Hair Color and Cancer

just as my optimal weight has been seen as skinny and/or anorexic, my graying hair now seems wrong and me weird (for having it). Since I’ve had several tell me I should color my hair, I felt the need to voice my reasons not to. This, in case they read will not come as a surprise because it’s what I told them. For starters, I earned my stripes. Some people highlight their hair with blonde, I just happen to have white/gray highlights.

Why is it that more women accept gray haired men than men accept gray haired women? I’m aware of those that need what they consider a “trophy” mate over an ideal one. I’m not about to stroke anyone’s ugly ego. Besides, in recently joining an online dating site, I let them know up front… I am not the typical woman in that I am not a fan of hair color or perfume. Apparently that’s not stopping the 20-some men from wanting to talk. Nice to know not all men are shallow.

“They love their hair because they’re not smart enough to love anything more interesting.”  ~John Green~

Another reason I don’t color my hair is that my parents are gone of cancer and my 45 y/o brother beat his 30 years ago (thanks to cannabis). Since cancer runs in my family, why poison my system? Or take chances not knowing what it does long term? Yes, hair color dyes have been improved, but having been a hairdresser, I know the majority of those using it aren’t exactly selecting the more natural ones.

Since I sucketh at taking selfies, this photo being a most recent one was taken a month ago (a sleepover with my grand godchild). It shows the grayest part peeking through. Depending on the angle, the patch of gray can be a good inch in width. Aside from the gray and some aches and pains, at 50 I believe I’m aging the way nature intended. Besides, if Queen Elizabeth II can wear her gray with grace, so can we. One thing I won’t do is be somebody I’m not.

As if telling me I need to color my hair isn’t enough, I’ve got one trying to talk me into a tattoo. Been there, done that over 30 years ago. And being that it was on my behind, I didn’t exactly get it for attention or to fit in with any group of people, so I had it removed over 10 years ago. I have considered a henna tattoo but those aren’t permanent enough. Go figure? The day will come when those with tattoos as clothing will look like crinkled up newspaper. Time will tell what it may be doing their bloodstream and overall health. I’m not totally against tattoos or hair coloring, but like religion and politics, I don’t need anyone forcing them on me.

And just because the FDA regulates hair dyes doesn’t mean they’re safe. The National Cancer Institute has their fact sheet on hair color and cancer. More than the risk of cancer is that I have no desire to color my hair. I’ve considered henna, but then again, why should I do something for the mere sake of silencing others. If someone doesn’t like my gray hair then I thank the gods that be for their true colors. I know people mean well, but I know I don’t need to dye my hair in order to meet a nice man.

“I am simply not such a slave to my vanity, and I don’t want to be, because as you get older you really have to start accepting the inevitable.”  ~Cherie Lunghi~

The problem I see with much of the world today is that they are starving for attention. From tattoos and men flexing their muscles to funky haircuts and wild hair colors to women showing their bodies. I just happen to like being known for my mind and spirit more than my body (or hair color).

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”  ~Dr. Seuss~

surely I’m not the crazy one for these beliefs

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