Say it Loud, I’m Gray and I’m Proud

It’s My Crown Jewel

Lee Hansen

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

23 Comments

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  • Sandy James12/4/2011

    I'm with you. I'm starting to gray and I'm doing it naturally.

  • Rachelle Dawson11/1/2011

    We're overly obsessed with looking young in this country.

  • Miz Holly Willis10/31/2011

    Great Article Lee! My mom recently stopped dying her hair and came to the same conclusion as you :)

  • Delicia Powers10/25/2011

    Well said!

  • Nancy P. Goodman, in Tennessee10/17/2011

    You go, girl!

  • Lodie Quezada10/17/2011

    Bravo, great writing.

  • Teila Tankersley10/16/2011

    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!!!

  • Jeffrey L. Campbell10/15/2011

    Proud of mine too - I worked hard for them and wear them as a badge of .... making it through another day!

  • Mike Powers10/15/2011

    Awesome writing, thanks!

  • Mary Oberg10/14/2011

    I will be waiting a few years yet to go gray!

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