hanging onto my coat!

Posted by Sharon on 01/03 at 08:45 AM

Speaking of sneaking in new pics in the Member’s Album, have you checked out Dede? wtxgray? Now, there’s a glam shot, too!

Oh, and there’s one more “new” pic—look above on our banner. Our gal’s had a facelift for ‘09! Didn’t notice, didja?

Posted by Diana Jewell on 01/03 at 01:00 PM

I THOUGHT the banner girl looked different but didn’t know if I’d imagined it!!

Posted by Sharon on 01/03 at 01:07 PM

No. You didn’t. Our web designer decided she needed a chin. And a new hairdo. And now the banner itself has two colors of blue. Subtle changes, but different.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 01/03 at 01:12 PM

I also noticed SOMETHING was different. I thought it was the font - and then the girl did seem perkier, but I noticed it late last night and decided my eyes were just going.

So, she didn’t have a chin before? Poor thing. AND a new hairdo? That shows how little I pay attention.

But hey - I DID notice the snowflakes. :o)

Posted by greeneyes on 01/03 at 01:40 PM

i did notice ms dede...i’d like to see that one bigger!!! she looks great!!! forgot to mention her in all the other notices…
now about the banner lady...her lipstick is a bit brighter also...not sure if i remember her having green eyeshadow!! oh well now i will pay much closer attention to her…

happy first sat of the new year...in 2 weeks the so cal gals will be gathering!!!
eat your heart out
louann

Posted by louann on 01/03 at 01:50 PM

I did post a reply to the “new girl”—but I don’t think it took. Trying again. In any case, go look at Café Gray. I did a New Year’s blog about it. And you can see how she’s changed.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 01/03 at 02:21 PM

Sharon, the coat is absolutely perfect!  You look great!  What’s more than that is...YOU ALWAYS LOOK GREAT!

Hey Ladies!  Thanks for noticing my new pic in the Members Album!  It’s not a very good quality photo, and I actually look blonde in it if it gets much bigger than it is here! 

~dede

Posted by wtxgray on 01/06 at 06:05 AM

Sharon, you look fabulous in that coat!!!  You look younger than ever.  I LOVE the length of your hair and the curls.  Super sexy!

Posted by RunnerGal on 01/06 at 08:06 AM

Hi Sharon!  Not only am I totally envious of that beautiful head of hair you have, I think you have the most awesome earring collection EVER!  I love your style!  Great coat and you look so gorgeous! I have to say, I’m not sure if it’s b/c I know you are inspired by her, but I see a bit of Yasmina Rossi in you.  I think your hair might look very much like hers when you get a little more length.  And there’s something similar in your dark brown eyes too.  Really, you are very photogenic!

Posted by grayincali on 01/07 at 07:21 PM

So many compliments my head is rapidly swelling

grayincali, yes I have a VAST quantity of earrings. I cannot resist them and am regularly adding to my collection. One of the benefits of going very short was that the earrings I wore were more visible.  As for the Yasmina comparison.... well, you have made my day

Posted by Sharon on 01/08 at 01:48 AM

Hi again!  I just saw this pic of Cindy Joseph.  Again, check out the hair and coat.  Remind you of anyone???
http://brandhabit.com/more/more_oct_07_p176.jpg

Posted by grayincali on 01/08 at 10:25 AM

Yes, it does, but “our” Sharon does it so much better !!!!! 

Posted by RuffDiamond on 01/08 at 10:46 AM

Girl! You look AMAZING!!!!!!! I love your style! You are such a beautiful woman!  Blessings!!

Posted by elizabeth on 01/08 at 12:07 PM

Oh WOW grayincali - where on earth did you find that picture?  I agree, Sharon does it SOOOO much better!  Sharon is one classy lady!  Style all the way!

Posted by SBKaren on 01/08 at 01:21 PM

I agree!  Sharon you do have natural style to go with your natural beauty and your silver is amazing. 

I’m getting impatient again, but I’m not going to cut any shorter.  I have to keep reminding myself that cutting my hair again is not going to get me to the point of looking anything like you, or any of the other beautiful silver haired ladies on this site, any sooner.

tick tock, tick tock - off to sew again!

Posted by Marisa on 01/08 at 01:32 PM

Hi Sharon. I’m new to the group, and I love your hair. I too hope to have long silver locks. Keep up the good work.  I have about an inch of growth, and I had about three inches cut off before Christmas. My hair is not quite shoulder length. I’m trying to gather enough courage to cut more off. I think that’s part of what derailed my efforts the first time I tried to let it grow out. I did not like the half silver/half dark brown color. Anyhow, thanks for the inspiration.

Posted by kim on 01/09 at 03:56 AM

Hello Marisa and Kim

Whether or not you decide to go shorter you’ll arrive at the point of all silver sooner than you imagine. For me going short was making a commitment to the process - if I’d have left it long and dyed with natural roots I may have succumbed to the dye again in a moment of weakness, whereas once it was short and all silver if I’d have dyed again I have felt I’d gone short for nothing.

Posted by Sharon on 01/09 at 09:18 AM

Sharon,

You look fantastic! Your hair is so, WOW!! It looks so soft and shiny and silvery! Maybe you should be Silverhair! You look so good!

Mary

Posted by Silverhair on 01/09 at 09:41 AM

Sharon, I think going shorter was a smart move. I"m going to go a bit shorter each month I get my hair cut. I’m just not sure I can do it all at once. I’ve had my hair long for such a long time. I have to admit, your hair looked adorable with the pixie cut. 

Posted by kim on 01/09 at 09:55 AM

Hi Sharon, it’s funny how we each can handle different things.  I think my biggest problem is that I havn’t had hair this short in about 11 years and it was a mistake back then.  The reason I cut it short this time was really to get rid of the badly damaged hair.  I had split ends 4 to 5 inches up the shaft and it was breaking too.  I knew that if I didn’t cut it the splits would just continue and I wanted to have healthy hair as it grew so that I wouldn’t need to keep cutting the new silver growth. 

My hair is litterally all over the place when it’s short.  I have thick sections and thinner sections, curly sections, wavy sections and even a few straighter sections.  It’s just totally off balance and length disguises the ficklness of my hair.  The shorter it is the more I have to work with it and I’m getting tired of the time and the fight.

I really do admire the strength, courage and commitment of your decision to go for the chop.  I’d do it if my hair wasn’t so “special” and tempermental.  Acctually I think if it were a person my hair would just be considered MENTAL.

Welcome Kim, please don’t be discouraged by my ranting.  I still think this was a long over due decision and I know I’ll be thrilled with the results.  I just need patience. Well, plus a HAT!

Posted by Marisa on 01/09 at 01:59 PM

Kim - I left my hair long for the whole process - and there were times when I thought it just looked so bad.  During the summer I would wind it up and put a clip on it - to try to hide the varying shades that were growing out. When I did that the hair that was pulled back was very white.  That’s because I am whitest right in the front, but going back I gradually get darker.  I didn’t know how lovely my color would be until I chopped the last of the color off. (it was part way past my shoulders, but shoulder length now - never went shorter than that). My ‘after’ photo is under Great Grays - Newbie Graduates Gallery - but I still don’t think the picture shows off the darkness from the back.

I’m another of those gals that gets the “if I knew my hair would grow out like yours, I’d do it”.  I had NO idea how my hair would grow out - and I don’t think anyone does until they do!  I thought I was going to be totally, completely white - but I’m not at all.  Sure wouldn’t of thought that by my white skunk line!

Good luck to you and keep us updated with photos.  I found this site too late in my process, but if I had found it earlier, I would have chronicled by journey with photos much more carefully.  It’s an amazing process!

Posted by SBKaren on 01/09 at 02:43 PM

Thanks Karen. Your hair is beautiful, by the way. I much prefer your natural color to the blonde. The first time I let it grow out and kept it long, mine too, looked very bad. Several different colors and l felt like it looked “sloppy”. Anyway, I’m prepared to cut, but I’m not sure how short. I also wear it up, down, pulled back-you know all different ways to distract from the different colors. I think my hair-and I to have the skunk look, looks much whiter than it probably is because it’s growing out against the dyed dark brown. I’m so glad you pointed that out. Once it grows out, it may look totally different. I did not think about that last time. 

Posted by kim on 01/17 at 06:37 PM

Sharon i love your hair looks good. i only hope mine can look as good as i go th rough the trnsition phase.

Posted by joannt50 on 01/24 at 04:39 PM

Thanks joannt50
I’m so glad I made the decision. No regrets now whatsoever. I’m sure you will feel the same.
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 01/24 at 04:48 PM

Cool pics with the photoshop color changes.  That is a great way to see what might or might not look good!!  Sharon, as always your hair looks awesome!

Posted by grayincali on 01/26 at 08:06 PM

Sharon,

What a wonderful idea! To be able to see how you will look in a certain color before you buy it!

Beautiful gray and smart to boot! 

Posted by Silverhair on 01/26 at 08:11 PM

Impressive Sharon, your talent and your “perfected” color.  I’m also still loving your hair.

Posted by Marisa on 01/26 at 08:14 PM

Hi Sharon,

I’ve just been looking at your pictures and I think you look cute with the really short cut and the longer curly ‘do too!  One thing I know for sure is you look very much better with your real hair color rather than the dyed brown from before. 

I can relate when it comes to your mother’s comments, but she has to do what is comfortable for her.  There are women in my family who still “die” their hair religiously and think I’m nuts.  But come on..is a 60-something woman really fooling anyone?  Nope, and the dried out straw-hair is so unappealing!! 

I say let’s enjoy our soft, shiny new hair, and all the great colors we can wear!

Posted by Graydiva on 01/26 at 09:31 PM

Hi Sharon. I think you look great in both colors, but I like the deeper red better. I’m starting to have some difficulty with color as my hair becomes grayer. 

Posted by kim on 01/27 at 03:45 AM

I quite agree Graydiva, I don’t have a moments regret about going natural.

Posted by Sharon on 01/27 at 04:01 AM

Hi Kim. I went shopping yesterday and bought a deep aubergine cardigan which from the moment I put on I felt ‘ah yes, this is right’ and an aubergine casual top. I’ve also changed my desktop wallpaper to a picture of blackberries with a deep plum background to celebrate! I am the aubergine queen! (auberqueen?)

Posted by Sharon on 01/27 at 04:21 AM

Well isn’t that interesting? I recently bought a cardigan and shell in the same color, and your right. It’s very flattering. I’m still having a bit of trouble with the browns. I went shopping yesterday with a friend and walked out empty handed. I’m just not sure anymore. I tried one sweater on, but it just didn’t work. I hope my color grows out to be as gorgeous as yours. Thanks for the continued inspiration. 

Posted by kim on 01/27 at 04:34 AM

I know what you mean about the browns Kim - they were a big favourite with me when I was dyed but now they don’t look very interesting. Never mind, as one colour door closes, another opens

Posted by Sharon on 01/27 at 04:42 AM

Hey Sharon!  I love your hair!  It is so much prettier on you than the dyed brown.  It looks great at all the lengths.  I have somewhat curly hair that tended to “fuzz” and bend, and I’m hoping that it will be curlier once all the color is gone.  The darker bluer red looks gorgeous onyou!  I think, looking at your skin, that that is probably the color tone that will always look best on you, but your dyed hair probably allowed you to “crossover.” I’m finding that as I get more gray, I can “crossover” more to gray and black clothes, as long as I put something bright and “warm” with them, close to my face, like red-orange, teal, periwinkle, coral, etc.  I still look washed out with just gray or black, or bluish shades of red.  I think it is that undertone that is the most important, regardless of hair color.  I actually got out my orange yarn and got it rolled into a ball so I can make a spring scarf-let.  So, I’m starting it today!!! Yeah!

Posted by Becca on 01/27 at 01:34 PM

Sharon - I love the color you are wearing in your member photo right now .... looks really good on you!

Posted by grayincali on 01/31 at 12:11 PM

Thanks grayincali - I bought that top this week after ‘trying it on’ first using Photoshop!

Posted by Sharon on 01/31 at 01:17 PM

Becca - I’m sure you are right about different colours suiting us when we are dyed and the dye allowing some cross over. Some of the colours I thought of as ‘mine’ when I was brunette are no longer working. It’s a fascinating process discovering what suits us when natural.

Posted by Sharon on 01/31 at 01:19 PM

Hi Sharon

I also wanted to compliment you on ANOTHER great color selection .. that “lavendar” is a striking color with your hair!

Posted by RuffDiamond on 01/31 at 05:17 PM

Hi Sharon,
I’ve been reading about the extreme cold weather in London? How are you doing with all that? Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you.  Hope you’re staying safe and warm.

Posted by sallee on 02/04 at 09:38 AM

Hi Sallee
Yes, we’ve had some pretty chilly weather here recently but I’m safe and warm in my little house. Thank you for asking

Posted by Sharon on 02/07 at 12:05 PM

Love your new colors above, is aubergine the violet color you have on or is it some other color?  I also like your new member pic. Great taste in clothes and colors and I can see that your hair has grown too.  I’ve got a “tiny” trim to shape things up scheduled for this coming week.  I hope that I still have enough length to still feel a little movement when it over, we’ll see.  Glad to hear your staying warm.  It’s very windy and if it weren’t for the wind it would be hot - temp 76F and sunny - and I almost lost my hat when I went for a walk earlier.

Posted by Marisa on 02/07 at 03:16 PM

Thanks Marisa. When I went ‘back to the wood’ last April my hair was so short I had no movement in it whatsoever. It’s amazing how hair grows back so quickly. I hope we will get to see a photo of your new cut next week. Posting photos regularly is a great way to plot your progress.
Aubergine is a much darker colour than the one I’m wearing in the latest photo. It is a deep, brownish purple - I think in the US it is called ‘eggplant’.

Posted by Sharon on 02/07 at 05:14 PM

Sharon,

Whatever the name of the color (I think I would have called it lavender) it looks wonderful on you! When I look at the previous pictures, I can see how much “lighter” and brighter you look in your natural colors!

Have a great day!

Posted by Silverhair on 02/08 at 05:18 AM

Silverhair, colour names are a funny thing aren’t they? Another top I bought I would call a faded pinky, brownish purple. My boyfriend imaginatively called it ‘puce donkey’

Posted by Sharon on 02/08 at 05:35 AM

Silverhair, I’d call in lavender too.  I was in a hurry - the hubby walked away from the pc for just a moment - I was sneaking in some posts and couldn’t think fast enough .

Ya, the fashion industry changes the names of the same color just to keep us confused and coming back to get the “new color”!

Sharon, “puce donkey” does not sound flattering.  I’m sure that with the right accessories and your sense of style you transformed it to gorgeous!

Posted by Marisa on 02/08 at 07:24 AM

Why the confusion? Did you see the headline? Lavender, it says right there in print! Must admit, Marisa, I am one of those scheming creatures who is often asked to come up with shade names for both fashion and cosmetics. Sometimes, after coming up with 100 names for one color, say pink, I’ll ask my husband, too. And he’ll come up with some doozies. My favorite one from him was “Popsicle Alley.” Don’t know what it meant, but I loved it. No puce donkey, though. Although I may be tempted to throw that in, just to see if anyone is really paying attention!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 02/08 at 07:38 AM

sharon i need to check in here more often (i have things clicked off all over the site so i don’t clog the mail box and end up on the naughty list)… ... you have such a great sense of style and i love the way you play with colors etc...keep it comming girl!! 

Posted by louann on 02/08 at 08:12 AM

I claim illness for my confusion!  But I still like the lavender!

Posted by Silverhair on 02/08 at 08:17 AM

Diana, what a fun job, creating color names. I’d enjoy that. Being an artist, I play in color all the time.
Sharon, I love what you did in photoshop, but I have to say, you would look great in any color! What gorgeous hair and eyes.

Posted by silvercurl on 02/08 at 08:47 AM

It’s fun the first time, silvercurl, it’s grueling after that. It becomes an obsession while you’re in the process. Everywhere you go, your mind clicks off possible names for, uh, red. You pass a French restaurant, Bistrot Red! You see a bird in the backyard, Raven Red! These all have to be names nobody ever thought of before, remember. For shades that everybody has seen before. And you have to submit hundreds. For each shade. Then a new season comes, and it all starts again. Not my favorite thing to do, actually.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 02/08 at 09:14 AM

Heh heh, Diana, I’ll ask him if you can use Puce Donkey - I can see it as a blush shade
My sister and I still laugh at the fact that as a teenager (ooh, maybe 25 years ago) she bought a lipstick with the name ‘Covent Garden Slicker’. She came home and tried it on her lips and it looked awful! I asked her why she bought it and she said “because I liked the name”. There is a funny photograph of me wearing the lipstick (truly horrible colour) with a very swollen face because I’d just had 4 impacted wisdom teeth removed. Every time I see the photo it makes me laugh to think of her buying that lipstick.

Posted by Sharon on 02/08 at 09:53 AM

By the way, the top he called ‘puce donkey’ is actually a very nice colour and puce donkey describes it fairly accurately   It is similar to the colour listed here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puce but with more grey in it.

Posted by Sharon on 02/08 at 09:57 AM

Ah, see, that’s the power of the right name. It gets you to BUY the product. Because you have an association in your mind with the name, or would like to. I like names that have nothing whatever to do with the shade—just a feeling. If you have Opi nailcolor in London ("Metro Chic”—now what color is that?) or anything by Stilla ("Pixie"—ditto), you know what I mean. It’s just all in the mind. Your sister probably loved Covent Garden, so she had to have it. She wasn’t buying color, she was buying a feeling.

Puce, a whole ‘nother can of worms! Ask 10 people on the street, and they won’t know what puce actually is, but they’ll know what it sounds like!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 02/08 at 10:14 AM

Apparently puce comes from the French word for flea. Haha. I suppose after it has been feasting for a while it does look that colour!

Posted by Sharon on 02/08 at 10:33 AM

EEwww!    about the feasting.  oh, about the colour, I would have called it Dusty Rose.  But there you go, different names for similar colours and our wonderful Wikipedia to the rescue again!

I just rode my bike to pick up the Sunday paper and stopped at the store, saw a nice shade of nail polish - and bought it - called Penn Station.  Is there any thing in Penn Station that is a nice berry red colour, with a slight shimmer?  Who knows, who cares, I like the colour.

Posted by Marisa on 02/08 at 10:45 AM

Hah! Not unless a commuter is wearing it!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 02/08 at 10:50 AM

The power of language and color is really amazing. I see how it would become an obsession to find hundreds of names, but I sure would have fun for one season. I grew up with several languages, so I am always intrigued and fascinated by words, their uses and sounds.
Diana, I don’t recall reading anywhere how short you cut your hair during the growing out stage. I’m curious how you handled that, since you were still able to pull it back.

Posted by silvercurl on 02/08 at 12:23 PM

Sharon - I love you in the lavender and the dark burgundy red...I wear those red colors too.  Our school colors are red and white, so I do wear a red t-shirt on Fridays, not my favorite as it’s more red/red, but I just look like everyone else at work, so not too bad.

I love your sense of style too!  I have met another gal from England - she lives in Milton Keynes...and we keep in touch through email and through another blog.  She posted pictures of all the snow!  Just amazing!  Are you anywhere near Milton Keynes?

Posted by SBKaren on 02/08 at 02:04 PM

Silvercurl—I pulled it back all during transitioning. I didn’t cut it short until after transitioning. And then I went really really short, a boycut. I loved it, the whole freedom from styling thing. I kept it that way for about two years, and then decided to grow it again.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 02/08 at 04:48 PM

Sharon, your hair is just amazing. Glad to hear you’re staying warm. You always look great.

Diana, you wrote about not actually wanting to go gray on a the weekend when I couldn’t comment and then I forgot. Amazing how that all came about. What a great story. Come to think of it, where is your story with pics? 

Posted by sallee on 02/10 at 11:51 AM

I was writing the book at the time, Sallee, and didn’t bother to document myself. I didn’t want it to be a first-person story of “how I went gray.” I wanted to show all kinds of women, all kinds of ways to go gray successfully. The only shot I have is the “author’s shot” taken at the end, which is on the back of the book.  You can kind of see about 3 different colors going on. As you can under Transitioning, Choice 4. That’s truly the only documentation I have, so I’ll never be a “Story Girl.” I think it’s much more fun to find lots of other “Story Girls,” to really prove the point that each woman goes gray in her own way.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 02/10 at 01:07 PM

Thanks, Diana, now I know. And seems like there is no problem finding story girls. Love it when you post a new story and we get to read and see how they did it because we all do seem to do it our own way.  Oh, and do you still come up with names for, was it lipstick? 

Posted by sallee on 02/11 at 09:00 AM

Basically all color cosmetics (lipsticks, eyeshadows, foundations, etc.), and fragrances, too. In fact, I’m waiting for a call on a new fragrance now. But lipstick collections are the real bear—there’s always soooo many shades. Fragrances are trickier for legal reasons—you have NO idea how many names are already registered.  Keeps life interesting! But I’d much rather stay and play here!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 02/11 at 09:25 AM

Interesting to say the least!! I never really gave it a think as to who exactly comes up with the names for the colors, and there are a LOT of colors out there as I’m sure you know. My goodness, Diana, you are a BUSY woman and now I’m even more thankful that you spend as much time on this site as you do. My, but you wear many hats besides the GGLG one!!

Posted by sallee on 02/11 at 09:38 AM

Wow Diana!  I had no idea you did that!  That takes talent.  I would feel like they MUST have run out of words by now.  Pretty awesome.

Posted by RunnerGal on 02/11 at 11:55 AM

Yeah, sometimes you do worry about that!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 02/11 at 12:49 PM

Hi Sharon, I have to say that I agree with everything I’ve read about your transition to gray. You do look amazing. Your natural color compliments you far better than any dye could have. I also have to say it is great to know you live in England. Your pictures in particular have given me the determination to go through this process myself. So it was great to know where you are from since I am from Britain myself. I have been here in the states 20 years now though. Thanks for posting your pictures and giving others inspiration of how great gray is!!

Posted by celticme on 02/15 at 09:28 PM

Sharon, love your new pic in members.

Posted by Marisa on 02/24 at 03:41 PM

me too

Posted by graytnw on 02/24 at 07:50 PM

Sharon - I’m slowly reading everyones stories and yours is truly fantastic. I love the layered bob on you. Your curls must love it also. The color probe is a good idea to see what looks good on you. Eggplant would be a good color.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Betty from the north

Posted by Betty on 03/06 at 07:28 AM

Thank you Betty. I did in fact buy an eggplant coloured top and the colour works very well. However, I’m having a real love affair with grey and silver clothing just now - I feel I want to be silver all over

Posted by Sharon on 03/06 at 08:39 AM

Sharon - let me know how that goes because I like color but would like to try the silver /gray look. I think it would be very sharp for special events.
Betty

Posted by Betty on 03/07 at 10:02 AM

Betty -
I wore all grey today, in varying tones with silver jewellery and was pleased how it looked. It had the sophistication of black but with a little extra glow. Right now I’ve got a photograph of a grey skyscape on my desktop and the differing greys look very beautiful together. I like how grey can be either soft or dramatic depending on the tone.

Posted by Sharon on 03/07 at 10:45 AM

Thanks for the idea - it sounds like a smart look. Have some weddings coming up that it might look good at. Have you ever tried teal or coral? I find them good colors for me.
Betty

Posted by Betty on 03/09 at 06:42 AM

Hi Sharon,

I’m just loving your hair and hope mine looks half as good when it finally grows out.  I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind sharing what products you use on your lovely locks.

Thanks,
Leeja

Posted by Leej on 03/24 at 01:17 PM

Betty - sorry for the delay in responding, I’ve only just found your message. I wore coral last summer when I had a light tan on my face (despite regular application of factor 50 sun cream!)and rather liked it, but it doesn’t seem to work so well with my current winter palor. I do like teal and am quite keen to try it as I haven’t worn it since going natural (although I loved it when I was a redhead).

Posted by Sharon on 03/24 at 02:15 PM

Hi Leeja

I’m not loyal to a particular brand for my every other day shampoo although tend to go for a moisturising one and its matching conditioner. On the days I don’t use shampoo I just wet my hair in the shower to rejuvenate the curls.

The product that is really working for me at the moment is Pantene Ice Shine Serum which I apply to wet hair. I scrunch it in and either leave it to dry naturally or if I want a smoother look I comb it through with a wide tooth comb. This product stops the fluffy fly away look my hair is prone to.

Once a week I use a blue/purple shampoo to hopefully prevent yellowing. I like Phytowhite.

Just occasionally I use a deep conditioning mask - maybe once every few weeks - but again I don’t stick to one brand. I usually go for the ones on special offer, especially if they smell nice

Posted by Sharon on 03/24 at 02:24 PM

Thanks Sharon.  I’ll have to try and find the Ice Shine Serum.  I can totally relate to the fluffy fly-aways.  Have a great night

Leeja

Posted by Leej on 03/24 at 04:31 PM

Hi Sharon

Silverlake and I are trying to orgainise a UK meet, perhaps beginning of June, in York.

We have interest from 2 others, would you like to join us?

Diana has posted this in ‘Events’ and Silverlake has started a thread in the cafe, ‘International sisters’.

Look forward to hearing from you.
Marilyn

Posted by Marilyn on 04/06 at 04:30 AM

Love your new photo in the members album! 

Posted by graytnw on 04/09 at 08:33 PM

Like the new photo in members album!  It looks longer - how are you styling it?

Posted by grayme on 04/20 at 07:52 AM

Thanks graytnw and grayme

I bought some straighteners last week because my curly hair has reached a length where is resembles a lamp shade! My hair always goes through a ‘wide’ stage when it grows out from short to long. It’s nice to have the option of curly or straight and of course it does look longer when straightened.

Marilyn, I’m sorry I’ve only just found your message
I will check out that thread.

Posted by Sharon on 04/21 at 03:08 AM

Hi Sharon, I love your new member pic.  How did you straighten your hair?  When you say you bought straighteners do you mean flat iron?  Your hair looks like it’s flowing, gorgeous!

Posted by Marisa on 04/22 at 03:57 PM

Hi Marisa, yes I do mean flat iron. We call them straighteners here (in the UK). I’m not using them every day because I’m worried about damaging my hair but it’s nice to have the option of straight hair.

Posted by Sharon on 04/23 at 12:08 AM

Hi Sharon - I wanted to know how you are getting on with the straighteners?  My hair, although shorter, is a lot like yours when it gets longer.  Although still quite short at the moment, it is starting to need a helping hand on a morning and I am not really happy with how ‘fluffy’ the straighteners seem to leave my hair.  I read somewhere else on this site you are using a Frizz Ease product before using the irons - have you found this any good?  I think maybe I should be using something like this.  I quite like the Frizz Ease products - I love their ‘dream curls’ - I regularly squirt this all over my hair on a morning when it’s seems to be going in every direction but the way I want and it seems to soften the waves and take away the fluffiness! 

Your hair in your new members photo looks really lovely.

Posted by Debs on 05/04 at 01:09 PM

Hello Debs
I haven’t been using the straightners - after I bought them I straightened my hair for 4 days but then missed my waves and couldn’t wait to have them back. I’ve just changed my members photo back to a curly one! The thing I did like about my hair when straightened was that it looked whiter than when I leave it curly. I think when I leave it to curl the darker underneath layers show more. I will probably just use the straightening irons occasionally.
I haven’t tried ‘dream curls’ but will look out for it.
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 05/06 at 02:48 AM

Hi Sharon - your new members photo looks lovely too - your hair looks great straight and curly.  It’s lovely to have it curly though because not everyone has that option.  No one else can have all those lovely different natural highlights you have also! 

Posted by Debs on 05/06 at 10:04 AM

Hello Sharon,
Your new color and sexy waves absolutely light up your beautiful face!
Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 05/07 at 10:29 PM

Thank you Debs and Barbara

Posted by Sharon on 05/07 at 11:58 PM

Sharon - I plan on taking your picture of your layered bob too my hairdresser. My hair is very thick,coarse and curly, so I need to wait for the cooler, less humid weather. Thanks for the inspiration.

Posted by silverj on 06/28 at 05:14 PM

Silverj, I am honoured

Posted by Sharon on 06/28 at 11:21 PM

Sharon, Thanks so much for allowing me to view your photos on Facebook! They are amazing!Your hair is really very lovely and I am happy to say that I think my hair will be very similar to yours.  The top of my head is 90% white and the back has much less with the “base” being a dark charcoal. I actually had some of my hair break off along my hairline on my forehead last coloring (May 21) and I ended up sectioning abit more off and cutting the dye off.  Just couldn’t wait to see the hair without the dark color. Anyway, your hair is beautiful and so are you!  Linda P.S. I enjoy your photography very much

Posted by happyhart on 07/02 at 06:17 PM

Thank you for the nice comments Linda (happyhart). I look forward to watching your progress. I’m sure you will love having natural hair after the trauma of hair breaking off!
Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 07/06 at 02:10 AM

Sharon, those pictures of you outside with your coat on look fabulous.  What I’ve found is that there’s a “halo” effect which can be very sexy nd bewitching.

Posted by viewdemonde on 07/13 at 05:32 PM

Dear Silverj,

There’s a great hairdressing salon in Brisbane, Australia called Bach.  I’ve gone to their website and seen some fabulous styles for curly hair, because mine is similar to yours - coarse and curly - especially in humid weather, as it is mostly in this city.  You may find a style there that you can take to your salon to show them.  They’re really funky styles which celebrate curly hair.

Good luck!

Posted by viewdemonde on 07/17 at 04:41 PM

Sharon, Just wondering how long your new growth was when you got the short cut?  Did your stylist use a clipper or did she use a shears?  Your hair turned out so well and I am going in next week for a cut trying to decide if I have enough to go that short.  Thanks, Linda

Posted by happyhart on 07/26 at 07:09 PM

Hello Linda (happyhart). When I had the short cut it had been 4 months since I’d dyed so the new growth would have been about 2 inches. The stylist did it with scissors. If you go for the short cut I hope we will get to see the pictures. Good luck x

Posted by Sharon on 07/26 at 11:33 PM

I will be taking your pic to the salon with me, your short cut was just adorable although it looks cute at any length.  Thanks for the response!  Love your photography, too.  What a creative mind!  Linda

Posted by happyhart on 07/27 at 09:15 AM

Sharon, you look so pretty in your updated Member’s photo!

Posted by lulubell on 08/24 at 09:13 AM

You spotted that very quickly lulubell, I only just updated it. Thank you for the compliment

Posted by Sharon on 08/24 at 10:14 AM

You’re welcome Sharon!  Now I have to compliment you again!!  Beautiful up-dates, thanks for sharing with us.  It is so nice to just let our hair blow in the wind and not worry about roots.....yes, my hair actually is long enough now that it blows in the wind!  Like you, I am growing and growing and growing!!!!!!  Wish me luck!

Posted by lulubell on 08/24 at 03:21 PM

Sharon- You look positively ethereal!

Posted by Goldie on 08/24 at 03:29 PM

Lulubell, maybe we should start a little group for those of us growing our hair longer and longer

Posted by Sharon on 08/24 at 03:53 PM

That HAS been suggested here a few times Sharon! I think it is a wonderful idea....I need all the encouragement I can get!  Of course, you are “miles” ahead of me at the moment, but I am DETERMINED to get my hair past my chin, but not quite to my shoulders.  If I make that goal then I will aim for just past the shoulders.  One small step at a time! I am certain that there are more of us with the same goal, Nadine comes to my mind for sure!

Posted by lulubell on 08/24 at 04:16 PM

Sharon, yes oh yes you do look so lovely in white and it really makes your hair glow!  I would love to join the growers club!  Even though I just had mine trimmed a couple of weeks ago, I am trying to get out of this in-between phase.  And I too have curly/wavy hair.  It’s not as curly as it once was, but if I let it air dry it’s definitely got curl!  I’m probably about where you are Lulu (when did you change your screen name?).

Posted by grayincali on 08/24 at 05:13 PM

I just changed it tonight Grayincali.  Lulubell kept reminding me of when I was a little girl so I thought I would “mature” it a little!  How long do you intend to grow your hair???

Posted by lulubell on 08/24 at 05:21 PM

Right now I’m shooting for about where Sharon’s is now!  But, I may go longer depending on how it’s looking as it grows.

And on the name .... Lulu or lulubell are both cute as can be! ; )

Posted by grayincali on 08/24 at 05:26 PM

A grower’s club...ahh, if only I was at that point.  My blond ends are driving me nuts...or is it the “bushy” stage?  I am regretting canceling my trim because of vacation.  So, much so, I did a wee little trim of my own.  I told myself I wouldn’t do that again, but those dry blond ends make me dream of pixie-dust!

Posted by Goldie on 08/24 at 05:30 PM

For me the bushy stage has set in for sure!  Goldie, you better hide your scissors!  Don’t worry it’ll be over soon.  It was this time last year I stopped dying and I’m almost to the same length I was then.  And my hair grows so SLOW!

Posted by grayincali on 08/24 at 05:38 PM

Hey, another anniversary!  Happy “Silver” Anniversary, Suzanne! Goldie, get back to that fabulous stylist if you want a trim. Your cut was sooo perfect. Ok, everybody, I hear you.  Watch for a long hair chat coming to this site soon! (Soon as I can get behind the Oz curtain and do one! )

Posted by Diana Jewell on 08/24 at 06:10 PM

Hey, I just checked and it is exactly one year today since I joined the site!  Wow, you are good Diana!  I think I’ll go have a glass of wine and make a toast to you and the rest of my silver sisters!!!  Even if I’m not all that silver yet!  I’m more like brown with silver highlights and more silver increasing on a daily basis!  I can’t believe I went from almost no silver at all when my daughter was born 8 years agoa and I grew out my hair ... to the all over sprinkling/streaks I have now!  I think my husband and I are on the same graying timeline!  When we were married 12 years ago he had some and now he has a very silver/white shade!  Happened pretty fast ... hope it’s not b/c he’s married to me ... hee hee! 

Posted by grayincali on 08/24 at 06:19 PM

Cheers, Suzanne. Let’s clink glasses all around! It’s amazing how fast a year flies, right? Well, not if you’re counting the inches. Speaking of which, the long hair chat is now open for business!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 08/24 at 06:30 PM

Diana .... YOU ARE AMAZING!  I’ll take my chatting over there right now!  Thanks!!!!

Posted by grayincali on 08/24 at 06:36 PM

SHARON.....let the wind blow!!!! i love the wind now ...it shows even more white!!!! ya hoooo

Posted by louann on 08/25 at 06:08 AM

Louann, now I know why so many music videos feature wind machines - it has a flattering effect on the face

Posted by Sharon on 08/25 at 06:26 AM

It’s more than just the wind- you are stunning!

Did I read in another chat that you are 4’9”?  So at 5’0” I can really hope to look like your big sis! It is nice to be petite and have our hair grow faster. 

Posted by Medusa on 08/27 at 10:04 PM

Yes Medusa I’m 4’ 9”
Short and silver

Posted by Sharon on 08/28 at 01:40 AM

Love the new shots Sharon. You look great.

4’9 WOW . I am 5’10 and larged boned LOL.

My hair is slowly growing. It is amazing what 5 weeks does. I am excited to have it longer. The winter is a good time to do that.

Thanks for the update

Katie

Posted by Katie on 08/28 at 07:07 AM

I’m 5’ 10.5”! Sharon, you really have a tall presence!  You’re definitely my curly and silver inspiration.

Posted by silverj on 08/28 at 07:37 AM

Hi Sharon, this is late but I love your longer hair.  You look like a model in the breezy pic.

Posted by Marisa on 09/25 at 07:59 AM

Thanks Marisa - I’m aiming to get it REALLY long now

Posted by Sharon on 09/25 at 09:16 AM

Me too!  I’m done transitioning and now longing for long, well I guess I should post there sometime, anyway, I’ll be sending in my graduation pics sometime soon.

Posted by Marisa on 09/25 at 09:39 AM

Hi Sharon!! I love love love your hair. You are gorgeous. How long were your gray roots before you chopped?  I can’t wait to cut off the brown in place of gray, but I don’t think I have quite enough yet.

Posted by lynneo on 10/31 at 08:36 AM

Thanks lynneo
My roots were at most 2” long when I had all the dye cut off. It felt like quite a drastic cut at the time but grew back so quickly I didn’t actually have short hair for long.

Posted by Sharon on 10/31 at 08:51 AM

Sharon - checking to see if you are still letting your hair grow long???

Posted by grayme on 12/03 at 02:44 PM

Hi grayme
Yes, still growing it long and very happy with the progress so far. I’m coming up for my 2 year anniversary since the last dye. It has passed very quickly.

Posted by Sharon on 12/03 at 03:30 PM

Hi Sharon,
What is the time difference between the 3rd photo ("watching the roots come in over the next few weeks") and the 5th photo ("the March crop")?

I think my hair has about the same amount of growth right now as yours does in the 3rd photo, so I’m wondering how long after that did you get it cropped?

Posted by elly on 12/07 at 06:07 PM

Hello Elly
I’ve just checked the dates on my photograph files and there were 4 weeks between those two pictures. Are you thinking of going ‘back to the wood’?  Although I was scared to do so and found it a bit of a shock to the system I’m glad I went that route (or should that be root?) because at that stage I just wanted rid of the dyed hair.

Posted by Sharon on 12/08 at 02:35 AM

I AM thinking about going back to the wood, and will most likely do it around the first of the year. By then I’ll have about 2 inches of gray growth. Your hair was adorable short, and it’s adorable long and curly!
My hair is very curly as well, and very thick.
I loved seeing your progress and reading your story!
My mother is 80 and has been coloring her hair for 40 years and will be so upset when I tell her I am going for the gray! She lives out of town so I only see her about once a month, though we speak by telephone daily. I haven’t told her. I have been toying with the idea for a couple years now, and every time I bring it up I get the whole “Don’t do it, you’ll look too old!” bit.
The last time I saw her was when she colored my hair for me last. That was about 5 weeks ago.
When I see her for Christmas, she’ll be in for a surprise!

Posted by elly on 12/08 at 06:12 AM

Thank you for the nice compliments Elly.
It’s funny how mothers can be so difficult about this process. I suppose if they are still colouring their hair it must be a little threatening when we stop. My mother would still like me to go back to the dye and says she will never stop colouring hers.
I hope your mother is supportive when you surprise her!

Posted by Sharon on 12/08 at 06:37 AM

Mothers Know Best - according to most mothers, that is.

Perhaps it’s about realizing that one is mortal.  Knowing that gray hair is part of the aging process, seeing one’s child wearing silvers can mean something more about the parent than about the child. 

Coloring hair just covers. 

Barbara

Posted by Barbara on 12/08 at 09:46 AM

Not only does Sharon’s hair look gorgeous, but the use of color in her clothing makes that hair color pop!!! Way to go!!!

Posted by Jan in Nv on 01/01 at 02:37 PM

PERFECTION!!!

Posted by louann on 01/15 at 11:52 AM

Sharon you continue to be an absolute inspiration to me.  You look fabulous! 

Jane xx

Posted by Jane on 01/15 at 12:43 PM

This is what I love...the constant evolution...of the hair & the woman!  Sharon you are beautiful!

Posted by Goldie on 01/15 at 01:08 PM

Sharon!  You’re hair looks great! I’ve been letting mine grow too, and just submitted some new photos. You take such beautiful photos!

Posted by SBKaren on 01/15 at 02:03 PM

Heee, did you update them to FB, Karen? ‘Cuz they didn’t make it here—yet!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 01/15 at 02:23 PM

No I made one of them my portrait on FB...but I didn’t post the others!

Posted by SBKaren on 01/15 at 02:48 PM

Lovely Sharon!

Posted by lulubell on 01/15 at 04:53 PM

Thank you all for your nice comments

Posted by Sharon on 01/16 at 04:58 AM

Sharon~ Absolutely gorgeous!  It looks so shiny and healthy. 

Posted by Aziza on 01/17 at 05:12 PM

Sharon, I just love your hair!!!  You are stunning!!

Posted by Carol A. on 01/18 at 02:27 PM

Wow Sharon!  I’m loving the length!  You are still my inspiration.  You prove how lovely silver curls can be. 

Posted by Leej on 01/22 at 02:04 PM

Thank you everyone for the nice comments

Posted by Sharon on 01/23 at 03:03 AM

I think you have the most beautiful hair. You are my inspiration. I hope mine grows as fast as yours!

Posted by liza1512 on 01/27 at 06:15 AM

I had a strange ‘blip’ last week and felt a strong urge to dye my hair red. I was never in any real danger of doing so but I felt so bland. It is February, my skin is ever so pale, my hair is pale, and lately I’ve been wearing little else than black and charcoal. I was even vaguely considering pepping myself up with a couple of burgundy streaks in my hair

I knew I could not face going back to the dye, I knew I would regret it, I knew I loved my silver, but still felt blah.... So I went shopping and bought a shirt with a pattern of a pinky red and black check. The first time I wore it, no more feeling of blah.

If anyone else has the ‘wobbles’ about this process try a new colour outfit or a new eye make up or lipstick colour - it could be all you need.

Posted by Sharon on 02/03 at 05:54 AM

Absolutely the right advice, Sharon! Winter’s gray. We wear gray. We FEEL gray. Nothing like a shot of color in one single piece we put near our face—or in a brand new lipstick or eye makeup. I’ve been feeling the urge for a bright spring-like color myself. Oooh, and we’ve got a good excuse for red—Valentine’s Day!

You’ll find some other ideas in the article “Winter Weary? Let’s Beat the Blahs” under the Transitioning tab.

And, Sharon, next time you want some burgundy streaks—buy some clip in extensions! Actually, they’re quite fun.

Posted by Diana Jewell on 02/03 at 06:52 AM

Hello Sharon and Diana

Another good reason to wear red EVERY FRIDAY is in an international effort to show support for our soldiers at war. Hopefully, you will start seeing more and more red every Friday. Red is the color of a loving heart.

And speaking of hearts, THIS Friday 2/5, The American Heart Association is also asking us to wear red to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease in women.

goredforwomen.org

So support our troops, support medical awareness, spread the love, and look GREAT IN RED !

Posted by RuffDiamond on 02/03 at 07:36 AM

Hey RuffDiamond! Good to hear from you. My goodness, what’s your hair doing now??

Gleeps, only have 2 red things in my closet. One dressy, one casual. Guess I better go stock up if this is going to be an every Friday thing!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 02/03 at 07:47 AM

Diana -

The hair has been trimmed on a regular basis, so it is JUST about at shoulder length. My hair looks very dark, with a silvery shimmer in the light. So sorry I haven’t been submitting photos .... I’ve been busy, busy, busy 6:30 am until 9 pm every day with my graphic work and my teaching/training of Krav Maga and Russian Kettlebells. I’ve also been overwhelmed with requests for personalized nutrition programs by my fitness clients.

If I can stand still long enough, I’ll get the fiance to snap a few photos :- )

Hope all is well with you and the rest of my silver sisters :- )

Posted by RuffDiamond on 02/03 at 07:56 AM

Sharon, thanks for your story. I am in the beginning stages of going white (hopefully thats the color it will be, looks like it at my roots.) It actually makes you look younger and fresh.  I am so inspired by your experience and the experiences of all the rest as well. You look wonderful!

Posted by dream to be white on 02/18 at 06:24 PM

No to magenta hair colour Sharon! 

Thanks for the update Diana.  I hope Sharon doesn’t think I am her official stalker! 

Jane xx

Posted by Jane on 02/22 at 02:07 PM

’dream to be white’ thank you for your nice comments. Do you have any photographs on here showing your progress?

Jane, we can be each other’s official stalkers if you like - I’m always commenting on your photos on Facebook

Posted by Sharon on 02/22 at 02:16 PM

i am right there with you jane!!
you look great sharon..love the little extra silver

Posted by louann on 02/22 at 02:23 PM

You look amazing! Love, love, love all the photos! Especially the latest updates.

Posted by silversurfer on 02/23 at 09:28 AM

You were the girl of the day on facebook and I am so happy to have read your story...it takes internal fortitude to buck the system, especially when friends and family are bought into it.  You look fabulous!

Posted by leenbean on 02/23 at 05:47 PM

Hi Sharon, I love all of your recent photo updates! You are just so lovely and your hair color is awesome.  It really is getting long.  I am still growing and growing! May I ask if there was an “unpleasant” smell to the toner that you applied?  I am extremely sensitive to the scent of hair dyes, especially since I stopped using them.  I avoid walking into or even walking by salons in the mall, the scent of hair dye is just so strong. PS.....I like your “bling!”

Posted by lulubell on 04/09 at 05:14 AM

i am so glad yo uare happy with the toner...i would neve rever want you to even think about coloring your hair ... i know you would be most unhappy after wards ...just ask our friend jane

Posted by louann on 04/09 at 06:46 AM

Lulubell, it didn’t have much of a smell at all, certainly nothing like the powerful dyes I used to use. It didn’t even seem like a dye, more like a conditioning treatment. There were no different products to mix together it was ready mixed in a little tub. The product is marketed as a semi-permanent so I suppose it is a dye of sorts but it was quite unlike any dye I’ve ever tried and believe me I’ve used just about every brand of dye out there before I went silver.

Posted by Sharon on 04/09 at 06:53 AM

Yes Louann, it’s not that I wanted a return to the tyranny of the dye job, God forbid, it’s just I hated that yellow so much. It was making the ends of my hair look nicotine stained (and as a long time ex smoker that’s not something I want!)

Posted by Sharon on 04/09 at 06:55 AM

kinda like the yellow teeth and fingers.... i can tell the difference it seems to have worked nicely

Posted by louann on 04/09 at 07:04 AM

Love you hair!

Posted by graytnw on 04/10 at 08:59 AM

My hair needed a trim at the front as it was looking a big straggly. I did it myself! New members photo shows the result.

Posted by Sharon on 05/11 at 04:29 AM

Well, thank goodness you didn’t give into your other “urge.” As I was reading on FB!

Posted by Diana Jewell on 05/11 at 05:59 AM

I was never going to actually go blonde Diana, I was just expressing the mood of the moment
Pleased to say I’m having a very good hair day today.

Posted by Sharon on 05/11 at 06:11 AM

Sharon, I am such a fan of your beautiful silver hair, in fact, I wished long and hard for mine to turn out just like yours when I first joined GGLG. I have had “moments” when I thought I would like to kick it up a notch or two and perhaps add couple of platinum highlights around my face, but I always chickened out. You certainly live on the edge!! I have to say that I admire your sense of fun and adventure.

Posted by lulubell on 06/03 at 05:38 PM

Since i am off FB i had not been following your “journey” there...you look great no matter what color you have...please keep us up to date with this journey!! i am curious your reactions from both sides of the color aisle!!the glorious thing is nothing is really PERMANENT...you could go violet if you want!!!
stick around though i enjoy your sense of adventure!! you bohemian you ; )

Posted by louann on 06/04 at 09:01 AM

Louann, I did actually consider violet streaks before I went red! I’ll definitely still be coming to GGLG, I’m a natural silver sister but currently a fake red head. Definitely not the end of the journey, stay tuned

Posted by Sharon on 06/04 at 02:37 PM

Sharon , I cannot believe it ! You had this wonderful grey-silver hair. I just started and wish mine hair would be already through transition.

Posted by Cigdem on 06/06 at 10:44 AM

Hi Sharon,
Wow!!  What a vibrant red!!  You look beautiful no matter the hair color. 

I must admit I sometimes think about think about being as daring.  Please share your thoughts now that time has passed.  How do you feel about your decision? 

All my best.

Posted by Carol A. on 07/01 at 06:52 AM

Hi, there… I love the pic of you wearing the coat and scarf outside, and your silver loose curls… gorgeous!!
I give you an “A” for effort...at least you did get all the way through “transition and beyond”.

Posted by tatcat on 07/01 at 12:24 PM

Hey Sharon
I hope you are enjoying your red head days.  I was stunned when I saw this vibrant colour jump out at me.  I have enjoyed following your journey.

Is the root growth not driving you crazy yet?!

Posted by Debs on 07/02 at 02:05 PM

Hello Carol and Debs.

I’m a much less vibrant red now than I am in that photograph - it’s a more auburn / mid-brown colour now. Yes, I’m enjoying colouring again - at the moment!

The roots are coming in very fast of course but they don’t bother me the way the used to before I transitioned. Now I don’t care if I’m showing grey roots. I am naturally grey and currently choosing to dye, I don’t care who knows I’m grey and I am not embarrassed by my natural roots.

I’m so glad I went through the transitioning process and giving myself a rest from the dye for 2 and a half years was very liberating. The feeling of liberation is still with me; before when I was dyeing it was because I thought it was a bad thing to be grey, now I dye because I’m enjoying playing with my appearance.

I’m sure that sooner or later I’ll stop dyeing again. Next time it won’t be such a big deal, it will just be a personal choice. I am free of worrying about what other people think of me for my hair colour choice.

Sharon

Posted by Sharon on 07/14 at 02:49 AM

i really do feel tht the whole idea of just being yourself is really what we walk away with here...it takes us “living” life a bit to get to this point! good to “hear” from you sharon!

Posted by louann on 07/14 at 05:33 AM

Hi Sharon,
I love hearing about the feeling of liberation that has stayed with you and how it has eased the sense of needing to hide the gray.  Color then becomes, for fun, an enhancement not a mask or necessity.  Thanks for keeping us updated!  leenbean/eileen newbie class 10 first semester 1 continued

Posted by leenbean on 07/14 at 07:05 AM

As someone who abruptly stopped having her hair coloured in January, and is now at a crunch point of having to decide whether to persevere to the end or revert to the safety net of the former brunette/red tint, Sharon’s comment of 7/14 makes so much sense. I know that even if I do go back to colouring, the experience of having been dye-free for nearly seven months now and living with the cold turkey consequences of more than three inches of grey hair, such as resorting to hats on occasion (something I have never done before, but which a number of people have said suits me) will make living with future grey roots glinting in coloured hair like chicken feed. I’d never have got this far without the inspiration of the GGLG site and Facebook page and all the people here, for which I am truly grateful.

Posted by pennylocks on 08/17 at 10:52 PM