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
My grandmother passed away at 87 with a head full of flowing dark brown hair–never coloring it! I guess I have her genes—my stylist says I have lucky hair—sheen and no gray! (didn’t realize I was a minority here in not highlighting it!) Do Blondes highlight their hair more than Brunettes? Just curious—–
Thanks for sharing some of the lighter sides of life!
I do not color my hair. I have a unique gray patch in the middle of what was a center part in my hair (now I part my hair on the side). I see the grey as part of who God made me to be. I have had people comment on the grey patch in a positive way. And have even had them ask if I did it on purpose. With all the crazy things people do to thier hair….I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I was surprised at all the siestas who are like me and do not color thier hair. Now I don’t feel so much like the exception!! Thanks gals.
Kathy in PA
You’re hilarious!! And I can’t believe all the siestas who have never colored their hair! Must be nice… I started having my hair colored at 18 regularly.. then changed to highlighting only in my early 20’s. I am in desperate need of a highlight, but just don’t have the funds to cover it. SOON, though – I BELIEVE GOD WILL MEET MY NEED!!!!! LOL π
Linda
though I appreciate everyone’s passion…I sure don’t get the hair dramas…seems like a lot of wasted time to me with so many other fabulous things in life to spend money on…and trust me, my stylist sure doesn’t get me! π
I’ve been amazed at how many women have premature gray (like me)! and even MORE amazed at how many said they’re just started to see a few stray grays at my age or older (I wish!). Mine have increased with each child and I’m not just trying to be funny- it’s true!! I have tried to take comfort in the Proverbs verse about them being a crown but so far it’s not helping. It wouldn’t be so bad if my kids weren’t still so young and I don’t want to be mistaken for their grandma! Oh, did I mention my husband thinks I should leave my hair natural- gray and all??
WHAT??? Your hair isn’t naturally that color???
π
I’m 56 and began to get gray hairs at age 16. I’ve been au naturale, and several other shades. I figure I’ve earned every gray hair on my head, but total gray washes out my color so badly I look like I died and someone forgot to tell my body to fall over! My 25 year old daughter (who lives 800 miles from the nest) confided that she has inherited the dreaded gray (along with my Chelsea Clinton-at-age-12- curly hair, poor eyesight, and those “childbearing hips”!) And she still loves me!!!
Ha! I see the first anon post, and was going to say the exact same thing, except I’m only 34. I get your reaction from other people all the time!! :0)
But, what puzzles me to no end, is that women ask me what color my 10 yr old daughter uses. I just shake my head, and tell them to ask Jesus ’cause he did it.
(Please know there is no sarcasm in this reply. Just plenty of smiles and chuckles!!)
Well…. that reminded me it was past time to get my hair “done.” I have an appointment this afternoon! YAY!
My hair started turning gray when my son was just 2. We had a horrible year, in and out of the hospital. We were told on more than one occasion that he might not make it…. praise God… he’s still here… and a fine looking 16-year-old. 7 years later my husband passed away… that didn’t help the gray situation either! I don’t see myself every having cosmetic surgery, but I will fight this gray until I look absolutely silly with brown hair (I’m figuring somewhere in my mid 90’s). My life is wonderful! God is good! I have a wonderful and Godly man in my life now (he’s slick bald… no combover’s there)!
I’m 51 and I just started coloring with highlights a couple of years ago.
Have you ever seen the TV show called “Survivor”? Well, I could NEVER do that show. One reason would be that I would most likely drown the first day. But the main reason I would never do that show is because I am too vain. I admit it, girls! I am 36 years old and have been coloring my hair for years and I need my roots done every 3-4 weeks! I started going gray when I was 23. My stylist has told me that she believes I would be 70% gray right now without my color!
70%!!!
In my wedding album, my hair is dark black (my natural color). I was 22 yrs old when I got married (did you notice I said I started to go gray at 23 yrs. old?). I’m not implying anything…I’m just sayin’.
I am now mostly covered in blonde/caramel highlights with traces of dark brown here and there.
I consider it to be my “camoflauge” in my fight against gray. π
Count me out of the hair coloring, I’m 33 and have never colored my hair. Of course it’s red, and not to brag but God did a nice number mixing my color.
This is great. Friends through hair color.
praying for a great conference for you and the LP team this weekend!
I was 38 the first time I ever highlighted my hair – I’d never even had so much as lemon juice in my hair. But, alas, the gray was coming and had to be covered. I’m 42 now and can’t imagine not having it done!!!
You are too funny! My hair is all natural – are you astonished?? I’m only 30 so no gray to color yet. But I do LOVE your hair. I might have to copy it one day π I’m going to pray for you today – God’s blessings to you and yours. – Jillian
**AMANDA – OFF TOPIC**
Look what I just had to post on my blog…
“No Γ’β¬β I havenΓ’β¬β’t been hired by Living Proof Ministries! π An e-mail went out to the prayer partners for Beth and her Living Proof Live events. The e-mail came from Γ’β¬ΕdcookΓ’β¬Β at the LPM web address. I have received numerous e-mails and phone calls asking if I had been hired by LPM and just wasnΓ’β¬β’t sharing the information with my friends! How I wish that were true! My friend Robin even just told me that she had thought, Γ’β¬ΕWow, that is some kind of humility that Dori is exhibiting in keeping that little tidbit a secret!Γ’β¬Β Pray for Beth, Travis and the rest of the team this weekend. They are in Jacksonville, FL. Anyone going?”
Is that not too funny? I’m not exaggerating to say that I have received about 20 e-mails and/or calls asking if this was me! π
Praying for your Mom this weekend.
Have a great weekend, friend!
Dori
Oh my gosh my dad is a retired hairdressor and I have had color on this head since middle school.. mostly highlights. And back in those days they pulled the hair through a cap with a steel crochet needle… I think that is how he got his revenge on his first born. Since then I have more gray then anyone should have and only 45 eeeekkksss.. Yes I should own stock in foil and bleach.
Blessings to the hair color goorooes..
hugs Lichelle
Hi Beth! I’m another one of “those” siestas to never color my hair. Used to be blonde when I got to go outside….now that I’m chasing 6 kids around and cleaning up constantly it’s turned mousey brown. Found my first white hair 2 weeks ago-I’ll be 39 in a few weeks. Oh well, as long as it turns out close to my grammas hair color I’ll love it-she was so beautiful!
Can’t wait to see you in Colorado Springs on May 2nd!! I’m needing some serious uplifting and encouragement. Not sure there’ll be enough Kleenex in Colorado for the trip!
Hi Beth (that is with a big TX twang) I live currently live in CO but spent most of my life in TX. I wanted to write and say that I am 42 years old with “virgin” hair (can I say that?) I thought you’d be shocked about this news but after reading so many other stories…not so shocking. I am a brunette, mom of two and a youth minister’s wife. I’ve always told people that “the good Lord knows I can’t afford to color my hair..that’s why He has kept it it’s natural color”. Although lately, BEING a minister’s wife, I have EARNED some grey hair and I’m now wearing them with honor!
Our ladies class has done several of your studies and have been blessed by them all! Thanks for being you and for letting God use you to reach so many.
Blessings,
Kristi O.
Centennial, CO
This one made me giggle. Thank you! I must confess that I was in my 30’s before I ever touched “the bottle”. Now there’s no going back π
Honey, there is nothing better than a good color. It truly treats the soul.
so can we still be friends if i have never (and for now don’t plan on it) colored or highlighted my hair and I am 28 (almost)? π
I was totally white headed by the time I turned 30. (thanks to heredity). I didn’t color my hair until I was 35. Everyone said it took 10 years off my looks. I’m 45 now, and so glad I finally did it. (was chicken at first)
Beth,
I too am part of the never colored before brigade. I am 34 with fiery red hair(my husband calls it orange, because the Crayola Red color is definitely not the same.)So far no grays, but I will be the first to highlight as soon as one makes an appearance.
Thank you for always making me laugh out loud or cry, depending on the subject and my hormone levels.
Beth B.
I am blonde and it has darken with age. I have been putting “junk” on my hair all my life. But my daughter is red headed and has gorgeous hair. She wants to get some blonds highlights in her hair. I keep telling her(14yrsold) no way! Her hair is beautiful and healthy. I have been lurking around your blog for a while and I love it. Thanks for all the inspiration! You are God’s gift to us all, Beth!
I sure do love you! Thanks for the laughs and the stories!
Dearest Beth,
I grew up with four older sisters who all colored their hair from a early age. My sister Faith styled her hair in the early sixties like Sandra Dee…she even looked like her. My mother would have me go into the store to buy her bottle of Clairol Flame #33. But I was a flower child of the late sixties and vowed to be natural and free from all chemicals–if you get my drift–PTL!!! This past season of my 52nd year I had my future DIL– who happens to be a hairdresser–put highlights and lowlights in my hair for the first time ever. It looks great but I was a wreck getting into the chair…LOL!!!
~Susan~
girlfriend…I just love you and I’m so glad that we get to hang together and talk about Jesus and everything else. Loved this color story.
Cindy in So Cal
Never any color on this naturally blonde, naturally curly, naturally big-haired 32-year-old native Texas girl, either. But after daughter number two, it’s definitely beginning to get darker, so the idea is kind of growing on me! But at the same time I’m scared to death!
I love this post!! I have been highlighting or coloring my hair since I was 16 and my pretty yellow blonde started turning dark. So sad. (I am 53 now) I am so thankful that the Lord allowed me to be born during these years since they invented hair color! As long as they are still making hair color and the salons are still doing the highlights-I’m there with you, sweet Beth!! I love your ministry and your bible studies-my husband is now watching Wednesdays with Beth on Lifetoday!!
Lots of highlights here in South Carolina!!!
Update on praying for my community:
4 of the 5 high school girls were killed. The 5th one was life watched out, and at this time, needs our prayers.
Along with all 5 families.
THANK YOU!
I am 24 and never colored my hair. The last time I got a cut the stylist asked who had done my highlights and when my response was that i didn’t have any, she was baffled. I got a good laugh from it
My sweet mom started graying in her 20s and has never touched her beautiful silver hair with color. I on the other hand, started with the brown color to cover the gray, in my 20s too! But I wasn’t married yet!
I think the Proverbs 31 woman would have availed herself with color, just like she diligently saw to her home and family and even herself. Purple was hard to come by!! Bet she’d have loved the options of today to made herself the best she could be.
I’m 50 and no dye…..Can the siestas meet in San Diego? You can check my roots! Blessings!
I am 39 and have been highlighting and coloring my hair from my teen years! I too come from a line of women are do. My mom, my grandmother and now me! Right now I have it highlighted from Target! My husband does it for me and I have to say it looks as good as the salon and is under $10.00! My husband loves that part!
Blessings to everyone,
Amy T.
Oh that is so funny! I am 35 and contemplating MY first highlights as the grays are starting to come in faster than I can pluck ’em!
Up here in ‘da north country – Minn-ee-soh-tah, really what’s the point of coloring my hair? We wear our wool hats for eight months of the year! LOL – love the post!
Best hair story I can offer: in college, I got sick of the Clairol Summer Blonde one-color-massive-roots thing, so I decided to try highlights. I had no money for a salon, so I enlisted my boyfriend to pull the hairs through the cap so I could use the home kit instead. He did a beautiful job AND married me 2 years later despite seeing me looking like the guy from Hellraiser. That’s love, on both counts! Incidentally, when I tried to do the highlights myself another time, it didn’t look nearly as good!
–20 years of coloring and NOT looking back!
I went blond for a while, but eventually stopped, because my stylist never did my roots. $75 for color and never did the roots. So after a hair meltdown, my dear, sweet coworkers colored it for me on a work retreat.
I’ll always remember someone asking me, “Your mom has blond hair, your dad has black hair, how did your sister get red hair?” My response: From a bottle.
Hee hee, never have had color, never have wanted it. Maybe someday when I’m old and gray, I will. But my mom is gray (though not old yet) and happy to be that way, so I guess I will probably follow in her footsteps. π
Hahaha…for as much as I’ve felt like we connect, Miss Beth, I must confess that the whole “hair color thang” has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I’m 31, never a touch of color and my best friend quit pulling out my grays for me two years ago because there were too many! π (How’s *that* for “a friend loveth at all times and a (sister) is born for adversity”??) π I have tight, dry, kinky-curly hair and I’m terrified to touch it with anything that would hay-stack it further…and, praise the Lord, at least for now, the curls hide the silver (I started turning at 25! Yikes!). What I’ll do when I get to be my Mama’s age (fully steel colored now), I have no idea…but I must say that your hair always looks quite pretty…and I’m glad that the color works for you. If ever I *do* get something done that doesn’t ruin me, I’ll be sure to let you know so you can say, “I told you so!” π
~Deborah π
I’m 33 and never had a colored my hair either. I LOVE my natural color!
I am 31 and just colored my hair for the first time 2 weeks ago. I think I’m hooked now. LOL
God bless π
Hey Beth, I’m 27 and have yet to have anything done to my hair color-wise. I’ve had my fair share of unfortunate perms, but no color or hi-lights. I’ve got very blonde hair but after two kids, it’s starting to get darker. My hubby isn’t sure about me changing anything, but I think I might come home with some changes someday soon. I hope I get to meet someone like you during my first experience!
Comments on this are probably closed, but I can’t wait to meet you one day-maybe in heaven, but I just can’t wait. You are a JOY! You are so funny!
I’ve never had color added to my hair before. I am 41. Perms yes, color no.
I have been graying a bit in the front for several years now, just like my mama did (when I shamefully called her skunkhead) I think this is my punishment for calling her that LOL
I’ve considered coloring, but then I am reminded this is my “crown of glory” and I back off of those thoughts. My kids often wanted to know why I was plucking my crown out! π
OK…..I’m 43 AND naturally blonde. Do you think anyone believes me?
Go ahead…ask my hair lady.
By the way….Beth touched my friend’s hair in Jacksonville. Hey Krissy…there you go. You don’t have to tell us anymore.. ha ha
My husband can’t believe there are so many comments on the hair post.
Oh well…he doesn’t have any anyway.
I’m 32 and have never had my hair professionally colored. I’ve used a couple of those DIY-boxes at home. Really not as great as they show in the commercials!! I’ve been considering highlights though. My friend says I should do it to bring out the auburn in my hair. What a sweet friend!! Now I just have to convince my husband to let me spend the $100+ on it.
49 here, and no I dont color my hair.
It’s red and blonde with a touch of white.
why bother, I already have three colors for free!