My HerStory in Hair

14 Mar

I found my first gray hair at 17. Today at 69, my hair is almost completely white. I have never dyed it, unless you count the time I tried henna and my hair turned orange. I have gotten compliments on the color and even inspired friends to grow out their dyed locks.

33 years old

I’ve worn my hair short and spikey for many years. Last January I decided to grow it out. I’ve always judged long white hair to be “old looking”, something to be avoided. Well, guess what, I am and there’s no avoiding it.

2017 self portrait

My last haircut was in March 2020. I was planning a trip to Atlanta for my uncle’s 100 birthday. Covid and the quarantine happened shutting down my plans and those of the entire world. As the months rolled by I cared less and less about my appearance.

Eye glasses also changed with time.

I’m not sure I would have made it this long if not for Covid. I can now pull my hair back in a rubber band, or braid it in kindergarten style. I continue to look in the mirror and wonder who this strange face is looking back at me.

Braids to keep my wild hair under control.

Life is a hoot and this is aging. It’s certainly not how I thought it would look. I can’t imagine what my life would be like today if I hadn’t exercised, eaten well and generally been happy. Who knows it might be exactly the same, but I doubt it.

DOS TORTAS

11 Responses to “My HerStory in Hair”

  1. Nancy Taylor March 14, 2021 at 11:20 am #

    OMG! That’s hilarious!!! Love that you grew your hair out, Alex! However, I bet you’ll go back to short and spikey soon enough – cuz that’s YOU! Stay safe.

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25 March 14, 2021 at 11:22 am #

      The jury is still out Nancy. Basically I’m lazy and cheap. Long hair covers both bases.

      Like

  2. Gail Beyrle March 14, 2021 at 11:32 am #

    Loved the story and certainly can relate. My mother would tell me she often caught herself looking in the mirror and wonder who was that old lady looking back at her. I am reaching that age now myself. Keep looking and being amazed at who you are long hair and all.

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25 March 14, 2021 at 11:33 am #

      I like that. Curiosity! Who am I becoming? A softer, kinder version of myself I hope.

      Like

  3. Jack Scott March 15, 2021 at 4:38 am #

    With my siblings, it was early grey for the girls and early thinning for the boys. These days, Liam just gets his clippers out. I can’t remember the last time we went to a barber. Love the braid. Very Alpine! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25 March 15, 2021 at 6:26 am #

      My mother braided my hair when I was in kindergarten. Heidi!

      Like

  4. jamurray2014 March 15, 2021 at 6:42 am #

    Love your hair–started the same journey with mine. Laughed at the story–oh how we think we look and how we really are! Judy ________________________________

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Karen March 17, 2021 at 9:29 am #

    I can relate to that stranger in the mirror and I also have what I call “covid hair” which I do not intend to keep. I don’t think it’s flattering on me at this point. Bright blessings to you and all.

    Liked by 1 person

    • afish25 March 17, 2021 at 12:08 pm #

      I get it. The jury is out here.

      Like

  6. Emilie March 18, 2021 at 2:14 pm #

    I have had long hair for years. But I get so many broken hairs that I can’t have a nice braid like yours. I wish I could. It’s beautiful.

    Like

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