I spent a week at the beach in NC with six great sister-friends, and I realized all but one were not coloring their hair. This surprised me, as my housemates and I were, within five years or so, the same age. I was impressed with Mary’s naturally curly mop.
I love this do. The curls, the waves, the pattern of color. This is what I want. Mary colored her hair off and on for years and finally said, “whatever.” She’s as down-to-earth and bubbly as her hair.
I love the patch of snowy white on the top, like the spouting of a little halo. It cascades down to shades of silver and then ends with darker curls at the nape. Such cool variations.
My own silver tones are unremarkable.
Dull, nondescript color. But, clearly my natural dull, nondescript shade. In fact, what looks unnatural to me now is the orangey-tawny-dark hair dye. I may hate the full head of dull, nondescript color, but right now…I’m less pleased with the leftover dye. It looks, dare I say – fake. Which, funny, it is.
Did it always look this way? I know I’ve seen some heads of color that were clearly from the bottle. Many dye jobs look artificial – too dark, too flat, too brassy. Was I one of those? I’ll probably never know.
What I do know is that I don’t want to color my hair anymore. Even if I’m not crazy about the wisdom highlights I’m accruing. I think I’ve crossed the threshold from being afraid to give up the bottle, to “whatever.” I’ve enjoyed not having to find time to cloister myself in the bathroom while I mix up dark chemicals and gag my way through the toxic fumes. Women – why did we ever start this?!?
If you’re twenty and want to play with hair color as an accessory, that’s one thing. But, to assume (and that’s what we’re doing here, ladies) that once grays appear, it’s time to lock into the dying ritual? We need to break free of that notion. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again:
For all the hard-won freedoms women have fought for, the lie that we can’t be gray is the dumbest. It doesn’t make any sense that we still buy into that one.
I’m noticing silver-headed women these days. And I’m complimenting them for their courage and their insight. And yes, their wisdom.
We need to do more of that.
It's the in-between stages of not coloring that's the hardest to get through.
I think it is age that brings us to the realization that we don't have to compete with the younger crowd anymore. Not just in hair color but a multitude of other things. Like you I was much relieved to no longer have that chore. No matter what color our hair is we are what we are.
Your hair looks beautiful.
There is a controversy over the health of dying ones hair.
And mine is a mess and I wish I never messed with it!
Just stopping by to say Happy Halloween!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't color my hair ~ I am blonde with strands of white coming in. I loved your anniversary post. My husband and I feel much the same way after 35 years of marriage. Hope all is going well. I have been on a bit of a blog break getting my son off on his mission. Have a good week.
Your hair is looking great!
Good for you and your wisdom silvers.
Wishing you a lovely week.
xoxo