I was about 13 years old when one of my friends was putting corn rows (most people call them braids now) in my hair. When she was about halfway through, she yelled out, “You have gray hair!” To that I responded, “No I don’t!” She insisted, so I jumped up and ran to my house so I could see for myself. With a stool, hand mirror and the mirror on the medicine cabinet, I confirmed the truth – I did have gray hair at thirteen.
As the years progressed, more and more strands of gray hair came in. By the time I was in high school, it was noticeable. By the time, I was in college it was remarkable. Gray hair really seemed to flourish during college. It changed from strands to patches. At the time, my mother and father had an appropriate amount of gray hair for their age, but nothing excessive; however, my gray hair was in all the same places as my mother. If she had patches behind her ears, I had patches of gray behind my ears.
My brother, on the other hand, who was nine years older than me, did not have any. It was during my twenties that I crossed the line from having gray in my hair to having gray hair. I guess I went from going gray to gone gray. It is interesting that my husband was prematurely gray at 35 as well. I am not sure what that means for my sons, but hopefully they will embrace the double whammy.
Throughout the years, I have come to really appreciate my gray hair for the conversation starter that it is. Just the other day, a woman caught up with me in Whole Foods and said, ‘I just had to let you know that your hair is simply gorgeous.” Compliments like hers and others are a real treat and can really make your day. I have also heard from women who refuse to go gray who tell me that I am an inspiration for them to let their gray hair shine. I know my aunt who is eighty something now, decided to finally go gray in her seventies using my gray hair as inspiration. I am thankful for my gift and hope that it continues to inspire others.
Jandie
Jandie Turner is an avid golfer and the owner of Acuity Sports. Be sure to visit her website!
Do you have gorgeous gray hair worthy of flaunting? Do you know someone else that does? Send us your story along with a picture to goinggray@goinggrayblog.com
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful hair, it suits you so well.
Your hair IS beautiful. Unfortunately, my husband suggested I go gray, like you and I had to tell him that yellow and nappy is very different from lush and gray. So, I too, will be keeping my colorist in business.
What a FABULOUS picture of you!! I like the story of going gray…
When I first met you I thought that you dyed your hair. As I looked I thought,That is too pretty to be dyed.. Your hair is georgous and suit syou to a tee. There are some of us who have gray hair and it is apparent that it is a sign of our age but with you it is just the opposite. Please never change it.
Gee, you are REALLY beautiful! Gray hair or no – I bet you make heads turn when you walk by!