Since I was in the 8th grade I have had strands of gray hair peppered throughout my hair. Miss Marthia, my P.E. teacher said to me, "Don't pick them out because you'll have more coming to the funeral". I heeded her advice but more came anyway. People have often asked if I would color my hair to its natural black color. I respond by telling them no.
When I was much younger, I had very long hair. Because of the length of my hair the gray strands were not as prominent. About 5 years ago, I willingly and without coercion allowed my hairdresser to cut my hair to a much more manageable length. She had been hankering to do it for years. With my shorter haircut, a thick streak of gray became quite visible. People actually thought I had dyed it that way. It has become a conversation piece.
I have never applied any coloring or rinse to prevent nature from taking its natural course. It's not like I don't still have an abundance of my dark hair still present. But the gray population is increasing and I'm fine with that.
My hair is a part of who I am. I don't feel the need to shy away from it. I look at each of those gray hairs as a rite of passage and a reason to celebrate. I have been blessed with relatively good health and still have the ability to move around independently. Those gray hairs don't bother me at all. It's for certain that I won't be giving Clairol my dollars.
So I'll say it loud, "I'm gray and I'm proud". And while I'm at it I will take advantage of all the benefits of being a gray-headed senior.
SOURCE:
Personal experience
Published by Lee Hansen
I am a woman who enjoys the simple things in life. My parents raised 10 children. I have an Associate Degree in Medical Office Assisting as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Education. View profile
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23 Comments
Post a CommentI'm with you. I'm starting to gray and I'm doing it naturally.
We're overly obsessed with looking young in this country.
Great Article Lee! My mom recently stopped dying her hair and came to the same conclusion as you :)
Well said!
You go, girl!
Bravo, great writing.
LOl, I'm gray and I'm proud but just love coloring my hair ") I have the best of both worlds!!! Earned all my gray hairs and yet can be any color that I feel like whenever I want :) Fun read!!!
Liked your article on The Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts Can Earn Their Pink Patch at a Pink Party in the Greater Kansas City Area!!! Very productive yet fun!!!
Proud of mine too - I worked hard for them and wear them as a badge of .... making it through another day!
Awesome writing, thanks!
I will be waiting a few years yet to go gray!