I'm going back and forth on my greys and I'm wanting some information as the only people I know in 'real' life whom I've observed who have gone from coloured hair to grey have always had two-toned hair for a time. They're also all had short hair.
I noticed that in Liliana's latest pic that her ends are darker than the rest of her hair. I've noticed this in 'real' life too and always assumed that the person had been colouring their hair prior to deciding to go grey. But I think Lil's hair is all virgin.
So, is this two-toned effect natural (i.e. not the results of colouring but just the way the grey grows in)? And if so, how long does it take to transition between hair that is all one colour to hair that is say charcoal or silver?
At the moment my hair seems to be mainly dark brown with grey sprinkled throughout although there are two spots where it has formed streaks. One is around my face and I don't mind it. The other is half way back along my part and I hate it.
Another thing I've noticed is that even though my hair is shiny, it doesn't look it anymore on the top of my head where the grey is coming in. It looks dull. My grey certainly doesn't sparkle and because it's a harsher colour than the rest of my hair, it seems to overshadow it's shine too.
So if anyone could answer my questions, or share their experience, I'd really appreciate it. I've been growing out the henna for about 6 months now, and I don't want to re-henna without making an informed decision. KWIM?
Progress from June 2006 - July 2009
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length 25"/62.5cm
Current length 36"/90cm (Original goal and was reached July 2009)
New Goal 44"/112cm
Current routine: (Trying to keep it as simple as possible): WC on the weekend; scalp washes every second day; oiling 2-3 nights per week; S&D when I think of it; and dusting every 8-12 weeks.
Shampoo: Organic Instincts diluted with herbal tea (rosemary and chamomile).
Conditioners: A'Kin Protein or Moisturising Conditioner mixed with 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp coconut oil (dissolved in 1 tsp boiling water before adding conditioner).
Oils: Favourite is almond oil. Occasionally will use a blend of coconut, almond, olive in the ratio 2:1:1 in summer or as a deep oiling treatment.
Other: ACV infused with herbs (depending upon availability I use a selection of lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, sage, and thyme); BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; Logona herbal henna.
'Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfailing beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.' 1 Peter 3:3-4
Maybe everyone's hair grows in silver/gray/white differently? For me, have it coming in behind my ears in a stripe, and the rest seems to be springled in root to the ends.
1BFii
Hair: All natural dark brown and silver.
Washing: Twice a week, scalp wash, with letting shampoo run through length. Condition from ears on down. Cold as I can stand it final rinse.
Shampoo/Conditioner: I have switched to organic. Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo and Conditioner. Nature's Gate Organics Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner.
Comb, never brush.
Kind Regards,
lacemitts
always looks so shiny. Mine doesn't anymore. Not on my scalp. The length is still shiny because there are so few greys there. I miss the shine but don't know what to do about it.
Progress from June 2006 - July 2009
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length 25"/62.5cm
Current length 36"/90cm (Original goal and was reached July 2009)
New Goal 44"/112cm
Current routine: (Trying to keep it as simple as possible): WC on the weekend; scalp washes every second day; oiling 2-3 nights per week; S&D when I think of it; and dusting every 8-12 weeks.
Shampoo: Organic Instincts diluted with herbal tea (rosemary and chamomile).
Conditioners: A'Kin Protein or Moisturising Conditioner mixed with 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp coconut oil (dissolved in 1 tsp boiling water before adding conditioner).
Oils: Favourite is almond oil. Occasionally will use a blend of coconut, almond, olive in the ratio 2:1:1 in summer or as a deep oiling treatment.
Other: ACV infused with herbs (depending upon availability I use a selection of lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, sage, and thyme); BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; Logona herbal henna.
'Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfailing beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.' 1 Peter 3:3-4
I started the same way you are now. Silver threads running hear and there (I was never lucky enough to have a streak). There is no stopping your grey now - it will come in more and more.
If you color your hair, henna or chemical, you will have roots of grey. More and more pronounced as time passes. This is one of the reasons I chose not to color. I just can't keep up with that sort of maintenance.
About the shine... At the root of every hair there is an oil gland. Oil glands respond to hormones. Think of what happened when you became a teenager. I don't know how old you, are but I'm 54 and have gone through menopause (surgically). I just don't produce the oil I did when I was younger.
I now put olive oil in my conditioner to help with the shine and snarls (I use a non-oiled conditioner on my scalp - otherwise I have to wash in 3 days). My hair loves it - it is so soft! Thanks to who ever posted that suggestion. It works great!!
Going grey is not an easy decision. I think it ages me a bit. I'm glad you are thinking about it first. Let us know.
Christmas 08 April 09
Close up of my gray hair.
My new mantra: 2009 for hair that's divine!
Oil on ends just before combing to help with snarls, 2x a day.
Shampoo every 5 days
Experimenting with ACV, coconut oil, and honey.
Started measuring August 06, at 36.5 inches
1cCii ~ Natural Silver
I am 53 year old and I've been married for 34 years!!
July 1st 07 - Reached 40 inches
July 14 07 - Cut back to 36.5
August 3rd 08 - Reached 40 inches again.
January 1 09 Reached 43 and classic achieved! Cut for a better hemline.
April thru June 40 still. sigh...
36.5/40/Classic
Faithful to barbers - they actually trim 1/8th of an inch!!
I'm fortunate that I chose herbal henna and it's fading quite quickly. I think that if I avoided it I'd probably have no henna colour left within 6 months. It's getting lighter and lighter everytime I wash and even though I notice the line between hennaed hair and virgin hair, I don't think it's noticeable to others.
In all honesty, I think the silvers do look better than the hennaed hair - at least now. Perhaps when I was doing henna every month the coloured silvers looked okay but now they look really washed out. So I do like the silvers - kind of.
But what I'm finding really hard is that my silvers lack shine - they are so dull - and they introduce a cool colour to my hair where my hair has always had a lot of warm red and gold tones.
Progress from June 2006 - July 2009
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length 25"/62.5cm
Current length 36"/90cm (Original goal and was reached July 2009)
New Goal 44"/112cm
Current routine: (Trying to keep it as simple as possible): WC on the weekend; scalp washes every second day; oiling 2-3 nights per week; S&D when I think of it; and dusting every 8-12 weeks.
Shampoo: Organic Instincts diluted with herbal tea (rosemary and chamomile).
Conditioners: A'Kin Protein or Moisturising Conditioner mixed with 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp coconut oil (dissolved in 1 tsp boiling water before adding conditioner).
Oils: Favourite is almond oil. Occasionally will use a blend of coconut, almond, olive in the ratio 2:1:1 in summer or as a deep oiling treatment.
Other: ACV infused with herbs (depending upon availability I use a selection of lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, sage, and thyme); BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; Logona herbal henna.
'Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfailing beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.' 1 Peter 3:3-4
Yes I was dark haired and had red highlights just like you. In fact only my brother Dave and I have dark hair, out of 8 the rest are blonds.
I don't know if you are going cone free, but maybe you could add a product that has shine in it to your routine while you decide what to do. I don't avoid cones at all. LOL when hair is this long, you need some slip to help with the tangles!!
I hope you find the right decision soon and have peace with it.
Christmas 08 April 09
Close up of my gray hair.
My new mantra: 2009 for hair that's divine!
Oil on ends just before combing to help with snarls, 2x a day.
Shampoo every 5 days
Experimenting with ACV, coconut oil, and honey.
Started measuring August 06, at 36.5 inches
1cCii ~ Natural Silver
I am 53 year old and I've been married for 34 years!!
July 1st 07 - Reached 40 inches
July 14 07 - Cut back to 36.5
August 3rd 08 - Reached 40 inches again.
January 1 09 Reached 43 and classic achieved! Cut for a better hemline.
April thru June 40 still. sigh...
36.5/40/Classic
Faithful to barbers - they actually trim 1/8th of an inch!!
I have never colored my hair so I guess it is hard for me to answer your question about making the change from henna to gray. I have white strands sprinkled in all over my head, but mostly in the back. I'm just beginning to get a white streak near my face.
I have always figured that the Lord gave me my original hair color and now He has designed it to change. Actually, I like the idea of having hair that is a little lighter. My whites/silvers are coarser and curly-er than my fine blond hair. My thoughts are that it is the way of things. I just don't worry or think about looking/being older. I am older. LOL!
Anyway, I think your hair is beautiful just the way it is. I would vote to let it grow out and if you don't like it, change it. However, I really think the main deal is that we all have to adjust to our journeys through life. Getting those fine lines on our faces and silver hair speak of great wisdom and experience. We should all be proud of having made it this far and feel blessed....because we are!
I decided to stop using henna is because my eighteen son started going grey at seventeen! I don't want him to colour and I felt - not exactly hypocritical - but as if I couldn't support him being prematurely grey if I was colouring my own up. I know it's generally supposed that grey hair is more distinguished in a male but try telling that to a seventeen year old when he notices his first grey hairs!
I am getting older. I don't necessarily like the fact but there's not a lot I can do about it. And I've seen some younger women with grey hair who look wonderful. But most do have short stylish hair cuts.
As I mentioned above I'm struggling with the lack of shine and the cooler tones it brings to my hair colour which in turn I think makes me look even older and tireder. Perhaps I'll try and get a photo and see what others think although I know in the end it has to be my decision.
Progress from June 2006 - July 2009
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length 25"/62.5cm
Current length 36"/90cm (Original goal and was reached July 2009)
New Goal 44"/112cm
Current routine: (Trying to keep it as simple as possible): WC on the weekend; scalp washes every second day; oiling 2-3 nights per week; S&D when I think of it; and dusting every 8-12 weeks.
Shampoo: Organic Instincts diluted with herbal tea (rosemary and chamomile).
Conditioners: A'Kin Protein or Moisturising Conditioner mixed with 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp coconut oil (dissolved in 1 tsp boiling water before adding conditioner).
Oils: Favourite is almond oil. Occasionally will use a blend of coconut, almond, olive in the ratio 2:1:1 in summer or as a deep oiling treatment.
Other: ACV infused with herbs (depending upon availability I use a selection of lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, sage, and thyme); BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; Logona herbal henna.
'Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfailing beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.' 1 Peter 3:3-4
about your son becoming a bit gray and you not wanting him to color his hair. However, from experience with my own son, he will do what he wants anyway. LOL! But, being a guy, he probably won't want to do what the gals do, so he won't use coloring.
About your hair, I was looking at your latest photo and I see a lot of shine. I hear ya about the gray being cooler than your original color. My hair is looking cooler, also. I guess that is what happens as we all change color. I share your thoughts about not liking the aging process. But, after 60, I just gave up and decided that it was pretty cool not to look like the rest of the herd at this age. Most of the time, I am the only longhaired person and with my hair in an updo, no one really bothers me.
I grew up with very critical parents. There wasn't a physical part of me that wasn't criticized....from my "thin" face all the way to my "fat" thighs, and then on to my long feet. You know, it took me over 50 years to realize, what is wrong with having a thin face, etc. And I also found out that I did not have fat thighs (I wear sizes 4/6) or particularly long feet. And even if I did, who cares? All these things are just someone else's idea of what is attractive. If God made me this way, then it must be pretty cool. But, I admit, it took me half a century to figure out that God doesn't make "junk".
So, don't be swayed by all these gals who wear "up-to-date" hairdos. Just do what makes your heart sing and what makes you happy.
I have to say, I plan on letting my hair go gray when the time comes. But, it hasn't come, so I don't really KNOW I am going to do it. Maybe I will change my mind about it before then.
Some of the most beautiful hair I have ever seen has been silver. I think Emmy Lou Harris is beautiful in hers, and there are other famous women if I could just think of their names right now. I don't think their gray/silver hair makes them look old or tired. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy. Your hair probably doesn't look as 'bad' as you think it does.
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length 25"/62.5cm
Current length 36"/90cm (Original goal and was reached July 2009)
New Goal 44"/112cm
Current routine: (Trying to keep it as simple as possible): WC on the weekend; scalp washes every second day; oiling 2-3 nights per week; S&D when I think of it; and dusting every 8-12 weeks.
Shampoo: Organic Instincts diluted with herbal tea (rosemary and chamomile).
Conditioners: A'Kin Protein or Moisturising Conditioner mixed with 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp coconut oil (dissolved in 1 tsp boiling water before adding conditioner).
Oils: Favourite is almond oil. Occasionally will use a blend of coconut, almond, olive in the ratio 2:1:1 in summer or as a deep oiling treatment.
Other: ACV infused with herbs (depending upon availability I use a selection of lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, sage, and thyme); BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; Logona herbal henna.
'Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfailing beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.' 1 Peter 3:3-4
In my case, the two tone effect is natural. Initially, years ago, I had a line of demarcation from when I stopped coloring and hennaing. I had it forever. Hated it, but got sick of coloring so I lived with it. But the line I have now is natural (all virgin hair like you thought) and it's where apparently my hairs all decided at once to quit being auburn, plus turn grey. You know that brown color that's not really brown but more of a no-color color? That's the kind of line I have now between auburn and no color brown. But, it only shows so starkly when I put my hair up. I know that sounds strange, but hanging down I don't have an actual line. I have only a few grey hairs that go all the way to the end of my hair.
About shine. The top of my hair is not shiny like it used to be. I hear what you're saying about lack of shine at the top of the head and I concur. I have a theory about this.
You know how in geology there are different words to identify luster (waxy, pearly, shiny, earthy, resinous)? You know how obsidian is super shiny reflective like glass? Well, grey can't do that. Dark brown can be real shiny as you know. There's metallic luster that polished metal gets. I think greys are more like metallic luster is. So my theory is that the grey/silver can have a luster, but generally not shine. I know when I see a well kept head of grey hair it's got a nice luster to it. It's not shiny, but it's not dead looking either.
It's hard getting older. Gotta readjust to what beauty is. (I'm not advising - I'm thinking aloud.) I can't have shiny auburn locks anymore. Next best thing is the best grey I can make with what I've got. Henna is gorgeous for sure. Especially freshly henna'd hair.
I find it interesting how some women really struggle with the color or stop color decision. It's like they want to step off, they fancy stepping off, but are they ready? Even they don't know! For me, I was done when I was done.
Each woman has to work on her own unique beauty.
What are you going to do!
"Be who you are and say what you feel because
people who mind don't matter and people who
matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss
Age 50
Hair color: Icey silver on sides, silver and charcoal to BSL, auburn to the ends.
1b M ii
24"/45"/Cruising toward crook-of-the-knee --> 51" on me
Current fave oil: Monoi Tiare Tahiti (coconut oil w/ Gardenia)
Shampoo: Nature's Gate Herbal Daily Cleansing Shampoo
Conditioner: Nature's Gate Herbal Daily For All Hair Types
Madora comb
Wash 2nd or 3rd day
Lil's blog:
http://alittlegrace.blogspot.com/
This message has been edited by lilianaliliana on Nov 9, 2009 7:23 PM
to do a henna gloss so that I could get that gorgeous shine again but now after reading your post I'm not too sure. I checked my notes and I did a henna gloss about 2 months ago using just 2 tablespoons of herbal henna and I definitely got shine and conditioning plus a teeny bit of colour. However, the colour is totally gone now. It probably only lasted a few weeks. So I'm not scared about doing it again because I know that it will be temporary (and anyway, I was going to try putting oil on the grey streak at the front to see if that would prevent it taking up colour). The henna that is still there is from full-strength applications every month over time and slowly it's fading (the fading henna looks awful though - which is another reason I want to be really sure that I want to go back to henna because I don't want to have to go through this growing out stage again a few months down the track if I realise I've made a mistake).
Like you, I have very few greys that go all the way - even before I started using henna.
If understand what you're saying about 'shine ' and you could be right. I wouldn't mind the grey so much if it didn't make the rest of my hair look dull and lifeless. BTW, yours doesn't look dull or as if it's lacking shine in your photo.
I know there are some products that those with grey hair use to make them sparkle or to stop them looking yellow. I've never seen any here though so it might be a problem getting them and I don't really want to go to cones to get shine.
I just don't know what I want now.
Progress from June 2006 - July 2009
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length 25"/62.5cm
Current length 36"/90cm (Original goal and was reached July 2009)
New Goal 44"/112cm
Current routine: (Trying to keep it as simple as possible): WC on the weekend; scalp washes every second day; oiling 2-3 nights per week; S&D when I think of it; and dusting every 8-12 weeks.
Shampoo: Organic Instincts diluted with herbal tea (rosemary and chamomile).
Conditioners: A'Kin Protein or Moisturising Conditioner mixed with 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp coconut oil (dissolved in 1 tsp boiling water before adding conditioner).
Oils: Favourite is almond oil. Occasionally will use a blend of coconut, almond, olive in the ratio 2:1:1 in summer or as a deep oiling treatment.
Other: ACV infused with herbs (depending upon availability I use a selection of lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, sage, and thyme); BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; Logona herbal henna.
'Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfailing beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.' 1 Peter 3:3-4
Please visit Sticks and Stones Hairsticks The best place for totally custom sticks!!
![[linked image]](http://home.comcast.net/~lacemitts/pwpimages/DSCN0291.JPG)
![[linked image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/Tasarwen/49withskirt1400.jpg)
![[linked image]](http://www.network54.com/Realm/KatsHair/2008_0214Image0005.JPG)
![[linked image]](http://www.network54.com/Realm/Foxfour/hmmmsmiley.gif)
![[linked image]](http://www.network54.com/Realm/lilianaliliana/theloom_nov09.jpg)