And as always, her pictures are incredible.
I have been struggling for a few years with a decision that can only be mine.
Let's go back.
For years now, I have been dyeing my hair. It started with a trip to California, back when my oldest grandson was a baby. I went with my youngest daughter to Monterey to spend some time with him. Both of my daughters converged on me, and convinced me to dye my hair, which was looking drab, they said, and getting gray.
That was 13 years ago. I have tried different shades of the reddish brown that resembled my own natural color back in the day. I have tried highlighting, cutting it short, letting it grow.
Now let me say that my hairdresser does a great job. My hair color is usually stunning.
Everyone says, wow, nice color job.
So here's my problem.
Every time I look in the mirror, I see this 40 year old hair, and this 60 year old face. I say, "no more." Then it comes time to get my hair done, and I cave in, and come out a redhead, again.
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| From october |
Like this. Until today.
She cut my hair, and then I said, "That's perfect. Let's leave it just like that."
She said, "Are you sure?"
"Yup. I'm sure."
I may at some point highlight it, if I am so inclined. But no more chemical dye on my scalp.
Done, finished, NOT HAPPENING.
The unvarnished truth is that I want to be loved and accepted for who I am, and who I am has nothing whatever to do with the color of my hair.
Truth is, I HATE having my hair colored. Hate the process, hate the smell, hate the cost, and hate being bothered with it. I have never been a 'girly-girl', although I can get dressed up with the best of them. It is time, for me, to listen to my heart.
I actually took the day off today.
I took my mother to the church of her choice. I got my hair cut. Then my daughter, and her boyfriend, and her best friend came for dinner. DH made his famous spagetti and meatballs, and I made 2 apple pies.
It was a good day, a quiet day, and I am feeling very satisfied. Life is good, and I bet it will be just as good with a silver head, as a red one. Besides, it is something to look forward to.
The only thing I will miss is when the DH refers to me and the dog as the "Redhead and Ed Show".
Do you think maybe he will do it anyway? If I ask him real nice?
You made me remember a few years back when a "kid" at the corner store told me I would look so much younger if I would just dye my hair. I looked at him and smiled, then said, "It took me 53 years to get my hair this color. I am not changing it for the world!" I am waiting for all of my hair to be gray. Then I have this beautiful color of blue that I want to put in my hair, just a streak of it. Can't help it, that is just the way I am. Gotta stand out some way!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you have taken the day off. Good for you!
Good for you! I don't know what color my hair is or how much gray there is! Unfortunately my hair was a drab dishwater color. But, I am with you...I hate the procedure & especially the cost now,..
ReplyDeleteGuess I'm one of those lucky girls that haven't turned grey yet. Oh I have some grey hairs ~ in front of my ears. I'm 66 this year. I tell everyone I'm 1/2 way to 132..to me that sounds so much younger. Glad to hear you have decided to let your hair grow natural.. I would not like the smell of that coloring and especially the cost. That was a big decision you made. Congratulations~!
ReplyDeletehey Hilary - look at my site - you will see another white haired weaver- 'I yam what I yam' The gray/white started at 12 for me, it was cool (streaky) in my 20's not so cool after 40 but we are who we are and it is better than having 'roots'. Wear it with pride, we earned every one of those white ones. Deb
ReplyDeleteWe have earned every one of them! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteHilary, I just love your take on things, I do. I say do what your heart tells you and you can't go wrong.
ReplyDeleteWhen my DH asked me how long I was going to color my hair I told him I was going to decide when I am in my 60's........maybe when my first Social Security check arrives, I will stop coloring my hair.
ReplyDeleteI love grey. The inbetween is the hard part.
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that somebody else is going through the process of deprossessing their hair. Mine is out about 1/2 inch or so. If I can just hold on. Lets do this!
ReplyDeleteSolidarity sista - I'm with ya!
ReplyDeleteDid the same this this year, I hated the process, so I am all natural and love the natural highlights! Vicki in CT
ReplyDelete