Ok, so I just have a second. I’m at the hair salon in the mall on their wifi and I just met a woman – well past her twenties – that had never had one ounce of color on her hair. We visited a few minutes before we got summoned to our hairdressers and I learned that she and her man were in ministry. She was a darling thing. Interesting. Fun. Clearly loved Jesus. We hadn’t talked hair yet. After all, we are women with our priorities straight. Then we met up back in the color section of the salon where my hair already had enough foil in it to bring in every radio station in North America. That’s when she said it. “This is the first time I’ve ever gotten color.” I was nearly speechless. I nearly broke my neck turning around to look at her. To make sure she’d said what I thought she’d said. The color specialists were aghast at the confession. Shamed maybe. Kinda like, “Some things shouldn’t be said in public.” You could have heard a hair pin drop.
“What did you say?” I broke the awkward silence.
“I’ve never done this before. I’m trying my first highlights.”
For the life of me, I could not think of a single other person I knew of reasonable age who had never doused her head in a tad of tint. I had all manner of questions. Something in me demanded to know why but something else in me felt protective of her. She looked so innocent. So naive. So new. And I was proud. So very proud.
“Your first highlights!” I exclaimed. “You’re doing the right thing!”
And there was bonding.
She came by and showed me later, after it was all blown dry and styled. I looked through the stringy strands of my dripping hair and beheld a vision. Subtle but definitely a start. More bonding. As she walked away, I sat in the chair, blow dryer thundering in my ear, and sighed with deep satisfaction, so thankful I’d gotten my own roots done.
It was a beautiful thing.
Tags: Hair
Beth,
Thank you so much for making me laugh out loud today! I have a presentation today and I’m a nervous wreck. My parents didn’t allow me to color my hair as long as I was living at home, but once I went away to college it was fair game and I IMMEDIATELY found a recommended hair salon and got some color on my hair! I am now 41 and have been coloring ever since!
Beth,
Loved the story! Can’t wait to see those highlights this Friday in Jax.
Sherri
Ok, Mama Beth, guess this is confession time [deep breath]. I colored my hair once. At home, myself. It turned my hair into straw, and I have never considered it since.
But…that’s only the beginning.
I woke up one day when I was 43 thinking I was blonde (as I had been all my life). Someone said, “Wow, your hair gets darker with each pregnancy, doesn’t it?” (which was seven at that point). Well, I hadn’t noticed.
So I looked in the mirror, and my hair was brown, some hard-earned gray @ the temples, but just mostly plain brown.
And then, I realized that I was really 44, not 43, and that I had been 44 for some months…
So…well, let me share some more history here. I got my hair cut in 5th grade. (This would be about 1967 or so. As my kids tell me frequently, I’m old.) My sister got hers cut too, and IT WAS LONGER. I was bested. It was clearly, inarguably longer.
So I swore I’d never lose the My Hair Is Longer Than Yours competition again. So I didn’t. And I know, this is REALLY shocking…but it hasn’t been cut since.
And my hair is (brace yourself, this is just awful!) down to my waist, parted in the middle, always clean, usually dry (though I have been known to leave the house with it still wet). Never do anything except wash and brush. Ok, and straighten the part…but only when I can find a comb. (I have four daughters living at home, so that doesn’t always happen.)
Anyway [whew!] I feel better, getting that off my chest. But I imagine my Texan foremothers are spinning in their graves about now… (Ok, ok, I KNOW that’s lousy theology, but it’s only a figure of speech…isn’t it?)
Thank you for listening. You may now grant absolution. (See parenthetical comment above, please!)
I am part of the had my hair colored so much it’s pathetic. Went blond years ago…then went back to “mousey” brown for awhile, my au naturale color. Suddenly that “crown of glory”, the dreaded gray hairs were taking over…that must be stopped. That started the highlights….then I turned “50”, looked around and saw all the blonde 50 year olds coloring their hair blonde to cover the gray and decided “I” would be different. So, I went darker and put in some red highlights. Which actually match my personality…had some anger issues going on. Praise God most of those are over. Well, now I am about to retire…I’ll be “62” this summer and have decided this is getting expensive. My stylist also told me last appointment that I pretty much was “white all over”. What???? You must be kidding. Of course I had seen enough of those “wisdom” roots to know I had crossed over.
So now, my dilema…do I go blonde, again, and let it grow out to the “wisdom” color, or do I keep coloring it brown with highlights?
Decisions, Decisions.
Much love and blessing to all you Siestas, whether you color or not!
Georgia in MI
Beth, Nice to know you will have fresh new color for Jacksonville. A group of siestas are heading to Jacksonville from Tampa to see you tomorrow. We are sooo excited. Prepared for God to do big things through you this weekend. I got my toes done to come see you in Jacksonville!!LOL
I’m 38 and am not ashamed to admit that I have been coloring my hair for over 20 years now. Putting the “Sun In” and peroxide in my hair when I was in jr. high was a huge mistake! Now – I color my hair for a totally different reason but I love it! One of God’s greatest gifts is the gift of youth in a bottle:)!
I’ve colored from a bottle at home for years, but I’ve never had highlights, low lights, headlights, skylights, twilights, etc. 🙂
Beth,
This is just so “you” and I’m so glad it is!!
A passionate love for Jesus. A passionate love that everyone else know and experience that passionate love for Jesus.
Last, but not least, a passionate need to have some really good hair.
It’s our “glory” and it looks a whole lot better with some highlights and not too many inches of “rootage” showing..;-)
I remember in one of your studies you said your friend Johnnie said you can’t have good hair and a good day to teach at the same time or something like that. I know that’s not true for you 🙂
Alot of Siesta’s are going to see you in Jacksonville this weekend…Praying for you and them and some serious good hair and passionate annoiting!!
Covering you with Prayer,
Teri
Beth,
You absolutely crack me up sometimes! I needed that today!!
I too am a “person of semi-natural colored hair”. : ) Too many grays to let them all go bare!!
(just realized I made a rhyme)…
Love,
Sheri in NC
Oh, Beth
You would fit right into a scene from “Steel Magnolias”!
Here’s one of my favorite lines:
Darryl Hannah’s character
“When I’m nervous my work tends to be too poofy…..Miss M’lynn, does your dress have to go over your head?”
May we always be on the lookout for opportunities to bond!
Becky
An added note, my grandmother who will soon be with Jesus, had a standing hair appointment for all of my life (34+ years). She did these things weekly, went to church, Wal-Mart & the beauty shop!
Rhonda Baker
My close friend introduced me to highlights a number of years ago. She got her training through a trendy and hip salon and loved to try new things on me – at my home!!! She styled and cut and colored and beautified like no other!! Then the Lord called her and her husband to Phoenix almost a year ago. I still haven’t gotten over it… I’m going to go call her right now and see if the Lord’s calling her back yet.
You keep me in stitches!! I had my first partial highlights last year. I am 37. I had wanted to get them several times before but just couldn’t do it. My friend gave me a hard time of “going chicken in the chair.” Now…I LOVE IT! Actually went for the full deal a few months ago. My husband, however, cringes when the credit card statement comes in! I just keep telling him what a good man he is!
Too funny! I’m 31, I think, and I’ve never had a hint of color in my hair. Oh wait, I did use sun in back in the early 90’s. Anyone remember that? However, I am just beginning to see strands of gray so I’ve requested to have my hair highlighted, soon! Love to you all!
Robyn
That’s hilarious! I get the same reaction sometimes from people. I’m 29 and have had highlights in my hair twice only. The first time was on a dare, and the 2nd time was it was a “surprise” for me, esp since I was starting to show gray! All my friends were getting them, and it made me NOT want them all the more. I am fortunate to have “natural” highlights that show even more in the summertime!
I’ve never had color either but will probably need to start with highlights at some point in the not too distant future. When in Kyiv, I had the scariest hair experience ever- you know, it’s hard enough to tell someone in your own language what to do with your hair, but in another…and sadly, they spoke more Russian than Ukrainian. I truly felt sick as I looked in the mirror and then they asked why I wouldn’t let them do highlights?!?! Are you kidding? All they had was Ronald McDonald ORANGE-RED for the Iron Curtian years and after a few years of freedom they think they’re ready to be subtle on me? No way- I rode the metro and knew the truth. So…still natural. T.G.
I have been highlighting and coloring my hair since I was 14 years old. I have been doing it so long I couldn’t even begin to tell you what my natural hair color is!
Beth,
You are so much fun. I have never met anyone who loves to enjoy God or enjoys being a women anymore than you do. You have made me want to pursue Him in a way that I never have before. I love Him so much, but enjoy Him…I haven’t ever even heard of that before this blog. I also love hearing you talk about being a women. I feel guilty when I buy a new shirt, like God is mad at me because I already have enough shirts. Thank you for showing a side of being a Christian that is so much fun. BTW, I do highlight my hair because my husband likes it better that way, don’t feel guilty about that:)
Dear Beth,
How funny your story is. I will tell you this I started coloring my hair many years ago (enough that I can’t remember how long) My mother grayed at an early age and so did I. That is when it all began. I am 46 years old and I love MS Clarial number 117. That has been my color for awhile. Now instead of paying $40.00 it is only 5.96 plus tax my mother does my color for me after I have had it trimmed. It is so funny because now she has started doing my two sister’s hair also. I have been lettting my hair grow long which I have never done before and loving it by the way. Went to have it trimmed and the lady that trimmed it got to see my natural roots (it was so funny) Gray as they could be. Brought the color and Mom is going to be doing my hair this weekend. Thank you God for the companies that produce the hair color.
Thanks for the laughter. We love you dearly.
Becky
Attalla, AL
Beth, thank you for reminding me to use the small opportunities of every day life to be a witness and an encourager.
I am one of the many who have stolen your line -“blonde as I pay to be” and proud of it. I can not imagine going through this life with its many crazy moments without the safety net of knowing there will be a day of beauty coming soon!! Love you, love your hair….
I’m 30 and I’ve also never colored my hair. Once I was in the salon getting my hair cut and a different stylist than my own raved about my color and wanted to know what number it was. (My hair is a subtle auburn color – not quite red but not quite brown.) When I said it was my natural color, she didn’t know what to think, but my stylist informed her what number she should use if she wanted to achieve the same color on someone else.
Both my parents were gray between 30 and 35…I was doomed by genetics…started highlighting and coloring my hair when I was 17 to cover the gray! (yikes)…48 and still buying that color. I do know ladies that have awesome gray hair…mine, is white…not a complexion booster for me! Color On!!
I have been highlighting my hair for I don’t even know how long! My husband always says that I should just leave my hair the color God made it. Actually, that’s what I’m trying to do by highlighting it….making it the color God originally made it before it started changing color!
I was wondering if you think it would be wrong to color my dog’s hair? She’s a darling little Yorkie and when we first got her she was black and tan. Then I started noticing at her roots she was gray. I realized that eventually she was going to be all gray!! I jokingly said to my daughter that maybe I could just have her colored! Then last week I made an appointment for her at a new groomers, “The Yuppy Puppy” and they do hair coloring!! And it has happened…she’s all gray! I haven’t done the coloring, yet. What do you think?
Although I am not among the many young women who color their hair, at least not yet anyway 🙂 I just want to say that this is the funnest blog ever!!! (Prior to this comment I did not know that funnest was recognized as a word. Glad to see that Webster is with it!) Thanks for sharing life with us Moore girls. We LOVE it!
MOVIE TRIVIA!!
“Just remember there is no such thing as natural beauty..” What movie is that line from? AND ” I don’t trust a woman who does her own hair it’s just not natural.”
I’m pretty sure the answer to this is Dolly Parton said it in Steel Magnolias.
I didn’t see the (high)light until I was in my 30s! But no there’s no going back! I consider my hair in its natural state a result of the fall. By coloring and flat ironing it, I am able to have the hair I believe God intended for me!
That is hysterical!
I just want you to know how well you relate to the average gal and I LOVE IT!! You make us all so comfortable around you that we feel we could have a cup of caffeine with you like we had been friends forever! I absolutely love it!
As far as color goes – I tried natural recently and a lady here at church caught me off guard one day with this statement – “What’s with the gray? I don’t remember your hair looking so old. You need to fix that girl”. I told her I had surgery on my head and the doctor said no hair dye until the scar is healed. I thought that might evoke some sympathy toward my plight – but I was wrong. She proceeded to tell me she doesn’t dye her hair and she is in her 50’s. Well, God Bless you for not having the gray boys on board! I WAS impressed tho. She looks wonderful for never having colored. For me – I guess a little humility is better served with hair dye!
Thanks for the chuckle!! I really needed it today!
God Bless
Kelli in Colorado
HI Everyone,
I had to laugh at this story!
I worked as a hairstylist before I had my kids (I stll do hair for my closest friends and family) and much minstry has been done over the shampoo bowl and over the whril of a blow dryer! Ah, female bonding at it’s best! It’s so fun to make people feel good and look their best.
Fun post… brought a smile to me today!
I confess. I’m 46 and have never colored my hair. I had my first perm at age 5, but have never gotten up the courage to color. I have fears of highlights turning green. My sweet holiness Granny always declared she would never color her hair, but every couple of weeks she would use Silver Fox #45. Oh, but that was just a rinse don’t you know. She would nevah color her hair!
I’m 49 years old and I’ve never had my hair colored. I had it permed once when I was 21, but never again.
My husband said to me just about a month ago that he noticed a few gray hairs – and my response? “At least I have hair…” LOL! 🙂 He took it very well! (hee hee hee)
Julie in GA
Oh, how I want some foil in my hair! But, alas, our seminary budget has no room in it to cover my grays…so I wait patiently upon the Lord and with great hope look forward to the day when I can luxuriate in the chair at the beauty salon and see those beautiful highlights reflecting like stars in the mirror…
I just turned 30 and have never put anything on mine either, although when we’re both working again I might have to try. It’s been a real temptation lately.
I used to have my hair “done”…before the three sibs entered our lives…almost two years ago!
Maybe…it is time…to do it again!
I’ve been hiding in the dark too long!!!!
Thank you Beth!!!
-Traci
Beth, I just love you! You are so sweet and funny. I am praying to God to find a friend to hang out with that is just like you! You always seem to make me laugh and smile (which is something I need alot of right now). God bless. Love, Nancy.
Hey now, I’m 32 and never had a touch of color here either! Just a few warm days in the sunshine to brighten my hair up.
🙂
My almost 20 year old never has. She works at D-Land and people ask her what hair color she uses (they like her color) so of course she says “none”!!!
Blog Cabin Fever is on my side bar. Check this out, her artwork I know you will appreciate!!!
http://image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.22114997.jpg
I’m so excited that I will be seeing your “freshened-up” hair in person this weekend in Jacksonville! I was hoping you could pass along a request to Travis for the song “In Christ Alone.” It was so powerful the last time I heard it live and I would enjoy hearing it again.
I am 58 and when I was about 18 I had my hair ” frosted “…that’s what they called highlighting back then , I think ~smile~
…anyway…I started having the grey covered about 5 yrs. or so ago and got tired of messing with that, so I am just going all naturaaalll!! LOL! I just don’t have the patience for sitting in that chair and worrying with all of that! But I admire those of you who do! Anyway…both of my grandmother’s had the most beautiful white hair and that’s what I’m working for!
This is too stinkin funny….hey I’m Italian…highlights??!! good grief no…dark brown hair, brown eyes….just cant do it…..my three other sisters keep trying to talk me into it …..hahaha
AS A COSMETOLOGIST MYSELF, I CAN’T BELIEVE THE AMOUNT OF SIESTAS WITHOUT COLOR! HAVE NOT SEEN MY NATURAL COLOR SINCE I WAS 16! 40 NOW & STILL WON’T SEE IT.
DEDRA@DFW
Firecracker-
Best I remember you are from west Texas- my old stomping grounds. To describe hair in terms of cow patties and tumbleweeds is a dead give away.
Yes ma’am- vivid recollections- very vivid. 🙂
After the conference this weekend I was suppossed to have my first pedicure. But it will have to wait. And by the way everything that can go wrong to keep me from being able to go this weekend, has. But as of today I am gonna be there.
i love you, Beth…only you could say “doused her head with a tad of tint” without anyone blinking an eye or giving you one of those “whatdidshesay”looks!!!!Praise Him!!!
I love this post because I waited until I was 31 (I’m now 37) before I ever got color in my hair. The hairdresser was shocked when I said I had never done it before. Now, it’s an 8 week ritual. Love my highlights!!!!!
I just had my first highlights done a few weeks ago, at the ripe old age of 23. On that very day, as I sat in that chair, about to embark on the journey into a new world, my hairdresser found a single gray hair on my head. She looked right at me, and with all seriousness said, “You have come here just in time.” Of course, I made her pull it out
And Boomama may be correct about the highlight fever…I went fairly subtle this time, but the wheels in my head are turning as I try to decide what will happen the next time I’m in that chair.
I’m 51 and have never, ever colored my hair! Mine is a sort of salt-and-pepper color, and I’m so dark, color would look just too weird.
I just came home from the hair salon after getting my monthly hair color and I don’t even know what my natural color looks like! I have tried just about every color before settling on blonde. I am in definite denial over going grey!
A bunch of hoots we are I say! Never had hair color here either at 34…of course I’m also one of those that keeps the same style for years on end and can because of my natural curl…kind of hides the few gray ones I find. I come from a long line of “color-ers,” just fancy myself a more “natural” gal…we’ll see if that sticks!