This week’s style and beauty advice is written by Honey Good Network member and lifestyle blogger, Nena Ivon. Nena wrote a great article for us on “Ageless Fashion” a few weeks ago. She’s back to answer questions about going gray! A few readers asked her about this in the comments and she so graciously answered.
Do Dye or Not to Dye?
A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about ageless fashion.
In the comments, a reader asked whether or not one should dye their hair when turning gray.
My answer was: Do what you feel is best for you!
However, my true thought is that you don’t. Let nature take its course.
I will say though, that it is easy for me to say since my own dark blond hair–that I have enhanced with highlights forever–started highlighting itself. It is forming a natural streak that I like–along with some highlights around my face.
Once in a while, I go to my trusted colorist to have a few–very few–strands enhanced, never in the crown nor back because it doesn’t look natural. And that is the trick–Solid color isn’t natural and looking artificial is looking artificial.
Here Are Some Suggestions:
- Work with your colorist/stylist on blending your color. Using straight dye out of the pot is not the way to go!
- Start slowly. It will take a bit of time to have your hair “grow” out, but this process can be stunning. I suggest going to Nikol Johnson’s website and follow her journey. No one has done the transition better than her!
Nikol Johnson With Her Gorgeous Gray Hair
- Be sure you adjust your makeup again and seek professional advice. You can find help at any department store or drugstore cosmetic counter. Not only informational but a lot of fun!
- Finally, enjoy the emerging new you!
Silver Looks To Inspire You
The extraordinary Carmen Dell’Orefice
Daphne Guinness Dramatic and Impactful
The Always Elegant Deeda Blair and Her Signature Look.
Most Importantly…
This is my most important advice…
Do what you are most comfortable doing. But remember, always do it naturally and with aplomb!
Have you gone gray? What tips and tricks do you have to share? Please comment below with any thoughts or questions.
All photos found on Pinterest. Photo credits unknown.
Nena’snotes combines Nena Ivon’s lifetime experience in the world of fashion with her varied interests in art, literature, theater, interior design, food, and much more. In addition to producing fashion shows, researching and presenting lectures on fashion topics and teaching fashion studies at Columbia College Chicago, she writes two monthly posts for the Randolph Street Market Blog, maintains the Chicago History Musem’s Costume Council Archives, and researches her own archives housed at Columbia College Chicago. Her reminiscences of the varied group of designers and other fashion professionals she has worked with throughout her career are delved into in nena’snotes. Her passion for everything that reflects her and her friend’s lives and the fascination paths they have traveled is also explored on the blog.
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Please write a column about whether or not to get plastic surgery for the gravity pulling down of lower face. I had it done at 63 and loved it! Now it is back again at 78. It causes lots of wrinkles. I have not gone gray. I live in So. California. None of my friends have gone gray. I don’t like the way I look now. HELP!
I will answer your question in my Thursday column on Dec. 19th. Go to https://www.honeygood.com.to read. I just began writing a column every Thursday. When you have a question please write to honey@www.honeygood.com. Ask Honey…Advice for Women Over 50. Warmly, Honey
What is interesting is that some of the pics appear to have all the filters on. Maybe they embrace the grey hair but not the inevitable skin changes. To each her own…Viva la vida!
Hello,
The women featured in this article are gorgeous in their gray hair. I’m 68 and still coloring my hair blonde. So many of us seem to go blonde once we go gray. I feel better continuing with color because I know my hair won’t look like any of the women in those pictures. My natural hair is a mousy brown that will look drab with gray running through it. I guess going to a colorist for help would be an answer but then I would still be coloring my hair.
It really is hard to accept the changes that are already happening. Maybe by age 70 I’ll decide to take the plunge.
Thank you for your informative article.
Sincerely,
Susan
It’s inspiring to see us older women looking so great and being confident about ourselves. Self-care is fabulous.
Love this. I started going grey in my early 20’s & couldn’t wait to have white hair. Almost there now. I hate fussing with my hair & the compliments I get on my hair with a black streak down the middle of my head in the back is just too much fun to mess with.