The Age of Enlightenment. For Hair, That Is!

Far be it from me to tell anyone what to do with their hair—but, I’ve been doing quite a bit of research lately.   And sometimes that can either be a good thing or a very bad thing!

Anyway, it seems that at our age—or as we age, the experts suggest that we go lighter with our hair color.  Now—my natural hair color is black.  In fact, the black tresses that I was born with were so pitch that when certain lighting hit it, my hair took on a blueish tint—like Veronica from the Archie comics.

OK–So my eyes were crossed back then too–but only my hair looked like Veronica’s!

And before I started to lose my hair, the deep, dark blackness gradually started to change.  In my late twenties, I noticed a few gray hairs popping up. And when you have dark hair, those grays stick out like flies on a wedding cake!

The thing is, I wasn’t ready for gray hair.  And as more grays invaded, I noticed that my part looked kind of “off” and the gray made it appear wider.  It was during this time that I started coloring my hair a deep auburn—and it was a gorgeous shade.  I loved it.

“Hair” I am back in NYC with Roman.  My naturally curly hair and natural auburn dye job! Jeez–it seems like yesterday. I can even remember having that picture taken!

But—as my luck would have it, as my hair went deeper into the loss of natural color, the auburn roots would start to fade into a pink color that really didn’t match my personality.  So, I went back to dying my hair black.

When younger, it was fine—the black didn’t really look harsh.  But as I entered my late forties and early fifties, not only was my hair falling out, but the black dye began to look a little rough.

Still, I continued to color my hair.  I was born with dark hair and wanted what hair I still had to remain dark. And through the loss and the Toppik and the other products I used to disguise the loss, black remained my hair color of choice.

Then came the wigs.  And my journey of fake hair!

One of my fave dark-haired wigs–Outre Perm Yaki 18″!

Now—for those of you who are regulars of this fun blog, you are well-aware of my many dark wigs.

But—after reading so many articles about aging and going lighter with hair, I’ve decided to play around with lighter colors.  Let’s take a look:

My first foray into a different but not really intentionally lighter color was this wig, Konis in the color TT99J/530. This deep burgundy shade is extremely popular with older French women. They cut their hair very, very short and dye it burgundy. Like Red wine!

Lighter with my most favored wig, Carrie Lace Front from UniWig’s LaVivid Collection. This Brown Spice color is just beautiful!

Another absolute favorite is Storm by Model Model wigs. This is a Number 4–a lighter brown.

The darker wigs on the bottom all look fine-but I’m thinking that the lighter ones just may be a tad more flattering.  Clary, top right, is actually a soft black with brown highlights–color number 1B/30. I’m quite fond of that color combo but Bonaparte is not!

I’m a bit obsessed at the moment with lighter hair.  And I know that there are quite a few women out in the blogosphere who are very passionate about going gray.   That’s cool—but I’m still not ready.

This wig, Swami, by Freetress Equal was the straw that broke the camel-colored hair’s back for me.  This color is TS-Mocha, a dark brown base with golden and auburn highlights throughout. I love this so much I purchased another one.  I love this color..

Lighter with Justine by “It’s A Wig” in color P4/27/30.  A lovely blend of honey browns and golden blondes!

The experts write that “cool” colors for aging women are not the best choice—I think that could be debatable in some cases but I have to admit, I’m finding that warmer colors are softening my face a bit—so I think there’s something there. Maybe we should think about going lighter.

And lookie, lookie, lookie!  Here I am in Carrie (not the lace front) from LaVivid Collection. @kathleenryanart on Instagram won this wig and generously gave her winning to me.  I love this color.  I do need to spray some dry shampoo on it to get the shine down a bit, but, boy, is it fun being blonde!

This wig is a blast!  I’m really loving it in a messy updo. Very Bardot!

This is a great way to go lighter!

And that’s another reason that wigs are so wonderful.  If you are thinking about going lighter and don’t want the bother of bleaching your hair or dying your hair with harsh chemicals, then maybe buying an inexpensive wig can be a good solution.   I’m having so much fun with lighter colors!  It really brightens my personality!!

WAIT!!  I went even lighter!  This wig, April by Bobbi Boss. I ordered it from GoBeautyNY .  The site is having a 25% off sale through the end of the month. I paid $19.45 including shipping for this unit. It was delivered in two days and they are now sold out of this wig!   This is a great wig for a look that isn’t completely blonde.  I dig it!

Same thing with hair loss and gray.  I’ve received quite a few emails asking me about wig sites that A. have gray wigs and B. have a silkier texture.

Mind you—my own hair is dull, coarse and wiry. And I want to apologize for being so self-centered and only posting videos that showcase wigs that are similar to my own hair.  I don’t want to be exclusive.

So, if you are thinking of going lighter, or if you are thinking of wigs—you’ve got to check out wig videos by Taz.  She’s so adorable and her reviews are incredibly detailed and educational.  She goes into every nuance of the wigs she reviews.

This is Taz. Her channel, Taz’s Wig Closet has excellent and very detailed wig reviews–and she’s cuter than a speckle-eared puppy!

And for the gray-haired ladies—chick out IvyMUA.  She loves gray wigs, gives fun and entertaining reviews and she’s a makeup wiz!

IvyMUA’s YouTube videos are also great. She rock’s the gray and she has a great sense of humor. I also love her makeup tutorials!!!  

You also might want to check out http://esteticadesigns.com.  This wig company has an entire page devoted to their wigs shades.  Lots of lighter shades and lots of gray shades.  And the brand’s Sky wig is freaking gorgeous.

For a much better view, check out the Estetica website…

And this Sky wig is a gorgeous choice for those who don’t want to go too short or longer than shoulder length!  

Ladies—we’re never to old to go lighter with our hair or to go shorter or longer—and with wigs we don’t even need a scissor! I’m telling you—this gray thing—so many young women are turning gray into a trend. ( Something I find fascinating–who started that anyway?) Maybe real soon, I’ll jump on the bandwagon! I’ll stick to blonding in the meantime!

Oh…I uploaded a video on the blonde  April wig I ordered a few days ago.  Here you go—and Chippy makes an appearance!!!

From me to you.  I have a long way to go before I get anywhere near as good as Taz and Ivy but I’m trying!

About Catherine

Far from perfect, but enjoying life as a non-perfect and flawed individual at 60 years young. I'm still wondering what I'll be when I grow up! The characters in my life's screenplay include my better half. He is a refined Frenchman who grew up in Paris and summered in St. Tropez. I grew up in Long Island and summered in Long Island. I am not refined. My three grown children are also a big part of my life. For their sake, they happily live where their careers have taken them! But I can still mother them from a distance! I write about the mundane. I write about deeply shallow issues. But whatever I write or muse about--it'll always be a bit on the humorous and positive side! It's all good!
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23 Responses to The Age of Enlightenment. For Hair, That Is!

  1. Debe says:

    Wow you rock with wigs! You should become a model for one of these companies….

    Love the blonde look!

  2. This is great and you really look fab blonde! Like you I love my dark hair but seeing how good it looks on you has made me change my mind. Really takes years off! Don’t you worry the wind will carry it away or that it will slip? That’s what put me off them. I did wear one when I lost 80% of my hair years ago following a crash diet (long story) but it was always itchy and uncomfortable. Looked really realistic actually as I spent a lot of money on it but I was always a bit self-conscious. Maybe will be more confident now I’m older!

    • Catherine says:

      With the wig grip and with the combs on the wigs, they stay put!! Really !!! I was so self conscious when I started to wear wigs but now it’s like putting on mascara!!!! 💖💖💖💖💖

  3. Linda Seymour says:

    How can I order the Sky wig?

  4. Debra says:

    I’m in Central Texas which is really HOT and HUMID much of the year. I LOVE reading your blog and your wigs are awesome! Do you get hot wearing the wigs? They look like so much fun, but I can imagine sweat dripping off my head/face in the hot and seemingly ENDLESS Texas summer.

  5. Ivy Perez says:

    You look amazing in all these wigs!! It’s so fun to switch up your look all the time. Thanks for the Love! 😍😍😍

    • Catherine says:

      Thanks Ivy!!! I’m thrilled to receive a compliment from you! Your makeup and “hair” are always on point and I enjoy your sense of humor so much–always looking forward to your videos!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!

  6. bone&silver says:

    You look SO GOOD in all the lighter shaded pics in my opinion, and the blonde Bardot one looks great! How wonderful that you feel such freedom to play and experiment; may you inspire all the other women who need a break from dyeing their roots every two weeks! G

  7. HelloIm50ish says:

    Catherine,
    Wow! I like you as a blonde!
    What wonderful honest advice you share about your hair loss and why you love wearing so many different wigs in style and color.
    I wear hair extensions, but someday I may try a wig. Thinning hair is alot of our issues after menopause and I am so glad you write about it!

    Hugs,
    Robin

  8. Miss Bougie says:

    I have to be true to my area code of +33, if you know what I am referring to, as I prefer the burgundy colour. 😊 I also like Justine very much, which gives your face a softer side.
    Brigitte Bardot suits you well, especially in the first photo with your hair up.
    All in all it’s so much fun to see you in different styles. Go you!

    • Catherine says:

      LOL!! Hi B!!! I knew you would love that Burgundy!!! I’m telling you, this is tons of fun with the different colors. I wish Bonaparte liked the Blonde more!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!

  9. speak766 says:

    Great post! You look amazing in these pics! Wish you all the best – speak766

  10. chrisforhair says:

    Look at how you have captivated everyone with your blog. Wish I had that talent!
    You do look amazing in all the wigs you posted, but my vote would be for Carrie from LaVivid Collection.
    Best to you!

    • Catherine says:

      Hi Chris!! Thank you so very much for your compliment!!! I have to agree with you—the Lace front Carrie wig is my favorite. It’s just a wonderful head of hair!!!! XOXOXOXO

  11. Vivella says:

    I like you in dark hair but you can really get way with any of those! I like the Justine and others with the honey shades on you too, and only the blondes with the dark roots like Carrie and April! I think one has to take skin tone into consideration, and some of the blonde wigs and the honey ones may look lovely with a slightly deeper tone of lipstick so that they don’t wash you out. Maybe one has to look at the ‘whole’ picture including what color clothing you are wearing nearest to your face. How exciting for you to be able to experiment, I look forward to seeing more!

    • Catherine says:

      Thanks Viv!! I’m actually working on a blog post which addresses much of what you said!! It’s true though. Different shades for different looks. I find with the blonde, I change my makeup up a bit for warmer tones–it’s all so much fun–and so much easier than fussing with your hair!!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!

  12. Pingback: The Age of Enlightenment. For Hair, That Is! | By the Mighty Mumford

  13. As someone who changed to blonde at the age of 51 (for a big change and working on the ‘have more fun principal’) I absolutely loved your post and you look amazing as a ‘Bardot’ ;O)

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