Afraid to Go Gray?

(Wig pictured above: READY FOR TAKEOFF WIG BY RAQUEL WELCH)

Whether it’s needing more time to think about ourselves during the pandemic shutdown, or not, a lot of women seem to be embracing their gray, white, and silver hair. So many are saying that they are ready to give up the coloring processes and learn to love their hair the way it is now. For wig wearers, it is a bit different. We can change our color any time and with little fuss. But the same core question remains—are we afraid to go gray? 

Gray doesn’t have to mean “old” or any age. However, the challenge seems to be learning how to make that change. If you have worn a brunette wig for five years, should you just turn up one day in a lovely gray or silver wig, or if you’ve not shared your wig journey, should you have a transition color/wig? There is no one answer to that question. It all depends upon your comfort level. Fortunately, there are resources to support any decision you make.

If you do decide to “just go for it” get help if you think you need it; learn what brands carry the wig styles and cap construction that you prefer. 

Tips from the professionals about choosing a color/shade and style:

• Go for a soft color with dimension. Nothing screams “fake” like a flat solid root-to-tip color with no variation.
• Color should always be multi-tonal, especially as you age. That is true for blondes as well. 
• Remember, in most cases, we lose plumpness in our faces as we age. The styles that looked good on you at thirty might look too harsh now. For example, a too blunt bob, close to the jawline and with no layering is very severe.
• Go for a layered style and one a little below the jawline.
• Tone- is so important, and wig wearers must learn to care for their wigs to protect the color/tone.

Short or long as we age? A question that never goes away. Ask yourself if your style makes your face look younger or older. Does the too-long hair pull the face down? Would you look better with a shorter, more face-flattering style? So many people get caught up in the look of the wig—you are interested in how the wig looks on you—huge difference. 

Don’t be afraid to claim your color—and don’t be afraid of gray! Try different shades/tones and get help if you need it. There are in-between colors you can choose, but often the salt/pepper colors age us more than a lovely silver or white. It’s all about the shade/tone, color, and style. 

If you had rather take the plunge more slowly, there are some lovely options. Ellen Wille Smoke Mix and Pearl Rooted are lovely, and Raquel Welch Silver and Smoke, Iced Granita, and Silver Mist come to mind. 

Skin Tone: Yes, it is ever important as we age because it changes. Know your skin tone, and that will help you key in on colors/shades that will look best on you. For example, if you have a cool skin tone you likely already know that ashy colors, shades of honey, beige, and gray work well for you. For shades of grey hair or any color, tone, color gradient, and dimension are key. Flat equals fake. 

Just two of my favorites. Notice the dimension, the shadings. No flat, drab and lifeless look with these!  

Until next time, here I am thinking that I might go gray…hum. 

Vickie Lynn