July 9, 2016

It was six weeks since my first "get rid of the dye" cut, so I went back yesterday for a trim and some much-needed thinning. We decided to keep it short for now, including the bangs, but my stylist left the sides a bit softer. Our thinking was that we'd get rid of as much blonde as possible this way, while preserving drama. Super short works for me for summer in particular. In the fall we can reconsider length and specifics of the style. Although I have to admit, I am really enjoying the ultra pixie, especially now in its softer form.

These photos are awful Photobooth quickies but they do have the advantage of having been taken in the same spot. Pic 4 shows the first cut.

Pics 1, 2, and 3 show the current look. My stylist said that all the blonde dye is gone now! So this is the colour I'll be living with for the next while. I am happy with it.

Posted in the General category

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61 Comments

replied 7 years ago

Yep. It looks great. Both color and cut.
annagybe replied 7 years ago

Love the jagged bangs. I'm trying that a bit with my hair. My hairdresser agrees with me it looks current.
Well done.
chouette22 replied 7 years ago

I like it a lot too! Excellent cut and the color is beautiful!
JAileen replied 7 years ago

The ultra pixie really suits you. The color suits you too!
pil replied 7 years ago

It looks great! I was wondering about you and your hair just the other day.
deb replied 7 years ago

That cut is really good on you. And your hair color brings out your blue eyes better than the blond, IMO.
Joyce B replied 7 years ago

Looking fab, Suz! That is a great cut and I agree that the color suits you.
replied 7 years ago

Very flattering and au courant, Suz! Don't you feel light and free?
El Cee replied 7 years ago

Gorgeous look for you Suz. Love the ultra-pixie. The color and cut bring attention to your beautiful eyes.
Runcarla replied 7 years ago

This is just so good Suz. The blonde worked for you so there should be no regrets, but your natural colour is stunning.
replied 7 years ago

This is a gorgeous update. Great cut, colour looks so natural, pretty and modern . Win-win.
Barbara Diane replied 7 years ago

Stunning! You look like a movie star. The cut is perfection. I am jealous of the color. My gray is much more blah.
Suz replied 7 years ago

Thanks, all! I'm glad that cut and colour are meeting with YLF approval. I am pretty happy with the current look. Oddly, I don't feel "older." Instead I feel "bolder." Ha!

Anna, I love jagged bangs and always have. Good luck for me if they look current now.

In real life, the transition has been interesting...at first people just did a double take. I assumed it was because they did not like the change. It turns out -- at least based on those who have since piped up -- it wasn't that they didn't like it. It's that they didn't know what the change was. They knew something was different but could not identify what, exactly, so they said nothing.

The only people who could really identify the specific change were the women in my gym class. I'm not too sure why...maybe there are fewer distractions there or something.

Lisa, it's good the colour looks natural since it is natural! Ha! But I know what you are saying.

IRL it is -- I kid you not -- a very blue grey in places. Really weird but true.
Beth Ann replied 7 years ago

Yes, the color is fab! Very cool in tone, and highly differentiated (high contrast, if that makes sense). Perhaps it is this high contrast that makes you feel bolder?

Love the way it's giving you fresh wind in your style sails! You certainly look terrific!
replied 7 years ago

I really like how this cut/color can go from impishly playful to sexy and sophisticated. It's so flattering to your features and personality and never looks like you tried to look chic, just that you are. Now for you to embrace knees as you are your hair! :p
Suz replied 7 years ago

Hahah, Jen -- you are ON. I take the challenge. And thank you for the lovely compliments.

Beth Ann -- thank you, too.
replied 7 years ago

natural as is meant to be ...;)
replied 7 years ago

:)
Sara L. replied 7 years ago

I think the cut and color are so flattering on you! When my hair goes grey I really hope it's a silvery grey like my great-aunt (and similar to your's) and not my grandmother's steel grey.
Style Fan replied 7 years ago

Your hair is a lovely colour. Blue Grey. Brings out your eyes. I love your earrings. The jagged bangs are a bit RATE. Actually I see more RATE with this hair. Which I like.
Angie replied 7 years ago

Killer Smashing in every way, Suz. Super short now to get the colour right - although the color already looks sublime - and a little longer later. Brilliant plan. ROCK ON.
Ornella replied 7 years ago

I love it. And I love your makeup too ;-)
Alexandra replied 7 years ago

Looking great, Suz! Both cut and color.
Marilyn replied 7 years ago

You look wonderful, Suz.....and yes, like the natural you. :)

I've been feeling very inspired, motivated....not sure what the right word/feeling is....since you did this. It's only been ten weeks but I haven't put anything in my hair. I only used a demi so it's fading out. I still look very much like a brunette, with a smattering of gray hairs and roots, but I'm feeling kind of free right now and I don't mind it. I might freak out down the road as things change but for now I'm just seeing where it goes.
Jane replied 7 years ago

Your hair is super. The cut is so clean, and modern. I love the bright lipstick too.
Suz replied 7 years ago

Thank you all for your lovely words. Jane, this lipstick is a Clinique chubby stick. I like how soft and bright it is but it does wear off quickly.

Marilyn, very honoured if I am motivating you to a wished-for change, but do take it at your own pace, as I know you will. Keep us posted!

Thanks, Alexandra, as a fellow-pixie wearer I knew you would approve. And it is lovely to see you back here now and again, by the way!

Ornella, you made me laugh! :)

Angie, you are always so supportive. Thank you.

Style Fan, you know what? I don't know if it is RATE but it is a bit edgier or something, and I like it, too.

Sara, steel grey can also be fabulous but I bet your hair is going to turn a brilliant silvery white.
columbine(erin) replied 7 years ago

I like those pointy bits by your ears; not sure how else to describe it. You look ethereal and sophisticated. Beautiful.
tulle replied 7 years ago

I've been awaiting this update, and wow, the more platinum gray we see, the better! Great cut showing both the color, and your pixie face, to advantage. Going longer after Summer's end sounds like a great idea--what fun you'll have picking new Winter colors. And, like Jane, I love that lipstick on you. It reminds me of an old Clinique favorite of mine, Raspberry Glace.
Lyn D. replied 7 years ago

Looking Fab Suz, and I think the choppy-ness is the key to your new edgy-modern look!
shedev replied 7 years ago

The pixie is really cute on you. Very Jaime Lee.
Aquamarine replied 7 years ago

Gorgeous. It really suits you. It must be so freeing to stop coloring.
dakotacheryl replied 7 years ago

So soft and pretty. Love how your facial features become center stage!
Angela K replied 7 years ago

You totally rock this look both in terms of cut and color! Beautiful!
amiable replied 7 years ago

Love it - especially the jagged bangs!
jenanded replied 7 years ago

It is just fantastic... colour cut and styling!
Karie replied 7 years ago

Your natural shade is beautiful and suits you perfectly!
Debbie replied 7 years ago

I love the cut and color! Perfect!
Sal replied 7 years ago

JUst joining the chorus of approval here- you look terrific. Great colour cut and smile!!
skylurker replied 7 years ago

The colour turned out really great, and the pixie was a master plan : no awkward transition period.
With a brow as high as yours, I'd like to see longer hair in front - I say that in the spirit of honest feedback, but you have to remember I'm clueless about hair and make-up :)
Jaime replied 7 years ago

If I weren't already grey I would have to cut off all my hair right now :) !
Nishaa replied 7 years ago

very inspiring, I'm goin to walk down your road sooner or later. Pray to God I look half as gorgeous as you do in silver.
Suz replied 7 years ago

Isabelle, yes, I agree -- I have a high forehead and so I usually wear longer bangs to help disguise it. I think it is more conventionally flattering to do so. But I also enjoy the JFE effect of displaying a "not conventionally good" feature and even celebrating it. I appreciate the feedback absolutely! I will likely grow the front a little bit as fall arrives.
skylurker replied 7 years ago

I have a high forehead too, and I've worn bangs for a long time, until I got eyeglasses and felt too much of my face was under cover.
So that's another thing to consider : if you wear glasses regularly, shorter hair might be better.
Yeah I know I'm only making things more complicated here and not being helpful :)
RoseandJoan replied 7 years ago

How great that you feel bold with your new natural colour.

The message I am taking away from the various ladies who have made the grey transition is there's a huge amount of power in going grey at a pace a time which suits the individual.

When grey is a choice you eliminate any negative associations.

Suz, you really do rock your new do.
Suz replied 7 years ago

Jules, it is true. I think for me, going in one fell swoop felt fun. For so many years, hairdressers had been saying I should keep highlighting, I didn't have "enough" grey, it would just look dull and mousy, etc. etc. But I instinctively knew at some point that they were mistaken, that underneath the dyed and highlighted hair there was something different going on. But even two years ago that was not as clear.

Making a quick switch like this is really just like dyeing to any other colour or a drastic haircut of any kind. Sometimes it's the style shakeup a person craves.

I think transitioning slowly without ever dying can be equally powerful -- it just depends on one's hair and personality.
marianna replied 7 years ago

Just perfect. So lovely on you.
replied 7 years ago

Suz, you look amazing. I love, love, love this cut on you (so much that I copycatted 2 weeks ago). I agree, short hair is brilliant in summer.

I am particularly impressed with how precise your stylist was in matching the first cut exactly. Mine is not good at this and I always end up not loving a style after the second cut. So, you have a real treasure there :)

Love what RoseandJoan says about the power of making grey a choice.
Suz replied 7 years ago

Aliona!!! I want to see your new hair!!!!!
replied 7 years ago

The power of social media! I'm also a big fan of very short pixie styles. You look great and your words have given me confidence to stick with a very similar style to yours. Something I like about it is challenging the (mis)preconception that quite short hair is less feminine , physically I'm a long way from an 'Audrey Hepburn' type but I refuse to be limited by that , and enjoy making an effort in the way I present myself every day. I'm probably out of my depth but isn't there something about successfully choosing 2 out of 3 wants. By keeping my hair 'minimal' I feel I can indulge my love of fashion and jewellery (and makeup), without the impression of too much going on, and 'own' my look happily.
Suz replied 7 years ago

Well, Susan (lovely name, by the way! Of course I would think that, ha!) -- those are words of wisdom, and thank you for the kind compliments. I think your idea about juxtapositions is very true.
Elizabeth P replied 7 years ago

Looks fabulous Suz! Great to have those last dyed ends gone, isn't it.

So, I take it you are happy with the neckline on the kensie top and are keeping it? Mine came on Friday, and I love it. Although I see it's even cheaper now, so hoping the bay will price match, otherwise I'm ordering another one :).

I also have those earrings, and got my hair cut quite a bit shorter (although keeping the assymetrical longer side swoop), so I could really "twin" you with this look!

And adding another "Aliona, show us your hair" plea!
Suz replied 7 years ago

Oh my gosh, it's cheaper? Oy! I will have to call them too...grrrr.

Can't wait for you to "twin" me!!! :) You will look great in this top.

The neckline's on the low side for me but the armholes are neat and close to the body and the neck stays put, so it just passes muster and is a nice change for me. Being a few pounds up is really good in terms of giving me a few more options for tops. Silver lining in every cloud (or on every head, depending how you look at it!)

ETA -- you can see the top on me properly in my WIW thanks to LisaP thread. :)
rachylou replied 7 years ago

This cut is perfect for chandelier earrings. Just love them on you.
Vicki replied 7 years ago

I love it: both your true Suz color and the new cut. Jumping right in and owning it really does have a power of its own.

I can so relate to what you said, above, about general observations about what your real hair may look like (too mousy, not enough grey, dirty blonde, etc.)

Your natural highlights really are spectacular and you wear them well. As for the ultra pixie and longer bangs, I simply like the idea that you can do both as your tastes and the seasons dictate. There actually was one photo of you that I recall where your bangs were considerably longer (maybe even in an asymmetrical way...not sure) and that was a stunning look, too.

You really have a face that can wear many different styles. I, too, am on Team high forehead and I have a very long face and chin, so bangs and fringe have always been a part of my haircuts.

I really am enjoying your updates!
Astrid replied 7 years ago

Totally awesome! You look great. And simply like yourself, comfortable in your own skin.
Summer replied 7 years ago

Lovely, Suz. Isn't it satisfying when the last of the artificial colour hits the salon floor?
Laurie replied 7 years ago

Mia Farrow circa early 70's! Love your hair and your boldness.
RobinF replied 7 years ago

Looks great, so inspiring. The piece-y-ness of it made me think of the discussion a few weeks back about how to keep short hair modern looking instead of old looking. I definitely think your stylist has this down.
unfrumped replied 7 years ago

Still love the pixie!
I do like it grown out a little because I think it's divine to show a bit more hair and texture, and have enough to have the " pixie points" made possible by a few different lengths in the cut. But if seems like a forgiving style, which is good if life is busy and one missed a week or so at the hair dresser.
qfbrenda replied 7 years ago

Beautiful! It looks great on you.

Short hair is a great way to transition. I would have done it that way if hubby wasn't 100% against short hair. It took me a year to transition! It was still worth it but it felt like forever.
Suz replied 7 years ago

Brenda, would love to see how your hair looks now!!

Pix-Elated

Grey transition update

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