Ditching the Dye
Do you ever think you’d like to do something, but end up backing off because you’re not sure how it will turn out? Well, I’m not a stranger to such a dilemma. As an example, let me introduce you to my hair and a question I’ve been asking myself.
To dye, or not to dye?
I grew up quite blonde, but as years passed, my mane got darker. I didn’t like it, so my stylist added highlights to brighten my hair (and my spirits). Then, all on its own, my hair started to grow pale again. However, it wasn’t in a way that made me shout “Yipeee!” Gray had crept in. I graduated from highlights to an all-over blonde-color hair dye. It’s been good, though. My blonde hair and I have been happy together for quite some time. But over the past few years, I noticed a trend. More and more women were embracing their gray. They looked confident and fabulous and nothing like your mother’s grandma.
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Freshly colored.
In between hair appointments, I started to think more often about going au natural. Heather, my stylist, said she thought my hair would look fine without dye. She did, however, explain that growing in gray was a process, with frustrating moments. I mulled over the matter, and several times got brave enough to tell her, let’s do it. Then I’d chicken out.
Finally, I gave myself a pep talk. You’ve earned your gray hair. Stop hiding it, and get to know yourself better. After all, this isn’t a court order. Worst case scenario, and you can always go back to a manufactured blonde color. Voilà! The light bulb went off, and a decision was made. Time to transition. It’s now been six weeks since any color has been put on my head, and so far I haven’t panicked, thrown up, or felt the urge to get rid of my flip flops and buy a pair of support hose.
What I did do, however, was wonder whether anybody else was on the same path as me. A quick search of Facebook groups, and I found one called “Going Gray Gracefully“. With a title like that, how could I go wrong? I joined the group, and let me tell you, it has been an eye-opener. Many have chosen to do exactly what I’m doing. Women of all ages, shapes, and sizes are going gray and loving it. The group members are generous with sharing tips, encouragement, and best of all, inspiration. Thanks to their stories, I’ve gone from nervous to excited. We cheer each other on – virtual soul sisters – because we’re all in this journey together.
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Six weeks in (after purple shampoo)
Growing out gray isn’t a monumental event, but it feels a lot like forging any new path. Whether its publishing a first book or a fifth one (gulp, yes I did), singing a solo, or taking a solitary vacation somewhere far away, it’s natural to have doubts. That’s why it helps to have friends who say, “You go, girl.” There’s a feeling of comfort when you know others are experiencing the same thing you are, but will still talk you off a ledge. Like those who tell you about the magical purple shampoo. Or some simple ways to temporarily hide roots. Folks with whom you can commiserate and celebrate. Whatever the endeavor, a support group helps.
What will I look like when I complete this transition and my gray grows out? I don’t know, but I’m looking forward to meeting the “new” me.
Now let’s talk about you.
Is there something different or daring you’d like to try? What’s stopping you?
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Touching and humorous, you’ll love Pat’s latest contemporary romance, Along the Road (Becker Family Novel Book 2).
Pat’s other award-winning books and stories include:
On a City Street (Becker Family Novel Book 1)
