Above: a video I posted on Instagram. Please connect with me there at @MRhealthyliving.
Soooo….I’m doing a thing. A hair thing!
I have dyed my hair dark for decades, most of the time it was darker than my natural color ever was. And because my hair grows really fast I’ve had to color my roots every two weeks! Still, I wasn’t about to go gray so I kept doing it. But then I started thinking about how to stop, what would I look like if I grow my hair out, and do I even dare? It will take two to three years to grow out this long. It seems like such a scary, difficult thing to do.
But what if I could be the authentic me? To even see what my real hair color is, not the fake one I’ve had all these years. I think it’s time. I’ve been incredibly inspired by the #SilverSisters movement on Instagram. These ladies have gone through the same thing, and they are gorgeous and confident now. Thanks to them, I think I will be, too.
My last dark dye was in early December 2022. Since then, I’ve just been letting it grow. To camouflage the color difference, I’ve been using root color spray or powder, head bands, and hats. I’ve also gotten some wigs and actually have been having fun with this. It’s so simple to change your look whenever you want! I think they look great, so you’re seeing me in them, too. (See details about these products at the end of this post.)
But most of the time, I’m wearing it natural. I have a few inches of growth now. It’s salt and pepper and I think it’s going to be pretty.
Well, I did something else, too. Hairstylists have been talking to me for a while about “gray blending” where they do heavy highlighting. About a month ago I went ahead with that. Unfortunately, it damaged my hair. 😢 From now on, it’s growing out as is!
It’s never easy to make a change like this, but if not now then when do I? The Silver Sisters look beautiful with their natural hair, and from what I’ve seen 100% say they are happier and glad they did it.
I’m also about changing the conversation about women and aging. Our whole lives we’ve been made to feel that wrinkles or gray hair is a bad thing — by commercials, the media and society. I think that’s bull! Instead of anti-aging, why not PRO-aging. We’re no less attractive when we’re silver. Just like the seasons of spring and winter are different but both beautiful, so our seasons of life are, too. Truly our best time can be now.
I won’t lie though, some days it’s tough and I question my decision. It’s like saying goodbye to a part of me. I try to just keep thinking that if I can stick it out, then I’ll be glad I did (like my healthy living transformation).
I’ve also realized it’s about more than color. This hair journey feels like a parallel of my life’s journey of self-acceptance; finding the courage to take chances and make hard choices; facing change with faith; persevering through challenges; finally being willing to be my perfectly imperfect, authentic self; and evolving as a person both inside and out.
I’d love to hear your experiences with this, so please drop me a line.
Products that I’ve been using during my grow out
(Affiliate links)
- L’Oreal EverPure Brass Toning Purple Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner
- Comfy fabric headbands that stay put – great when I’m teaching exercise classes
- Hair shadow powder
- Root cover-up spray
- Wigs from chiclifestyle.com. In my video I show the following: Addison in Gingerbread, Thea in Silver Fox, Angelina in Mahogany Spice, and Tracy in Silver Blonde.
©Michelle Rogers
