A couple of months ago I wanted to see for myself how women deal with hair transformations.
Although ditching the dye is most definitely a major life change for any woman, dark hair-to-silver makes for a particularly dramatic transformation.
To this end, I went digging around on the internet to find out more.
Okay, so my hair didn’t actually all fall out. But it HAS felt thinner over the past couple of years and I do throw a lot of hair in the bin, which I can confirm is not my favourite activity. 😉
Then, last week. Boom! A fun chick made herself known to me in my secret on-line area of social media and we had a bit of a giggle about the whole idea of ditching the dye together.
Like … right now!
- We both last coloured our hair around the same time in December.
- We both have the support of our husbands.
- We are approximately the same age. (She’s a little younger, but I won’t hold that against her. Wink.)
- Since then I’ve chatted with another two silver sisters one-to-one on-line who are on the same road, so there are now 4 of us travelling this route together.
I know there will be more!
Do You Ever Make Decisions that Scare You?
It’s a phrase that could apply to business, studying, lifestyle change and more.
Well, I’ve just made a decision that quietly excites, but also scares me!
(Cue, rather loud: Argggghhhhhh!)
Ditching The Hair Dye
Why Would Anyone Do It?
To cut another chemical out of their life (and body).
Well, that’s a pretty good starting point.
Right?
I have wrestled the past few days as to whether or not I should blog about my decision. After all, this blog isn’t about ‘me.’ However it IS about health.
I then realised that there were dual benefits in going public:
- It’s reinforces my own commitment.
- Other women who may be wrestling with making the decision to transition may get to see this series of posts and find some answers or support that they need.
The Common Concerns
- Will I want to hide the silver/white stripe as it grows on my crown … and how will I feel if I do, but am unable to achieve it?
- Will I feel a mess during much of the growing out phase?
- Will I feel that I look old? And will that make me feel older?
- Will I be able to deal with negatives from other people?
- Will I like the colour(s) that are waiting to spring themselves upon me: light silver/dark silver or white?
- Will I feel comfortable – if I manage to completely transition – looking in the mirror at a very different reflection to the one I have always known?
- Where can I find support?
The Positives
- Adventures are good!
- I will overcome each hurdle.
- I will learn how to deal with negatives and how not to worry about them.
- I may LOVE the changes as they happen! If not, I could grow to love them.
- I won’t be inviting chemicals into my scalp.
- The only real opinion that matters is my own.
- This experience could turn out to be enormous fun!
- I can always change my mind.
It’s said that the most interesting elements of transitioning are:
- Learning more about yourself.
- Learning more about other people.
- Confirming your real friends.
What’s the Worst that Can Happen?
You don’t realise a goal.
That doesn’t mean you have failed. You have simply learned something new that will help you move forward with greater knowledge.
This is a great quote to keep close:
“There is no such thing as failure. Only feed-back.”
Stunning Transformations
I’m not at liberty to share photos of some of the amazing women I’ve seen on-line, although I may ask permission to feature some of them in future.
Many look noticeably younger and even more incredible with white or silver hair than when they were using hair dye.
Yes. You read that right!
What’s been most striking to date is seeing photos that have taken natural beauty to a whole new level of stunning.
It seems that while we busy ourselves conforming to the rules of grooming – and how our society in general perceives youth and beauty – (Grey = Older/Old) we forget that our own hair is often far more flattering than anything we could find in a bottle.
Having said that, there are struggles along the way for many. The route to ‘au naturel’ doesn’t run smoothly for all, which makes it extra special to see the progress photos and check out the before and after head shots.
A Few Benefits of Ditching Hair Dye
- Hair that is thicker, shinier, healthier in general (hair loss has often stopped after ditching the dye)
- A sense of freedom at being natural instead of a slave to a bottle and ‘your roots!’
- Clearer skin
- Better health (what can be more important than improved health?)
So that’s my secret. No longer a secret!
In my next post I’ll share a few selfies I took last week. In for a penny. (Wink.) .. And I may well have some more interesting info to feed your way.
Little Extra Note:
As mentioned above, I KNOW I have support and am so appreciative of that. Thank you to the fab women I’ve met to date. You know who you are. Sisters together! 🙂 (My hubby is also right behind me and happy for me to do whatever feels right. x)
What I DON’T KNOW yet is if I will reach the finishing line or – if other answers will come my way as a result of going public – perhaps take another – safe – route.
Right now I’m just keen to see what my real hair looks like, so I plan to keep going until more new hair has been revealed … and keep learning along the way.
Keeping Things in Perspective
A little vanity isn’t a bad thing. It gives us a pride in our appearance. Ultimately though … it’s good to keep it in perspective.
It’s just hair. In this case, MY hair! Ha.
And maybe .. YOUR hair?! 😉
I’m lucky to have hair. I know someone with alopecia. She doesn’t have my choices.
There are also people in Paris last week who lost their lives and all their choices.
‘Nuff said.
Okay. Onwards! 🙂
Please join this conversation below:
- If you’ve been through this.
- If you’re thinking about doing this.
- If you’re part-way through your own transformation!
- Or just chip in with your thoughts about this subject.
Look forward to chatting!
