https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:38:57 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/4#post-1996797 Tue, 29 Jan 2019 01:31:15 +0000 taylor 1996797@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>*applauding * </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/4#post-1996761 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 22:35:08 +0000 Gaylene 1996761@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, I’ve resisted adding my two cents, but can’t hold back any longer as grey, curly-haired woman who loves her current cut—a slightly wild, assymetrical, stacked bob.</p> <p>Angie is right (again!) that it’s the energy, attitude, and confidence we bring to our style which makes us look good as senior women. Surely, at this stage of life, we’ve earned the right to make our own decisions about our appearance without fretting about our “authenticity” or feminist credentials. My grey hair isn’t some form of social/political/ feminist statement; it’s just my current hair style. Aging happens, my appearance isn’t static, and so, if I suddenly decide to dye my never-been-dyed hair a bright red tomorrow, that’s still me peering out from under those strands. As long as I’m having fun, why should I restrict my options? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/4#post-1996752 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 21:41:20 +0000 Angie 1996752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. This is a really long thread :)</p> <p><b>Jenni &nbsp;NZ&nbsp;</b><b></b>&amp; <b>Janet</b>&nbsp;have both offered meaningful definitions of authentic style. Like ethical fashion -<i> you have to decide what authentic style means to you. Milk it, and&nbsp;run with it.&nbsp;</i></p> <p>I&nbsp;don't&nbsp;think it's a&nbsp;straight or curly grey&nbsp;hair thing. Latching onto what <b>Vix </b>said, looking good and having a great sense of style is a sum of its parts. It's not one&nbsp;thing, but the total package.&nbsp;Style is beyond age and size. It’s an energy, attitude and confidence that is expressed through clothing, footwear and accessories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/4#post-1996748 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 20:49:21 +0000 Vix 1996748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What makes people look behind the times is being behind the curve in their attitude. </p> <p>In terms of hair, there's been a cross-ethnic reclaiming of one's textured natural hair for at least 10 years and the Youth of Today DGAF that people think their hair is too "extra." A lot of us oldies have gotten on that bandwagon. ;)</p> <p>At the same time the movement *for women* to embrace one's grey has gained traction. [Because of course men get to be silver foxes, distinguished, etc.]</p> <p>So even if we want to use "older" as a slur, grey + curly isn't automatically, universally seen as an "older" look than grey + straight. As any number of YLFers demonstrate....</p> <p>Ditto for grey over dyed-to-cover-grey.&nbsp;</p> <p>In terms of style, a person's total package tends to communicate a visual timelessness. But in the end, I think it's personality and outlook above all else that communicate vitality.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996703 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 19:15:29 +0000 Anonymous 1996703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too wonder about curly hair+grey vs. Straight+grey. Curly and grey seems more aging (or something) and might require a very modern (asymmetrical?) cut.</p> <p>But maybe long+curly hair+grey is ok.</p> <p>I am on the cusp of needing to dye my hair and I’m not sure which way to go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996700 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 19:04:26 +0000 Jenni NZ 1996700@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cool. I knew we were using the same word to mean two different things </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996699 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 19:01:25 +0000 Janet 1996699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fair enough, Jenni. I am using “authentic” in the sense of being true to oneself and having conviction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996697 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 18:59:08 +0000 Jenni NZ 1996697@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>W.r.t the "authentic" question, when I looked it up, the definitions I was considering were "genuine" and "real". I understand that Dolly Parton and many of you *feel* that way with coloured hair, breast enlargements, facelifts, Botox, other plastic surgery, whatever. And I was not judging that. What I was doing was using the word authentic to mean literally real, not coloured or altered by external means. I think the word representative may be a better one for the inner feelings rather than the word authentic. Dolly's boobs were representative of who she felt she was as an authentic self, but they weren't authentic in the way I mean the word. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996624 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 13:40:27 +0000 Carla 1996624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Never surrender the opportunity to be the best you can be, Aquamarine, but don't 'compare and despair' either! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996617 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 13:14:33 +0000 Aquamarine 1996617@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The most dramatic thing I’ve done post-50 is let my hair grow to my shoulders. It’s poker straight and hasn’t looked this way since high school, and I get so many more compliments than I did when it was short. I just don’t seem to have the face for a pixie. I am a dark brunette and still color but have been thinking that if I stop, I’d prefer this length and grey to short and grey. For me, it’s also easier to style. I aspire to Anchie’s look if I do go grey.</p> <p>So basically, April, I guess I am positioning myself to go grey *if i want* without having the hairstyle issue to worry about. The two different issues muddy the waters for me.</p> <p>As for feeling authentic, I don’t even know what that means. I am post-menopausal. The weight is creeping on, the menopot is real. Do I not do everything in my power to fight it, if not just for health reasons? Does that make me inauthentic? Is it vanity to want to fit into a certain jean size? Where to draw the line as to what to change or mitigate to feel *my* best? I think we all have to define *that* for ourselves. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996614 Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:37:59 +0000 April 1996614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Waving at MsMary, and agreeing with Bennett.&nbsp; There is something about curly + gray that to me seems more aging than straight + gray.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996501 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 19:24:45 +0000 Bennett 1996501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't speak to the facelift question other than I will never say never AND MsMary, you look dynamite! Hands down - dynamite.&nbsp;</p> <p>I DO think the current hairstyle would look just as great in your natural undyed hair color! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996479 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 18:44:46 +0000 MsMary 1996479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I went gray and naturally curly for a while in my 40s. The photo on the left is me at 48, 12 years ago. The photo on the right is me at 60, post-facelift, with straightened and dyed hair.</p> <p>Je ne regrette rien. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996454 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 17:13:44 +0000 Janet 1996454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since this thread popped back up, I have a thought about the “authenticity” aspect of our appearances. Authentic does not necessarily equal natural. </p> <p>Many women have never felt the natural color of their hair feels authentic to their personality and sense of style, even when they are young and grey hair is not a factor. They’ve dyed it red or blond or black or whatever for decades. </p> <p>Whether or not it is natural to what grows out of their head is not the issue — it’s what *feels* right to them. That’s what I am talking about when i mention authenticity. </p> <p>Because, since Dolly Parton came up in Carla’s response, even though nothing about Dolly’s appearance is “natural,” you cannot argue that it is not authentic to her, because it most certainly is! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996442 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 16:33:32 +0000 Bennett 1996442@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The posts I have the most to say about, I have to think the longest about to not write a book! So... very late and very condensed -&nbsp;<br />1- the hardest transition I can remember.<br />2- I see the culture turning toward acceptance of grey/ white hair, and I would rather be a leader than a follower.<br />3- You have no idea what your natural color will be by looking at an inch of regrowth, it just looks BAD and shocking at this point.<br />4- You don't have to cut your hair short, you do have to have a sharp, intentional cut ( I started to look like a crazy gypsy so went for a straight bob).<br />5- More compliments on my white hair than I ever got on the blond! White and silver can make you luminous! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996398 Sun, 27 Jan 2019 12:43:15 +0000 April 1996398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Again, thanks to all for posting your thoughts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>My own mother (81) has never colored her hair, wears no makeup, pays little attention to her clothing.&nbsp; She would say that her message is "I am who I am," but from the outside it comes across more as "I can't be bothered".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>That's up to her, of course, and there's nothing inherently wrong with "I can't be bothered" as an approach to one's appearance.&nbsp; But it's not the vibe I'm after for myself.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1996258 Sat, 26 Jan 2019 19:56:18 +0000 Molly Mac 1996258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am just starting the process of returning to my natural hair color. I started by allowing a streak near my face go natural about 6 months ago. I just commited to the full process this month. To avoid the skunk line, my hairdresser is foiling in color. My girlfriends think I am nuts, but I figured I would give it a try. If I hate it, I can always return to coloring it. The pics are from this week. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995794 Thu, 24 Jan 2019 23:18:28 +0000 gardenchick 1995794@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Again, thanks for all of the comments, wisdom and photos of your evolutions!</p> <p><b>Suz</b>, thanks for the kind words. One of the best things about YLF is the ongoing positive tone.</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995645 Thu, 24 Jan 2019 17:52:48 +0000 Suz 1995645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Elizabeth</b>, what an amazing journey, and you look <b>SO AMAZING</b> in silver!!! And yes -- 10 years younger!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995453 Thu, 24 Jan 2019 06:47:20 +0000 Jenni NZ 1995453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I suspect we may need a dictionary definition of authentic. I may look one up later. If it "feels authentic" to someone to have lots of plastic surgery and Botox, and I mean LOTS ( could find you some pics of some 70 and 80 something women in South America) then the word seems meaningless to me. I think we're using it different ways here. I like what you said about hiding, Elizabeth P. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995405 Thu, 24 Jan 2019 01:19:02 +0000 Elizabeth P 1995405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>I can't believe I almost missed a thread about going silver/grey!</div><div><br /> </div><div>I did the transition about five years ago.  It was the BEST decision I've made in a long time.  So freeing.  But you need to be ready, cuz the process isn't easy.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>I started colouring my hair when I was 22, to cover grey.  I was so sick of being a slave to it... I had to touch up my roots every two weeks for the last decade, was restricted in my hairstyle so that I could do the touch ups myself (too expensive to get it done professionally!)   I hated it. Plus I felt the colour wasn't right for me... coloured hair always fades warm, adn I'm cool.  So despite all efforts (by a GREAT colourist), my hair neveer felt quite right.  Now, it took a long time for me to be ready, but once I started thinking about doing it, I couldn't stop.  I was at the point that if I didn't have grey, everyone knew I was colouring, so what was I hiding?  For me, it'd always been about hiding.<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>I went full skunk, with a few highlights/lowlights to blend my line, and to help it look more "purposeful".</div><div><br /> </div><div>Re aging... I've had people say that I look 10 years younger.  Not sure I'd say that's true, but I don't think I feel older.  I think I feel just right.   <br /> I think that the saturated coloured darker not quite the right tone hair on me, was starting to drain me as I aged. </p> <p>And I definitely feel more me - again, for me it was about hiding so shedding that and coming "clean" about my hair IS more authentic. <br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div>Here are some pics of my journey.  Fun to dig these out!<br /> </div><div><br /> </div><div><br /> </div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995404 Thu, 24 Jan 2019 01:08:02 +0000 Suz 1995404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wise words, <b>Sal</b>. We never know what we'd do until we walk in those shoes.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Wendy</b> -- I like your openness to change and the sense that you are continually growing and changing. It's consistent with what <b>Sal</b> and <b>Shevia</b> said. We just don't know what will feel (or be) "authentic" for us down the line.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Carla</b> -- that hair looks so fun!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Roberta -</b>- yours, too!</p> <p><b>Gardenchick,</b> you look gorgeous in all versions but absolutely luminous with grey. It suits you.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995239 Wed, 23 Jan 2019 07:11:37 +0000 Sal 1995239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fascinating thread.</p> <p>I don't have a lot to offer except:</p> <p>1) Some cultures value youth more than age and wisdom and put a higher value on retaining a youthful appearance.</p> <p>2) It is all degrees.&nbsp; At the top end we might have the Kardashians and then different levels of intervention down to someone who cuts their own hair, wears zero makeup and is happy in a fleece and trackpants.&nbsp;</p> <p>3) If I was in a different position for work, or relationship wise, financially I might well act differently.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995222 Wed, 23 Jan 2019 04:07:26 +0000 shiny 1995222@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wendy, I personally draw the line at plastic surgery because years ago when my kids were at a tender preteen age they overheard me talking to my sister on the phone about how my OB/GYN had told me I was the perfect candidate for a tummy tuck, and I was debating it. Incidentally I was like a size 0p back then!!! I then overheard my kids a few days later talking about how they wanted plastic surgery someday to fix their perceived woes too...&nbsp;</p> <p>It was that day I said no, never, no matter what. I'm just going to have to learn to love myself, droopy mother's apron and all.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said I did joke to my hubby recently that I could really use a "chin hammock" to hold up my sagging chin. I've never had a strong chin but gosh the older I get the less chin I seem to have and more neck. Someone needs to invent a chin hammock and make it fashionable.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995220 Wed, 23 Jan 2019 03:56:18 +0000 shiny 1995220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is one of those threads where I wish YLF had a Facebook function where we could like/love posts. So many I love here!</p> <p>Okay we're three pages in now so I can say this as it's buried. My company got acquired so sometime this year I'll be joining a bigger company, which is notorious for age discrimination lawsuits. Career wise, it may make sense to start dyeing my hair again. Personally, I just can't and won't, at least not for *that* reason. Okay I do reserve the right to maybe do a highlight or streak here or there or whatever down the road... but it's not going to be for fear of keeping a job. Just nope.</p> <p>Those who stopped dyeing, do you like the texture of your hair? I dyed for so many years because I didn't like the texture as my hair was superfine. I am now amazed at how nice and soft my hair feels, and can't wait for the last few inches to be cut off as that's the part that still feels so dry. Maybe the volume isn't the same but it's been thinning regardless, and a good cut seems to help a lot. And it's not so superfine and flyaway as the graying hairs are heavier and coarser. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995219 Wed, 23 Jan 2019 03:45:48 +0000 wendy 1995219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The authentic self thing is interesting.</p> <p>I'm going to have some small work done on my face. Why? Because when I look in the mirror, I don't see me. The reflection doesn't reflect how I feel emotionally or physically. For me, personally, making the changes is bringing out the authentic me. Had anyone asked me 10 years ago, or even 5 years ago, if I would consider having anything done, the answer would have been an emphatic no. But, I've changed, as did my opinion on the subject.</p> <p>I also don't see the difference......clothing, make-up, hair dye, plastic surgery. It's all the same thing to me, just in varying degrees. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995216 Wed, 23 Jan 2019 03:23:10 +0000 Carla 1995216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We could probably start a new thread on 'authentic self' that goes well beyond hair colour. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995215 Wed, 23 Jan 2019 03:18:05 +0000 Carla 1995215@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is a woman in my bridge group who has mostly white hair with a bit of grey underneath. She colours her hair identical to the pic below and it is at a similar length. She has had the colour and style for the 10 months I've known her. She dresses slightly bohemian, favours teals and blues, and has great specs. She looks fabulous and if my natural colour was anything like hers, I'd be in to see her stylist for unicorn hair too!</p> <p>I never played with colour when I was younger, because I liked my natural colour. Colouring in my 50's didn't work - as I've mentioned - mostly because of lifestyle and all the time I spent in the pool. Though I don't colour now, I've thought of trying rose gold when the white gets to be really dominant. If I had straight dark or iron grey hair, I'd try the oil slick colour like Una did many moons ago. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995211 Wed, 23 Jan 2019 03:07:16 +0000 Jaime 1995211@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am following this thread with interest. I do not associate grey hair with authenticity per se&nbsp; (I may have made this speech before). I personally do not feel my true self without a bra on. (Bear with me here.) I have biggish boobs that breastfed three children in my late 30s and I do not feel good without a bra. I also prefer not to go out without some cc cream to even out my complexion. And don't get me started on hair removal. Etc. My authentic self is the one that I choose to present.<br />Yes, one of the motivations for stopping the dye was somewhat political - I did not appreciate society telling me that I had to dye it to look presentable. But that was my personal battle; others burned their bras .&nbsp; <br />In short, I believe we choose our authentic selves - that is what makes us human. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/has-anyone-made-a-dramatic-age-related-hair-change/page/3#post-1995208 Wed, 23 Jan 2019 02:42:37 +0000 Roberta 1995208@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you're still reading this far down - this was my recent shave and dye job. The pink faded and the notches grew out really fast, sadly. </p>