Hi all -

I joined YLF over a year ago and started thread about going grey last summer probably. I've mostly been a lurker, and I've never posted a pic of me before this one.

So here is a recent pic of me, taken on Monday of my new short cut:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh.....directlink

Here's my opinion on the matter. I will be 33 next month. I am 60-70% grey. It is a lot of work to keep my hair dark because it grows very fast and does not like to hold color. I'm not quite ready to make the switch, but I'm also not sure that I can keep up the routine of coloring every 3 weeks for another 20 years just because other people don't think grey looks as good as my dark hair.

This is one area of fashion and beauty where people expect you to dramatically change what is naturally you, and I think the expectations of others place an undue burden on people.

merry77: a fantastic short haircut for your lovely face.

I agree with your last sentiment, and I currently have hardly any grays.

Merry - thanks for posting! I think you look fantastic. What a cute haircut. You have a beautiful young face, and you look very vibrant.

I'm almost 53, and believe me - 33 is young!

I'm very torn right now, because I've been unemployed for two years, and I am certain that I've been passed over for certain jobs because of my age. I don't "look" old, but my resume has 20 years of experience on it, so people can do the math. Yes, it's illegal. Yes, it happens. But despite that, I keep having this feeling that I still need to be my "authentic self," as corny as that sounds.

Also - and to be completely honest here - part of the reason I'd like to have a head of silver hair is I think it would make me stand out. I don't feel very "special" these days, and there's something about silver hair that's so different and unique. Maybe it's actually vanity that's driving me toward having silver hair? Of course, this will only work if I end up with glorious silver, and not dingy yellowy gray.

It's either do something with my hair or get a nose ring, and my husband isn't too keen on piercings.

Tarzy said:
"Also - and to be completely honest here - part of the reason I'd like to have a head of silver hair is I think it would make me stand out. I don't feel very "special" these days, and there's something about silver hair that's so different and unique. Maybe it's actually vanity that's driving me toward having silver hair? Of course, this will only work if I end up with glorious silver, and not dingy yellowy gray."

I understand wanting to stand out. I would venture to say that some interviewers would like the fact that you're willing to differentiate yourself from the crowd, but of course, there's no way to know which kind you'll have until you get there and going gray is not a spur of the moment decision.

Standing out is one of the reasons I want to go gray young. And rebellion from others' expectations is another!

I am in agreement that 33 is young. I used to say I was going to color my prematurely gray hair until 30, and then I got to 30 and I said, "no way!" But if I struggle with the maintenance at 33, how am I going to make it another 20 or 30 years before people starting telling me it's ok to go gray?

Tarzy,
One of the beautiful things age brings women .... most do embrace.... we seem to feel more "comfortable"in our own skin...we like who we are on the inside, even though the outside is changing.:)

You are fabulous looking at 53, and clearly comfortable with who you are, hair is only an accessory, it sounds like you are ready for a change in that accessory dept...GO FOR IT!!! You can always color again if you wish. It is only hair and hair is subject to change!! You will never know until you give it a try:)