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Silver Hair: Say Goodbye to the Dye and Let Your Natural Light Shine: A Handbook
Celebrate the power of silver! Be bold with this ultimate handbook-plus-manifesto for every woman who’s ready to say goodbye to the dye and let her natural color shine.
Written by the author of the bestselling Curly Girl, Silver Hair covers step-by-step the many options for going silver with style. It includes before-and-after photos of real models; advice on how to stay gorgeous during the silver journey—with tips on the best ways to have a smooth color transition; keeping your silver gorgeous with the right hair care and DIY recipes; and finally how to complement your chic new look with flattering fashion, makeup, and accessories.
Written by the author of the bestselling Curly Girl, Silver Hair covers step-by-step the many options for going silver with style. It includes before-and-after photos of real models; advice on how to stay gorgeous during the silver journey—with tips on the best ways to have a smooth color transition; keeping your silver gorgeous with the right hair care and DIY recipes; and finally how to complement your chic new look with flattering fashion, makeup, and accessories.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2018
228 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
February 6, 2018
I'm 55 years old and grey hairs are becoming more and more prevalent. My hair is naturally dark and I've never really been a huge fan of going regularly to the hairdresser so as the greys came through I started to use a root dye in dark brown. The problem is grey hairs seem to grow at an alarming rate and against a dark background they stand out even more so I found myself touching up the roots every couple of weeks.
The result was hair that was dark flat and dull, there was no shine or contrast and it looked dreadful. I spent ages searching for the best option because while I have grey hairs they're mainly at my temples (or they were then I have a lot more now) leaving the rest dark so if I went light I would have dark roots to content with.
It seemed to be a no win situation and so in desperation I went for highlights. I originally wanted grey but my hairdresser said it would be difficult to get the grey I wanted in my hair so I went for blonde with a grey toner.
This worked well but it means I have to now go to the hairdressers on a regular basis but I'm the happiest I've been with my hair in a long while.
My husband really can't understand why I bother "just let it grow naturally" is something I hear every time I head for the hairdressers and maybe I will later but I'm not ready for that yet.
It may sound strange but I felt so happy when I found this book, I was looking for help, advice and confidence because it takes a lot of courage to go grey.
I'd never stopped to consider exactly what this book would contain, while there's advice, tips and recipes the majority is taken up with the stories of women who've taken the plunge and gone grey.
While initially I enjoyed reading these after a while I felt there were just too many because they are all so similar and I started skipping over them.
Although having said that I did find the time lapse photos intriguing.
If you're battling with grey hairs and are searching for the best solution for you then this book has advice and the experience of many women who've been where you are now.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company.
The result was hair that was dark flat and dull, there was no shine or contrast and it looked dreadful. I spent ages searching for the best option because while I have grey hairs they're mainly at my temples (or they were then I have a lot more now) leaving the rest dark so if I went light I would have dark roots to content with.
It seemed to be a no win situation and so in desperation I went for highlights. I originally wanted grey but my hairdresser said it would be difficult to get the grey I wanted in my hair so I went for blonde with a grey toner.
This worked well but it means I have to now go to the hairdressers on a regular basis but I'm the happiest I've been with my hair in a long while.
My husband really can't understand why I bother "just let it grow naturally" is something I hear every time I head for the hairdressers and maybe I will later but I'm not ready for that yet.
It may sound strange but I felt so happy when I found this book, I was looking for help, advice and confidence because it takes a lot of courage to go grey.
I'd never stopped to consider exactly what this book would contain, while there's advice, tips and recipes the majority is taken up with the stories of women who've taken the plunge and gone grey.
While initially I enjoyed reading these after a while I felt there were just too many because they are all so similar and I started skipping over them.
Although having said that I did find the time lapse photos intriguing.
If you're battling with grey hairs and are searching for the best solution for you then this book has advice and the experience of many women who've been where you are now.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company.
February 8, 2018
Besides the celebrities that are now dying their hair grey silver (why!) there are plenty of examples of those letting nature takes its course, and they look stunning. Exhibit A: Jamie Lee Curtis. With an Exhibit A that’s so gorgeous we don’t really need an Exhibit B.
If you’re sick of the hair dye merry-go-round, especially those with dark hair whose roots show almost as soon as you dry your newly coloured hair, Silver Hair is a useful book to help you take the plunge. While I understand that it’s only hair, it is a surprisingly scary thing to contemplate what you’ll look like if you step away from that little bottle of dye.
With plenty of photos of celebs and the woman next door either letting their silver shine or showing the multi-coloured transitional phases, this book shows that you can actually look good while your hair is mid grow out and gorgeous with silver.
Besides the beautiful photos there is also plenty of information. Silver Hair dispels myths, addresses common concerns, provides advice on managing the partly grown out look and mindset that goes with it, prepares you for the compliments (yes, you read that correctly), and there are plenty of stories of ordinary women who have ditched the dye.
You’ll also learn tips and tricks for managing and caring for silver hair, along with some recipes for homemade hair care products. Other than focusing specifically on your hair you’ll learn clothing, makeup and accessorising tips that will enhance your new look.
My Nitpick: Okay, so maybe that’s not the right term to be using for a book about hair. 🤨 Anyway, while I loved the different ages represented in the women in this book I was disappointed that in just over 200 pages there was only one man included.
So, what did I do? Between requesting to read this book and actually reading it I went from waist length coloured hair (sometimes chocolate brown, sometimes purple with a rainbow of extensions) to a buzz cut. My poor hairdresser, who was literally the girl next door growing up, was suitably traumatised but, after asking several hundred times if I was really sure, went for it and I love it.
I’ve got occipital neuralgia so mine was partly a medical decision but I can hand on heart tell you that it’s the most liberating thing I’ve ever done. Do I get some funny looks out in public? You bet. Do I care? Nope! That was a surprising but welcome side effect - while Samson’s strength was in his hair, apparently my tendency to people please was in mine.
Now if my hair is longer than my eyelashes I’m ready for it to get buzzed. I’ve saved time, money and plenty of care factor for the true priorities in my life, A.K.A books, and my only regret is that I didn’t take the plunge years ago.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for the opportunity to read this book.
If you’re sick of the hair dye merry-go-round, especially those with dark hair whose roots show almost as soon as you dry your newly coloured hair, Silver Hair is a useful book to help you take the plunge. While I understand that it’s only hair, it is a surprisingly scary thing to contemplate what you’ll look like if you step away from that little bottle of dye.
With plenty of photos of celebs and the woman next door either letting their silver shine or showing the multi-coloured transitional phases, this book shows that you can actually look good while your hair is mid grow out and gorgeous with silver.
Besides the beautiful photos there is also plenty of information. Silver Hair dispels myths, addresses common concerns, provides advice on managing the partly grown out look and mindset that goes with it, prepares you for the compliments (yes, you read that correctly), and there are plenty of stories of ordinary women who have ditched the dye.
You’ll also learn tips and tricks for managing and caring for silver hair, along with some recipes for homemade hair care products. Other than focusing specifically on your hair you’ll learn clothing, makeup and accessorising tips that will enhance your new look.
My Nitpick: Okay, so maybe that’s not the right term to be using for a book about hair. 🤨 Anyway, while I loved the different ages represented in the women in this book I was disappointed that in just over 200 pages there was only one man included.
So, what did I do? Between requesting to read this book and actually reading it I went from waist length coloured hair (sometimes chocolate brown, sometimes purple with a rainbow of extensions) to a buzz cut. My poor hairdresser, who was literally the girl next door growing up, was suitably traumatised but, after asking several hundred times if I was really sure, went for it and I love it.
I’ve got occipital neuralgia so mine was partly a medical decision but I can hand on heart tell you that it’s the most liberating thing I’ve ever done. Do I get some funny looks out in public? You bet. Do I care? Nope! That was a surprising but welcome side effect - while Samson’s strength was in his hair, apparently my tendency to people please was in mine.
Now if my hair is longer than my eyelashes I’m ready for it to get buzzed. I’ve saved time, money and plenty of care factor for the true priorities in my life, A.K.A books, and my only regret is that I didn’t take the plunge years ago.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for the opportunity to read this book.
August 12, 2017
3.5 stars
Lorraine Massey’s Silver Hair: Say Goodbye to the Dye—and Let Your Natural Light Shine! A Handbook is empowering and inspiring. (And how about that long title!) Massey is famous for her previous book, Curly Girl, which is also designed to empower women to choose their hair’s own natural style. Considering I’m a silver-haired woman with natural curls, reviewing this book is an obvious choice for me.
When I was deciding to let my silver shine through and stop dying, I found another book to inspire me. I used to stop and peruse the pages, wondering what my hair would look like once the dye was gone. I found Massey’s book similarly fun to review, and can imagine how it might answer that “what if?” question for someone not quite decided.
Massey gives copious lighthearted instructions about how to make the transition to your natural color. She uses pictures and stories from real-life women who’ve decided to dramatically change their hair. Hair colorists weigh in, as does style maven Stacey London.
Sometimes Massey verges on insistence rather than encouragement, which might be off putting for some women. “You must go natural to be your true self!” or some such sentence. Truly, you can be yourself with hair dye or without, just as much as you can be less authentic with or without hair dye. For me, the insistence wasn’t an issue, since I’ve already gone all in. Here’s fair warning if you aren’t quite sure yet.
I’m anxious to try some of Massey’s tips for keeping silver hair in tip-top condition. But I have to admit the idea of using a drop of blue food coloring in my conditioner is slightly terrifying. Other concoctions have unfamiliar herbs, but most have ingredients readily accessed in your kitchen or garden. I can’t wait to tell my Asian husband that I have a use for the water he rinses the rice in!
About once a week, a woman asks me if my hair color is natural. Then she says, “Oh I want to do it, but I’m so nervous!” Often we have a long chat. I suspect that in the future I’ll be referring people to this book for more information and ideas.
Thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing for an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
More reviews and a picture of my own progression to silver hair at TheBibliophage.com.
Lorraine Massey’s Silver Hair: Say Goodbye to the Dye—and Let Your Natural Light Shine! A Handbook is empowering and inspiring. (And how about that long title!) Massey is famous for her previous book, Curly Girl, which is also designed to empower women to choose their hair’s own natural style. Considering I’m a silver-haired woman with natural curls, reviewing this book is an obvious choice for me.
When I was deciding to let my silver shine through and stop dying, I found another book to inspire me. I used to stop and peruse the pages, wondering what my hair would look like once the dye was gone. I found Massey’s book similarly fun to review, and can imagine how it might answer that “what if?” question for someone not quite decided.
Massey gives copious lighthearted instructions about how to make the transition to your natural color. She uses pictures and stories from real-life women who’ve decided to dramatically change their hair. Hair colorists weigh in, as does style maven Stacey London.
Sometimes Massey verges on insistence rather than encouragement, which might be off putting for some women. “You must go natural to be your true self!” or some such sentence. Truly, you can be yourself with hair dye or without, just as much as you can be less authentic with or without hair dye. For me, the insistence wasn’t an issue, since I’ve already gone all in. Here’s fair warning if you aren’t quite sure yet.
I’m anxious to try some of Massey’s tips for keeping silver hair in tip-top condition. But I have to admit the idea of using a drop of blue food coloring in my conditioner is slightly terrifying. Other concoctions have unfamiliar herbs, but most have ingredients readily accessed in your kitchen or garden. I can’t wait to tell my Asian husband that I have a use for the water he rinses the rice in!
About once a week, a woman asks me if my hair color is natural. Then she says, “Oh I want to do it, but I’m so nervous!” Often we have a long chat. I suspect that in the future I’ll be referring people to this book for more information and ideas.
Thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing for an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
More reviews and a picture of my own progression to silver hair at TheBibliophage.com.
February 2, 2020
I’ve been thinking about letting my natural gray grow in and this book offers lots of inspiration. I really appreciate how Massey reframed the narrative of getting older and going gray. She truly made me feel excited to see what lies beneath the hair dye. The book also provides lots of practical tips for hair, skin, and makeup care for silver beauties. Overall, if you’re thinking of letting your hair be natural, I highly recommend!
March 7, 2018
Good if you're looking for inspiration to give up coloring your hair and want to embrace your silver hair, but not as good if you're past that point and looking for tips on how to care for and live with silver hair - those chapters seemed like an afterthought and were short on in-depth advice. Also a little too much of the natural/chemical free products than I care for, without any actual science to back up claims about harmful chemicals.
October 30, 2017
(I received a advance copy of this book through Netgalley. I was not obligated to post a positive review.)
From the authors of Curly Girl (a book which saved my life as a teenager) comes this fabulous new manual on making the bold choice to proudly go silver, and do it with grace. I've got a few years yet my self before grey hairs start appearing, but you can bet this book will be in my hands by that point!
I love the personal stories and photo documentation of the various ladies' processes to grey.
Like Curly Girl, I feel that Silver Hair will serve to inform, inspire and boost the confidence of every woman who reads it!
From the authors of Curly Girl (a book which saved my life as a teenager) comes this fabulous new manual on making the bold choice to proudly go silver, and do it with grace. I've got a few years yet my self before grey hairs start appearing, but you can bet this book will be in my hands by that point!
I love the personal stories and photo documentation of the various ladies' processes to grey.
Like Curly Girl, I feel that Silver Hair will serve to inform, inspire and boost the confidence of every woman who reads it!
July 23, 2020
I have already been through the process of growing out my natural grey. However, this is good for those transitioning and needs encouragement. I am an advocate of going grey... so I say if you are on the fence about it, give it a try! This book has ideas for doing just that. Good luck.
March 19, 2018
More geared to those who are currently coloring and want to go gray. I was hoping for more tips on caring for and optimizing gray.
February 1, 2018
If you dye your hair, if you are prematurely gray, if you love salt & pepper locks, this book is for you. Massey takes on the challenge of transitioning from color-treating hair to natural silvered. She discusses everything from why we lose our hair color, why you should consider discontinuing color, how to talk with your stylist, dealing with others' reactions, to different techniques to use to transition, and even people who dye their natural hair silver. There are a bunch of profiles of people of all ages who have stopped coloring their hair. There are also a number of profiles, with photos, of people who used different techniques to transition to give a feel for how hair looks throughout an entire year. It is a positive book that is designed to help readers figure out what is best for them and support them in following that route. I mentioned the book to my stylist and she said it would be a great book for the salon to have.
I read a digital ARC provided by the publisher, but plan to buy the book when it is released. It was just that inspiring.
I read a digital ARC provided by the publisher, but plan to buy the book when it is released. It was just that inspiring.
January 24, 2022
I liked her Curly Girls book better than this one.
January 1, 2019
★★★★★ ~ 5 Stars
I'm currently 8 years into a silver-hair transition (last dye 3.25.10). I went through two stripping sessions (had dyed dirty blonde to dk reddish brown) which caused a year of orange hair. 2013 was the BIG CHOP and a scalp problem. I'm currently working on virgin hair health and length plus accepting my unruly 2c/3a curls. I've never been more pleased with my hair and I accept it, warts and all.
Anyway the Book. Transition Pictures. Tips like using toner. Blue-Violet shampoo (I prefer Pravana Perfect Blonde - it's sulfate-free and lathers) If you're silver or tones of, thinking about going natural or just wondering what it looks like, this is the book for you. Make-up, clothing tips to accentuate your unique, natural shade of color.
I'm currently 8 years into a silver-hair transition (last dye 3.25.10). I went through two stripping sessions (had dyed dirty blonde to dk reddish brown) which caused a year of orange hair. 2013 was the BIG CHOP and a scalp problem. I'm currently working on virgin hair health and length plus accepting my unruly 2c/3a curls. I've never been more pleased with my hair and I accept it, warts and all.
Anyway the Book. Transition Pictures. Tips like using toner. Blue-Violet shampoo (I prefer Pravana Perfect Blonde - it's sulfate-free and lathers) If you're silver or tones of, thinking about going natural or just wondering what it looks like, this is the book for you. Make-up, clothing tips to accentuate your unique, natural shade of color.
September 22, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
As a long time Curly Girl fan, I jumped at the chance to review Lorraine Massey's new book. I got it and am reviewing it less than 48 hours after having first seen it on Net Galley! First of all, what she's talking about in this book is the exact situation I find myself in at this point time. After years of coloring away the gray (and no, I'm not afraid to call it gray), it's become so overwhelming in the past year, since the stress of my mother's death and its aftermath, that I'm at the point of taking the "grow-it-out" plunge myself. This book seemed to just hit a sweet spot for me.
Massey's book is packed with good advice and fascinating photos that lets those of us considering letting our silver hair grow out know what to expect. The time lapsed photos of clients that have started letting the gray grow are helpful because they give us a sense of how long it takes, what it looks like and what we can do to make it attractive. Whether we let it grow out and mingle with fading dyed hair, or get our colorist to match the emerging gray, she offers a ton of advice on how to care for our new silver hair, and how to bring out its best. She also offers general fashion and makeup style advice because for many women, going silver is going to change the color range that will flatter them.
What I liked less about the book was the large number of personal stories of women going gray, which seemed, after a while, a bit repetitive. I get her goal, mind you. Massey seems very driven to convince us that it's okay to go gray or silver. (I would equally add that, to me, it's okay not to want to, since many women may find themselves in professional situations where they may not feel this is a good choice right now.) To be sure, I know a lot of people receive pressure to continue to color their hair. She offers sound advice on how to push back on that idea, with the ultimate reward being healthier hair and being released from the salon cycle. The large number of photos of women with spectacular silver hair is enough to convince anyone that it's possible to have silver hair and be very attractive and fashionable.
My other problem is with some of the recipes for hair treatment she offers up in the book. I live in a major metropolitan area, and I'm not even sure where I'd go looking for Indian gooseberry juice. Another recipe, Blue Dew Toning hair bath, calls for at least four of different blue/purple flowers and berries like betony, hollyhocks, iris, indigo, woad, cornflower, elderberry or blackberry. Even if you can acquire these things, while natural colors are great and all, I can tell you as a chemist that your results may vary based on the pH of your water (hard vs. soft) and the pH of whatever you put on your hair after using the toner. Natural pigments can have sharp changes in color based on how hard your water is. (You should see the pretty green color I can make from a juice-based dye extracted from red pomegranate arils, after rinsing a magenta pink-tinged fabric in Miami's hard water!) So I'd approach some of these with caution. And for heaven's sake, don't use blueberries unless you want a greenish gray tinge.
This is still a very enjoyable book and one I'll buy when it releases in February. By then, I'll have some major silver going on!
As a long time Curly Girl fan, I jumped at the chance to review Lorraine Massey's new book. I got it and am reviewing it less than 48 hours after having first seen it on Net Galley! First of all, what she's talking about in this book is the exact situation I find myself in at this point time. After years of coloring away the gray (and no, I'm not afraid to call it gray), it's become so overwhelming in the past year, since the stress of my mother's death and its aftermath, that I'm at the point of taking the "grow-it-out" plunge myself. This book seemed to just hit a sweet spot for me.
Massey's book is packed with good advice and fascinating photos that lets those of us considering letting our silver hair grow out know what to expect. The time lapsed photos of clients that have started letting the gray grow are helpful because they give us a sense of how long it takes, what it looks like and what we can do to make it attractive. Whether we let it grow out and mingle with fading dyed hair, or get our colorist to match the emerging gray, she offers a ton of advice on how to care for our new silver hair, and how to bring out its best. She also offers general fashion and makeup style advice because for many women, going silver is going to change the color range that will flatter them.
What I liked less about the book was the large number of personal stories of women going gray, which seemed, after a while, a bit repetitive. I get her goal, mind you. Massey seems very driven to convince us that it's okay to go gray or silver. (I would equally add that, to me, it's okay not to want to, since many women may find themselves in professional situations where they may not feel this is a good choice right now.) To be sure, I know a lot of people receive pressure to continue to color their hair. She offers sound advice on how to push back on that idea, with the ultimate reward being healthier hair and being released from the salon cycle. The large number of photos of women with spectacular silver hair is enough to convince anyone that it's possible to have silver hair and be very attractive and fashionable.
My other problem is with some of the recipes for hair treatment she offers up in the book. I live in a major metropolitan area, and I'm not even sure where I'd go looking for Indian gooseberry juice. Another recipe, Blue Dew Toning hair bath, calls for at least four of different blue/purple flowers and berries like betony, hollyhocks, iris, indigo, woad, cornflower, elderberry or blackberry. Even if you can acquire these things, while natural colors are great and all, I can tell you as a chemist that your results may vary based on the pH of your water (hard vs. soft) and the pH of whatever you put on your hair after using the toner. Natural pigments can have sharp changes in color based on how hard your water is. (You should see the pretty green color I can make from a juice-based dye extracted from red pomegranate arils, after rinsing a magenta pink-tinged fabric in Miami's hard water!) So I'd approach some of these with caution. And for heaven's sake, don't use blueberries unless you want a greenish gray tinge.
This is still a very enjoyable book and one I'll buy when it releases in February. By then, I'll have some major silver going on!
July 14, 2021
Silver Fix and Proud!
This is a great book to help with my transition into becoming a silver fox. It is a very lonely journey at times but in reading this book it gave me a lot of inspiration. It is true as the look says once you start this journey you will ask yourself why didn’t I do it years ago. Great book and I would recommend this to anyone! Truly loved the tips on keeping my hair conditioned!
This is a great book to help with my transition into becoming a silver fox. It is a very lonely journey at times but in reading this book it gave me a lot of inspiration. It is true as the look says once you start this journey you will ask yourself why didn’t I do it years ago. Great book and I would recommend this to anyone! Truly loved the tips on keeping my hair conditioned!
February 7, 2018
Excellent! Affirming, encouraging and informative. Includes testimonials and photos showing the process of growing out dyed hair over time. Covers different methods for making the transition as well as recommendations for styles, products to use, clothing and make up.
November 16, 2019
I embraced my gray hairs and haven't looked back. Excited to see the silver when it's all grown out.
September 11, 2021
Covid turned my hair white. Loves it!
Feel so Sexy, embracing the White Siren within…
Feel so Sexy, embracing the White Siren within…
September 28, 2024
I mostly picked this up because I was reading the curly girl handbook. Maybe I should have realized this, but this whole book is about how to coax you out of dying your hair. I thought it would be more like, as your hair goes grey, here’s what you should do until you’re full silver fox, so there wasn’t really anything in it for me.
November 30, 2018
I don't read beauty books but this book was so useful. Since I did some of this stuff strangers come up to me and ask me how I keep my hair so healthy.
November 14, 2018
I loved the many examples and ideas for going naturally grey. However, the attention to this part felt somewhat lost in the "go silver" pep rally. Way too much time and pages are spent trying to convince the reader that this is an okay thing to do. I feel if you weren't at least somewhat sold on the idea, you wouldn't have picked up the book to begin with. So, some patience with the enthusiasm of the author is needed. Past that, the book had some great ideas for how to gracefully go grey and how to take care of grey hair to make it look its best.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2017
Out February 6, 2018
My thanks to Netgalley and Workman Publishing Company for the ARC to read and provide my honest review.
Description
More women–in and out of Hollywood–are either going gray or talking about it. Silver Hair shows how to toss the bottle, take back the hours and dollars you spend on the colorist, and emerge a truer, more beautiful version of yourself.
Silver Hair will show you how to decide if you’re ready to give up the hair-color servitude, what method of going gray will be most comfortable to you, and how to keep your hair and total look beautiful and youthful. With photos taken of real women over one year of growing out their color, including author Lorraine Massey, you’ll see the various ways to grow out gray, from “all natural” – minus the skunk line! – to low-lights, silver streaks, a pixie cut, and dyeing your hair gray as your natural silver emerges. And in a section on “how to stay gorgeously gray,” you’ll find tips on caring for silver hair (complete with homemade hair care recipes) and how to complement your silver hair with clothing and makeup.
Along with the photos and techniques, there are dozens of stories of the amazing transformation these real women experienced–way beyond the hair on their heads: embracing new relationships, careers, and confidence.
Available Editions
EDITION
Paperback
ISBN 9780761189299
PRICE $16.95 (USD)
MY BOOK REVIEW:
I think every woman worries about this at some point in her life, whether she is graying prematurely or later in her life when she is covering her gray roots. I found this book rather fascinating to read, but for my life I cannot understand why some of these women preferred to look older than they actually had to. Sure, sure, some of you will say that not all look old and some even look great and I agree. I completely understand freeing up oneself from the costly dyeing and upkeep of hair, and how bothersome letting roots show can be.
I come from a family that is notorious for premature graying, mostly the men though. What I noticed that the book didn’t cover too much is that there are actually two types of graying. There is the snow white “graying” that my dad became early. It’s actually the nicer of the two. Then, there the gunmetal gray, that all it accomplishes is making a person look old. Plus, if you note, a lot of the women have amazing features, high cheekbones, bright eyes, lovely attributes that keep the woman looking relative young looking. What about those who are blessed with a rounder face, sagging jowls, what about them? Or, how about those with a few extra pounds? Trust me, gray is not flattering.
I think some gray with complimentary tones gray with black, gray with white, those looked fantastic. But not all of us have the skin tone for it. While interesting and liberating, I think this book is somewhat unrealistic and fanciful. After all, not all of us are silver model worthy. Kudos to those women who did this and yes, with makeup artists and fashion experts, they do look just wonderful! But I think when my time comes, I’ll just think twice about doing the silver thing.
My thanks to Netgalley and Workman Publishing Company for the ARC to read and provide my honest review.
Description
More women–in and out of Hollywood–are either going gray or talking about it. Silver Hair shows how to toss the bottle, take back the hours and dollars you spend on the colorist, and emerge a truer, more beautiful version of yourself.
Silver Hair will show you how to decide if you’re ready to give up the hair-color servitude, what method of going gray will be most comfortable to you, and how to keep your hair and total look beautiful and youthful. With photos taken of real women over one year of growing out their color, including author Lorraine Massey, you’ll see the various ways to grow out gray, from “all natural” – minus the skunk line! – to low-lights, silver streaks, a pixie cut, and dyeing your hair gray as your natural silver emerges. And in a section on “how to stay gorgeously gray,” you’ll find tips on caring for silver hair (complete with homemade hair care recipes) and how to complement your silver hair with clothing and makeup.
Along with the photos and techniques, there are dozens of stories of the amazing transformation these real women experienced–way beyond the hair on their heads: embracing new relationships, careers, and confidence.
Available Editions
EDITION
Paperback
ISBN 9780761189299
PRICE $16.95 (USD)
MY BOOK REVIEW:
I think every woman worries about this at some point in her life, whether she is graying prematurely or later in her life when she is covering her gray roots. I found this book rather fascinating to read, but for my life I cannot understand why some of these women preferred to look older than they actually had to. Sure, sure, some of you will say that not all look old and some even look great and I agree. I completely understand freeing up oneself from the costly dyeing and upkeep of hair, and how bothersome letting roots show can be.
I come from a family that is notorious for premature graying, mostly the men though. What I noticed that the book didn’t cover too much is that there are actually two types of graying. There is the snow white “graying” that my dad became early. It’s actually the nicer of the two. Then, there the gunmetal gray, that all it accomplishes is making a person look old. Plus, if you note, a lot of the women have amazing features, high cheekbones, bright eyes, lovely attributes that keep the woman looking relative young looking. What about those who are blessed with a rounder face, sagging jowls, what about them? Or, how about those with a few extra pounds? Trust me, gray is not flattering.
I think some gray with complimentary tones gray with black, gray with white, those looked fantastic. But not all of us have the skin tone for it. While interesting and liberating, I think this book is somewhat unrealistic and fanciful. After all, not all of us are silver model worthy. Kudos to those women who did this and yes, with makeup artists and fashion experts, they do look just wonderful! But I think when my time comes, I’ll just think twice about doing the silver thing.
October 20, 2019
Collection of stories
Book is mostly trying to support your decision to go silver. Very little advice on how to take care of your hair during the journey.
Book is mostly trying to support your decision to go silver. Very little advice on how to take care of your hair during the journey.
December 27, 2017
3.5 stars. As a woman who long ago realized that coloring my hair was aging my appearance much more than accepting the grey, white, and silver that had been emerging since my twenties, I can testify to the practicality and insight of this guide. Several of the tips for transition (and the informing of awkward realities) are ones I had to discover on my own, and it would have been a great comfort to know it was all part of the natural progression.
The abundance of photos is fabulous, especially those of women mid-process. The text is direct and engaging, and the structure invites both cover-to-cover reading as well as revisiting of relevant chapters. I was especially gratified that the author thought to address the change in tones of both clothing and makeup that best complement after the transition is complete.
The models and real-life examples tend toward those with thick, lustrous hair, and I kept hoping for a few with fine, thin hair to represent another (arguably numerous) population. When I realized the author's first work is a book called Curly Girl, that put into context the imbalance. There is still much value to be gleaned no matter personal characteristic, but it's always a benefit to allow a variety of women to find themselves in the featured styles.
Overall, a strong option for those who are flirting with the decision to free from the tyranny of coloring or who want a knowledgeable companion for the transition.
The abundance of photos is fabulous, especially those of women mid-process. The text is direct and engaging, and the structure invites both cover-to-cover reading as well as revisiting of relevant chapters. I was especially gratified that the author thought to address the change in tones of both clothing and makeup that best complement after the transition is complete.
The models and real-life examples tend toward those with thick, lustrous hair, and I kept hoping for a few with fine, thin hair to represent another (arguably numerous) population. When I realized the author's first work is a book called Curly Girl, that put into context the imbalance. There is still much value to be gleaned no matter personal characteristic, but it's always a benefit to allow a variety of women to find themselves in the featured styles.
Overall, a strong option for those who are flirting with the decision to free from the tyranny of coloring or who want a knowledgeable companion for the transition.
October 23, 2018
This book talks about embracing your natural gray hair color, how to grow out your natural color if you've been dying it, how to style your hair, how to condition and moisturize gray hair, and DIY hair products to try.
I was hoping for more information about caring for natural greys, but about 90% of the book is about growing out your natural color after you've been dying your hair for many years. I mean, I guess I should have expected that, since it is part of the title, but still... I didn't find much information in this book that applied to me, since I do not dye my hair. I have more and more stray gray hairs that are growing in, and wanted to know more about caring for them, since they are more dry and coarse than my darker color.
Still, the hair care information and beautiful pictures are wonderful, and I still read the chapters that didn't apply to me, because it was just interesting to read about.
I really loved way this book is organized, and the gorgeous photos, even if most of the information didn't apply to me.
I was hoping for more information about caring for natural greys, but about 90% of the book is about growing out your natural color after you've been dying your hair for many years. I mean, I guess I should have expected that, since it is part of the title, but still... I didn't find much information in this book that applied to me, since I do not dye my hair. I have more and more stray gray hairs that are growing in, and wanted to know more about caring for them, since they are more dry and coarse than my darker color.
Still, the hair care information and beautiful pictures are wonderful, and I still read the chapters that didn't apply to me, because it was just interesting to read about.
I really loved way this book is organized, and the gorgeous photos, even if most of the information didn't apply to me.
February 6, 2018
This offers up a combination of the whys and how-tos of letting your hair naturalize (in terms of color). It offers great advice for growing out artificial coloring, and for selecting products to help your hair be its healthiest and shine to its best advantage. I liked reading the vignettes about women embracing their silver as well as the descriptions of the varied individualized processes to choose from when growing into a gorgeous head of natural color, with stunning photography accompanying each story. If you've been thinking about going silver versus coloring, this will give you much to think on when making that decision.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my opinions in response.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my opinions in response.
November 14, 2020
Don’t need all the stories
I already love my grey hair just wanted care tips. I love the concept but did not love the execution.
I already love my grey hair just wanted care tips. I love the concept but did not love the execution.
October 29, 2017
Silver Hair by Lorraine Massey offers not just practical tips for women who choose to stop coloring their gray, but also the moral support most of us need. Hair can be an emotionally laden subject for any woman. From the get-go, parents fix bows in baby hair, applying a bit of “Girlie Glue - Because It’s Never Too Early to Be Girlie” if actual locks are sparse. Braids, ponytails, curls, barrettes, headbands, beads - hair is our crowning glory on our best days, hidden under a scarf or hat on a bad hair day. We get it swept into up-dos for proms and weddings, let our hair down when times are good, chop it off to mark endings and beginnings.
When silver shows through, we decide whether to cover it or not, and a lot of us opt for color. For many, it’s an acknowledgment that youth is an advantage socially and professionally, and if we can pass for a while longer, that’s to our advantage. Or we sense the strangeness of silver. Its texture is foreign to us, and we are unsure how to tame it. Getting back to our natural hair color can seem intimidating. I know because I did it myself over a decade ago. As I was letting it grow into gray, many women my age or older confided that they’d like to stop coloring their hair too, but they were not sure how to go about it.
For those willing to go natural, Silver Hair provides a road map. Massey, who also wrote Curly Girl: The Handbook, profiles women who have made the decision to let their gray show. They talk about the cost, the time, the mess of coloring, as well as their trepidation about the process of growing out gray after years, sometimes decades of dyeing. Through their stories, Massy offers strategies for growing out gray while minimizing the color line. Highlights, lowlights, temporary dyes, and other transitional methods are covered.
Keeping silver hair in shape means adopting new maintenance routines, but as this book illustrates, none of them are particularly onerous. A good conditioner, sulfate-free shampoos, and a good clean haircut work wonders. I was particularly interested in her list of ingredients to avoid: fragrances, silicone, isopropyl alcohol, parabens, cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA, imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin, basically ingredients in practically every shampoo I’ve ever used. Massey gives recipes for homemade cleansers and hair tonics that use natural ingredients, which sound intriguing.
Changing hair color can mean changing make-up and clothing colors, something I experienced myself as my hair grew grayer. I tried to stay with the creamy white neutrals, autumn tones, and gold jewelry I’d always worn, but eventually realized that pure white and silver tones could work for me now.
My major criticism of Silver Hair is that the personal profiles became repetitive, bogging down an otherwise well written book. I would have preferred fewer profiles just to keep it moving. I did like the photos of the growing out process, since this is what most women seem to find so intimidating. No matter where they were in the transition, they all looked great. Some of the cuts and styles were just stunning, making me wish my hair was a lot grayer!
For women looking for a guide to making what’s essentially a life change, Silver Hair offers the wise advice of an expert who knows the options and understands how to support her clients and readers in their journey. As Massey says, you can always change it back, if you want to. But embracing your own aging with a positive and affirming attitude can light up more than just your hair, promoting a confidence that is in itself a deeper kind of beauty.
When silver shows through, we decide whether to cover it or not, and a lot of us opt for color. For many, it’s an acknowledgment that youth is an advantage socially and professionally, and if we can pass for a while longer, that’s to our advantage. Or we sense the strangeness of silver. Its texture is foreign to us, and we are unsure how to tame it. Getting back to our natural hair color can seem intimidating. I know because I did it myself over a decade ago. As I was letting it grow into gray, many women my age or older confided that they’d like to stop coloring their hair too, but they were not sure how to go about it.
For those willing to go natural, Silver Hair provides a road map. Massey, who also wrote Curly Girl: The Handbook, profiles women who have made the decision to let their gray show. They talk about the cost, the time, the mess of coloring, as well as their trepidation about the process of growing out gray after years, sometimes decades of dyeing. Through their stories, Massy offers strategies for growing out gray while minimizing the color line. Highlights, lowlights, temporary dyes, and other transitional methods are covered.
Keeping silver hair in shape means adopting new maintenance routines, but as this book illustrates, none of them are particularly onerous. A good conditioner, sulfate-free shampoos, and a good clean haircut work wonders. I was particularly interested in her list of ingredients to avoid: fragrances, silicone, isopropyl alcohol, parabens, cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA, imidazolidinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin, basically ingredients in practically every shampoo I’ve ever used. Massey gives recipes for homemade cleansers and hair tonics that use natural ingredients, which sound intriguing.
Changing hair color can mean changing make-up and clothing colors, something I experienced myself as my hair grew grayer. I tried to stay with the creamy white neutrals, autumn tones, and gold jewelry I’d always worn, but eventually realized that pure white and silver tones could work for me now.
My major criticism of Silver Hair is that the personal profiles became repetitive, bogging down an otherwise well written book. I would have preferred fewer profiles just to keep it moving. I did like the photos of the growing out process, since this is what most women seem to find so intimidating. No matter where they were in the transition, they all looked great. Some of the cuts and styles were just stunning, making me wish my hair was a lot grayer!
For women looking for a guide to making what’s essentially a life change, Silver Hair offers the wise advice of an expert who knows the options and understands how to support her clients and readers in their journey. As Massey says, you can always change it back, if you want to. But embracing your own aging with a positive and affirming attitude can light up more than just your hair, promoting a confidence that is in itself a deeper kind of beauty.
March 27, 2023
Most of the people in this book gave up dying their hair and went silver over the 9 months the book is written. However I went silver when my hair grew back in after chemo.
It was challenging as my hair was my identity; I was a petite natural curly redhead. I never coloured it but when I recovered from chemo it came in white and straight. Would I be pale? Would I look washed-out? Then I decided I didn’t care what others think. I had had enough with the surgery, chemo, radiation. Silver is linked to getting old, but I’m a breast cancer survivor.To me getting old is a good thing! My hair is an expression of who I am. (P. 58) I have earned every strand of this silver. It’s simply a part of who I am and I embrace it. My hair is proof that I got through my cancer.
“As its (your hair) custodian, you’re required to give it a lot of love.” (P. 151). The bottom line is that hydration is crucial for gorgeous, luminous silver. A conditioner can soften and hydrate your hair. Cleanse gently using your fingertips as they massage the cleanser into your scalp create friction that loosens and lifts away the dirt, and then the rinsing. Together, the friction and the rinsing leave your scalp and hair clean. In other words, you are the most active ingredient in your own hair care routine. (P153)
Check all the ingredient list. Download an app called Think Dirty that will help decipher the ingredients so be sure no “sulphate is included in the ingredients eg. Sodium laurel sulphate (SLS).
Also choose cleansers and conditioners with a low pH, which measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is on scale from 1-14. Anything up to 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral and anything between 7.1 and 14 is alkaline.
Our hair and scalp have a pH between 4.5-5.5, a natural acidity that keeps fungi at bay, keeps the cuticles closed, and is great for gorgeous healthy hair.
Avoid fragrances in hair care products; avoid Silicone (an active ingredient in 99% of shine products, but silicone-based products sit on the hair’s surface. It isn’t absorbed by the hair; it is resistant to oxygen and moisture so it remains a residue on the hair and it steals the hair’s natural radiance. Avoid isopropyl alcohol as it dehydrates your hair. Avoid parabens, cocamide DEA or MEA and Lauramide DEA, imidazolinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin which are preservatives, mineral oil which traps moisture and does not add any benefit.
Condition hair well; conditioner should include natural oils such as avocado, olive, jojoba, pomegranate seed, rosemary, coconut, almond, aloe vera, or ghee. Check out your local health store .
Emollients: good emollients for silver include shea butter, wheat germ, and vegetable, olive and walnut oils.
Proteins protect the hair shaft. Look for plant proteins such as wheat, wheat germ and soy protein.
Offers good section on makeup too
It was challenging as my hair was my identity; I was a petite natural curly redhead. I never coloured it but when I recovered from chemo it came in white and straight. Would I be pale? Would I look washed-out? Then I decided I didn’t care what others think. I had had enough with the surgery, chemo, radiation. Silver is linked to getting old, but I’m a breast cancer survivor.To me getting old is a good thing! My hair is an expression of who I am. (P. 58) I have earned every strand of this silver. It’s simply a part of who I am and I embrace it. My hair is proof that I got through my cancer.
“As its (your hair) custodian, you’re required to give it a lot of love.” (P. 151). The bottom line is that hydration is crucial for gorgeous, luminous silver. A conditioner can soften and hydrate your hair. Cleanse gently using your fingertips as they massage the cleanser into your scalp create friction that loosens and lifts away the dirt, and then the rinsing. Together, the friction and the rinsing leave your scalp and hair clean. In other words, you are the most active ingredient in your own hair care routine. (P153)
Check all the ingredient list. Download an app called Think Dirty that will help decipher the ingredients so be sure no “sulphate is included in the ingredients eg. Sodium laurel sulphate (SLS).
Also choose cleansers and conditioners with a low pH, which measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is on scale from 1-14. Anything up to 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral and anything between 7.1 and 14 is alkaline.
Our hair and scalp have a pH between 4.5-5.5, a natural acidity that keeps fungi at bay, keeps the cuticles closed, and is great for gorgeous healthy hair.
Avoid fragrances in hair care products; avoid Silicone (an active ingredient in 99% of shine products, but silicone-based products sit on the hair’s surface. It isn’t absorbed by the hair; it is resistant to oxygen and moisture so it remains a residue on the hair and it steals the hair’s natural radiance. Avoid isopropyl alcohol as it dehydrates your hair. Avoid parabens, cocamide DEA or MEA and Lauramide DEA, imidazolinyl urea and DMDM hydantoin which are preservatives, mineral oil which traps moisture and does not add any benefit.
Condition hair well; conditioner should include natural oils such as avocado, olive, jojoba, pomegranate seed, rosemary, coconut, almond, aloe vera, or ghee. Check out your local health store .
Emollients: good emollients for silver include shea butter, wheat germ, and vegetable, olive and walnut oils.
Proteins protect the hair shaft. Look for plant proteins such as wheat, wheat germ and soy protein.
Offers good section on makeup too
August 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this book since I am turning grey! I am at the point that I am not sure what to do. I have highlighted and dyed my hair before, but the grey hair is popping up at an alarming rate, that I do not have the money to highlight that often, and I do not want to purchase box dye every four weeks or less! The book was saying women can spend up to $70K in their life time dyeing their hair! That's more than I make in a year. AHHHHHH....
It's not that I am against highlights or dyeing your hair, as if I had the extra cash TRUST ME I would do it! :) I just find the time and money spent is A LOT and I would rather save my money then spend that much on my hair.
This is so challenging as mean things have been said to me about not highlighting my hair or dyeing it, and men are considered "silver foxes" but as a woman it is taboo and grey or silver hair makes us "old" and "ugly" and I am tired of this!
The book was well written and researched, and it goes back to do what you are comfortable with, but I am glad that more women are starting to embrace their natural hair a bit more. We shall see what I decide on as more grey hair pops up. Such a first world problem...
It's not that I am against highlights or dyeing your hair, as if I had the extra cash TRUST ME I would do it! :) I just find the time and money spent is A LOT and I would rather save my money then spend that much on my hair.
This is so challenging as mean things have been said to me about not highlighting my hair or dyeing it, and men are considered "silver foxes" but as a woman it is taboo and grey or silver hair makes us "old" and "ugly" and I am tired of this!
The book was well written and researched, and it goes back to do what you are comfortable with, but I am glad that more women are starting to embrace their natural hair a bit more. We shall see what I decide on as more grey hair pops up. Such a first world problem...
August 19, 2018
I decided to finally stop dyeing my hair (after 25 years!) in April 2018, and celebrated by buying this book.
The pictures are lovely and I’m eager to try the hair treatments.
But the main thing I found helpful was Lorraine Massey’s attitude! She really inspired me, and I hope that as more women embrace their silvers at a younger age, our society can stop equating grays with “old”, and putting so much pressure on women to look perfect at all times.
Since I decided to ditch the dye, and accept my age (51), I’ve felt liberated, free, and had a burst of creative energy!
I even started a blog about my gray hair transition to help other women who are going through this process:
https://katiegoesplatinum.com
And it’s not just me! I’ve spoken to so many women who have never felt more liberated than after they decided to stop coloring their hair. It’s such a time-waster, and so expensive...and the chemicals are harmful.
So, I do recommend this book if you’re thinking about going gray or have already started.
The pictures are lovely and I’m eager to try the hair treatments.
But the main thing I found helpful was Lorraine Massey’s attitude! She really inspired me, and I hope that as more women embrace their silvers at a younger age, our society can stop equating grays with “old”, and putting so much pressure on women to look perfect at all times.
Since I decided to ditch the dye, and accept my age (51), I’ve felt liberated, free, and had a burst of creative energy!
I even started a blog about my gray hair transition to help other women who are going through this process:
https://katiegoesplatinum.com
And it’s not just me! I’ve spoken to so many women who have never felt more liberated than after they decided to stop coloring their hair. It’s such a time-waster, and so expensive...and the chemicals are harmful.
So, I do recommend this book if you’re thinking about going gray or have already started.
February 23, 2019
I thought this was interesting and good food for thought - my black hair started going grey in my early 20s, and I am sick of the whole dying process. Although ultimately I decided not to take the plunge myself (yet), I am sure it will be a valuable guide for people who do.
There were tips and advice in here - which is great - but there were too many testimonials/stories of women who have already gone grey for my liking.. While I get the point was to make you feel that you weren't alone, it became a bit samey - particularly as so many of the stories featured a level of salon hair support that someone with natural curls is hard pressed to fine just getting a hair cut in my country! I have quite thin hair (even though it dries into massive curls I show a lot of scalp) and the examples all feature thick hair, so my personal concerns weren't put to rest.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
There were tips and advice in here - which is great - but there were too many testimonials/stories of women who have already gone grey for my liking.. While I get the point was to make you feel that you weren't alone, it became a bit samey - particularly as so many of the stories featured a level of salon hair support that someone with natural curls is hard pressed to fine just getting a hair cut in my country! I have quite thin hair (even though it dries into massive curls I show a lot of scalp) and the examples all feature thick hair, so my personal concerns weren't put to rest.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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