Newsworthy

It's OK To Go Gray

I'm going to assume that most of you have heard of the hit TLC show “What Not To Wear.” Yet, with so many Baby Boomers, perhaps we need a new TV show called, “How Not to Look Old.”

Whether it's lackluster hair, washed out skin tone or worn out wardrobes, with some careful planning, you can bring harmony and style back into your world. Beauty doesn't have an age limit.

Making history as America's largest generation, the 78 million baby boomers, ranging in age from thirty-eight to fifty-seven, are “growing old” with style. We don't want to look like our grandparents or parents did at our age. For many it's the hair; others it's their personal style or lack thereof. A study by AARP (American Association of Retired People) indicates that 53% of boomer women and 6% boomer men color their hair to hide the gray. That leaves 47% and 94%, respectively, who don't. The 41 million boomers who have yet to turn fifty should take note. It's OK to go gray (or will it be silver?). It may be just the “other parts” (makeup, wardrobe, style) that need help.

I had a plan that when I turned 50, I would “go gray.” Don't ask me why I thought 50 was the magic number. Getting over that ridiculous thought was easy because I lost the “cover the gray” game by the age of 46. Coloring time was coming too fast and was becoming too troublesome to look au natural, so my hair dresser gave me an awesome cut. [#1 rule to going gray.] I already knew what colors worked best with my new look as well as the makeup, after all, I am an image consultant [Rules #2 and 3], and so the going gray event was uneventful. Soon after that, I started having lots of fun with my new look like getting compliments from total strangers, young and old, both male and female.

Follow these simple rules to going gray:

•  Get a great haircut . Knowing your face shape will help tremendously. Repeat the angles or contours of your face.

•  Know your best colors. Create a wardrobe strategy by choosing colors for your wardrobe that enhance your facial features. Remember, you no longer have that “frame” (colored hair) around your face so be careful not to overpower with dark colors. Black and white? Usually not so good. Expand your horizons.

•  Be age appropriate. Nothing dates a boomer faster than either trending toward a too youthful look or looking defeated with a dowdy style. Now is the time to revamp your wardrobe with age appropriate styles that say “current.” Take the time to know what styles work for your body type and what is age appropriate.

•  Seek help from the professionals. Hire an image consultant to do your colors and rework your wardrobe for this season to learn the tips and techniques. Ask friends, colleagues and family for a great hair dresser. An expert stylist can help the transition process with various techniques like high lighting or low lighting. There are also a ton of products available today to add shine, body, moisturize, eliminate friz and static … the list goes on. Just ask.

Whatever you decide, know that it's OK to go gray. Have fun. Embrace the freedom you'll get from this new look. Remember, beauty doesn't have an age limit.

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