I really didn’t know what to expect from this book, based on the wide variety of opinions and reviews at Amazon.
But I’m glad that I did give it a try. I thoroughly enjoyed it, from beginning to end.
Author Anne Kreamer has provided readers with her personal journey and along with it, many surprising insights into the perils and pleasures of “going gray”.
No, it isn’t rocket science or global warming and yes, I agree, hair color and style should NOT be such a big deal.
But let’s face it, in the real world, being a woman and over 50 in particular, it IS a big deal and a big part of how a person feels overall. And even more important, how we are perceived and often judged, by younger people in particular.
I was impressed by the research and attention to detail, that went into this book, especially the experiments with dating online and in real life that she tried, wow…that took some guts! The image consultants that she visited for advice, again interesting and enlightening reading.
I also enjoyed Kreamer’s engaging and personable style of writing. This is a very personal book. She shares her own fears, thoughts, expectations…with the reader, what her own journey to “going gray” meant for her and also for her family.
Enlightening, thought-provoking, funny and personable.
The only thing that would have made it even better would have been some photos from the dating sites (dark hair vs silver) and also some pics of attractive, grey haired women (famous or not) would have been inspiring too.
And IMO, the back cover photos should have been both posed exactly the same (face forward) for more impact. But yes, even as a profile shot, I thought Anne looked lovely and chic with her new silvery locks.
If you’ve ever considered going gray or are already embracing your “silver goddess” look, this is a book you won’t want to miss.
What are your thoughts on “going gray”?
Have you stopped coloring your hair?
Or have you never colored your hair?
PS: On a personal (hair) note, I DID give: going gray a try myself, in the past year and a bit.
My hair is about half-way grown out at this point and sadly, I've had enough of the "grays" already, to continue.
Planning a big snip and a henna (ash brown) coloring, in the near future. Gray hair just wasn't for me.
But to all the women who do look great in gray/white haircolor, I say: go for it and well done! :-) It can be smashing and oh so attractive. But you've got to have the right coloring, hairstyle and make-up to pull it off successfully.
Unfortunately, I just ended up feeling drab, washed out and OLD!!! :-(
Unfortunately, I just ended up feeling drab, washed out and OLD!!! :-(
Overall rating for this book: Very Good. 4 out of 5
Sounds like it was an interesting read,RO.
ReplyDeleteI did dye my hair when I was younger...red, brunette, and all shades of blond. But when I started to go gray, I just let it go and never even thought of dying my hair again.
My hair is gray and almost to my waist...and no, I do not plan on cutting my hair shorter :)
I must apologize, GERALDINE...I don't know why I typed in RO and not your name! Can I blame it on being old ;)
DeleteIt is an interesting book Jan, I'm so glad I read it.
DeleteHow cool about your long, gray hair, I'd love to see it!
That's funny about the RO, a long way from Geraldine but I don't mind a bit. I'm just glad you stopped by. Have a great day Jan. :-)
I dyed my hair until I was 50 - I'm 71 now. My hair is white and natural. I like it - no fuss ,and since I've been married nearly 50 years and my husband has white hair, too, no problems with my significant other.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that Barb. White hair can be great! Nice your hubby is onboard too. ;-)
DeleteGeraldine - you do the best reviews and i really enjoy them. I started going gray in my 30's but by 50 i was totally pretty much white lacking color type of hair - i wish it was gray or silvery. About every 8 months I'll throw a medium blond on it and eventually it will wash out. I don't mind it inside but in the sun it just looks colorless when I don't put something on it. My dad had a nice silver color, my mom kept hers dyed red. How about Mr. Cheddar - he isn't turning gray yet is he. Actually i like his color hair - i might go for that look one of these days.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, THANK YOU Sandy, re: my reviews. I sure try. :-)
DeleteMr. Cheddar is sitting right here Sandy and he wants you to know, he is definitely NOT "going gray" he still has his beautiful toffee colored coat! :-)
Thanks for sharing your "hair story" Sandy, that's interesting about the difference in daylight, but I can certainly understand. I recently had a passport photo taken and I looked so "washed out" with my grey mix, that I currently have. A big difference from my other recent official (drivers lic) photo, still with my henna brown hair, I looked at least 10 years younger in that one. The grays, at least for now, aren't for me.
" But let’s face it, in the real world, being a woman and over 50 in particular, it IS a big deal and a big part of how a person feels overall. "
ReplyDeleteYes, Geraldine, that is so true. And I know this especially from having been in the beauty industry for so many years. And honestly, I don't think it's fair. Because a man can get gray and wrinkled and no one even gives it a second thought.
However, I will say that I really like (and find it attractive) women who allow themselves to age naturally (including lines and wrinkles) because I think it looks great, and even sexy. I think both men AND women getting better looking with age.
When I was a hairstylist, I used to suggest to all my female clients with gray hair to stop coloring and go natural. And those of them who did, ended up loving it. Not only did they like the way they looked, but it also saved them money from coloring it.
GREAT book review, my friend. As always! I will look for it because it sounds like a book I would really enjoy!
Thank you!
wow, Ron, like what you said.
DeleteYes, good comment Ron and thanks for sharing these observations from the viewpoint of someone who has worked for a long time in the beauty biz. I agree, a lot of women really look great in grey/white hair, not older just better. But it's not for everyone. Thanks so much for your kind words too re: my review. I think you would enjoy this book! :-)
DeleteSounds like a Good book. I have never colored my hair and it's just starting to go gray. My mother was the same way. I've decided I'm too lazy to go through all the work of dying it. Lol
ReplyDeleteTeri - i find it so interesting and cool - that i will recognize a name from blog land - from years ago - and find that we have something in comment - like Geraldine's blog. I remember you painted daisies that I admired.
DeleteHow cool that your hair has stayed dark Teri, sounds like it runs in the family. My hair is a big mix of colors right now, still a lot of dark hair at the back mainly with white/grey in the front. It's kind of a patchwork quilt of color at this point!!! Thanks for stopping by. And yes Sandy, Teri is the "daisy lady". ;-)
DeleteThis sounds like an interesting book. |'ve never dyed my hair (I've never work makeup either). My hair currently is quite long and starting to go grey. I like it the way it is (and so does my partner, who has grey hair himself). I often think about cutting my hair shorter (though it's always a thought for a few years into the future) but that's for practical reasons (ease of washing and drying) rather than appearance. i just saw the film The Survivalist and the older female character looked amazing with her waist long silver hair....
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for sharing your hair story too Juliet. :-)
DeleteI'll have to check that movie out on Amazon. I'd like to see her hair too!
Wow...I will just HAVE to get my hands on a copy of this book - it sounds absolutely fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI have lost confidence a bit as I've grown older (mainly due to comments from younger females, who disapprove of my dress sense!). *smiles*
Yes, I will definitely read this...hopefully it will inspire me to hang onto my individuality a bit longer! ;)
Thank you so much for the introduction.
Big Hugs xoxoxo
Let me know if you give it a read Ygraine, I do think you'd enjoy it. If you click the links above, you can buy it in eBook or print versions at Amazon. I'm sure libraries in your area would have it too. A popular book.
DeleteI hope you hang on to your individuality forever Ygraine, you have a great "look". And that doesn't have to stop, just because we are getting older, far from it. Evolve a bit, yes, but I don't plan to look like a generic granny, no matter how long I live! LOL
Hugs back to you, G
I would love to go gray, but my hair won't cooperate. At 65, I still just have a bit of white at the temples. I guess I can live with the softly frosted look, if that is all I am going to get. Silver is lovely, though.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think I would enjoy this book.
From your blog pic, it looks like your hair is a sandy blonde, Sandy and it really suits you. You have a hair color "problem" that I think most people would be happy to have. ;-) Let me know if you give the book a go too Sandy, I'd be interested to hear what you think of it.
DeleteI now have silver grey hair which my hairdresser describes as a 'rich and pretty' colour. I suggested it might be better dyed and she nearly had a fit. Don't you dare, were her words. I do fancy reading this book, though.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've got a good hairdresser Val, you had mentioned things about her at your blog that I liked too. That's great. The good ones are very hard to find, at least that's been my experience. Now I use the CreaClip for trims and color my own hair, when I do. Less expensive and no disasters at the salon!!! ;-(
DeleteExcellent review, as always.
ReplyDeleteA person's skin coloring, if they have a lot of wrinkles etc..make a big difference on what hair color looks best.
With your hair darker, it does bring out your features more but I thought you looked good with the grey mix too. But how a person feels about their looks is what is really important. If you don't like the gray look, I think you should go back to using henna.
Yes, skin coloring etc...does have a lot to do with what really works, when it comes to hair coloring. I was looking forward to embracing my "silver goddess" but now I find, it's not for me. At least not right now.
ReplyDeleteHenna is ok, I'm looking forward to getting some color back!!!
I have never died my hair, not one experiment. I just don't have it in me to fuss with my hair and deal with the color growing out or chemicals that i would be exposed to. Being prone to skin cancer i figure the less toxins the better.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree with you re: avoiding toxins whenever possible Tammie, I do too. That's why organics are so important to me. I've used henna as opposed to regular hair coloring for many years and it is an all natural product. I like that too! :-)
DeleteThanks for sharing your hair story, these have all been interesting to read.