For the majority of the summer, I have been wearing my hair cut short with a few layers in the front and sides. I really like this look on me and it has allowed me to look a little funky and glam without much effort. Since the Fall season is finally here, I’ve decided to go long (pictures of that coming soon) but I wanted a nice haircut before I got a new sew in weave. This brought me to cut a very thorough trimming and we discovered my first gray hair strand.
Oy vey!
Last year, I found a small gray hair strand on my right sideburn, but after months and months of growing and cutting, it never resurfaced again. Now, there is a definitive gray hair strand on my left that has been cut and re-cut twice and it has grown back. So at the age of 36, I’ve gotten my first real strand of gray hair.
Damn, damn, damn, James!
I thought I was going to freak out more than I did. Embracing my age has become a work in progress for me, so having the gray hair start to grow in wasn’t good news. After seeing it, cutting it, and seeing it again, I have come to terms with my latest strand of gray—it was inevitable. It was unrealistic to think I was going to escape having a dash of gray forever.
I have friends who began getting gray hair in their late teens and early twenties, so me going this long without gray hair is pretty interesting. Both of my parents began to gray in their late 30’s and early 40’s respectively, so it was only a matter of time before it happened to me.
I don’t color my hair currently and I don’t plan on doing so unless the gray begins to take over. My stylist has counted one strand so far, so we will keep an eye on it. Story developing….
Have you gotten your first strand of gray yet? Do you currently color to hide your “elderly” hairs? Speak on it!
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Alas, this is a topic — well, I find it too painful to speak freely about. Be strong.
I found my first gray hair about two years ago at 33. It’s on my right side. I haven’t seen anymore, though. I don’t color it or try to pull it out. I feel like I’ve earned it. Four teenagers in my house and only one gray hair? Yeah,I’m good! LOL!
I am 41 so yes, I have gotten my first gray hair…and a few extra! I remember flipping out a little when I started noticing them but I don’t remember how old I was. I do color them when I wear my hair out–I’m a sew in sista too, okay :-)–because mine are mainly right in the front and add years on me if I don’t cover them up. The issue with coloring them however, is they are very stubborn. Gray hairs are so course they do not color well with just a rinse–it works but can fade quickly.
The only consolation I can offer is what I’ve told myself and heard from others…we earn each gray hair we get. And they eventually will be a symbol of honor and wisdom…but for now, I’m okay with not seeming as wise! So I will cover them up.
Dietta, thank you for making me feel a little better about my gray hair. Not sure how I will react to the other ones that are sure to follow; LOL.
Would love to commiserate but since you, girlfriend are only finding them on your head … I am not feeling so sorry for you.
When they travel a little more South … then come talk too me 😉
OMG, Nicole. So you mean it gets gray down there too? LOL. iCant! 🙁
I am in Nicole’s court! My first gray hair was actually where the sun doesn’t shine. I have several there. But I was ok with that because the one person who saw that new “she” wasn’t old. This summer I got my first gray hair up top and I squealed. I knew it would be coming soon but it was just a culmination of a summer when I started to feel old. So far – it is just one but I know cousins are a coming!
Hehe yes I got my first grey hair and dry to hide it all my kinks, curls, and waves…
Lucky you. I got my first strand at 13…well more like 4. I have a nice patch now that you can see up close. It can be hidden when in a ponytail or wet. I was dating this guy earlier this year and we were cuddled up on the couch. He smell my hair and said wow your hair smells so good. The guy then paused and asked me if I was sure I was 28 because of the gray. I couldn’t help but LMAO.
I got my first gray hair in my 20’s. I am now 34. At first it bothered me but now I dont care since I color my hair regularly.
It is part of aging. It is a sign that you have now come of age. 🙂
You can color your hair though.