Okay, mature fashionistas -- this is more beauty than fashion related, but the lack of gray-haired ladies in the fashion industry/media at large has me wondering about the opinions of the everyday fashionista on the subject. Whether it's a few stray strands you have (like me) or a full head of silver -- what are your thoughts on covering the gray in today's style climate? Do you dye? If so, why? If not, how do you feel about the subject on the whole? Do tell . . .
If I have gray hairs, I haven't seen them, probably because I've been dyeing my light brown hair red since I was 22. Having said that, here's what I suggest:
You can let your hair go gray if and only if:
1) You're over 50. If you're younger, gray hair will age you unnecessarily.
2) Your hair is at least 50% gray. Until you have enough gray for a "salt and pepper" look, it'll look mousy.
3) You want to project an image of maturity, authority, and wisdom.
4) You're prepared for the maintenance. Naturally gray hair is anything but low maintenance. First of all, you have to take very careful care of it to keep it moist and healthy with no yellow streaks. Second, to avoid looking like a little old lady, you need to be extra careful to wear chic and flattering clothes and good makeup. Third, the hair has to be kept above the shoulders because if it's longer than that, it will just overpower you.
That's my take on it.
Probably the most important thing any woman can do is to feel good in her own skin and hair. Confidence is way too important, but not easy to come by considering the media's insistence on youth.
I highlight my hair by a professional. Originally it was blonde, but it has darkened up to something approaching dishwater. It's also straight and very fine. As far a grey-- yes, I have a few strands (really!) but that's not why I alter the color. If I had grey hair, or better still white hair, I would love that. But the color is nameless and looks like tarnished brass. Highlighting it really gives me a lift.
Well I tried going au naturel with the hair for a while. But my hair is still pretty mousey, it's fading from the color I had when I was young, but it's not a nice white or silvery mane yet. So I'm still working the L'Oreal. Do what makes you feel like you, at this point in your life. It's just hair, it'll grow out and you can always change your mind.
I don't have many so I haven't started to dye yet but I will. My grandparents and parents didn't grey till they hit 70 plus and I'm only mid 50s.
I plan on going a few shades lighter than my natural colour, and I think I'm going to try that new Perfect 10 product, since it looks simpler to use and isn't as harsh on the hair.
I just don't care for the iron grey look at all. It isn't me. I don't care if it is time for grey pride, I can't do that and feel good about it although I'm happy to accept age in other ways (discounts everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Definitely hair dye. It looks better, shinier, healthier, and I feel better in it. I am about 20 - 25% gray. I would occasionally get professional highlights interspersed with my own applications of hair coloring (though I am not quite comfortable enough to go permanent...just demi!) and as we are being a bit more cautious with money I haven't had anything professional done in a few years.
If dyeing your hair makes you look and feel better, then you should absolutely go for it. I use Natural Instincts in Light Auburn and Garnier Nutrisse in Auburn Blonde. I think the Auburn Blonde shade sometimes looks a little pink, but I feel good with it. And the Light Auburn looks amazingly natural. People are usually shocked when I tell them that I'm not a natural redhead, and I love that.
To dye or not to dye that seems to be the question. I think it entirely depends on how your hair changes color. I have been blessed, I have natural curly,lovely brown hair, that grays beautifully. I say this ala the little red hair girl in the Charlie Brown comic. ( if you are a mature fashoinista you will remember). Actually my particular situation is all genes. If you do not happen to have this blessing , color your hair as you see fit, if you can afford to have it done once professionally do it then try and copy the results. I do not know if that would work but it is what I would try.
Personally I like gray hair on women, especially when it's cut in a fab blob or short cut. However, if you feel like you want to dye it, go for it. My only issue is when when go from lots of gray to a dark color.... It's always better, when you have lots of gray, to go from gray to a little a light color (blond, like brown, etc)
Well, I dye. My hair started to gray when I was 21 years old. I couldn't say what percent gray it would be if I grew it out.
You can tell how flush with $ I am by my hair color. If it's really red, I have had it done at the beauty school. If I can't even afford that, circumstances dictate a D.Y.I. job. I make it a little less red, more brown. I'd hate to err on the too red/orange side and look like the circus is in town.
Personally I like gray hair on women, especially when it's cut in a fab blob or short cut. However, if you feel like you want to dye it, go for it. My only issue is when when go from lots of gray to a dark color.... It's always better, when you have lots of gray, to go from gray to a little a light color (blond, like brown, etc)
I agree, but I want to add that gray hair looks better on women who are healthy, well-dressed, and well-groomed. Then, the gray looks like a conscious choice as opposed to "giving up."
