GRAY HAIR - Image vs. Convenience

YES! "going gray" has become a trend.. even for a number of celebrities. And, of course,

the choice is entirely up to your client. As I speak with those who have chosen this

as well as those who choose to continue coloring their hair.. the sizable shift in how

people select their personal image is noteworthy. Let's examine the situation, as there

are many factors attached to this new decision.

FINANCES and COMMITMENT:

Let's face it, good professional salon hair color is not a necessity, and COSTS MONEY. And commitment is associated. For years, we've served clients who visit us every 3 - 6

weeks for a "root retouch". Many request a version of the shade they enjoyed as a

younger person...perhaps a bit softer, warmer, or accented with a few face-framing high

lights. Others adopt a blonde shade which can enhance their skin and eye color. This

group has decided that despite the cost and the time required to do this.. they are "all

in" for color.

THE DISRUPTION: Although I'm becoming tired referring to "COVID", we recognize that during that long period of. home-bound isolation, millions of women and men simply stopped

thinking about salon appointments and hair color. Some saw those gray hair coming in and

decided they were "not so bad".. and that the evolution to gray interested them. PLUS! No

money involved here, so no expense incurred. AND: WHEN consumer trend is based on

what celebrities do... the public often follows. When Jayne Fonda, Andi MacDowell and Emma Thompson chose to go gray.... this decision sparks interest. "If they can do it,a I

can do it"... makes people feel that embracing "gray" is in fashion, on trend, and that they

are members of a very special club. Thousands of people feel very happy about this choice.

The gray "evolution" includes political statements regarding "age". Deciding to "age gracefully" to embrace "looking one's age", and to stop catering to the past

discrimination attached to 'being old".. are valid, very personal decisions. Looking

inward, rather than focusing on appearance or image is sometimes the attraction.

And, here, I begin to step on Very Dangerous Ground:

This is my OPINION rather than fact: While many people look wonderful wearing silver hair... NOT EVERYONE LOOKS "GREAT" WITH GRAY. "GREAT" is in the eye of the beholder.

I tell clients that hair color is PERSONAL. When how others view you, does not affect or interest you... go ahead. Transition to gray.

.Embrace your selection of silver. HOWEVER, referring to the women i noted in the

last paragraph. Consider: They are well-lit for photos, are wearing makeup, some have had plastic surgery on their faces, enjoy very professional and regular skin

care treatment, and are wearing a beautifully executed hair style .. long or

short(er) which FLOWS and softens the facial features. They eyebrows are never gray.

And, much of that "silver" is salon-enhanced or created.. and.. at times hair extentions

or wigs are part of the equation. We are FREE to BE who we are and we are FREE

to embrace the image we choose. I do hope that the emotion of "I GIVE UP. I"M DONE"

does not figure here.. and, at times, I do think it does.. perhaps to depression or to

a feeling of "It doesn't matter any more."

This subject is part of my hair color instruction and I do hope you will choose to comment

here, or on my Facebook pages. Here's a take away: Purchase an inexpensive gray

wig which has a bit of length and is straight or only slightly wavy.. Keep this at your

station to use as. a prop when consulting with a client who has decided to "go gray". When

you attach the wig the client might LOVE it.... or not. Sometimes a "picture" tells a thousand words. Now, it's up to you to help this cliient safely and happily transition to silver.. and

YOU can DO IT.. because YOU are an EXPERT. Thanks for reading this. please share.

I hope to see you in Boston, Monday, April 28th, Charles David Salon

Beth

646-468-9802