What age would you let yourself "go gray"

[Adipoo]

I decided to stop coloring my hair at 60 after 30-some years. It's turning a lovely platinum color. It was a great decision, very freeing. And I am not grandmotherly in the least, so there. My husband loves it and is happy I've stopped putting chemicals on my head every 4 weeks

 

[kellyg403]

I am 50 this year...ugh. However, I got lucky and just starting getting really gray around the last 2 years. Its only in the front on the two sides, so if I let it go too too long I look a little like a skunk!

But honestly, I don't color all the time. The last time I colored it was back in November. I am o.k. with the gray if the truth be told. I worked hard to earn them I guess. There is also a certain amount of being lazy and vanity...I don't want to lose my hair or have a major color problem.

So, I guess I let it go gray at 45.

Kelly

 

[maslex]

I'm 42. I'm naturally a medium/dark brown. I started getting a few grays here & there when I was 16. I've been dyeing my hair for maybe 15-20 years?

I've noticed in the last year or so that I'm mostly gray underneath all of this color. I've thought of going all gray before, even my husband has said, "why don't you just go all gray?" But my biggest issue is I have long hair (probably down to just below my shoulder blades)

I think you could go gray easier if you have short hair but I think it would look odd growing it out with longer hair. I really don't mind woman who go all gray but I just don't like the look of all gray on long hair. I don't have a problem going gray but I'm not ready to go short.

 

[usnuzuloose]

Good question, I never thought about it. I am 52 and I only have a few strands here and there. So I don't bother with it.

 

[Annadesu]

My mother and sister destroyed their hair with chemicals from frequent coloring. Very frayed, unhealthy looking hair with obvious bottle blond/red. I will take the gray hair, thanks.

 

[MichelleVW]

My mother and sister destroyed their hair with chemicals from frequent coloring. Very frayed, unhealthy looking hair with obvious bottle blond/red. I will take the gray hair, thanks.

You know it's not one or the other right? My mom is 73 her hair looks healthy, my Aunt is mid 60's and has been coloring her hair for probably 20 years...it looks great. Personally I only have a few and probably only color my hair three times a year or so I'm not worried about damage.

 

[Laura66]

Not bad grey - but lots of it at 47! Been coloring my hair since I was 18 - highlights when I was younger - now color and highlights to cover the grey!

I don't buy that coloring your hair necessarily ruins your hair! I get complimented on how healthy my hair looks all the time. And I blow it out every morning.

 

[ilovemk76]

I have no idea, since I still have my natural hair color. My hair is also very long. I do plan to shorten it when I finally do go grey.

 

[cglaura]

I am 45 and stopped last year. It was getting to where I had to touch up every two weeks. Too much!

Growing it out was a mess, lots of hats, ponytails and headbands. So that was the biggest battle, but am so glad I did it.

Also I think the style of cut will be a factor. I used to have long curly/wavy hair, and gray it just looked like wild witchy woman

Before, about 1 month of stopping color:

Now:

 

[Adipoo]

CGLaura, that looks gorgeous on you!

 

[MIGrandma]

I'm not sure. I'm 56 and have light brown hair, but have noticed "a few" silver strands, especially in front. They're my "highlights" I guess.

I don't know how I feel about being completely gray. It looks nice on some people, others not-so-much and they would look younger if they colored their hair.

I guess I'll have to wait and see. I had my hair "frosted" once in my 20's but have never colored it completely.

 

[disney1990]

I am 38, and underneath the Clairol I am 90% gray. I've been dying my hair since age 25 because of gray.

I was mentioning another need to go to the salon to my 70yo dad, and he said, why don't you just let it go gray???

I'm not ready for that. I know that. But I do tire of going to the salon, and I am lousy at doing it myself. I don't think I'm vain, but I still care about my looks. Just sick of the hair coloring all.the.time.

What age would you/did you allow yourself to go gray? Does it matter if you were a blonde vs brunette? (I was brunette)

Never. I too have been gray since my 20s. My hair has been completely gray since I was only 30. Now 62 and continuing to dye my hair, but at this point I do it at home. Actually DH does it for me.

 

[Dizzy4DL]

CgLaura, you look fantastic!

 

[Liberty Belle]

I'm 46 and still pulling them out, but I'm getting more and more. I am not ready to go grey. Doubt I will be until my 60's, but maybe not even then, who knows.

 

[kellyg403]

I love that style on you cglaura!

Eventually I need to find a shorter style that suits me. I have always had shoulder length hair, its time to start going shorter.

And the gray looks great too!

Kelly

 

[Liberty Belle]

I am 45 and stopped last year. It was getting to where I had to touch up every two weeks. Too much!

Growing it out was a mess, lots of hats, ponytails and headbands. So that was the biggest battle, but am so glad I did it.

Also I think the style of cut will be a factor. I used to have long curly/wavy hair, and gray it just looked like wild witchy woman

Before, about 1 month of stopping color:

Now:

I love your hair and I think you look younger with your grey hair and shorter cut.

 

[spacemountainmom]

cglaura - You look great with the cut and color!

I have been coloring my mousy brown hair since I was 17. The first greys popped up when I was 26 and pregnant. At almost 46, I am probably about 50% grey. Most of it is pretty and silver, but I am not ready to let it go. I am actually way overdue to see my stylist right now and have been debating, but I will get it colored again.

 

[Dizzy4DL]

I'm 36 and one temple is about 25% white, the other has none at all.

I don't color often right now, and you can only see it if I pull my hair back. My mom used to be a hairdresser, so I could color for years if I wanted to. I have no idea when I will stop.

My mom still colors at 60, and looks 55 at the most. Underneath the color she is pure white, as is her mom.

 

[JanaDee]

Cglaura, your hair and cut are gorgeous! I am hoping that is what my hair will look like once it finally does go mostly grey.

I have long straight hair (to the middle of my back) and I am looking for a new shorter cut.

 

[cglaura]

Thanks everyone!

CGLaura, that looks gorgeous on you!

CgLaura, you look fantastic!

I love that style on you cglaura!

Eventually I need to find a shorter style that suits me. I have always had shoulder length hair, its time to start going shorter.

And the gray looks great too!

Kelly

I love your hair and I think you look younger with your grey hair and shorter cut.

cglaura - You look great with the cut and color!

I have been coloring my mousy brown hair since I was 17. The first greys popped up when I was 26 and pregnant. At almost 46, I am probably about 50% grey. Most of it is pretty and silver, but I am not ready to let it go. I am actually way overdue to see my stylist right now and have been debating, but I will get it colored again.

Cglaura, your hair and cut are gorgeous! I am hoping that is what my hair will look like once it finally does go mostly grey.

I have long straight hair (to the middle of my back) and I am looking for a new shorter cut.