When Do I End This Nonsense?

I've been coloring my hair red for 36 years. Why did I not buy stock in Clairol in 1977? I no longer remember what color it used to be. I know only that now those roots are speckled with gray. And speckled not in a good way.

But how can I ever stop? Every single item of clothing I own is meant for a redhead. The "growing out" process alone seems like a nightmare. And what if I don't like what I see when it's done?

My husband likes the red hair. I think it makes him feel young. Coincidentally he had a red-haired girlfriend when he was teenager.

I don't feel old, but I sometimes see women whose faces are too mature for the color of their hair. It just doesn't work. My mother and sister went blonde for a while before they morphed into gray. The transition would seem to be easier that way, but I'm not the blonde type.

I don't need to hear how empowering proudly sporting gray hair can be. I already know women who are gray. They were beautiful before; they are beautiful still— maybe even more so. I just don't know if I will be one of them.

I faced a crossroads the other day when running perilously low on BW2 Dedusted Extra Strength Powder Lightener and 40 Volume Creme Developer (for the streaks). As I scraped the last bits out of the respective pouch and bottle, I made a note to head off to Sally Beauty Supply toot sweet.