28 Apr Go Gray or No Way! Hair Thoughts on Over 40 Ladies

Happy Friday friends!

“It is not by the gray of the hair that one knows the age of the heart.” — Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton
Well, I hope you didn’t think I was going to shock the heck out of you with my hair gone completely grey just yet! As you know, there is much media attention on women going grey at a certain age. I remember when my mom’s hair, seeing her one moment with light brown hair, to the next with solid white, was a bit of a shock! It truly didn’t take us all long to get used to it and really like the snow white hair on my mom.

How do we get it in the first place? Is it a matter of genetics and a combination of stress and other factors/ “ a paper published in Nature Communications, an international team of researchers describe the first gene linked to greying hair. The finding came from a larger study on genes related to a number of hair traits, including balding, monobrow, curliness and beard growth (for more on these other findings see here).Adhikari says that for grey hair, only one gene stood out. It’s a gene that’s been connected to blonde hair in Europeans, which makes sense since it also affects how much melanin the hair follicle receives. But this is the first study to link the gene to greying. **credit Time*

My mom has medium toned skin and although I certainly believe anyone can go gray if and when they want; I think for me it is about my skin tone.  I have fair skin and think it would just completely wash me out! I have had this conversation with friends, and they seem to agree. My natural hair is auburn but currently my hair is seeing a lot of gray roots only the hairline and top of my head. I do get it done to not have 2 toned hair as I have been kind of astounded how much is coming in , but not really getting too excited, as it’s going to happen. Even though I have long hair, it is fine, so the combination of grey, fair skin and long fine hair doesn’t seem to work. ( for me)

What I think must be tough is the in-between stages. Having grey and a color just doesn’t look hot to me. I asked my friend what she would do about the stage in between and she said ” wear a hat!” That might be a long time wearing hats!

There are many ladies over 40 that can wear grey hair very well and I love the look on them. The silver and white highlights can also look unique and as long as it is conditioned well and healthy. I am a firm believer that people should wear what they want and what makes them happy and I feel the same about gray hair. I do find it interesting that it was a trend and continues to be a bit of a trend with 20 somethings, as I would have never thought to color my hair gray when I was that age.. but some trends come and go.

When you think of grey hair, do you think of anyone in particular? I think of the grey streak in Stacey London’s hair, Jaymie Lee Curtis, and other ladies I know in real life.  I certainly like the freedom it represents, but is it right for everyone? I know there are tips on letting it grow out, or making the transition easier. I’m just curious of your thoughts! I can imagine the freedom but if you have a “friend” that would look 15 years older would you discourage her from going grey?

I think it is great that there is such a positive perception of women choosing to go grey. When I grew up, it was quite different, right?

**images Google

*silverstorm53 image

I doubt it will be something I do, just because of my fair skin.  I certainly have seen plenty of lovely ladies with silver/grey/white hair, but wonder are there other things to let go? Would  you wear less makeup,  forgo high heels as let’s face it , its more natural? ( ok, playing devil’s advocate) or would it give you the time and energy to amplify your wardrobe, makeup,, focus on other areas of your appearance?

Here is an example of my friend and Physical Therapist/ dry needle afficionado- Lisa. who has an amazing head of naturally curly silver grey hair. It’s healthy and really works for her!

I would love to hear your thoughts on grey hair, going grey? 

Thank you ladies and stay stylish!

Have a great weekend!

Jess xo

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