In my family some us had grey hair as early, I did as an 11 year old. I remember a young friend of mine from school yanking out one of my 'greys'. I was furious with her. I always thought of my grey hair, back then, as symbols of love from my female ancestors. Though my Mum coloured her hair way into her 70's, my sister and I never thought about our silvery grey streaks, our hair in its natural form was just part of us. And we found it hard not to exchange looks and burst into laughter when other women stopped us on the street to ask where we got our hair 'done', or how brave we were to leave our hair natural. Not having grown up in North America we were a little less pressured by the society norms to follow through with fashion, styling, the current home decor, but I have come to understand how much pressure there is put on women to look young.
I love the term ageless because so much has revolved around age and youth, it is high time to stop focusing so much on it when it comes to appearances.
I too am an artist, 50 plus as you put, but I am proud of my 66 years because I made it - to cash in on my pension 😀 and also that all these years have given me so much experience and courage. Thanks for this great space Heather! I am enjoying your writing and thoughts as much as I enjoy your art making.
Patti..Although we know each other I don't believe I have ever heard this wonderful story ! Thank you for sharing your grey hair thoughts..and your own special confidence about embracing the passage of time
Going gray was a decision to free myself from my always a bit too late notice of exposed roots. Eventually I stopped noticing my gray in the mirror. At times I squint and the gray streaks remind me of spraying blond streaks in my teenage years... lol
In the end, I believe that the gray in my hair, like the lines on my face, are my proof of a life lived.
Jody you wear your hair so naturally and it’s so much a part of who you are ! I love your analogy of streaks from teenage years and the squinting part !
In my family some us had grey hair as early, I did as an 11 year old. I remember a young friend of mine from school yanking out one of my 'greys'. I was furious with her. I always thought of my grey hair, back then, as symbols of love from my female ancestors. Though my Mum coloured her hair way into her 70's, my sister and I never thought about our silvery grey streaks, our hair in its natural form was just part of us. And we found it hard not to exchange looks and burst into laughter when other women stopped us on the street to ask where we got our hair 'done', or how brave we were to leave our hair natural. Not having grown up in North America we were a little less pressured by the society norms to follow through with fashion, styling, the current home decor, but I have come to understand how much pressure there is put on women to look young.
I love the term ageless because so much has revolved around age and youth, it is high time to stop focusing so much on it when it comes to appearances.
I too am an artist, 50 plus as you put, but I am proud of my 66 years because I made it - to cash in on my pension 😀 and also that all these years have given me so much experience and courage. Thanks for this great space Heather! I am enjoying your writing and thoughts as much as I enjoy your art making.
Patti..Although we know each other I don't believe I have ever heard this wonderful story ! Thank you for sharing your grey hair thoughts..and your own special confidence about embracing the passage of time
Going gray was a decision to free myself from my always a bit too late notice of exposed roots. Eventually I stopped noticing my gray in the mirror. At times I squint and the gray streaks remind me of spraying blond streaks in my teenage years... lol
In the end, I believe that the gray in my hair, like the lines on my face, are my proof of a life lived.
Jody you wear your hair so naturally and it’s so much a part of who you are ! I love your analogy of streaks from teenage years and the squinting part !
I let my hair go grey about 2018. Really happy not to be colouring anymore and a healthier scalp too
Love to hear this Sarah ! It’s quite liberating !