unintentional hair lightening

I've asked this question myself on the long hair web site because my hair does the same thing. You can't even see the difference until I fix an updo. I actually get compliments on the contrast--if your hair is like mine, then stick with it--it probably looks good!When I asked the question, this was one of my responses I received that has stuck with me. TAKE PRIDE because it is your REAL hair, not fake extensions--and others can tell! Other people can see the natural variation in your hair color and know that its real! That was a definate inspiration for me to keep my hair natural.The other response I had was to compare my hair to an old sweater. After washing it dozens of times (or hundreds of time with hair) it is bound to lose some of its color. I have tried one of the color enhancing conditioners on only the ends of my hair--and I was happy with the very subtle result. However, I doubt it is good for your hair. :)Best wishes!> I have black virgin hair that reaches my lower back.> The hair near my scalp is jet back, but the lower down> you proceed, the lighter it gets. My ends have a> definite reddish tint. It's not really that obvious,> unless I'm wearing my hair up, and you can see the> contrast.> I shampoo with Pantene, KMS, or Head & Shoulders.> I use coconut oil and frizz eaze as a styling aid. I> have never used anything that says lightening> clarifying, etc.> I though about just dying my hair jet black but was> wondering if I should try to identify the cause first.> Is it possible that older hair just naturally gets> stripped of some color? It has taken about a decade to> get my hair to this lenght. Or is it more likely that> some hair product I am using is causing this.