Dvandom the Gray

[dvandom]

Tonight I noticed that the gray hair that had previously only been found in my beard and on the sides of my head had worked its way up to the top. In a standard mirror view, it looks like I've got the occasional aluminum wire (32 gauge) stuck in with the brown hair. Rather odd effect.

I've had gray in my beard since at least 1998, and on the sides for almost as long (my sister pointed it out when I was visiting for her wedding in December 1999). I was born in 1970.

So, what was my reaction to finding these new gray hairs?

"Ooooh, keen!"

This is one of many, MANY reasons I am clearly not within an standard deviation of "normal". I'm not quite *thrilled* per se to have more gray, but I am pleased.

Why?

Well, for one thing, it's a sign of maturity that comes with no physical cost. It's not an aching muscle or joint. It's not a slight shortness of breath that I didn't have ten years ago when I was actually heavier. It's not decaying vision. It's purely a cosmetic thing, and in my case it makes me think, "Hey, I've lasted long enough to get gray hairs!"

For another thing, my career path is aimed at "University Professor". One of the few careers where a youthful appearance isn't automatically a benefit. A touch of gray adds to my professional appearance, eh wot?

Of course, giggling like a small child upon noticing this gray does NOT add to professional appearance. Heh.

Comments

[skyjammer.livejournal.com]

I've had strands of grey hairs for at least 2 years now, and a splotch of grey for probably 10. And I'm 4 years younger than you.

It's not all it's cracked up to be, you weirdo. :)

-Phil

[liabrown]

I don't have any grey hairs that I know of.

*preens*

[skyjammer.livejournal.com]

No, your hair is still nice and red.

Is it still long, however?

-Phil

[liabrown]

Technically it's brown, with red highlights that come out in natural light. However, I'd prefer if it was red, so I'm going to agree :D

I've been growing it long lately. I let it grow over the winter for a variety of reasons, and now everybody's telling me that it shouldn't be cut. We'll see how long it lasts once it gets *really* hot this summer ;)

[skyjammer.livejournal.com]

Well, count me among those who say don't cut it. :) I saw that picture of you in an earlier LJ entry, and I gotta say -- I approve.

-Phil

[liabrown]

Eek, more pressure ;P No, I'll definitely leave it longer than, say, last summer, but it really does need a trim and to be thinned a bit. Might dye it red again (a very natural-looking red, which only lasts for a few months).

[foomf.livejournal.com]

Annoyingly, my chest hairs started going gray in spots before I ever got any gray hairs. And, the gray I've developed in my hair is so scattered that it shows up as shiny bits rather than as an overall change in color. The beard, however, is so splotchy that I no longer attempt to grow it. It's always been a mix of different colors anyway.

Speaking in Marvel terms

[augiedb.livejournal.com]

Growing up, people thought I most resembled Peter Parker. Big glasses, short brown hair, fairly scrawny looking.

Nowadays, at the ripe old age of 28, I'm getting shocks of grey hair at the temples. Does this make me Reed Richards?

I kind of like it, though. It's something different. I don't mind it so long as there's still hair there.