Sophie had a great question for me.  She said, "I have never had my hair colored or highlighted, and my hair is medium length and dark brown.  I have gray hair right in my part down the middle.  I have been plucking them but now there is just too many to pluck.  Is it time to get my hair colored/highlighted? Which would cover the gray well, if any?  I am 36, and both my older sisters are blonde and have no gray hair." 

Do you guys know how often we hear this dilemma?  ALL THE TIME!  Hair grays differently for every single person, depending on his/her genetics, stress, nutrition, and a myriad of other reasons.  But most of us have to come to the realization at some point that, unless we want to welcome all of the grays, it is time to enter the world of color.  Embrace it!  There are several options from which you can choose, depending on what your needs are (whether financial or aesthetic).

Option 1:  All over color - This is one of the most popular choices because it covers the gray 100%.  It also allows you to match your natural color or change your base color some, if you want.  Another reason this is popular is because as you get too many grays, you need to create a base color in your hair, and this way is the most effective.  Something you should know about this option is that when your hair grows, you have a line of demarcation that will require you to get it touched up on a decently regular basis.

Option 2:  Highlighting - So many people think you have to highlight to mask the grays.  This is a great option for making the grays seem less noticeable.  They give a softer appearance to the hair, which is great for women as they age.  Highlighting also can vary from extremely subtle and sun-kissed to bolder and more dramatic.  It depends on you!  This option, and the next one, can allow a little more time in between colorings because the line of new growth is not quite as noticeable.

Option 3:  Lowlighting - This option is an extremely popular one for people who do not want their heads colored entirely but do not want to lighten their hair.  The technique is the same as highlighting, but you use color to truly cover a lot of the grays.  Of course, you will not get every gray hair, but you can mask the majority of them through as much or little as you are comfortable doing.  You natural haircolor can be matched, and so you can stay much more "pepper" and a lot less "salt" (We all need less salt in our lives anyway, don't we?)

Option 4:  Demi-permanent color - Basically, this is a long lasting semi permanent color.  It will not completely cover all the gray, but it will tint it and soften the edges.  The benefit to this option is that it fades and washes out over time, so there is much less commitment.  The down side is that it will not hold longer term, and you are more likely to see the grays rearing their ugly heads.

Regardless of your decision, talk with your stylist.  S/he will be able to steer you in the right direction.  Color can be fun, but it can also be a relief to keep you looking as young as you are feeling!  Just remember that the farther you choose to go from your natural color, the more noticeable and higher maintenance it will be over time.

Sophie, and other women just like her out there, welcome to the exciting and broad world of color!