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Baring it all

I texted my Mom and said sit down, I have some news to share and you are going to be shocked.

I texted a coworker and shared the news with her. She said go for it, you won’t regret it!

I texted my bff and she said omg no! “I am not ready for that”, she said. Made me laugh so hard.

After so many years, I think I’m finally ready to let my hair colour be seen for what it is. And that’s mostly gray. Or is it grey? I never know.

I’m actually shocked at myself. If you know me, you’re aware that I am vain. I try to look my best each and every day. I spent so much time as a kid and teenager being the ugly duckling. So once I figured out that I could actually look half decent, I ran with it.

That wasn’t until I was about 30 years old, honestly.

But last week I came across a new statistic saying that colouring your hair, especially dark shades, leads to a 50 or 60 (I can’t remember which) percent greater risk of breast cancer. I dye my hair jet black.

So. That sucks. But it’s not just that. It can’t be good for a person. Box dyeing hair every four weeks like clockwork.

Unfortunately, I have this familial trait where I started going gray very young. By now, I’m sure my whole head is gray. So what to do?

I’m going to sleep on it. If I still feel like this tomorrow I’m going to make an appointment with a hair stylist and start the process of lightening my hair and blending in the grey.

Am I going to look 10 years older? Yep. Will anyone ever again say “you look so good for your age?” Nope. Will anyone ever again say “you have kids how old?” Nope. Will people think I’m Sid’s gramma and not his mom, yep.

Honestly, I’m at the point of IDGAF. It’s not that I’ve given up. I still want to look good. I’d love to look 37 again yes. But it’s not going to happen.

Baring it all for you here
Nerdy me trying to appear frightened by my grey roots

34 responses to “Baring it all”

  1. I was not aware of that C statistic!
    I can understand Ceej. maybe there’s a loophole to that stat or something. not that there’s anything wrong with gray but I know how much it means to you to be able to dye your hair black.Mike

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yeah idk what to do 😬

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Youve earned that grey. It only makes you more beautiful.
    I earned mine.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Awe thank you so much…gonna sleep on it and see how i feel tomorrow lol
      Men are so lucky though because grey just automatically means distinguished ☺️

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Being distinguished as a man witb grey should be earned not given.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Well you’re probably right but i mean looks-wise, in my opinion, men look great grey or otherwise and sometimes even better grey

        Like

  3. CJ, I’m going through the process VERY SLOWLY by doing highlights every 16 weeks. I never wanted to be blonde, but as long as I do my make-up, I can generally feel almost as good as I did with dark hair. 🙂 I do especially miss the red tones in my hair, which the stylist insists are still there. lol

    That’s not to convince you, just to share my story.

    We’re so lucky to be aging.You were always beautiful, too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for the support Stephanie!! I know Michele (if she sees the post) will be team grow out the grey lol, you’re both so classically beautiful, i shld have nothing to worry about!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ah, Michele has that healthy exuberance thing going on!

        Liked by 1 person

  4. i think you’d look gorgeous either way!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Rojie…but it’s a big big huge crazy step lol

      Liked by 1 person

  5. CJ Antichow, you’re rocking that bold gray hair glow-up decision—health first, and owning it like a boss! Laughing at your BFF’s “not ready” freakout and the jet black dye stats scare. You’ll slay the silver fox vibe, no IDGAF needed. Shine on!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you 🙏🏽 ☺️

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I know that’s a big decision – especially for brunettes. I’d say do it. There’s plants of inspiring photos of gorgeous grey-haired women online now. Check out Paulina Porizkova for inspiration!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Yes thanks Mary, I’ve been looking at different accounts on Instagram, plenty of great inspiration yes!
      I actually just came across Paulina Porizkova’s account a few weeks ago! I was so obsessed with her when I was in high school!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. She’s got an interesting story. I actually knew her ex-husband’s (Rick Okasek) first wife from my 80s art museum days. Her sons look a lot like him (unfortunately for them)

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Oh wow that’s so cool!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. hard to look at yeself fa sho

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lol yes it is!

      Like

    1. Awe well thank you for the kind compliment!

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Doing what is best for you is all that matters and you’re beautiful no matter you hair color. “Going gray” has been a transformative experience for me. 🩶🦋 Saving me time and money, too. 😌🙌🏻😄

    Liked by 1 person

    1. *your hair color ✏️ 😆

      Liked by 1 person

    2. It’s crazy how many people have opinions on it, hey? Did you experience that? I haven’t even told my sisters, not sure I want their opinions on it. When men go grey, nobody cares or bats an eye.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, and the strongest opinion came from my hairdresser who definitely did not agree with my choice. “Your hair will grow in kinky,” she said. I suppose it’s hard to know what/how the change will show up. My hair is healthier now. Double standards show up in countless ways, don’t they.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Oh wow that’s interesting 🧐
        I’m not sure if I want to just let it grow out but with the contrast of the black it’s going to be soooo obvious and look terrible! Or go to a hairdresser and do the grey blending thing!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Interesting, yes, including watching the new color come in. Or would that be old color? 🤔😄 An easier/less obvious transition with lighter hair. Talking to your hairdresser is a good idea – seeing what options are available and best for you. I love hats. 😂

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Yeah i was thinking can i wear a babushka for the next 18 mths lol

        Liked by 1 person

      5. It is an option. 😁

        Liked by 1 person

  9. I’ve seen many women decide to go grey and it looks fantastic! Still, I understand how difficult of a decision that is. I’m sure you will look amazing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for the vote of confidence! It is very scary, it’s like turning a dial back, from “regular” to “old” lol
      I do love it on lots of beautiful ladies, i just never thought i’d be one of them

      Liked by 1 person

      1. We never expect to see ourselves be old, even though we know it will happen if we don’t die young (and stay that way).

        Society places too much value on looking young, and not enough on looking and being wise.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You’re bang on! Absolutely right. I think, personally for me, i’ve been caught in this ego trap because people have always said i looked younger than i was…and i know feeding off that is super shallow of me but it really pleased me lol…if i “go grey”, that’ll come to a stop 😩🤭😂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. You’re gonna look great!

        Liked by 1 person

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