Here I am 6 weeks into the going gray mode. I’m working on the confidence needed to not let anyone think the gray demarcation line is something I should be addressing. I’m still styling my hair the same as always and loving the soft bouncy curls from the new shampoo and conditioner. Yes, I’m happy to report both are still working well.
On a side note, what an interesting term to use to describe the outgrowth of gray hair? Demarcation line. So that’s what we’re supposed to call it? Hmmm…a noun; the outside limit of an object, area or surface; a place farthest from the center of something; or like a boundary, the line indicating the extent of something. I don’t know about you, calling it a demarcation line doesn’t sound pretty? I’ll have to search to see if someone else has come up with a prettier term? I do like the boundary reference though. Going gray does test our human boundaries about beauty and social norms. Maybe it is an okay term after all?
Getting back to my 6-week phase. I didn’t break down and beg for my hair appointment back after canceling it. I scheduled a dentist visit instead. Taking care of teeth and my smile is important for confidence building. I’m not a bleaching kind of gal, but I did spend a lot of money on braces when I was 40 something. Keeping my teeth clean and flossed is a priority of mine. By the way, as we mature, taking care of our teeth can be an important factor for heart health. If you have diabetes or cardiovascular disease oral health is important too. My mom had both, so I’m all for an ounce of prevention.
I’ve had to go more public this week with several meetings with people in person. Confession here, I’m positive I’m being the one who is hypersensitive, but I couldn’t help feeling like they were glancing quickly up at my hair and then back down or away as fast as humanly possible so as to not offend me or have to ask, “What’s the scoop with your hair?”. Truth told I’m checking out everyone’s hair nowadays. Yikes! I’m intrigued to see how many people are going gray, multi-colored, natural colored, or maybe, just maybe, going gray the cold turkey way just like me. Humans simply like to find people they can relate to.
At a family event, I found someone my age, gender, and who has gone through the going gray thing and loving it. Ahh…a person I could relate to and finally share, “I love your hair, I’m doing that too!” I enjoy hearing everyone’s “why” they did it. Their story is always part of the conversation. Her story, “My kids told me to just do it, I was sick of coloring. I started going gray in my late 20’s so it was time. I don’t miss coloring at all, this is so much easier.” Bingo! Me TOO!
Finding someone who you don’t have to explain things to, they just understand, is so comforting. – Unknown
6 Week Take a Peak at the Demarcation Line
My outgrowth is interesting. I even see new hairs growing in. The hairs are gray, white or silver depending on the lighting and dark hairs too. Looks like I’m definitely going to have salt and pepper hair. I was really thinking I was 100% silver going into this. I’m getting excited to have it grow faster. With the new shampoo and conditioner, the previously colored hair isn’t going as brassy as when I used the old shampoo. That’s the lack of sulfates. I’m starting to feel a little shaky about how to style it as it continues to grow out.
Overall, I remain motivated to continue the ongoing gray process. I really want to think of a prettier term for the line. I think I’m ready to tell more people about my quest for naturally gray hair. Good graycious, looking at the calendar, there will be quite a few opportunities coming up the next few weeks. In the meantime, if you can think of a prettier term for the outgrowth line, leave a comment below, I’d love to hear your ideas!
