February 25, 2015

As some of you may recall, last year I considered letting the grey come in. I gave it a little over two months of growth. Then my hairdresser and I jointly decided I wasn't quite "ready" -- either psychologically or physically, in the sense that the hair wasn't coming in as grey overall as she had expected.

Since then, I've continue to colour and highlight. I get highlights every three or four months, and root colour every 6 weeks or so, sometimes leaving it a bit longer between colours. Because my natural colour and the dye colours are not far off, and because my hair is short and textured, there's not a super obvious line of demarcation until I get quite a lot of growth. (The dye is a taupey-ashy dark blonde, pretty close to my natural colour when I was younger.)

I actually don't mind this upkeep. But at the same time, I do want a change, and I'm feeling psychologically ready to make the shift very soon. I don't plan to do it immediately, but would begin the transition next fall, after I give some presentations where I wouldn't want to be looking unkempt..

But in discussing this with my hairdresser yesterday, I realized that I do have some fears, and I was finally able to articulate what they are.

Originally, my hairdresser had suggested that we simply stop the root colour and thread in some ashy highlights and possibly lowlights. This is the typical recommendation for blondes going grey and I'm sure it's the most "natural" seeming change.

But for some reason, this really didn't appeal to me.

I don't fear "being grey." (I actually look forward to that; based on how my brother, with similar colouring, is doing, I am pretty sure it will look good on me.)

No. What is bugging me is the idea of the typical "soft blonde to soft grey" progression. I don't know how to describe it. I get this sense of fadedness. That is what is bothering me.

Yesterday she made another suggestion that intrigued me -- bleaching the whole hair to a silvery platinum and then letting the natural colour grow in. I would have some obvious roots, but they would add depth to the platinum, and a bit of edge, and because I wear my hair short and textured (and it grows fast) it wouldn't be long before the platinum was gone, except in the form of highlights.

I would love your thoughts on this idea. I find it really intriguing. Does it sound possible?

ETA: I know there would be significant upkeep to platinum in the form of toners/ rinses/ shampoos, etc. but a lot of these are recommended for grey hair anyway so would be part of my longer term hair care budget.

Some inspiration pics.

Posted in the General category

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

69 Comments

Suz replied 9 years ago

Another possibly relevant note: my mother's hair is snow white now and she doesn't even use any kind of toner on it or special shampoo to keep it that way. It looks amazing on her. (Admittedly, she is 90!)
Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

Yes, definitely! I like the idea, too, Suz, and I think it sounds a lot more inviting than the first idea (the usual method). To me, platinum would look more deliberate and be more stylish, and I think it would suit you really well. Plus, you've been wanting to add a little something to your style, right, even considering a colored highlight (like pink)? I think this is the answer. Photos 1 and 4 really speak to me for you--I think 1 is gorgeous, and 4 looks like your hairstyle in platinum!
catgirl replied 9 years ago

I have zero experience with blonde hair, of course. Overall, I prefer a true natural silver to the yellow shade of platinum hair which can look brassy to me - but that may be better for you. I would love for you to be on the Road to Silver with me! Pic 4 is a stunning color, as are Annie Lennox and Sharon Stone's style and color. And I'm pinning #3 for the whole dang look!

Pics 5 and 6 are more buttery to me and I don't find them as striking.
Thistle replied 9 years ago

I think this is a fabulous idea. That leel of discomfort you were feeling helped lead you to a better solution, at least, in my opinion.
old chic replied 9 years ago

I don't know anything about light hair, but I love dramatic, and I think this would be fabulously dramatic on you. Go for it!
Diana replied 9 years ago

I think this would be stunning on you! I say at least try it, you have short hair so it wouldn't be a huge commitment to grow it back out or dye it some other color if it doesn't suit you.
abc replied 9 years ago

Ooooh, this sounds really interesting and a LOT more fun and edgy than the "usual" approach. I second what Diana said and am anxious to see this progression. Highly encouraged from my point of view!
Angie replied 9 years ago

Warning, Suz: I am particularly opinionated about blonde hair colour (the topic rivals pant lengths), so take my opinion for what it is worth to you. You can also throw me into the ocean if you like.

I LOVE the original suggestion from your hair dresser - fading the grey into the blonde with ashy highlights and low lights. (The option that does not appeal to you, unfortunately). I think this will look stunning, chic and very fashionable. I'm excited already.

I like the idea of one toned platinum blonde a whole lot less. Been there. Done that. Hated it. (I do not use the word "hate" frequently at all). Think pics #4, #5 and #6. One toned platinum blonde hair looks lifeless and unhealthy to my eye (accept on Gwen Stefani who makes her look Costume Retro like Marilyn Monroe, and wears A LOT of make-up).

I like #2 a whole lot more (Sharon Stone's 'do) because the natural dark roots are coming through with the blonde, which makes all the difference.The effect is alive, fresh and healthy.

Please don't confuse this with going light grey like Annie Lennox in #1. That looks better one colour because it's grey, and not blonde.
Suz replied 9 years ago

Thanks, all -- and Angie, thanks for your reservations.

We are talking a silver type of platinum -- not a blonde (or buttery) one. And I think the idea would be to platinum-ize the hair and then cut it shorter (at first), allowing it to grow in multi-coloured. In other words, it would only be a matter of weeks when I would have "all one colour." (If that -- it might actually be possible to leave some lowlights in -- I am not sure about that.)

I think the Sharon Stone look is what my hairdresser would be going for, or what her idea was -- the roots would be a definite part of the look. Although it's true that I might have to be "one tone" for a month or two, and I admit, that prospect is a bit scary because there has never been a time in my life when my hair was not multi-toned. That's pretty much a distinguishing feature of my hair in either its pure natural OR dyed state, in fact -- it has a LOT of different tones in it. So I agree with you, Angie, that anything "flat" or too "still" would be an awful shock to me and probably not flattering, either.
replied 9 years ago

Been there, done that, and agree COMPLETELY with Angie. I have gone platinum twice in fact, and despite getting compliments on it, I never liked it enough to keep it going. I found that getting the colour right was not as simple as it sounds - and that recreating a particular shade you many have in mind is not guaranteed (and I have a skilled colourist who works with blondes a lot). The colour of your scalp is of importance too, and mine is too pinkish I discovered. Not a good look. Lifeless and unhealthy indeed. Getting your makeup right is also critical, and not that easy either.

Anyways, sorry to rain on your parade, but I recommend the reverse highlighting trick over bleaching.
replied 9 years ago

The platinum all over idea sounds appealing but in reality I think it might look harsh against your face. The variety of your current color gives it movement, softness and depth. I'd trust whoever is doing it now because it always looks beautiful.
You can always turn back if you're not happy with the grey, but good job thinking of Annie Lenox for inspiration!
Suz replied 9 years ago

Well, this is good grist for the mill...thank you. I was hoping someone who had tried it might pipe up and speak...

A lot to ponder, for sure.

I guess the other option is doing the highlights/ lowlights thing a few times (if I can bear with that faded feeling...) and then cutting it super short until it grows in. I can handle super short for a few months, so that's not a problem.
Angie replied 9 years ago

*phew*

SILVER makes me feel a whole better than one toned buttery blonde, Suz. Also loving the addition of "the roots would be part of the look". Sounds like we are on the same wavelength - so FWIW - I am very happy about that. It's all going to work out, and I'm excited. Much love from my control freak self.
jenanded replied 9 years ago

Suz... go for the change I say! But don't go flat colour as Angie says and the grow out will be tedious. I was nervous in deciding to go dark brown to managed natural grey (can we coin that term?) In my 40s but it was the best thing I have done. I quite literally have people come up to me often to just admire my hair - even serious business meetings someone will pull me aside to talk about my hair... It is grey with a few foils and I think the secret, the right purple shampoo and a tiny bit of moisturiser because grey is dryer and frizzier. The Annie Lennox look is fantastic and would look great on you xx
Alassë replied 9 years ago

This sounds just right for your style. I'm excited to see your progress!
Angie replied 9 years ago

I'm back with another thought. Hope you don't mind me being so candid, Suz.

The first impression I get when I see you is "Radiant Health". When I met you in person, and whenever you post your pics. Platinum and buttery flat blonde hair communicates the opposite to me - so not a good fit at all. The "natural freshness" about your style should keep on coming through with your hair, if that makes sense.
MsMaven replied 9 years ago

I think it's a brilliant idea and I kind of wish someone had suggested it to me two years ago.

My natural original color was darker than yours, but when the hairdresser suggested the highlight/lowlight process, I agreed. At first the highlights were too yellow-blonde and I didn't like that. The lowlights were dull and I soon hated them. Talk about feeling faded! It was really feeling like I was fading away. Now I'm still doing highlights, but much less frequently. This process has taken 19 months so far (I was told it would take two years because I keep my hair around chin length.) If I weren't so busy and haven't had much time to look in the mirror, I would be very upset.

The more it grows out the more I like it. I'm thinking about having it cut much shorter next week just to get rid of the annoying blonde ends. (When the color of the lowlights faded they turned blonde.) I don't like myself in really short hair, but I have spent time lately wishing I'd just gone for it and let it grow out again instead of this long long process.

I've been feeling quite fuzzy and indistinct lately. I've read all the posts about finding one's personal style with great interest and am working on my own plan, which I will post eventually.
viva replied 9 years ago

I have to admit that I don't really understand all the nuances here -- blonde is not my area of specialty. But at a gut level, I SWOONED over the Sharon Stone look. So if THAT is where you are headed, get there double quick. Fabulous. It's got verve and spark. But pay attention to your makeup and get a little glow on your skin, like she's got. I think that's really key.
carter replied 9 years ago

Why do I find this terrifying? I must be such a wuss. The (artificial) color that is on my head now is The. Exact. Same. Color that was on my head the day I was born. I'm going to have to live vicariously through you on this one;-).
replied 9 years ago

Completely agree with Angie on the Radiant Health and Platinum Hair.
Joy replied 9 years ago

When I was first going grey, I had fine taupey ash highlights put in all over my head to blend in the grey with my natural color (brown). I only needed it done about every 6 to 8 months, less than that later on, much as your hairdresser first suggested. It was very easy to maintain. I did not use any special shampoos or products. You will find what works for you. If it feels too faded, you could add low lights and keep your multi toned look. It may change the colors you wear. I felt that, for the first time ever, I could wear black and navynear my face and loved to wear taupe.
Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago

I so hear you about "faded". At the risk of sounding negative I tried what your hairdresser suggested & hated it (I don't use that word often either). I've never been a natural blonde though, so maybe that was the problem.

When I realised the expensive colour was making me look worse I just stopped having it coloured. My hair was less than brilliant :) for about six months. Then I had a pixie & cut it often to get the colour out. Once I did this I felt fab.
replied 9 years ago

I think the "fadedness" feeling is very strong and should be paid attention to, whatever you decide. Maybe part of it is winter blahs ... but it sounds like "soft gray" will not make you happy at all. At first, reading your headline, I was going to say "How exciting! Yes, go platinum!" but the practical advice here seems to go against it. Anyway, I'd encourage you to stay blonde rather than feeling you "should" go gray anytime soon.
Suz replied 9 years ago

This is all super helpful. Thank you. And thank you, Angie, for that lovely compliment. I will take "radiant health" any day! :) And I agree that a flat blonde would be a poor idea.

Well, perhaps I have to go back to the drawing board, so to speak. I'll show her some photos next time and ask how likely it is that we could get a true silvery tone vs. a flat pale blonde. If I understand her correctly, she thinks it is going to work towards the silver because my underlying colouring is so overall cool. So I'll check with her again before doing anything drastic.

I think if I go the highlights/ lowlights route I will simply get it cut really short. I could bear the shortness better than the growing in, I suspect.

I appreciate all your thoughts, and am glad of them!
Sal replied 9 years ago

I think it is worth the risk Suz, I think the right platinum would suit you. I don't speak from recent experience (I had platinum hair in my early 20s) but I loved it at the time. Yes it is a bit of work to maintain and yes it can cost, but in a short timeframe it might add some Pizzazz and Zing that you are craving.
I have dark blond/highlighted hair as well and I intend to go to shorter cuts and platinum once the greys start to become prevalent.
Summer replied 9 years ago

Suz, I've sometimes been tempted down the platinum route. In fact I took my hair very close to that colour when I was younger, before I realised how hard it is to maintain. As Angie says, it's extremely difficult to avoid yellowing, despite the many toning products that are available, and, yes, it can look very flat and one-dimensional.
Angie replied 9 years ago

Caro, it probably does make a difference when you are naturally blonde - and fade into grey very naturally (like Annie Lennox). Are you a natural brunette?

Suz, my pleasure. I hereby crown you Queen Radiant Health. I love the idea of fading into silver grey and going really short to get the natural colour - like Caro did.
krishnidoux replied 9 years ago

I agree 100% with Angie and others who have commented that silver may take away from the vibrant healthiness of you look. Before Christmas, my styliste put a silvery blond toner on my blond highlights. Mistake! I really felt "old", or, if you will, sickly. Luckily, the toner wore out quickly, and with every wash I felt better.
What might work really well could actually be darker lowlights. Have you thought of that?
I think as we advance in age, with our complexion, we need more definition, not less. Nothing harsh, of course! But a uniform silver head is, in fact, more ageing... in the sense of looking more tired.
Sheila replied 9 years ago

OK... I did not read everything here but I will say... don't do the platinum. It is difficult to process, can totally dry your hair, the toner fades like crazy and your hair goes pale yellow -orange without it... it is not an easy thing to do. Your hair looses it shine...
I am a fan of gray- of course I am. But I like your current color on you. It suits you. I don't think you have to do this NOW if you don't want to. I know it is "trendy " now . Fine. But do what is right for you.
I was a believeable blonde as well a few years back but chose silver. Should I have ? Well, the majority of my workplace is not fond of long silver hair unless it is tied back .My sisters ALL hate it. Myself, I am happy there now. Five years ago I would have thought.. NO.
Keep it real looking and healthy looking, shine and body... you are all good.
My sister with me has blonde spikey bleached hair with roots and many people LOVE it. I like my gray better... it is all what YOU like.

1 2
AM replied 9 years ago

I'm going to cast a vote against the platinum. But I think you should play with those highlights and lowlights. Perhaps be more bold with the pieces around your face. And I like the idea of you going shorter or taking more risk with cut.
Suz replied 9 years ago

Thanks, all. Krish, I've had darker lowlights from time to time, yes. Sometimes if it is feeling too flat blonde I have done it.

I think I just want to avoid the whole growing-in business completely. But clearly I will have to bite the bullet and accept ugly looking hair for a while. Sigh....
catgirl replied 9 years ago

Sheila, is that your natural silver/grey? It's GORGEOUS! Exactly how I hope to look.
Sheila replied 9 years ago

Yup... that is it !
It is actually a bit more contrasty that perhaps that picture makes it look.

I went there with a process of high low lights ( mainly for the workplace) but it can happen many other ways.
What I did was have them match the dark part of my hair in the back with low lights... one shade darker and more ash. And the low lights were tiny and bleached almost white with a platinum toner. Very tricky. I learned NOT to wash it much as the toner would fade. Here is a pic halfway thru the growout and it is in about 4 inches. The second is grown out fully and a pic from the lighting in TD Garden. The cameraman must have appreciated my hair alot as I found myself on the jumbotron more than my son liked. Ha !

I think your hair is going to be fantabulous alaskagirl !

1 2
Karie replied 9 years ago

I've never been platinum but I've been all shades of blonde (some by accident, unfortunately!) and I don't like the idea of one all over color. I do like #2 and if you decide to do it, I think that is the way to go.

Kuddos to you for wanting to go more towards your natural color. I've had gray hairs since I was a teenager (I have a streak of gray underneath in the back) but my latest root re-growth was more of a white shade. I couldn't get to the hairdresser fast enough!
catgirl replied 9 years ago

So inspiring - I think that grey is gorgeous with the depth and light it creates. For reals.
Jeanie replied 9 years ago

I think that the women in all the pics you posted really own their hair. Sheila too! To me that makes all the difference. If you are ready to own it, I say go for it. The Sharon Stone gray color is very trendy right now so you will look on trend & that might make it easier. I have never done this but I always wanted to go to a wig store to try on new hair colors. It's a thought if you are still on the fence. Our coloring is very close. I know I am not quite ready to own it. I am mostly afraid of looking washed out.
gradfashionista replied 9 years ago

Silly suggestion, but have you tried on any platinum wigs? They'd give you an idea of how you'd look. I like the idea of it, but also share Angie's concern.
frannieb replied 9 years ago

wow i just learned a ton reading this post.
Runcarla replied 9 years ago

Not feeling the platinum, but understand the feeling of fadedness (going through that myself) as well as a pre-spring antsyness (did I not move 900 km south to get away from all this snow?)

Joy makes a great point about colour next to the face, and I've noticed that my glasses (which I thought were maybe too dark) look better in a more purposeful way with my lighter natural hair.

Also, although still curly, it is way less fuzzy/frizzy!

Below is a model with hair of a colour similar to mine, and an Angie composition that is really working for me. Navy looks super fab too!

Anyway, you don't seem ready yet (despite the antsyness) and when you are, it won't take you long with your pixie! Why not just do a swatch or two of crazya** colour? Something that shows a lot when when you part on one side, and hardly at all when you part on the other?

FWIW, last week I saw not one, but two different women in Union Station with completely white hair, who had vibrant under layers peeping out when they moved their heads. One woman with a straight bob, had alternating streaks of fuchia and blue in a layer deep under her hair, across the back at mid ear. Another had a bowl style with an asymetrical layer from eye level on one side to under ear on the other that was fushia.

1 2
Jaime replied 9 years ago

Wow! Like Una I have never been any kind of blonde. I was taken with the idea of your going platinum but as I read through I realized it is not so simple. Ultimately I found the solution to grow out (which is much harsher with brunettes obviously) was a super short cut and I think that will be your best solution. I don't know how trendy grey/silver hair really is, but I CANNOT WAIT to have discussions with you and Una about how you like it!
Suz replied 9 years ago

Yep. Ultimately I think the super short cut is going to have to be my method. Maybe a couple of times of the highlight/lowlight thing, and then the big chop. I will just have to time it right, I guess.

Thanks for sharing those photos, Sheila. You look gorgeous with your silver hair! Just stunning.

I honestly think I'll look good with the silver grey also and not washed out (or not with the right clothes/ makeup). If it worked for both my parents and is working for my brother, why not for me? And I don't think my natural grey will detract at all from the impression of "radiant health." I do think a really horrible dye job would, though.
Angie replied 9 years ago

AGREED. I'm excited.
Beth Ann replied 9 years ago

Well, you're certainly doing some midwinter creative planning! I find myself paralyzed when it comes to hair --- not as much with color as with style. I just avoid getting it cut entirely, waiting for inspiration. And here you are -- scoping out your options months in advance!

Love the sound of exploring your grey -- you can always go back if you don't like it!
Gaylene replied 9 years ago

Staying out of the debate but I do want to point out it is the end of February--in Canada--and that can lead us into some crazy choices. I'd wait for another month or so before committing to any radical changes. In the meantime, why not try Carla's suggestion for an under layer that will have faded by the time you see the green shoots of spring. Then you can decide what direction you want to go...
Suz replied 9 years ago

I like the idea of an underlayer but my cut won't allow for it. It's already pretty short and it has to be thinned out so much so that it lies (more or less) flat/ straight, so there's not much to work with. The only kind of streaks that work are the ones that go on top. I considered doing the pink or blue thing but I am seeing too many people around with it, especially women of a certain age (as in, MY age, or older) and somehow that makes it feel too expected.

Sigh. I think it must be February. Our winter has been, if anything, worse than last year. I do my best. I get out there and enjoy winter stuff. And I've been okay with my clothes. But still....
catgirl replied 9 years ago

Suz, I just want to add that since your hair is short you will see effects quickly. Mine is grown out about 4 inches but has yet to hit a critical mass by my face. It's looking remarkably like highlights I might have paid a lot for, but when it's longer, who knows if I will still love it. You will reach that point much more quickly and no harm no foul if you don't want to keep it. Whatever you decide there is going to be some teeth-gritting moments - just know I'm with you!
Ariadne replied 9 years ago

This is the exact strategy I used to grow my hair out to its natural colour after years of dyeing it brown. My stylist bleached it silver-white, and then I let the roots grow in for several months, until it was long enough to just cut off the bleached hair. It worked really well. I did not like it when it was bleached right to the roots, but after a couple of weeks, once there was a "shadow," I loved it.

And, I owe you a private message--I just realized I wrote you one but never sent it. My brain is a sieve.
Neel replied 9 years ago

Right in time to see how this goes :-) :-) ....
Suz replied 9 years ago

NEEL!!! I have missed you!!!!

And Ariadne -- I THOUGHT that is what you did, and it worked!

Hmm. That is more food for thought in the other direction.

Well, no decision for a while. I won't even be starting the process (whatever it is) until the fall. So for now, it's all systems as usual. :)
Jeanie replied 9 years ago

Fall, oh man....I was ready to see your Sharon Stone hair next week! Oh well, in your own time.
CocoLion replied 9 years ago

I don't think Sharon Stone's hair is platinum right now. This is a recent paparazzi shot.

I do think platinum can look fantastic and it is true it's so fashionable right now. However I agree making it look amazing could be exhausting and expensive. So there's that, as they say in Fargo (the movie not the place).

1
Style Fan replied 9 years ago

I am reading this with interest. I have very little experience with colouring my hair (a few times years ago I put highlights in and either liked or hated) but I do wonder what I will do when the gray becomes more obvious.

Your hair looks great and you seem to have a good hair stylist. I am sure you will end up with FAB hair whatever route you take.
harmonica replied 9 years ago

Just chiming in to say that I really look forward to follow this process. I think silvery grey and super short cut will suit you to a tee. Keywords like "radiant health" is such a great guideline to keep you on track.
Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

Oh, Suz has the bug, Suz has the bug :). Once you get it, it's hard to shake :)

I just wanted to throw in some caution... my (ex)colourist , who is very good, told me that you can't go platinum if your hair is already processed/coloured. It may look that way for a very short time, but will quickly go yellowish, and brassy. I think it's because processed hair really holds onto dye. And to strip it enough, is very damaging.

Now mind you, I was going from brown, not blonde, so my case may have been different. The streak that I put in to look "intentional" about my hair when I had my skunk stripe had a platinum toner on it, and it looked blonde from the get-go.

Deborah has been fighting the damage from when she went more platinum a few months ago... but of course damage is not so bad if you are going super short and will be getting rid of it.

That being said - you'll find your way. And you'll rock it. The process can appear painful, but if you're ready, it's not so bad, esp if you are willing to go short short.

Oh, and have to add... NEEL!!
trekkiegirl replied 9 years ago

Oh I love this idea and I think it would be amazing on you! Annie Lennox and Sharon Stone's coloring are my favorites.
Suz replied 9 years ago

Yeah, Elizabeth, I think it is quite different when you are going from light hair already. My hair has never been dark. And it's also really short and would be shorter. (Although I'm not even sure that is possible. Right now, the hair on the back of my head is only about 1/2 inch long, if that! In places, it is way shorter. Even my bangs are short. There are a few pieces that are about 3 inches, but that's probably the longest, and the hair is so textured that most pieces are much shorter. (This is hard to explain but I will bet Shannon knows what I am talking about. My hair requires a lot of thinning and texturizing with every cut. Which means that there is an awful lot of shorter hair on my head even if the front looks longer.)

I don't think I really need to worry about damage, both because my hair is so short (and I'd continually cut it shorter) and also because I have the thickest head of hair my stylist has ever seen.
Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

Oh, trust me, I know about the thinning. When my stylist gets done with me it looks like a sheep exploded. And that is all hair taken off AFTER she cuts it!

Sounds like you'll be grown out in about three months. I say have some fun along the way!
Mary Beth (formerly LBD) replied 9 years ago

I LOVE Sharon Stone's hair, and when I read your initial post I was all on-board for this change. But then when I read what the other ladies said, the reality of how it might turn out, and managing the hair color crept in.

Is there a wig or costume shop in your area? I think you should go try on some wigs and take some photos if they will let you. They will probably ask you to buy a wig cap, but that shouldn't run more than a buck or two.
Janet replied 9 years ago

I am late to the discussion, but I'm glad you've gotten such thoughtful feedback. My sister is a former hair stylist/salon owner, and she has said that going true platinum is one of the trickiest color treatments. So I'm glad you've put the brakes on that plan for now. It sounds really appealing at first just because it seems so exciting, but I know what Angie is saying -- I'm not sure it's the best choice for your personal style.

Whatever you do, I know you'll put thought and care into it, and it will look fantastic.

There has been so much discussion here of going grey lately that it has me thinking about how on earth I will manage the transition... someday... when I decide it is time. I don't look particularly great in short hair, and I'm really worried that my grey hair texture and color won't be very appealing. At this point I suppose it's all speculative anyway because I don't think I'm more than about 15-20% grey under my color, and transitioning at this point would just make me look unkempt. The dilemma in waiting until one is significantly grey is that then it's harder to grow it out gracefully without a harsh line of demarcation, at least when one has dark hair like me. Oh well. I suppose I'll deal with it one day in the future and for now resign myself to 5-6 expensive hair appointments a year!
catgirl replied 9 years ago

Janet, I am just living with the harsh line of demarcation (HLD)! It sucks but it's also not worth it to me to put in the effort to care. We will see if my stylist has an easy fix tomorrow - she may recommend highlights along the already-dyed lower part which will eventually be cut anyway.
Suz replied 9 years ago

Una, I see no harsh line on you -- it looks like highlights already, which is really cool.

Mine would be harsh even though the hair is light, I fear. Because it would be the contrast between brassy blonde and ash. Ugh. I shudder for my fate, but will simply have to grit teeth and bear it, I suppose.
replied 9 years ago

Ok - I have to come back in to say . Elizabeth, I have just finished killing myself laughing at the exploding sheep visual you have now planted in my head . I seriously have not laughed out loud like this in too long. Ah, ladies, what would we do without each other for comic relief?
Elizabeth P replied 9 years ago

:)
Deborah replied 9 years ago

Suz, I'm just back from a few days away and am catching up. I haven't read all responses yet.

You may recall I went 100% platinum some months back;). I actually don't recommend it. It was fun for a little while but the upkeep (I am a natural dark blonde) and the damage to my hair was just too much ( despite really looking after it). I am still having the platinum blonde but letting my natural low lights show through. I find it's better for my hair and I think it liooks better against my skin tone. I hear you on not wanting to have that faded look but it doesn't have to be like that if it's done week and with particular intention. I can talk for ages on the subject of going platinum so feel free to PM if you think I can share anything of value. xx
jackiec replied 9 years ago

Late to the party but what an interesting read. At first I thought it was a great idea then I read all the pros and mostly cons. Sounds like you have a good plan in place, Suz. And I LOVE the term "radiant health" too. Wow. Awesome. I agree with Gaylene that there's something about late February. It's not even cold over here, but I've been mulling over chopping my hair too. Must be time when we crave change. Heck anything to try to get rid of the pale, dark, baggy eyes for me,,,,....ahhhh.
tulle replied 9 years ago

Suz, I think that you and I have similar coloring, and I have been waiting impatiently for my hair to whiten naturally! We Summer-type ash blondes tend not to be afraid of going gray--on us, it just looks silvery and blonder--but it is very difficult for hair dressers to understand that; their instinct is to "warm up" hair color for women of a certain age. Because my gray hair is awkwardly centered in a band along the top of my head, I've been having my hair highlighted for years. The highlights blend in with the darker ash and cooler silver gray for a very natural look for me. But every time I have the highlighting done, I must repeat, "No gold. No yellow. Paler, please, ash blonde." The last time I went to the hair dresser, he talked me into adding taupe lowlights for depth. It sounded reasonable, but the results felt brown and drab to me, and like you, I found my thoughts straying to . . . platinum. Not all-over platinum, but platinum highlights, fairly chunky ones (which is actually what I think Sharon Stone has--so gorgeous) that will again blend with my natural dark blonde and silver, but in a frostier way, avoiding yellow. If your hair is strong and bleaches quickly, as mine does, I think this could work for you, too, while avoiding that period of all-over color, which tends to be harsh and draining on Summers. I actually think that a few high-contast platinum streaks can look more sparkling and dramatic on us than either one-color or "woven" effects. Not sure I'm making myself at all clear about this, but I empathize and wish you luck!
lyn67 replied 9 years ago

OMG "exploded sheep" was really a strong visuals for me, too---LOL!:-))))

I learned so much from this thread, thanx Suz and all the ladies who commented.
Day Vies replied 9 years ago

I'm so late but I felt compelled to comment. I like your stylist's second idea best. An all over color with slightly darker roots sounds good and I see it as edgy and definitely not faded. Also I think the best cut for you is #4. It's similar to your current style but the bangs are a little longer. it has a bit of softness to it which is my personal bias.
old chic replied 9 years ago

I originally said I thought you should go for the platinum. Then all the people who know more about hair, especially blond hair, convinced me that it wasn't a good idea after all. But I was just looking at your blog, and I really do think you'd look smashing in platinum, edgily styled.

Pix-Elated

Who, me, platinum?

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