Friday, September 10, 2010

Blue Hair

Did you know going gray is becoming a popular style option in sophisticated cities? The keeping up with the roots problem must be exhausting. Wow, for once in my life, I'm in style, and maybe even ahead of my time?

Mine has never been colored. Lately, the girls have commented that I need to shampoo with the purple shampoo for silver hair. I tried to find some without any success.

In our current culture, wild colored hues of hair are normal. We hardly take a second glance at the burgundy wisp of bang, the skunk stripe on the temple, the platinum mop laying atop the shadow underneath.

When I was little, colored hair was a big deal. A brazen few dared the copper penny red, or the sun bleached looking frost. It was the old ladies that were a source of surprise. Once in a while they would show up with blue hair. It usually faded within a short time, but it was out of character for these matronly
souls who looked like every speck of adventure had dried up long ago. What extreme daring do!

They would show up at church with this strange shade of blue hair. Looking sheepish. No eye contact was made, nor was it mentioned in polite company.

It wasn't until I was an adult and lived next door to grandma that I found out the secret. When her hair started turning yellow or rusty, she would get out the bottle of Mrs. Stewart's Bluing from the behind the laundry supplies. It was a bleach alternative. She didn't know it was safe and green and better for the environment. It worked to whiten whites, that's all.

Guess what I bought yesterday? And washed my hair with today? Mrs. Stewart's Bluing. A few drops were added to shampoo. My hair is still wet and in a towel at the moment, but hopefully it won't be blue when it dries. I only added a few drops. If the results are a stunning, shimmering silver - I'll charge you to use this information.

On the back of the bottle is a recipe for a magic salt crystal garden. Dang, I wish we were still home schooling - I forgot to do this one! I don't want strapped down and diagnosed with dementia before I grow my garden; I need to find a kid to borrow to legitimize the endeavor.

This garden is made for Washington, it doesn't need sun. Hallelujah.

13 comments:

Susan said...

Ha! I found/bought some purple shampoo for my 'in style' graying hair. Go to any Hairmaster's and ask for their purple shampoo....

Bree said...

ummm grow the crystal garden.

Lorrie said...

Great post! I've had "silver" hair for quite some time and do use the purple stuff when I feel it's starting to look gray (bleh!). Funny how popularity seems to follow the baby boomers... if it's happening to us it must be cool now :-) Soooo, how did your hair turn out anyway?!?!?

S. Etole said...

waiting for a photo of the results ...

Unknown said...

Now that I'm gaining my first grey hairs, I've already decided to dye grey before I try to return everything to my true color... but more than likely, if I dye, I shall play with colors... watch out, world!

Anonymous said...

i always wondered how to do the blue doo.

Anonymous said...

You should make the garden anyway. And take pictures. :)

If your hair turns blue, we'll love you anyway. :)

Anonymous said...

Funny! I just talked to Larry tonight about coloring my hair again and I don't want blue...it is hard going gray when I am 50. You are right there is tons of gray in Seattle but I didn't see much in Chicago...ss

Louise Gallagher said...

So that's how they do it! Must go get me some of that bluing... but first, I'll wait for your pics :)!

Kathleen Overby said...

It is working perfectly girls. My silver is more shimmery and bright than before. In this case, I hope I keep remembering that more is not better.

Anonymous said...

This was hillarious, laughing all the way to the bedroom, you can buy shampoo for silver hair at most drug stores, mine is called Matrix essentials,(so silver). was never brave enough to use the blueing like Grandma did.
Mom

Joyce Wycoff said...

Actually I'm going for a few teal streaks. I really like my gray hair but everyone should have a few "wild hairs."

Melisa said...

Let the inner child reign -- grow that garden!!