Years later, we tried it again, settling in on what had become at reVamp! salonspa here in Minneapolis, a popular “Fer a’ Cheval” technique. With this (ok, it’s French for horse shoe) technique we placed a level 6 (dark) ash blonde at her nape, a level 7 (medium) ash blonde from the occipital bone to the crown, and a neutral level 8 to the fringe then scatter it with pale blonde highlights. It give her enough dimension while still minimizing regrowth. This video shows two women on the road to gray, and how each uses haircolor to help achieve a more youthful, yet individual approach to dealing with gray.

The extremely charming blonde reminded us of Felicity Huffman, best known for her work on Desperate Housewives. It is very fun to bring out the celebrity in each of you!

Joann, age 71, after going gray

As you age it is difficult to keep dark ash brown hair from looking harsh and severe. Highlights never really suited her and to lift the hair a shade pulled too much red for her “Winter” coloring. We experimented over the years and a cool red added to the natural brown gave just the right of warmth to keep the dark hair from looking flat.

As she moved into her late 60′s it became, to me, to look like effort. Since her hair had thinned she covered the scalp with Dark Brown Dermatch.This helped but it became increasingly difficult to cut and style her hair to look “like it use to.” Let me tell you there was some frustrating and tense moments in the chair. Mom’s hair has always been a VERY BIG DEAL.

Finally, she gave in. We started with a wig. Everyone loved “her new haircut and color.”

Mother Joann, age 66, still brunette

Unfortunately the wig was much thicker than her own, so it showed better than the multi colors growing out underneath. To make the process easier, we started foiling the hair light blond and using a violet toner, shampoo and conditioner. It was a LONG process, with more than a few “are we making the right decision” discussions. Fortunately her life love loves her no matter what which helps greatly!

When I look at her now I think she looks, not necessarily younger, but more beautiful. When who you are matches how you look, you can’t help but look right. I believe you can look frumpy, you can look desperate, or you can look just right. I think she looks just right. It’s who she is, it suits her as she now goes gray gracefully.

What do you think?

She has thick hair, a low forehead, a smaller face which is a recipe for feeling weighted down. Something none of us want, especially after 40! My original idea for a “Winona Ryder” short ended with a sassy inverted bob with soft fringe that connected the new growth from the hormone changes of birth to the rest of the look.

Natalie Reponen created the color, Sarah Remer did the makeup, and reVamp! salonspa in Minneapolis housed the entire event.

Nancy found herself unexpectedly single after 22 years in a committed relationship. She was about as tough of a nut to crack as any midwestern woman who had been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt could be. I’m a pretty good nutcracker so I did my best to help her rediscover the pretty girl inside. With the help of Kelly Marciniak and Amy Goulet, and of course Robert Lindquist we hope to see more of Miss Nancy Prettygirl becoming the complete woman she is.

Since she had rather “out of control” curly hair, and since her personal style was more classic and dramatic, I felt a clean, polished look, leaving some length would work for her. Carrie Eichers kept her hair color more neutral than red, and Sarah Remer really popped out the eyes with the use of eyeshadow as liner, and a liquid line of black right at the base of the eyelashes.

This makeover took two attempts to achieve the results we wanted, but in the end I think you again understand the power of giving yourself beauty every day.