Yesterday, I walked out of the salon with wet hair and a racing heart. No color. Just a cut. After six years with the same hairdresser, I joked to both her and the woman washing my hair, "We'll see, I might be back next week!" But even as I laughed, I knew something had shifted.
The truth? I'm terrified of looking like an old lady. But after a friend posted stunning photos of women who've embraced their gray hair, I realized it's worth discovering what my natural color actually looks like. When my hairdresser casually mentioned that my roots are 60% gray, my stomach dropped. That's 10% for each decade of my life, staring back at me in the mirror. Yet with my recent career change and post-COVID casual lifestyle, this feels like the perfect time to try. Besides, my husband and I are traveling this summer. What better opportunity to let it grow and see what emerges?
COVID didn't just change the world—it changed me. I used to be the woman who never left the house without makeup and hair that wasn't just blow-dried but carefully hair sprayed in place. Foundation wasn't reserved for special occasions; it was my daily armor, my shield against the world.
This approach came naturally, given my lineage of impeccably groomed women. Picture this: my grandmother never went gray and wore full makeup to clean the house, along with thoughtfully coordinated outfits for cooking. She would have been horrified by my current ponytail-and-mascara routine. My mother didn't stop coloring her hair until COVID shut salon doors, and her resulting silver hair? Absolutely stunning. I can't even imagine her as a brunette anymore.
For me, the grays are arriving faster each month, like uninvited guests who've decided to stay. I'm beyond ready for a change. I want to have fun with this journey down gray lane.
So I began investigating the best transition methods from brown dyed hair to 60% silver, and honestly, it's unnerving. The options range from dramatic pixie cuts to chemical treatments—none particularly appealing. There's an inevitable dividing line between new growth and dyed hair that must grow out, and it's fascinating to see how different women navigate this challenge.
Starting in summer feels ideal since I'll care less about appearance, but I'd still prefer to skip this awkward phase entirely, which seems impossible. My hairdresser hinted at transition techniques to ease the process, but my roots need significantly more growth first. I'm intrigued by women who add funky colors like purple to the ends during transition, though I'm uncertain if that's my style.
So far, my husband and daughter-in-law support this decision. A close friend is considering the same path but hasn't fully committed. It would be wonderful to "look like skunks together!" I also joined a Facebook group called "The Gray Book" that offers tremendous support and information. There's something comforting about finding your tribe, even if it's online.
I know some people will think I'm crazy, but I don't have career concerns holding me back. I'm done hiding my grays, and those who understand me get where I'm coming from. I hope to encourage others considering this choice if it's been weighing on their minds. When you're finished with hair color, you'll know it. Trust me—if my circumstances were different, maybe I wouldn't be ready.
I'm excited to go gray my way, though I'm still figuring out what that looks like. Life will show me the best approach. There are no rules here, and I can always change my mind and return to the salon for color. That safety net matters more than I expected.
I'm thrilled to embark on this journey and process. I'm excited that I can change my mind and that options exist to ease any difficulties. Most importantly, I'm grateful that the people closest to me are supportive and cheering me on. This represents another layer that might lead to even greater joy.
If anyone has traveled this road before, please share some encouragement.
Stay aware. Stay true to yourself. Stay rooted in joy.
