Friday, February 5, 2010

Going gray



Ari Seth Cohen at Advanced Style has promised upcoming stories about women letting their hair go gray and silver. I can’t wait for his posts. He regularly features photos and essays about the style of older folks, from fashion to vibrant living. In his own words, he says, “I roam the streets looking for New York's most stylish and creative older folks. Respect your elders and let these ladies and gents teach you a thing or two about living life to the fullest.”

My own experience with going gray began shortly after retirement. I retired May 1, 2008, and for two months there was literally no day at home available for an appointment for cut and color. It dawned on me: Hey, I’m retired. This is my chance to see how far the gray has advanced and what it looks like!

As for the cut, I had been on a quest since Hurricane Katrina to find a hairdresser sympathetic to natural curl, more recently referred to as “awful cowlicks.” My regular hairdresser had evacuated for Katrina then relocated afterwards. Since then I found myself often silently saying after a cut, “Well, it will grow out.” So in retirement, I started cutting my own hair. When I goof up, I just repeat, “Well, it will grow out.” I have enjoyed the journey into no-color and self-cut territory. The freedom is one more retirement plus.


My husband Walter took the photo above of me and my gray hair.

1 comment:

  1. Kudos to you for going gray! I can't do it yet. I love gray hair--just not mine! My husband has been totally gray for years, and I love it on him. Maybe one day...My friend cuts her own hair, too. I don't see how ya'll do it!

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