— Style —

Hi-yo, Silver Hair!

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The glorious silver trend in hair continues as younger women are letting their hair go gray, flaunting their streaks, or bleaching and toning it in shades of gunmetal, platinum, and chrome. I admit, while it looks fantastic on young women with smooth skin, I have my doubts about having gray hair AND wrinkles.

None of my friends have made this transition yet, either. But in spite of my trepidation, I stopped coloring my hair to find out just how silver I’d be, thinking perhaps I’d join their ranks, hoping I’d find a wild streak or two in there.

Ten weeks later I had an inch of new growth as my red gently faded and my ash brown reappeared. I had enough new hair to see silver in my roots, and yes, there were a couple of would-be streaks, but, I say would-be, because I’ve been struggling mightily with my hair as the color grew out. It’s baby-fine and limp, what’s jokingly called “frog fur” in a salon. My sweet Mom always joked about her “12 hairs,” well I’m luckier. I have at least 15, and right now, none of them are cooperating at all. Trust me when I say it’s become unmanageable, I’m a pro…

Once again I’m forced to admit I’m powerless over my hair. I am chemically dependent. My hair needs fullness, manageability, and shine. Saying goodbye to my precious metal mindset, I blend up a bowl of magic and set to work, one 1/4″ parting at a time.

Just like watching a Polaroid, the color develops before my eyes, and I see my rich, red hair reappearing. I see my complexion even out, and my eye color pop. Forty five minutes later I shampoo and condition, and as I run a comb through my hair, it feels fuller and more resilient. I feel as if I have 30 hairs! And… I feel like myself again, the very best version of myself. That is what great hair-color is all about!

I guess that’s why after the Lone Ranger said, “Hi-yo Silver,” he said, “away!”

 

 


8 Comments

  • Charlesñjoycee Silverman January 15, 2017 at 8:31 pm

    I’m not sure about all silver/ natural / greyish is about…but not going there either! Naturaĺish, blonde with some greyish . ..allover colour didn’t even last 2 weeks so highlights and low lights works well. *)

  • Esther Zimmer January 16, 2017 at 4:38 am

    What a great post! After colouring my hair for 25 years, I decided to grow it out last year to see what was going on underneath. I so wanted to be OK with the greys and the mousey blonde – but in the end I admitted defeat. This week I’m going even blonder. There’s nothing wrong with feeling like the best version of ourselves, even if that does require a little chemical enhancement! Esther xx

    • Donna O'Klock January 21, 2017 at 11:10 am

      Absolutely, Esther! I had a teacher who’d say, “Use everything for your advancement!” That’s why God created hairdressers!
      XO

  • Joanna January 18, 2017 at 10:39 am

    I tried – little grey/silver and my once blonde is mousy. So, .I’m back to highlights/lowlight in shades of blonde to give my hair some life. Maybe,
    I’ll try again in a few years. If I’m one of the fortunate ladies with gorgeous white hair then I’m going yo be very happy.

    • Donna O'Klock January 21, 2017 at 11:13 am

      I hear you on the “mousy” thing. It needs to be bold to really look great. Do try again in a couple of years – maybe you will be one of the lucky few who are all white, but salt and pepper is beautiful too!
      XO

  • Denise Lawver January 20, 2017 at 3:41 pm

    I just went platinum last week after letting my gray come in, I just felt I needed a little brighter color & the new growth with the platinum won’t be as noticeable. My biggest problem is finding the right make-up colors…

  • Donna O'Klock January 21, 2017 at 11:24 am

    Think cool colors rather than warm colors. Jewel tones. Pastels will wash you out.
    We should get Sandy to write a column on makeup for the silver hair trend!
    A rep at a good make-up counter would be very happy to help you – for just the purchase of a product or two – and then you’d have exactly what you need.
    I’ve noticed that as I age… less is more. (Bright lipstick is gorgeous with silver.) I prefer tinted moisturizer to even my skin tone, and cream blush. Look at NARS, they make a blush and lipstick that work on most everyone called ‘Orgasm.’
    XO

  • Susan Tolles January 26, 2017 at 9:20 pm

    Donna, you would be beautiful with NO hair! As you so intimately know, I am a “chemical addict” for life, and embracing every moment of it. No one can replace you, so I’m on my own these days with Madison Reed. But I do miss those wonderful conversations we had while you were transforming me!

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