I have gray hair, actually silver, really shiny silver. After 20 years of coloring it a youthful dark brown, I took the step to stop. I could no longer justify putting toxic chemicals on my scalp and soaking my skin. They must be drenching my brain too, that would explain some things about my memory. Either way, it was all going into my bloodstream without the benefit of filtering through my liver.

Unfortunately, the FDA does not regulate the ingredients in hair coloring products, whether synthetic or natural. They contain toxic ingredients like carcinogenic formaldehyde and coal tar; These chemicals have been shown to increase the risk of cancer, leukemia, thyroid disease, and developmental and reproductive toxicity. Paraphenylenediamine and tetrahydro-6-nitroquinoxaline damage genetic material and increase the risk of bladder cancer when using hair dye only once a month. I was coloring my hair every other week, dramatically increasing my exposure. Eugenal, a common fragrance, is associated with neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, organic toxicity, and allergies.

I tried to find products with the least amount of chemicals, but even the best ones contain at least one harmful toxin. For years I had not realized that the dye could be causing me harm. My wonderful husband discovered this fact about ten years ago, pointing out that chemicals are even more harmful in dark dyes. Despite being informed now, it still took me nine more years before I made the decision to quit. My search for a ‘healthy’ hair dye started because I was NOT going to stop coloring my hair. That would make me look old, right?

The search led me to the conclusion that nothing was certain, even henna has heavy metals. Since I had been cleaning my life, my home, and my food for the past few years, it was important to me to clean this area of ​​my life as well. I started to consider quitting, to seriously consider it, because I wanted to be authentic in the healthy lifestyle that I had been living. What stopped me was fear and I definitely didn’t want to look old. Some people were of the opinion that that would make me grow old, wow !!! This was exactly what he didn’t want to happen. I was also very concerned that silver would not complement my complexion at all and that I would look discolored.

I decided that I would take a big leap and do one last chemical treatment on my hair by removing the dye and re-coloring it to a silver, so that the growth would be less noticeable and disturbing. Fortunately, I discussed it with my stylist beforehand because it would have been a serious mistake. She informed me that the metals in the henna dye she had used most recently would react with the stripper and cause my hair to split at that point. Basically, it would end with a haircut. I couldn’t do that, not in this life. The easy way out wasn’t an option, so I was forced to do it the hard way.

I went ahead anyway and let everyone know what to expect and how my hair would look different. I knew it would be difficult and strangers would probably look at me and wonder what the hell was going on with my hair. I mean, those were the thoughts that went through my head when I saw a woman with huge roots. I was lucky that my hair was long enough that I could wear it in a ponytail for about seven months, this disguised my roots a bit. Anyway, that’s what I kept repeating to myself, but most people probably thought it looked weird. Except for the youngsters, 25 and under, they thought it was great. I’d love to take credit for men’s hair fashion, but mine was natural. I received a lot of compliments from these young people and I always said “thank you, but my gray hair is coming out.” I’m not sure why I felt the need to rate my thanks, maybe it was me who wanted to be authentic.

It’s been a year since I started, it’s probably about six more months until I’m fully grown. Now I feel comfortable wearing it, thanks to men’s fashion. I still get compliments from young people, however I no longer feel the need to tell them that my gray hair is coming out. The silver color does not lighten my complexion as I had feared, I have even been told that it really brightens my face.

I am being true to myself by going with my natural color and living the healthy lifestyle that I feel is absolutely essential for optimal health in my retirement years. My fears didn’t come true, no one called me a freak or said I was crazy. In fact, they have told me that I am very brave for doing this and that they wish they had the courage to do it too. I received so much support from family, friends, and even strangers, that it made it easier for me to seem strange for a while. The time I save by not having to dye my hair is priceless, I can schedule things on Sunday nights and not have to worry about planning my life around dyeing my hair.

I don’t look old, in fact, I look flashy. Silver collects sunlight and really shines, just like me.

Kim Jones is a holistic health and wellness coach. Contact her to find out how she can help you with your health goals and authentically live with your true self at nourishyourhealthylife.com or [email protected].