50 Shades Of Grey And More

It has taken three years and a fair bit of indecision but I’m there.

I don’t think I am colouring in anytime soon.

There will be moments when I feel tempted, it is inevitable and there will be moments when I feel a sense of relief.

I didn’t find the getting there, the going grey difficult from the “hair” point of view; I had been fair for many years and light coloured hair makes the transition so much easier. Lessening the highlights over time was a painless way to go.

I found other aspects of going grey more challenging.

The “good” day versus the “bad” day for a start.

The days I woke up feeling on top of the world, full of energy and joie de vivre, the grey was a statement in positivity and a personal style decision; my 50 shades had nothing to do with getting older.

The days I felt less buoyant, the grey was a temptress and a challenge. The 50 shades and I didn’t like each other and I felt confronted. My changing hair colour meant no escape from the question of ageing and what it entails.  Life and all its reality were staring back at me from the mirror and there was no escape.

Some less than glorious days and the 50 shades felt like self-inflicted torture.

I clung on to the sense of freedom going grey gives and the self-confidence in my decision. I hoped I would come to accept my 50 shades, become friends even. I don’t believe grey hair is any more ageing than other aspects of our appearance. Going grey is not an easy decision for everyone and nor is it something we all agree on; hair and how we wear it is one of the most personal aspects of our style.

So once committed to the grey what about the length?

I sit somewhere in the middle of the two fabulous women featured, Kristen McMenamy and Jamie Lee Curtis.

While I admire the super short styles, they aren’t for me. I have never been a short hair girl and I cannot see it happening anytime soon; it has nothing to do with age.

Nor have I ever had waist length tresses Rapunzel style; it takes a certain kind of beauty and glamour to work that and I am neither tall enough nor brave enough; it is a tough one.

I have decided I like my 50 shades longer with the proviso it is well-cut and well-coiffed. Leaving it strung up and un-groomed and the bad hair demons will come out to play. Longer means more time spent on maintenance.

The days of cutting hair short, as middle age approaches are long gone and many older role models are opting to wear their hair longer. Longer hair provides softness around the face and a buffer for the jawline. The combination of length and the grey is an unexpected one; I like that.

The length and style of hair obviously depend very much on hair type and quality and more importantly personal style; feeling comfortable and self-confident are the most important considerations.

A longer length and 50 shades have become my comfort zone. xv