https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:41:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals/page/2#post-1534536 Thu, 06 Aug 2015 10:46:05 +0000 Kiwimom 1534536@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went from mid brown to fully grey and then back to mid brown over a 1 year period and would suggest you:</p> <p>1. Go slow - it is a massive transition, not just for you but also family and friends. Take it slowly and give everyone (including you) time to adjust. This was my major mistake. </p> <p>2. Be strong and confident in the direction you are going - sadly not everyone will be supportive and it can be exhausting having to justify your decision. </p> <p>3. Find support for the journey - There are some great websites/forums that provide encouragement and brilliant advice. I found them invaluable. </p> <p>Good luck, going grey is an empowering and liberating thing to do! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals/page/2#post-1534522 Thu, 06 Aug 2015 10:06:56 +0000 Style Fan 1534522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always enjoy reading your posts.&nbsp; I support natural hair colour whether it is grey or not.&nbsp; I echo others that wardrobe choices change with hair colour changes.&nbsp; When my hair was more golden I wore stronger colours.&nbsp; Now I seem to stick to neutrals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1534508 Thu, 06 Aug 2015 07:08:53 +0000 Lyn D. 1534508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck with your grey grow-out!<br />I have shortish, wavy hair and have not semi-coloured for 3 months.<br />What I have noticed is that the ends have not washed-out to my natural shade- possibly due to being over-coloured.<br />&nbsp;So I have 3 colours to deal with- the 30% grey, the natural mousy brown and the over-coloured coppery ends!<br />I think it will probably take 9-12 months overall, and I probably will get some low-lights soon to make the transition smoother.<br />Not sure about future clothing colour choices, except that I may go for lower-contrast pieces, and keep buying grey and navy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1534480 Thu, 06 Aug 2015 05:06:53 +0000 Marley 1534480@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I'm late to this thread and it sounds as though you've decided that you're going to go the gray route - and you certainly are getting a lot of encouragement from the forum members to do so! &nbsp;My "issue" about women your age (much younger than me) going gray is that I think it only really looks good if the cut/style is something modern or edgy - otherwise, I think it is aging. &nbsp;I know many people don't care about that - but I do - I admit it - that's why I keep coloring mine. &nbsp;My sisters were here visiting several weeks ago and because I missed a hair appointment, I asked them what they thought about me just going gray. &nbsp;Well, the response was loud and clear - NOOOOO! &nbsp;:-) &nbsp;Not sure why they were so emphatic about it - but, it certainly confirmed what I already knew about myself - gray hair is not (at this point in my life) part of my style.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1534478 Thu, 06 Aug 2015 05:00:53 +0000 Anonymous 1534478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Growing out your natural hair color will be an adventure and , as others have said, you may need to readjust your color pallet. Jewel tones used to be my best. No more. Now they do nothing for me. When I first was mostly grey, I celebrated that for the first time in my life black was a color that I could wear because there was more contrast. It's all a journey and nothing stays the same, so have fun with it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1534474 Thu, 06 Aug 2015 04:32:34 +0000 Gigi 1534474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have any advice for how long it would take to grow out the gray, but I say to go for it if you're ready. Also, since you are really working on getting your wardrobe just right, it will be helpful to see what your natural hair color is so that you can fine-tune your color palette accordingly.</p> <p>I like the idea of a specific list for the reason you state: it can really help us stay on track. I get very easily sidetracked, and although I'm not unhappy with what I buy and still make good purchases, I think I would have a more cohesive wardrobe if I had bought what I set out to get.</p> <p>As far as the wool pencil skirt goes, have you checked J Crew? They often have wool pencil skirts, and I'm guessing that that brand would be good for your body type. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1534405 Thu, 06 Aug 2015 02:16:00 +0000 Anonymous 1534405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My daughter said she'd give me the "it's time" sign for growing out my hair. &nbsp;I "highlight" and I know I will need to face this decision. &nbsp;A friend of mine did and her hair is absolutely stunning, nearly shoulder length, thick lovely hair. &nbsp;Journal your journey and please share your discoveries. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1534383 Thu, 06 Aug 2015 01:32:46 +0000 Anonymous 1534383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've got my vote for trying grey. I think it'll look good on you...and if it doesn't, you can go back to colouring It took me about 6 months to grow out all my grey, but I was also trying to grow out my style at the same time (poor planning on my part). If I'd kept the shorter layers, I'm guessing it might have been as fast as 3 months. </p> <p>I haven't felt a need to adjust my clothing colours too much (though perhaps I should) but I have found I can wear some colours I never could before. One thing I discovered, though, is that lip colour becomes a vital accessory. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1534230 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 23:09:13 +0000 Suz 1534230@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you will look awesome with your natural colour. Really looking forward to the transition. I don't know how long it will take but for hair as short as yours, probably not very long.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am almost ready to go this route myself, but am waiting for a bit more grey to come in before I take the plunge. Probably a year or two and I'll be set for it. Maybe sooner. When I make the decision, I will cut my hair a bit shorter to ease the transition.&nbsp;</p> <p>You have done some incredibly careful thinking about your wardrobe and what works for you. It's always a pleasure to read your deliberations.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think a few of your colour choices may adjust a bit with the new hair colour. It won't be a massive change, though, and the colours you enjoy will still remain.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1534156 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 21:42:25 +0000 Elle 1534156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>12 weeks sounds reasonable even if your hair grows slowly.&nbsp; My hair is short about 2 inches at most and it took 2 - 21/2 months to grow out.&nbsp; I love the freedom of being gray but if you end up not liking your hair, it's easy to start coloring again. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1534074 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 19:11:51 +0000 judy 1534074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found growing out the grey liberating...AND it also took some getting used to. &nbsp;The colors I wanted to wear changed too. &nbsp;So your wardrobe goals may change as well. &nbsp;</p> <p>I don't do the one in one out policy, and recently I wanted more space in my closet but there wasn't much I wanted to purge. &nbsp;Finding a thread on the forum about the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and reading it, helped me fold and store clothes differently and that freed up a drawer and some closet space too.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1534070 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 19:05:34 +0000 Staysfit 1534070@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for all the support for going gray. &nbsp;I have no clue as to the percentage of gray hair on my head vs. brown. I just know that whatever color I have tried feels wrong and fake. &nbsp;An important part of my style is being genuine, so that means presenting the best version of the real me, not a fake me. &nbsp;( I am not saying that I am opposed to using makeup to enhance my best features, etc.) &nbsp;</p> <p>My long list of what I would like for my wardrobe is more like a set of guidelines for me to follow as I traverse the retail world. &nbsp;I definitely have developed a trigger finger when it comes to online shopping, and having a specific list of wardrobe needs is designed to keep me on track and make me question very carefully before I make a purchase, whether I truly will wear that item, and whether it will a) fit in with my current wardrobe b) make me happy c) contribute to wardrobe bloat and needless savings depletion.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1534031 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 18:16:37 +0000 retailgirl 1534031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You'll love the gray! I never colored my hair but it has gone from salt and pepper with lots of pepper to more and more salt! But as it gets lighter gray I notice I'm drawn to different colors. I'm a winter and red was always my favorite color to wear but now I'm drawn to grays and periwinkle or steel blues. As far as one or two button jackets: one button jackets have a lower stance and aren't good if you're busty. The lapels will wing out. I don't think that's your issue, so either would probably work for you. I always prefer a two button jacket, or even three. Just my preference, I'm not busty. Your specific wish list is great and I don't think it would be too hard to find some of those things. Your first one, the blazer, could probably be found from Lafayette 148. They have a selection of cashmere jackets every fall that are delicious...I got two, on sale, a few years ago that are my favorite jackets. So soft! Elegant! ( they run big.) and they usually have cashmere knits in colors to match. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533984 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 17:05:35 +0000 annagybe 1533984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can't really comment on the grey hair.<br />But your closet wants list seems awfully long and very specific in parts, eg coral leather jacket. It seems it might lead to long term dissatisfaction and frustration.&nbsp;<br />Personally I think regarding a wardrobe, expecting perfection is nil impossible.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533976 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 16:58:12 +0000 kkards 1533976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>wow, i'm always in awe of how thoughtful and deliberate you are....<br />looking forward to your journey to grey....any idea what percentage you are now? ie will you be grey or will you be some other color with grey mixed in? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533919 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:55:03 +0000 Anonymous 1533919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Addressing the gray, I'm looking forward to seeing your new hair because to be completely truthful, and I'm hoping you're not going to change your mind, I don't really think the current color suits you!</p> <p>There's just something not right about the tone with your skin?<br />I am fully expecting that your own real color will be a big improvement.</p> <p>It seems like it can be very difficult for people who've been dyeing their hair to let go of it, it must represent some kind of deep shift, and be that much more dramatic because they haven't been watching it slowly gray.<br />Take heart, it's going to look great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533908 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:47:46 +0000 abc 1533908@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dare I say I think going grey could help in terms of your overall look and coordination with your color palette? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533905 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:46:07 +0000 catgirl 1533905@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh and the bespoke suit did not happen. That is an old thread. But maybe I should make it my 50th birthday present to myself what with all the money I've saved not coloring my hair any more! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533902 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:44:28 +0000 catgirl 1533902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Go for it! Your hair is light so it will be an easy transition. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533894 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:39:05 +0000 deb 1533894@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have done a lot of work on your list. Good for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533886 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:32:40 +0000 Maneera 1533886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I encourage you to go grey too. Your hair is light and this may not be such a humongous change - palette wise. Plus all the money you save from colouring can go into finding you those HEWIs! </p> <p>I really love how detailed your list is, and the thought process behind every item is so thorough. Good luck with the next leg of your style journey! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533882 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:23:24 +0000 MsMaven 1533882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome to the going gray club. Summer is a good time to do it, because supposedly your hair grows faster. If I knew when I started two years ago what I know now, I would have cut it short rather than go through highlighting.&nbsp;</p> <p>My natural hair turned out to be a much darker shade than I thought it would be, and I like it better than the colored or highlighted look. I thought it would be much lighter.</p> <p>I encourage you to go for it now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533877 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:15:44 +0000 Jude 1533877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oops, cross posted with Jenn! What she said too! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533875 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:13:16 +0000 Jude 1533875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It took me about 4 months to grow my hair out completely and it was the best decision ever! My dyed hair was fairly dark so my stylist did a few lowlights in the front to soften the regrowth line but really it's best to just let it go. I think you'll be surprised how quickly it goes since your hair is already pretty short and light coloured anyway.<br /> One thing I did find was that some of the colours I was wearing in clothing and makeup needed a bit of adjusting. There are some colours in my palette that work particularly well with grey hair so I'm trying to include more of those now. You might need to adjust your colour value and contrast a bit. Maybe hold off on some items on your list (sweaters, jacket) until your transition is complete just in case that happens with you too? It could be your reward! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533869 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 15:08:07 +0000 Jenn 1533869@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your list looks great. It seems thoughtful and considered, and you've included accessories, which are something I haven't even really been thinking about. I really enjoy reading about your thought processes and choices.</p> <p>Letting your hair go gray sounds right in line with the first half of your style descriptors (soft, calm, fresh) and not at odds with the others, so I think that's a great step to take. Plus, if you decide you don't like it, it's much quicker to return to coloring than to go through the growing-out process. Since your hair is pretty light to begin with, I suspect it won't change your color preferences much, but you might want to hold off on any big-ticket purchases until the color-change is complete. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533855 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 14:46:08 +0000 Anonymous 1533855@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ooh, I think your hair will suit you and you are quite light already. I have no experience with how long it will take though. </p> <p>I love the sound of all of your hoped for wardrobe additions. The colours sound gorgeous!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533854 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 14:40:32 +0000 JAileen 1533854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It took about eight months for my grey to grow out, but my hair was longer then - chin length inverted bob. Now my hair is so short it would probably grow out in two months. Plus, because my hair was dark, my stylist used peroxide to highlight for a few months to blend, so that took time, too. I looked at my own brothers and that's when I decided to take the plunge - their grey looked so great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533840 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 14:23:29 +0000 Staysfit 1533840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lara, I went through the demipermanent phase of hair color until my stylist told me I had too much grey for it to be effective anymore. I suspect I have quite a bit, but I'm not sure. My younger brother is almost entirely grey. He's only 18 months younger though. His hair is naturally lighter than mine. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533837 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 14:20:24 +0000 Angie 1533837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I echo, Jaime. Growing out your hair to grey will be a short and painless process because it's short and light.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/going-grey-and-other-long-term-goals#post-1533780 Wed, 05 Aug 2015 12:36:24 +0000 Anonymous 1533780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You are brave going gray. Me, not so much. I use demipermanent every 3 to 4 weeks, so if I ever decide to ditch the dye it may not be so bad. </p>