QuoteReplyTopic: Grey Hair Posted: April 23 2001 at 9:43pm
I am a 40 year old who has been dying her hair brunette (natural color) since greying prematurely at age 19. I am extremely tired of the every six week ritual of having to re-dye my hair. This regimen has taken its toll on my once healthy, fairly wavy, thick hair. My hair is currently chin length and I would like some suggestions on how to gracefully let my hair go grey or I am open to other options. My hair texture is coarse and from what I can tell by the notorious roots that pop up so quickly, I am 98% grey/white?
Merlin
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Joined: January 31 2001
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You sound like a perfect candidate as it`s best to be at least 40 percent gray before you stop coloring your hair. Less than that and the contrasting colors and textures could create a straggly or unkempt look.
Once you decide to take the plunge, remember that this will be a long process, so be patient. You won`t have a head of silvery hair overnight, but in time you`ll achieve the beautiful new look you are seeking.
My first recommendation is to cut your hair as short as you comfortably can to eliminate the old color. Bringing the bottom up will make the growing out process much easier. Once your hair is gray all over, I suggest not letting it get longer than chin-length anyway. A blunt, chin-length cut with clean lines will keep your look stylish and fresh and your hair healthy.
I also recommend weaving in some lowlights and hightlights as you begin the growing out process. Lowlights that are a few shades deeper than your base color will effectively de-emphasize your roots as the gray starts growing in. Then you can slowly grow out the single process color and highlights and phase out the lowlights last.
Once you`re allover gray, you need to take special care of your new hair. Gray hair is very sensitive to the elements. When it gets too long, it can yellow at the ends as it reacts with free radicals in the environment. There are shampoos specifically formulated for gray hair that help eliminate dulling yellow tones. They can be drying, though, so alternate with a moisturizing shampoo. In addition, you should always deep condition once a week to keep your hair soft and silky. In terms of styling, avoid alcohol- or silicone-based styling products because they will dry out your hair. A little bit of gel will do the trick to smooth out your look and calm any flyaways.
Good luck and be patient. Let us know how you are progressing.
I am 42 and also have been coloring my hair and have alot of gray hair naturally. I am in the process of letting my gray grow in and it`s a pain until it reaches a certain length especially if your gray is as bright as mine! I disagree with the other response that you keep your hair chin length if it is gray. You can grow your hair longer and do wonderful styles with longer gray hair...believe me. I have had almost waist length hair with alot of silver in it and looking back at the photos, it looked nice. Learn to french braid.. wear a stylish bun with hairsticks etc. (if you want to go longer in length) I plan to keep my long enough to french braid and wear a bun as I have alot of hair jewelry stored away. I can frenchbraid my own hair without looking and once accomplished, this talent is one with no price tag!! Good luck in your letting your hair grow out. I am also very tired of coloring mine..since it grows so fast.. I have to touch roots up every 17 days. enuf for now. Cher~
My grandmother had beautiful long silver hair. We had no idea how long it really was until she was hospitalized for an extended stay and we had to take care of it for her.
Everyday she would braid it and twist it up around her head. Her hair was down to her knees!!
I always loved her hair, and one day mine will be as hers was.
Hair type: fine but thick; natural blonde with 15% grey
You are so lucky Foxfan.. is your grandmother still alive? My grandmother`s hair is long too but not to her knees. She wears it up all the time. But I have seen it down when she has washed it and is letting it dry. She just turned 87 April 30th and my granddaddy turned 90 in March. Next Friday they will be married 71 years! He always gives her compliments and tries to make her feel like the 16 year old he married in 1930. (the secret to a long marriage? ) I wish you the best in your quest for knee length hair! Cher~
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