As I was approaching my 50th BD, I became somewhat obsessed with my increasing grey hair. My hair stylist was out of town for awhile, so I made a haircut appt. with a large salon, telling them this was a one time visit. I intended to quiz the stylist about color thinking I would get a truthful answer. As I was leaving home for the appt., the phone rang. It was a cold call from a cemetery, wanting to sell me a plot! My 50th was the only difficult BD. And I have kept my hair it's natural color. Good luck, ladies!

Hugs back to you, Claudia. You made my day with your comment. THANK YOU _

CC, crazy story!

And Shannon, CRAZY HAIR!!!

Interesting. I was going to say I believe you'd look awful, scary, and back-from-the-grave ancient. But, I have to admit, I imagined every color but black. If you did a really really high-cost dark brunette, that wasn't all the same color (which natural hair isn't), it would probably look good.

Weird, but good.

Copper-penny red could also possibly be stylish, depending on how that actually went with your complexion. But that would be a matter of being so fake, it's punk.

My stylist doesn't color, so he has no bottom line motivation. When I told him I was going to stop coloring, he didn't try to discourage me or urge me to go to a professional which it needs at this stage of gray. I do think he colors his hair, however!

Shannon, you are very lucky to sport the salt-and-pepper so well naturally. I don't think we are all made equal in this department, and even if it's unfair and ageist, some women will look a little "better" (fresher, rested) with some colour to cover the gray. I agree with Claudia, though, it shouldn't be that way that we feel pressure to look prettier, more refreshed or more rested, at any age. Do we insist this of men? But sadly, women are judged by their appearance in a lot of circumstances. It is superficial yet for a lot of people it determines how the rest of the relationship goes. I'm thinking about superficial, temporary relationships such as clients, co-workers, people you deal with but do not know personally in daily life.

Bottom line in this world and day and age, if it makes you feel better to cover your gray, then you should; if it feels imposed, then reconsider. But one shouldn't feel bad for covering their grays if it makes them feel better.

Also, Shannon, your teenage hairdo: ouch! Hard to imagine you like this!

In a hypothetical situation, I'd think a nice punky unnatural color would be fun -- a dark purple or burgundy, or perhaps just some bright blue streaks?

I always said that if my hair turns white I'll dye it some kind of crazy improbable color, just for the fun of it.

Mander, one of my friends recently dyed her dark hair in an ombre dip-dye -- turquoise and bright green! I'm kind of jealous -- I think it would be so fun. Granted, she's 15+ years younger than I am. I don't think I could ever pull it off, even when I was 25. Maybe when I'm 85.