I made the decision to grow out my grey hair
I have grey hair, actually white, really sparkly white. After 20 years of coloring it a youthful dark brown I took the plunge to stop. I could no longer justify putting toxic chemicals onto my scalp and allowing them to soak directly into my brain. This probably explains a few things about my memory. Either way, the chemicals were all going into my blood stream without the benefit of filtering through my liver.
My search for healthy hair dye led me to decide to grow out my grey hair.
The search began for products with the least amount of chemicals. However, even the best ones still contained at least one harmful chemical. I had been oblivious for years that the dye could be causing me harm. My wonderful husband discovered this fact about ten years ago, pointing out that the chemicals are even more harmful in dark dyes. Even though I was now informed it still took me nine more years before I made the decision to quit. My search for ‘healthy’ hair dye began because I was NOT going to stop coloring my hair. That would make me look old, right?
The results of my research
My searching led me to the conclusion there was nothing safe, even henna has heavy metals. Since I had been cleaning up my life, home and food for the last few years, it was important to me to clean up this area of my life as well. I started considering stopping, seriously considering, because I wanted to be authentic to the healthy lifestyle I had been living. What held me back was fear and I definitely did not want to look old.
I decided that my health is more important than my ego.
Eventually, I decided my health was more important than my ego. So I informed everyone what to expect and how my hair would be looking different. I knew it would be hard and strangers would probably look at me and wonder what on earth was going on with my hair. I mean, those were the thoughts that went through my head when I saw a woman with huge roots. I’m ashamed at myself now for thinking these thoughts because I should have been applauding her.
I was fortunate my hair was long enough I could wear my grey hair in a ponytail for about seven months; this somewhat disguised my roots. Anyway, that’s what I kept telling myself but most people were more than likely thinking it looked weird. Except for young people, 25 and younger, they thought it looked cool. I would love to take credit for the ombre hair fashion but mine was natural. I received many compliments from these youngsters and always said to them “thank you but I’m just growing out my grey hair”. I’m not sure why I felt the need to qualify my thanks.
Three years later
I don’t look old. I look striking.
It’s been 3 years since I stopped coloring my hair, I receive compliments from so many women and have even been told by friends, family and complete strangers I’ve inspired them to stop coloring their hair, too. I am being true to myself by going with my natural color and living the healthy lifestyle I feel is absolutely essential for optimum health into my retirement years.
My fears were unrealized, no one called me a weirdo or said I was crazy. In fact, I’ve been told I’m really brave for doing this and how they wished they had the courage to do it too. I received so much support from family, friends and even strangers, it made it easier to look ‘weird’ for a while. The time I save by not having to dye my hair is priceless, I can schedule things on Sunday nights and not have to worry about planning my life around coloring my hair.
I don’t look old, in fact, I look striking. The white picks up the sunlight and really sparkles, like me.
Carol Rundle says
My mother had beautiful white hair that she let go natural in her late 50s. She got so many compliments. I only have a few greys around the ears. So glad to hear that you experienced only good things in letting your grey grow out. Something for me to look forward to!
Kim Jones says
Hi Carol,
I’m so glad you’re looking forward to it! Embrace it, embrace you, the real you!
Sabrina Quairoli says
Good for you! You look great and young.
I never liked coloring my hair. With curly hair, it always made my hair too dry. I do, however, highlights my hair with a low toxic chemical every 9 months or so when it grows out. It lightens it enough for me. I love it.
Kim Jones says
Hi Sabrina,
It’s baby steps admittedly. We all have to reach our own comfort level to take the leap. 10 years for me.
Susan Mary Malone says
You look more than striking, Kim–you’re just gorgeous! I love, love your hair. I’ve been fighting with my hairdresser about this for a very long time . He keeps wanting to do an overlay to cover up the grey on the roots. I’ve finally told him no way, no how. I just want highlights as it’s all growing out, and hope to one day stop those!
Kim Jones says
Hi Susan,
Thank you! Growing it out is the best possible thing for you so good for you for sticking to your guns and refusing your hairdressers recommendations. It’s so wonderful to be free from the toxins.
Christy Soukhamneut says
I have been thinking about going grey. With maybe a little pink or purple underneath for fun. I worry about looking older. The sentiment about looking striking really resonates with me. Thank you for sharing.
Kim Jones says
Hi Christy,
It is a tough decision especially if you have people in your life telling you you will look old (older) with grey hair. Ultimately it’s up to you so do what feels right for you. Striking and memorable, you won’t get lost in a crowd easily.
Tamuria says
Your hair is truly beautiful and you really do sparkle. My grey hair is just that – grey, almost the colour of my scalp. Despite this, one day I will have the courage to go natural.
Kim Jones says
Hi Tamuria,
That was the part that terrified me the most! My roots always looked clear, like my dark brown was floating on my scalp. This made me think I might look bald. But my hairdresser reassured me that my hair was not so thin that this would be the case. It can be surprising when you grow it out by the color you come out with. I hope you decide to do it because (to quote Clairol) ‘You’re worth it’
Rachel Lavern says
Congratulations on embracing your hair!
I have hereditary premature gray hair–had gray since a teenager. Miss Clairol and I have been great friends for years. Then, I did not color my hair for approximately three years, also due to wanting to avoid the chemicals. I recently received a color weave but regretted that same day.
Kim Jones says
Thanks Rachel,
So inspiring that you let your grey grow out naturally. Fortunately the color weave will grow out too. No regrets!
Reba Linker says
You really do look striking and utterly fabulous gone grey, or sparkly white. Congratulations on taming this particular dragon!
Kim Jones says
Thank you Reba!
Beverley Golden says
Your hair looks like a platinum blond on my computer, so I give you a lot of kudos for having the courage to grow out your long hair to its natural colour. As someone who is also very concerned about everything I put on and in my body, I know letting my hair grow out, would be the healthy thing to do. I’m just not there yet, as I know I suit dark hair, having tried on a few blonde or lighter coloured wigs.
My cousin has gone grey and as she keeps her hair short, it was much easier for her to grow it out. Early grey does run in our family, as mine started coming in when I was only 19. My daughter, who is in her 30’s, is rocking short salt and pepper hair, and it looks amazon on her! Enjoy your hair and your health!
Kim Jones says
Thank you Beverly,
That was one of my fears as well. I didn’t know if the grey would look good with my skin tone but I was pleasantly surprised when it did. The platinum color was a surprise as well because my roots were definitely silver. It can be a tough decision to make and we can only make it when we feel ready.
Joan M Harrington says
Hi Kim 🙂
Great post and I bet very liberating to just let your hair do its natural thing and feel good about it! I can totally understand the reasons why you decided to stop coloring your hair, and yes I do agree, our health is more important, BUT, at this point I am not ready to let my greys go free 🙂 Maybe someday I will do exactly that, but until then I do not want to see ANY grey hairs, not yet anyway lol SO NOT READY!
Thanks for sharing!!!
Kim Jones says
Thank you Joan! You’ll know when you’re ready.
Alene Geed says
I had never considered the effect these chemicals have on our overall health. Seems so obvious now that you explain it here. Thanks for sharing your story. You look marvelous!
Kim Jones says
Thank you Alene,
Do it for your health!
Kristen Wilson says
I don’t think that mine is for ego, but it makes me FEEL good and I understand the point that you are trying to get across… and many women look AMAZING with their natural color, but I think for those of us who start getting that 1 or 2 grey hairs from the age of 20, aren’t ready to be “old” and started coloring hair. Plus, I like being able to go a little redder, a little darker, blonde, or whatever as I see fit… kind of like I do with my toes, a new color every 4 weeks… it’s fun… and it helps ME feel pretty. Now, if you are changing the color of your hair for someone else, then F it… do it for you.. whatever that is… grey, blonde, green, or whatever… however, I again, I totally understand your point and KUDOS!
Kim Jones says
Thank you Kristen and yes it is a very personal decision. I love color too! So I use it in my clothes and my toenails.
Joyce Hansen says
I commend you on taking a stand when it comes to stop coloring your hair. I’ve been debating that decision myself and had concerns about the chemical they use. I found an organic brand and that seems to be working. But, I think it’s time to own up and go grey. Thanks so much for sharing you experience.
Kim Jones says
Hi Joyce,
Thank you for your support! It’s definitely a very personal decision and one no one can make for you. You’ll do it when you’re ready.
Katarina Andersson says
Great article…and I completely agree with you. To let your gray strands fly free is a natural thing, I live in a country where nobody would ever go out with a grey hair visible. They color their hair in a crazy effective way. However, being born in Sweden where most people have no problems showing their grey hair, I always found it odd. Though of course I am not grey myself so I cannot speak out of experience. 🙂
Kim Jones says
Thank you Katarina! I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
Rick Kang says
This unforutnately sounds oh so familar. Its been years since I found my first grey, pre-child and pre-30’s let me tell you. Life has never been as unfair as that moment I found my first grey hair lol