Ditching the Dye

gray

“I do wonder why people hate their grey hair so much! I think grey hair is a gift from the moon! When the moon laughs, her eyes produce tears of joy that fall to the earth and onto the tops of people’s heads!” C. JoyBell C.

Around the time my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, I started to make a more conscious effort to reduce the number of chemicals used in our home, from processed foods to cleaning products to toiletries. In fact, I started making my own deodorant, toothpaste and many cleaning supplies, and began learning about the connections of foods, herbs and essential oils.

One thing I hadn’t done at that point was to give up my hair color! The gray was really coming in, and I found myself coloring more frequently. I remember that the last few times I colored my hair, I began to itch along the base of my neck. At that point, I decided it was time to stop coloring. To aid in the transition, I had highlights and low lights added, which helped eliminate the “line of demarcation,” something that many people, especially women, fear when they stop coloring their hair.

It was around that time I noticed that others were doing the same – ditching the dye. I approached the editor of Michigan Prime Magazine, and she agreed to let me write an article highlighting (pun intended!) metro Detroiters who were letting their hair go au naturel. The response I received from people willing to share their story was overwhelming. I couldn’t even interview all of them! Men and women, celebrities and regular folk are currently embracing this trend, and I don’t think it is going to end any time soon.

Here is a link to the article, “Ditching the Dye.” It is my hope that if you are considering going gray, the interview subjects and stylists I spoke with will be of encouragement to you.

© Lynne Cobb – 2015

Have you ditched the dye? Are you considering doing so? Please let me know in the comments below!

7 Replies to “Ditching the Dye”

  1. Yes! I ditched the dye, and not one day of regret since.
    I’ve had a lot of gray since my early thirties, and with a nearly black mane turning lighter each year, the coloring became lighter and blonder. A Blonde, I am not.
    In an effort to reduce my expenses to save up for cataract surgeries (yes, an early bloomer for that too!), I made the choice to stop. And besides that…I had always wanted to do it before I turned 50. Thought if I did it before, it was cool. After that, it was just because I had to. Skewed thinking, I know.
    I get compliments quite often!
    Now, going back to read the article…

  2. Congratulations on your article, Lynne! I gave up the dye in my mid-50’s and never looked back. I love the savings of time and money and ease of care, plus the health advantage. I’ve received more compliments on the salt and pepper look than I ever did when dying my hair!

  3. I ditched the dye in my mid forties and I am fully transitioned. I love my hair much more now than I did when I dyed it.

    There are some great groups on Facebook that offer encouragement, support and inspiration for grey haired ladies in all stages of transition. “Gray and Proud” is a favourite.

  4. Pingback: 8 ways midlife is like being a teen again - Lynne CobbLynne Cobb

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