Ask Carrie – Going Gray – A Highly Personal Decision!
Question:
I’m about to turn 60 and have colored my hair for years. I’m getting tired of all the hassle that requires and am thinking about going gray. What do you think about this and what should I know before taking this drastic step? Quinn P., Nashville, TN
Answer:
Oooh… good question Quinn- and not an easy one to answer! Going gray is a highly personal decision and is not for the faint of heart.
If you’ve been coloring your hair for a very long time, I suspect that your hair color is probably of a darker shade. If this is so, then the only easy way to grow gray gracefully is to get yourself a kicky, short haircut and go through the remaining grow-out process that way.
The only other way to get through the frustrating grow-out process is to cut your hair short and wear wigs while the colored portion of your hair grows out and can be trimmed off. Either way, it’s going to take cutting your hair and then allowing the rest of the colored portion of your hair to grow out, and then cutting again as the gray replaces the colored portion. This isn’t fun and can take time.
There are chemical stripping processes that can be done but these are usually quite harsh and can alter hair texture, as well as irritate sensitive skin.
Another option is color your hair gray, but if your hair color is a darker shade, this won’t necessarily work. There are many gray shades of hair color on the market today so check them out and ponder your options.
Back to wigs for a moment: if you’re wondering how you will look gray, get thee to your nearest wig shop and try on a few gray wigs just to see what gray hair does to your complexion, and how it matches your personality… IF it matches your personality….
Going gray can be extremely liberating and many women look fabulous gray!
Other women go through this process and end up electing to go back to coloring their tresses. Each woman is different – and each type of gray shade is different. 50 shades of gray isn’t just ‘literature’!
Depending upon your undertone, the gray you end up with can range anywhere from shimmering silver to dull gunmetal. And all gray hair benefits from brightening shampoos and ultra-rich conditioners, so if you go this route, be sure to treat your newly liberated hair loving and gently.
Going gray also requires that you take a good, long look in the mirror and adjust your makeup shades and application, jewelry and accessory/clothing shades as well.
Just like celebrating 60 years on this planet, going gray is another Biggie on Life’s Journey.
Whatever you choose, have fun with it! And, if you decide gray isn’t for you, that’s spiffy too!
I hope this helps you with your decision.
(If you have a skin health or beauty question for Carrie please email her directly: Carrie@MidlifeMystique.com
Health and Beauty has been Carrie E. Pierce’s career focus for over 28 years. Throughout her career, Carrie has served as: Guest and Corporate Makeup Artist for numerous major, international cosmetic companies and as a Hollywood film, TV and special effects makeup artist. She’s provided skin care and makeup services for the fashion industry, as well as restorative make up procedures for burn and scar patients, cancer patients, domestic violence survivors and women suffering with self-esteem issues. Carrie is a licensed Aesthetician, Certified Color Analyst, Menopause Skin Care Specialist, Author, Public Speaker and served as co host of the syndicated radio show ‘Magnificent Menopause & Beyond©’. It’s her mission and her passion to help women be the best they can be – especially as they move through Midlife! Find out more at www.MidlifeMystique.com
Author: Carrie Pierce
Carrie Pierce has worked exclusively in the Health, Beauty and Entertainment industries for over 30 years. She’s a Licensed Aesthetician, Certified Color Analyst, former Hollywood Film and TV Makeup Artist, syndicated Radio Talk Show Host and a published Author, specializing in Midlife Health and Beauty issues. It’s Carrie’s mission -and her passion- to help make Midlife the very best it can be- for women and men everywhere!
