The “At-Home” Diaries: Let’s Get Lighter

There is a great deal to be sombre about as we face our own lockdowns but there is also much to be joyful about.

Let’s get lighter? You guessed it: going, going grey.

If there was ever a time to rid your hair of colour it’s now. I can imagine the grimaces for some at that comment – it’s a real divider of a topic but if you have skirted the issue, want to but lack the courage to face the greys, why not now? Hopefully, we won’t be inside for the time it takes to grow out a whole head of hair but a few weeks might just get you across the line.

For the last few weeks, I was in Australia attending family events – lucky for us they just scraped in and even luckier for us we are home. Safe and sound I hope; another few days and we will know for sure. My hair was a topic of conversation on many occasions – when you see people from the past after 20 years there are surprises for all. Natural grey is not for everybody but many people love it. I am lucky my grey is a good shade and my hair still thick; I know this makes a difference. Friends and strangers alike asked if the colour was natural and how did I maintain it?

We have talked this before but if your self-isolation means you are feeling brave, try it. What is there to lose? If you don’t like the re-growth you can always address the silvers later. Right about now I think we are all feeling a little vulnerable, unsure and frightened. The unknown is never a happy subject. Hair is a flippant topic but maybe focusing on something lighter will help the stress and anxiety stay at bay and that is a real positive for our immune systems.

Get Started

Make the decision and stay true for a nominated period of time. Promise yourself – one month, two months or three and stay with it. 

Pin-up your favourite grey hair as inspiration; this helped me enormously.

Keep hair well-manicured as much as possible in these circumstances. Take the time and blow-dry, wand or curl. Experiment with up-do’s and ponytails.

Good shampoo and hair masks a must. Keep your grey survival kit at hand.

Wear a headband to break the line of re-growth. Works a treat. 

Eyebrows – make them more definite and a shade darker to draw attention to the eyes and away from the hairline. Promise, it makes a difference.

Remember it’s a long game with long gains if you can persevere.

Limit time in front of the mirror and negativity – that never does anyone any favours. It will grow as it grows but be mindful the healthier we are the better our hair and nails are.

Be intentional about the decision; I have had more compliments with my hair as it is than I ever had before. Who knows what the outcome will be?

Dress- up and make-up; add red lipstick and move the focus.

Sound like a good idea?

If you think so, I’m here for support. When I was growing the grey in I had a friend who helped me through the wobbles – it really worked, without her, I would still be highlighting my life away every 2 months. Just message me or leave a comment and I will do my best to keep you on track.

I’m here and not going anywhere. xv