Gray hair update Feb 2016 - YouLookFab Forum

I took photos after my last hair cut ten days ago, and 2 1/2 years since I started the process of letting go of the hair color that was no longer me.

The first photo is from 18 months ago (Aug 2014) when I was still dealing with the blonde highlights that were supposed to help me grow out the gray. Big mistake there. I tried lowlights to calm it down and that was worse. If I had it to do over . . . but I don't.

The blonde hair just wasn't me. I felt washed out and didn't like it. The last time I had highlights or any other color was May 2015. You can see that I still have some blondish stuff on the top layers.The biggest surprise for me after seeing my natural color was the discovery that I have a lot of natural highlights. A couple of the lighter streaks near my face almost look blonde!

I am in the process of re-evaluating the colors I like to wear. I really like having some contrast between hair and skin again. More on that another time. Not much makeup on and skin unusually rosy that day. Hair looked light outdoors, but couldn't get a good indoor version either.

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

9 years ago

Anonymous

I think it looks very nice! Your patience with the process has paid off.

catgirl

Veteran

Beautiful! I am liking the unexpected placement of some natural streaks as well, and I get all kinds of positive compliments even from young'uns. Congratulations.

JAileen

You look great! Having gone grey a few years ago myself, I think Mother Nature's highlights are much better looking than those originating from a salon. Cheaper, too!

Lyn D.

Looking great, and in good condition too!

DonnaF

Your hair looks FABULOUS!!! Did you buy a lot of clothing to go with the blonde? It looks like these new tones will open up a whole vista of opportunities. Is dark taupe anything you would consider?

You have beautiful hair. Having gone through this process, my hair was a natural taupe with streaks for years. Gradually it has gotten more silvery still with some dark roots in a few places. Your hair will probably continue to change.

Caro in Oz

I love your new hair Blond felt wrong on me too - I felt terrible without make up & terrible with it. Everything works again now I'm grey.

merwoman

You and your beautiful hair look healthy and happy! Looking forward to seeing the wardrobe update!

MsMaven

Donna, taupe is definitely on my list. For a long time I've loved certain shades of brown, camel and even beige, but after trying on my winter sweaters last fall I realized the beige/camel had to go except for shoes and accessories. Taupe is a definite yes. I've been accumulating a lot of gray, but don't love it, and I decided taupe would be an ideal mid-neutral now.

Thanks for all of your encouraging comments. I forget to include something on texture, which has changed. Hair is in much better condition overall, less breakage and tangles, but, it seems more limp, thin and straight as ever. I'm going to be looking for new hair products as well. Looks like I'm going to have to wash my bangs every day, and I don't have the oily skin I used to have.

Jaime

(website)

I remember how glad I was to get rid of the not quite right tones of my hair color. The colors I wear are still evolving. Your hair looks great!

Beth Ann

You hair has lovely swing and shine -- looks terrific and was worth the wait!

Elizabeth P

Your natural hair colour looks great! Thanks for sharing your process.

Isn't it funny how we spend years putting colour in our hair that actually isn't the best for us, in the effort to look "better".

Vix

Hi MsMaven --

Agree the mix of tones in your hair is so lovely, and look beautiful against your coloring.

[You're another to add to my inspiration list -- I posted an 8 months pic in a few days ago and was whining a bit about the process taking for-ev-er. Thanks for showing that patience pays off!]

Re clothing colors -- you should think about posting some trial for us. Sounds like the warm shades aren't giving you any pleasure? Hard to know whether you need dark neutrals to give you that contrast you're craving or if they'd just overwhelm you, if you need brights or if they'd outshine you, etc.

More experimentation now that the hair is settled for a while!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I like the new tones of grey. Lovely with your warm brown eyes.

Category