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Across the Fence:  To Color or Not to Color THAT is the question!  |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3341 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3341 Posts |
 Posted - May 11 2012 : 1:42:37 PM
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Now I remember why I stopped coloring my hair 7 years ago...I am now the proud owner of a shade of red that has no name! "Dark Golden Blonde? My Aunt Fanny.....I'd like to give L'Oreal a piece of my mind right now!
This is what happens after sales clerks on 4 different occasions in the last 2-months asked me if I wanted to use my SENIOR discount....I have to start telling myself it's okay to look old, it's okay to look old, it's OKAY to look OLD!
Have a great weekend sisters....
Melody
Farmgirl #525 |
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MrsRooster
True Blue Farmgirl
1168 Posts
Amy
Seabrook
TX
USA
1168 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2012 : 2:12:20 PM
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I am going to be 42 in August and am trying to decide if I am going to continue to color or not. Underneath the Strawberry Blonde (I swear this is the only color that my hair comes out to no matter what the box says) I have lots of gray and a non-descript shade of I don't know.
Should I "grow old gracefully" or continue the color fight???
www.mrsrooster.blogspot.com
www.flossesandcrosses.blogspot.com
www.morganicinstitute.blogspot.com
Farmgirl #1259
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3341 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3341 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2012 : 3:31:05 PM
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It never really bothered me NOT coloring until just recently...I wonder why that is? My skin is flawless very, very few wrinkles-I don't feel old (mostly) it's just that it really stings when someone assumes I am over 60 because of the GRAY. I must have red undertones pushing through-hence the no-name shade of auburnish-reddish color I am sporting right now-In answer to your question "grow old gracefully" or continue the color fight....I say "give her" and keep with the strawberry blonde for as LONG as you can-and as long as you can count on that color being true!
Melody |
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Madelena
True Blue Farmgirl
1919 Posts
Mary
Central
TX
USA
1919 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2012 : 3:47:23 PM
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I color. That being said. White hair is beautiful. Grey, not so much. Gray is not a flattering shade for many people. As we age our skin colors change, and hair color can make us look washed out, even sick. When I think I look frumpy. I feel frumpy. When I have a cut that looks good on me and color that enhances my skin tone, "I feel pretty, oh so pretty". It's not vanity, but like a little girl in a frilly dress that prances around a room. She just feels good about her self.
When I see myself in the mirror, and I LOOK like I feel (young, capable, nice), then I am glad I took a few minutes to enhance a few things. (We wear lipstick, brush our pearly whites, and use mouthwash.. why not a little temporary hair color?) .. can't say much about the strawberry blonde undertones.. I have red undertones too. (NEVER GET A SHADE THAT SAYS "WARM" UNLESS YOU WANT RED)
I enjoy L'Oreal Preference foam in medium blonde. ... OH, AND I ALWAYS CHECK THE COLORANT IN THE BOX TO MAKE SURE IT IS THE SAME SHADE I AM BUYING.. some people are jokesters.
'Nuff said.. it's all personal. Do what makes you feel good ( and ALWAYS do the 48 hour alergy pretest!) Love you sisters...
Mary M
FG 3153 |
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SpyChicken
True Blue Farmgirl
436 Posts
Christine
Fond du Lac
WI
USA
436 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2012 : 3:50:12 PM
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I'm 45 with dark brown hair...I've got some grays coming in at my temples...kind of a salt/pepper thing. I thought about coloring the grays, but my family BEGGED me not to, so I'm gonna just let it ride. I have a 19 yo and a 6 yo and when my kids and I are out, I'll admit it stings a little when people assume that my daughter is "mom" and I'm "grandma."
To color or not to color? I say whatever makes you feel your very best! |
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Dusky Beauty
True Blue Farmgirl
1108 Posts
Jen
Tonopah
AZ
USA
1108 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2012 : 3:56:00 PM
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I am 29 and I color. Sometimes. Just when I get sick of my brassy red highlights. I don't think age makes much difference in weather you should or shouldn't color.... or not ;)
It's a matter of taste and modern chemistry permits us to fool around with nature a little if we choose.
~*~ http://silverstarfamilyfarm.blogspot.com/ ~*~
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.”
~Erma Bombeck |
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tammyc
True Blue Farmgirl
698 Posts
Tammy
Danville
California
USA
698 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2012 : 4:39:40 PM
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First of all, I want to commend all of you farmgirls who are aging so gracefully. I am fighting it every step of the way! I am 53, but I don't feel 53 so I don't want to look 53! I have a 25 year old and a 13 year old, and the 13 year old is happy to tell me when I've gone too far (like "stop looking at the clothes at Forever 21 Mom"!!!!). I believe her exact words were "it's not Forever 51"....ouch! That said, I started to gray after my son was born and have been having my hair colored ever since. I've gone from 10 weeks between appointments down to 4 weeks. It makes my hairdresser happy....my hubby not so much (although he would have a fit if I went gray! I agree with Mary that white hair on an older woman can be beautiful....thick coarse gray...not!
I also recently got hair extensions, and it is one of the single best things I have ever done for myself. I think it took 10 years off. I must also confess to the occasional botox injection, and am getting up the courage for restylane (but I've heard it hurts). I guess what I'm saying is that everyone should do what they need or want to do to make themselves feel good. I personally feel better when I look my absolute best and that is what matters. Do what makes you feel good! Thanks for letting me share on this interesting topic! And, by the way, Jen I love your blog!!
"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2012 : 4:39:46 PM
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Every 5 weeks with out fail. At 57 I really don't want gray hair.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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Dusky Beauty
True Blue Farmgirl
1108 Posts
Jen
Tonopah
AZ
USA
1108 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2012 : 4:46:24 PM
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Shoot, thanks for reminding me Tammy, it's about past time I wrote another column! LOL
Hmm... I wonder if I could find white hair dye.. I sort of would love to try it out. That should be a new trend.. 20 somethings dying white and grey streaks to look more mature and responsible!!LOL!
Early gray certainly did great things for Steve Martin.
~*~ http://silverstarfamilyfarm.blogspot.com/ ~*~
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.”
~Erma Bombeck |
Edited by - Dusky Beauty on May 11 2012 4:49:48 PM |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3341 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3341 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2012 : 5:42:52 PM
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I just love you guys....
Thank you Mary for the tip about "warm" I will definitely steer clear of that! Medium Blonde is what I was going for-Shoot.
Melody |
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tammyc
True Blue Farmgirl
698 Posts
Tammy
Danville
California
USA
698 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2012 : 6:55:33 PM
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Mary is right Melody, my hairdresser always has to put "ash" into my color because it always tends to draw out red if she doesn't. If you are doing box color always always stay away from "warm". Good for you that you can do your own hair....I never had success, I tried it a couple times and it was like half and half....dark on the bottom and light on the top half...never again...LOL
Smiles, Tammy
"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2012 : 9:04:27 PM
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I'm a blonde and blonde just doesn't turn a beautiful white or even a nice silver gray, it turns a weird mouse brown color. I don't want it. I'm all for different things although I just dye a nice golden blonde color to color the roots. My daughter has very long pretty blonde hair down past her waist and she has to cut it just so she doesn't sit on it all the time and last year she died the bottom 2 inches pink. It was cute. Maybe I'll do something different like that sometime, but I don't want to look like I'm trying to be a teenager, that's just silly to me :) But I'm all for artistic license. I say express how you feel on the inside and the rest of the world can just deal with it. But one must be prepared to pay the price. To me I feel it is important to portray myself as a competent businesswoman. It is important for my business. I mean with barrel racing it is best to wear a nice western shirt when racing. I wear sleeveless at the smaller races if its hot. I mean if one wears a baggy tee shirt or something that has everything hanging out then they may win but they are selling themselves short by not commanding the respect due them. I also wear a helmet and the price I pay is that I look like a mushroom head but that is better than drooling in a nursing home. And where are those who snigger going to be when it's time to change my bedpan. Basically I think fashion should be healthy and modest anything other than that is not an issue to me as far as my view of others. Gray is lovely and there are highlights that can make it lovelier. I think it does add age to the face though. But if one is cool with being viewed as older than no matter. Our society should respect age more.
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
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GirlwithHook
True Blue Farmgirl
922 Posts
Alyce
Madison
WI
USA
922 Posts |
Posted - May 11 2012 : 9:32:12 PM
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I am a natural brunette, but had coppery highlights until my early 20s. Then, my hair suddenly turned so dark that I looked sick! I started going gray a few years later after an ear infection, but only started coloring a few years ago.
Enter Ric. He is the king of hair dye. He is a redhead, but I have only seen his natural color once since we first met as kids! (He has red hair now, but it is definitely not his natural shade!)
Usually he bleaches his hair, and he always wants me to do so because he has a thing for blondes. Um, NO. My hair is too dark for blonde! I don't mind various shades of auburn, which he loves...but after a while I started to miss my plain brown hair.
Well, strangely enough, the "auburn" I tried last time--returned my hair to the brown-with-highlights I had when I was young! I love it, and shockingly so does Mister.
The funny part? I would be happy to quit coloring and age gracefully!
A hook, a book, and a good cup of coffee.... |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
14020 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
14020 Posts |
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goneriding
True Blue Farmgirl
1599 Posts
Winona
Central Oregon
USA
1599 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2012 : 08:15:22 AM
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I color because I like the way my hair feels after a good coloring! I changed to Loreal because my hair-cutter-lady said it'd be better and I do like it much better. Then I changed shampoos to Tresemme and that's working better also. At 56 I don't have my wrinkles yet but the age is starting to show. So, while I'm not going whole hog on looking young, I do have to do some things to make myself feel better.
As for the senior discounts? At first, I was Oh-No! Now, I'm right in there asking for them. I used to keep up with how much I'd 'saved' but I've lost count now. Hubby has retired and is getting a lot of good discounts too. Me likey!! 
My website: http://antlersantiqueswindchimes.weebly.com
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2012 : 3:42:10 PM
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I stopped coloring my hair about 6 years ago at 44. My daughter and husband urged me to let the gray come in. I wear my hair short and messy, usually sport long silver earrings and bright lipstick. I get complements often as well as women wanting to know who cuts my hair. I look more approachable, but not older. At least, that's what I am told and I choose to believe it!
Marianne |
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crittergranny
True Blue Farmgirl
1096 Posts
Laura
Lindrith
NM
USA
1096 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2012 : 3:49:08 PM
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I'm envious of you ladies that live in damp climates and don't have to fight wrinkles as soon. Here in the southwest we have to fight not to become like lizards. Especially in the winter when the moisture that is in the air freezes and falls to the ground. High altitude = more rays, more cold and dryness to boot. But I guess cool summers and pretty mountains and sunsets make up for it. Tresemme makes me itchy Winona, and a lot of other folks I've talked to are affected the same so I'm just sharin in case you start getting itchy :)
Laura
Horse poor in the boonies.
www.nmbarrelhorses.com |
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pnickols
True Blue Farmgirl
808 Posts
Patricia
Parma
Ohio
808 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2012 : 3:57:56 PM
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| for me personally, I color.. but I too end up with medium brown no matter what the box says |
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queenmushroom
True Blue Farmgirl
985 Posts
Lorena
Centerville
Me
USA
985 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2012 : 5:22:39 PM
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I've been coloring since I was in my late 20's. I'm almost 43. With a son that is going to be starting kindergarden, I don't want to look like his grammy. That being said, if you've never colored before, there are kits that last only 2 weeks that will let you test out a color with out committing to it. I would also, if you can afford it, go to a hair dresser and have her do it first. It's recommended on the box, that you do not go more than 2 shades lighter than your natural color. My mother had naturally black hair. When she died it black, it was too harsh for her. So she had to go to an ash brown. Believe me when I say she does not look good in gray.
Lorie
Patience is worth a bushel of brains...from a chinese fortune cookie |
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nubidane
True Blue Farmgirl
3019 Posts
Lisa
Georgetown
OH
3019 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2012 : 5:57:46 PM
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You all that color yourselves are so brave. I go to a gal in Maysville KY (an Aveda salon) every 3 months or so, & get pampered. They use a color that is a bit less harsh & also run highlights through. Then, 30 minutes or so processing in a spa area with a fireplace, mags, tea, coffee..etc. Then ...the best part, when they wash your hair, you lay on a massage table, with a soft pillow under your knees, & a great head massage. Then (sorry, but it goes on from here) a dip of the hands in a parafin wax, covered in fleece gloves. THEN, a neck massage with a soothing oil, & then the cut &style. & gals, this costs less than the salon that I used to go to in the Greater Cincinnati area. Well worth it, & I know may color will not turn out with a question mark on it.
& if it did, well I would be back for another neck massage! |
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tammyc
True Blue Farmgirl
698 Posts
Tammy
Danville
California
USA
698 Posts |
Posted - May 12 2012 : 6:42:01 PM
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Ooooh Lisa that sounds so heavenly!!!! I wish I lived in that area...I would so be going there. That is my idea of a good day at the salon!
"Be who you are and say what you like because the people who mind don't matter and the people who matter don't mind" - Dr. Seuss |
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Lady B
Farmgirl at Heart
7 Posts
Cindy
Harvey
NB
Canada
7 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2012 : 09:56:05 AM
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Interesting topic.
Two years ago I stopped coloring, chopped my hair off short and watched it grow out. So far I am quite happy with my brownish & arctic blond highlights. (Arctic blond sounds nicer than plain grey in my opinion. :D ) My husband asked that I not color again as he feels my natural color is lovely.
The other thing I notice is how much softer my natural hair is verses how course it got when I colored. So, my thoughts are until I feel I need a major change I'm sticking with my choice of going natural. |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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FarmDream
True Blue Farmgirl
1085 Posts
Julie
TX
USA
1085 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2012 : 05:16:19 AM
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I color mine with a henna coloring solution. It's semi permanent, so about once a month. It's made from plant extracts, so no chemicals. It was not so safe years ago, but now it's improved, etc. I buy it at the health food store. I usually use burgundy and maybe it's the henna or maybe it's just the right shade, but people are really amazed and complimentary about the color. I learned about henna from another lady because I was just fascinated with her hair color. Since it's not chemicals, it leaves the hair very soft.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2012 : 05:50:17 AM
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I color because I am a cosmetologist. I became allergic to the color I used for about 10 yrs this past winter so I am trying a new color. It is the only color that is made in the US and it has less ammonia than any other on the market.I am a natural blonde but I color my hair red because i have freckles. A few yrs ago I was out of work for several months due to illness. I has short hair then and I let my color grow off...It was so liberating...but when I returned to work (cosmetology instructor) I was talked into coloring it again...I am thinking about putting hi-lights in so I can slowly go to white-gray again with some red low-light...we will see..
Deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
14020 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
14020 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2012 : 09:40:02 AM
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Laura in New Mexico . . . you got it with the dry climate! While I can't stand being in humid climates our dry climates ARE a factor for our skin. Lotion companies love us!!!
Cindy in Canada . . . I love the "Artic Blond" . . . I'm gonna go with that.
As I stated before I perm my hair so I don't color. But, even my hairdresser (when I had one) told me it would be REALLY HARD to color my hair because I have so many shades. Shades of brown and because I'm outside a lot I get the highlights the sun create, plus the parts that are "artic blond" . . etc., etc. So, I've chosen the perms instead of coloring.
Good luck girls . . go with what your farmgirl heart says!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
the "Purple Thistle" http://www.ceejay48.etsy.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
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Across the Fence: To Color or Not to Color THAT is the question! |
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To Color or Not to Color THAT is the question!
