To be or not to be - gray

[Aggie_Ama]

I don't consider myself an overly vain woman but ever since I could remember my hair was the source of compliments. I have naturally straight, thick but fine texture hair. If I think it looks good I feel great. At some point I will embrace my gray but not anytime soon. My simple hair takes 20 minutes from wet to out the door and still gets tons of compliments. So I admit it, I dye because I am too in love with my hair to try gray. I use the Loreal 10 minute dye and it really doesn't feel like too much work.

[Crankin]

I am 56 and I really don't have much gray. Only a few errant hairs at my part, which I vigorously pull out. I was a natural blonde, whose hair was always many different colors. In fact, my mom was often accused of highlighting my hair when I was young! All of a sudden,when I was around 40, I realized I was no longer a blonde, but a light brown haired person, with some golden highlights. Did not like that at all. I had experimented with highlights in my early thirties, but didn't continue for a few years. So, I've been highlighting my hair for around 15 years. My hairdresser uses foils and it does not smell at all. I just cut my hair very short again (a pixie), which is flattering to me. So, I've had highlights with all lengths and styles. Frankly, I do not want to show any gray right now. I don't look good in silver, especially next to my face. It just washes me out. I have some deep laugh lines and I don't need anything making me look older while I am changing careers and looking for a job in 2011! Right now, most people I am working with think I am in my mid forties and I prefer to keep it that way, until I am no longer concerned about age discrimination. I think that just continuing to highlight as I have been will take care of most of the gray initially, especially, since my hair is short. Then, I will probably try the low lights.
Since my parents didn't really get gray until 65 or so, I have a while to worry.
Yes, I am vain, but, hey, I accept it.

[KnottedYet]

Yes, I am vain, but, hey, I accept it.

Doesn't sound vain to me. Sounds pragmatic. Good on ya!

[malkin]

I don't mind it.
When the subject comes up, I call it "going platinum."

[Catrin]

I change my mind on this one - right now I dye my hair - the gray streaks washes out my complexion and makes me look about 15 years older than I am. My profession is very male-dominated, and I've noted that I get treated with more respect - and they seem to listen to me more - when my hair is dyed. I don't think it should matter, but for now I will continue to color my hair. I reserve the right to change my mind again in the future

I don't think it would be quite the same if I had a full head of silver - it is the in-between stuff...

[Bike Chick]

I will agree that when I see pictures of myself as a brunette, I consider dying my hair again because I look so much younger. I think the gray adds about 10 years to my face but when I remember having to dye it every 3 weeks and wear a style to keep the grow-out covered, I reconsider.

You do have to change the color of your clothing and makeup to keep the gray hair from totally washing out your complexion. It's a big change.

[kmehrzad]

I don't mind it.
When the subject comes up, I call it "going platinum."

Speaking of platinum, have you seen Emmylou Harris' hair? That's one gorgeous head of 'platinum' hair. It used to be gray, if I recall correctly.

[five one]

I'm soon to be 58 and began getting gray in my mid-thirties. A natural dark brunette, I made the decision to go short and layered (from a chin-length bob) and not color my hair. I've never regretted it. It's about 30 - 40% gray in front and a bit less in back. As fast as my hair grows, I'd have to do the roots about every two weeks to combat the halo effect of the incoming gray. I have better things to do with my time and money. I get compliments from both men and women and my DH loves it. That's good enough for me .

Joan Baez is my role model for going gray.

It's certainly a personal decision. Do what makes you feel good.

[Chicken Little]

Do whatever you want, but I am just ignoring mine. A good cut can make any head of hair look good.

[kmehrzad]

Joan Baez is my role model for going gray.

It's certainly a personal decision. Do what makes you feel good.

I agree, Joan Baez does have beautiful hair, even when it was salt and pepper, the blend was lovely.