50 Shades of Gray Hair … Cured!
Ah-mazing gray, natural hair
I know what you’re thinking. Where have you been??!! Sorry guys. Yes, I have been MIA, but it’s been a hectic month filled with lots of life juggling. You know how it goes. Unfortunately, blogging took a hit … but I’m back! And I’ve got news for you.
Before I break the news, let me take you back to last summer. I was styling my hair, when I noticed … a long, glowing, silvery white strand among the mass of dark tendrils. It was my first gray hair! Gasp! Yes, I had a mini panic attack. I backed up from the mirror, remembered to breathe, and returned to the mirror to double-check. I shook my head in disbelief. There it was!
I don’t know why I was as stunned as I was. You see, I had a heads up a few months prior … when I got my first gray eyebrow hair! Yeeeesss! I-am-transfooorrrming. AH!
Well, recently, I calmed down and made up my mind that I would be that 80-year-old woman with long, curly gray hair. Just as I came to terms with … growing up (gulp!), in came breaking news this week … well, breaking news for us!
There’s new research out that may raise hairs and a few questions. A joint group of researchers at Germany’s Institute for Pigmentary Disorders at E.M. Arndt University of Greifswald and the UK’s Centre for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford have simultaneously come across a cure for gray hair and the skin disease vitiligo, which removes pigment from the skin.
According to Medical Daily, gray hair is caused by an accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the roots of hair follicles, causing oxidative stress. The same condition occurs in vitiligo, causing depigmentation in the skin and eyelashes (and eyebrows??).
“The idea that loss of pigmentation in the hair and skin are related is extremely interesting on a basic science level,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s department of dermatology in an interview with Yahoo! Shine. “The traditional treatment of gray hair with hair dye is cosmetic and doesn’t get to the root of the problem. A treatment that prevents or reverses the underlying graying process would revolutionize our approach to hair care.”
Oh, yes it would! No need to schedule time to mix your brew of L’oréal or Féria, apply it to your hair, and wait for the magic to happen. No more hair dye and henna stained sinks and tiles. No need to spend money for that go-to colorist to return your hair to its natural hue. Where hair is concerned, this solution apparently turns back the hand of time. Curlies would have the option of forever maintaining their natural hair color, changing their color out of preference (not necessity), or simply going gray. Options. Options. Which one will you choose?
On a side note, for true vitiligo sufferers, I’m sure there are many who will be relieved by the news. I’m also sure this will raise new claims and accusations of skin bleaching … uh, huh. There are many bubbling up on the net, but I digress.
Now that there is a cure for graying, will you run for the solution once it’s available to the masses … perhaps in another decade or so?! Chime in below or vote.
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Decorative High Bun – First Video Tutorial!
A few weeks ago, I outlined the steps needed to create a high bun. Did you get a chance to practice this? If you have this look down, I challenge you to take it one step further. I’d like for you to try to create a decorative high bun, incorporating braids and faux color.
At first, I planned to write down the detailed instructions for you, as usual. After further thought, I realized that you may be a visual learner. I get it. There is something about watching tutorials that allows everything to just click. So, I mustered up the courage to … film it! Yes, I’d like to introduce to you my very first tutorial. Cue the horns! Da-da-da-daaaa!
When I filmed this, I dove right into creating the look. It wasn’t my best attempt, but it can be yours if you remember to:
- Neatly braid your sections. This will enable the cream eyeshadow (used to add color) to neatly smooth onto your hair.
- Werk a messy or neat bun. Either will do the trick. *snaps fingers twice in the air.*
- Hide bobby pins in the hair, so they’re not visible.
- Pin down bangs as needed to frame your face.
As you know, I’m a writer, and this blog will always be the core. If you enjoy the visual explanations (and the nuttiness of it all—you know that was a must!), let me know. Maybe there’ll be more to come!
Watch and enjoy! Remember to leave your questions below.
If you have trouble watching the video above, click here to view it.
Faux Color, Real Appeal
I’ve got color; yes, I do! I’ve got color; how about you?!
I just love hair color. I think it’s a great way to accent our curls, particularly in the form of highlights. Warning! As much as I love coloring my hair, it was one of the evil culprits that caused damage. Sit back and relax for a quick recap!
History Lesson
Years ago, I would embark on weekly adventures with color, changing my hair from red to blond and back again. That was until my curly mane had enough. It drop-kicked my bottles of developer and dyes and played dead on my head … well, hair is naturally dead (ha!), but this was something entirely different. Over processing my hair through bleach and dyes left it in a limp state.
Just when I began to rehab my curls, I once again decided to get color in the form of highlights. I figured this would be less damaging, particularly since I was seeking the help of a professional stylist. Mistake! The hairdresser, who between breaks of nibbling on her lunch, over processed the front, left section of my hair. This area stopped curling as well, not to mention it was completely colored instead of highlighted! Needless to say, these and other experiences made me walk away from hair coloring.
Still, I just can’t help drooling over other curlies’ expert highlights. It makes me pause and briefly consider another bout with dyes. Fortunately, natural hair blogger Curly Nikki recently flagged a sneaky way in which we can get faux hair color by using cream eye shadow. Boing! That’s the sound of your head rattling. I know. I know. You must be thinking that us natural ladies have lost it again. Here comes another crazy concoction or method of styling. No, actually this one is quick and easy. It’s also a fun way to mix up your look.
Tools:
- Maybelline 24 Hour Eyeshadow, Bold Gold
- Your curly mane, of course! – My hair was styled in a wash and go.
- 10 minutes max
Faux Hair Color with Maybelline 24 Hour Eyeshadow, Bold Gold
Instructions
I literally dug my fingers into this creamy eye shadow (frowning and naysaying along the way), and randomly smoothed it down my strands, twirling it around my finger. I concentrate more of the product on the hairs around my face. I had to use a generous amount since it wasn’t initially apparent on my dark hair. You’ll need to wash and scrub this from your hands and nails. Not too bad, but it can be a little messy.
Appearance
The eye shadow gave my hair a slight shimmer and gold highlights! I was pleasantly surprised. Although the shadow itself is marketed as lasting 24 hours, hence its name as a tattoo, this faded out of my hair throughout the night.
When I woke up in the morning, it was gone! I had to check my pics to remember that I applied it! The only evidence is slight traces of shimmer. This worked perfectly for styling my hair (and eyes) before I headed out to a reggae concert. I think the rocker look is perfect for heading out on the town, but it may be too much for conservative office environments. The choice is yours.
If you give this look a go, please comment and share pics below! You can also view this post and join the conversation over at Curly Nikki.
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