(Punk) Hair Poll

I am conducting a poll. For those of you who know me (or know what I look like):

Should I let my streak revert to white?

Currently it is red. I've always had a ton of red in my hair, and I'm neither punk nor goth. But it turns out that people see the streak of red in my hair and assume (never mind the conservative clothes or advanced age or generally quiet demeanor) that I'm punk. I was astonished when I realized this perception people had, believe me! My hair started to turn white when I was barely 19, and for years I looked like a skunk. So I decided to cover the white, and yes--it probably took at least 5 years off my age.

Anyway. I don't really want people to think I'm punk. That's not really my thing. So, what do you say?

Comments

[jk]

My mother started turning white/grey at the age of 16 and colored her hair until she turned 45. She had no idea what it would look like, but when all the color grew out, she had the most beautiful silver hair. She has it cut in the cutest bob and gets stopped EVERYWHERE by people saying how gorgeous her hair is. When my sister (who is 22) goes anywhere with her, people think they are sisters. Despite my mother's hair being silver (she is 51 now), it makes her face brighter, which in turn makes her look younger. It took some courage, but it turned out for the better. If this is too drastic, you could always go blond! My hair also started turning grey at 18 (I'm now 24), and I've been highlighting ever since. I think I"m about to stop though... Good luck!

P.S. I've really enjoyed reading your blog. I'm starting law school in August.

[Girlchild]

You do NOT look like a punk. Who on earth told you that? Clearly they don't get out much. You don't wear enough make-up to be goth either. Nor is the red in your hair the right color red. I also don't think you could look goth if you tried. It would be funny though!

Anyhoo, its all up to you if you want to go grey or not. Personally, I think the red looks great. I suppose you could try it, and if you don't like it... go back to red!

[ckm]

Hmmmmm. I'll have to think about this a while! I think you're beautiful anyway at all. Our family tends to turn silver in an attractive way. I also get comments telling me, "Don't color your hair! Looks great the way it is!" I'll be interested to know how you go.

[moml]

I haven't colored my hair since I was 55 and haven't been sorry because it is so much easier not to have to color it all the time. Personally I like your hair dark without the red but it is your hair so you have to decide what you like the best. By the way I need an address so I can send you a card.

[k]

I think the red adds interest, and I never knew it was because the red would otherwise be silver. BUT, I also think a streak is very cool--my gray/silver is non-cohesive, so I can't just "red" it away and have to default to just covering it all up--and I don't think a streak is the kind of silver hair that tends to age a person.

[Pat]

I like the red. Although it would probably look cool to have the white streak, you're starting a new career soon, and ageism could rear its ugly head (even though you're not at all old!). Maybe wait til you're established in your career, then you can adopt the "interesting woman" look.

[PatAncester]

Red, gray, striped, purple, natural, tinted ... it's all the same to me; you are most beautiful. I have always like your hair, however you fixed it, because whatever the design it has always been in good taste and has further proved what a classy woman you are. So have at it. Go with the inspiration.

[Denise]

I think you're much too young to let it go gray or silver, and the red is interesting. But if it is not what people consider conservative enough for your profession, try a subtler tint. How about a kind of auburn, ginger or wine color? And when you're back in school or on vacation you could use a temporary color and go purple or something else a little wilder. Personally, I will color my hair forever.

[Jill]

I agree with Denise-- color, but maybe try a different tint.

[LL]

I also didn't know the red was to cover grey and I confess I initially thought it revealed a slightly wilder side of you ;) I think an auburn shade would be gorgeous on you- something with less contrast b/w the rest of your hair and the red red streaks. Almost a merging of the two.

It's not a necessary change by any meansm, but if you're looking for one, I think talking to a good colorist about a new look would be fun and enlightening.

[E. McPan]

I'm actually thinking of having a white stripe put in. So my vote is to go natural! I don't know what color the rest of your hair is. That might make a difference. Also, I guess it depends on how striking your stripe is. Personally, I'm jealous.

[lam]

Am I too late to post my answer? I love the red on you and girlchild is right...it DOES NOT look punk! Tnat person was ridiculous. Anyway you are still too young to have the white. The red is a great reflection of your personality. If you are at all bothered by what other people think (which I doubt) add some all over highlights that are a softer red/auburn and on the white. It won't look so drastic and would look beautiful on you. There has to be a fabulous place in the city for hair color!