Marci’s Stunning Transition to a Silver Pixie

Marci Beighley is one of my favorite silver sisters on Instagram.  She is 38 years old, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and she has style!  You can find her on Instagram.

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How old were you when you discovered your first gray hair?

I was 15 years old when I found my first gray hair. Ahhhh, to be 15 years old. The summer of 1995, listening to Lisa Loeb and sitting on the dock all summer long with my one shiny gray hair and a crush on the boy across the lake. ?

How did you feel about finding that gray hair?

I didn’t really think much about it. I had only known my dad with solidly gray hair so I wasn’t completely shocked and I liked it enough that I didn’t pull it out. I’d check on it from time to time to make sure it was still hanging on!

How did your friends & family make you feel about your gray pixie hair?

My dad was thrilled with the idea. He likes when I do things my way.

My mom was supportive but was determined that she wouldn’t be going gray. She finally decided to join me five years later! My grandma (who had always had red hair) was not happy with me at all but we laughed about it.

I had silver when I started dating my husband so he was thrilled to see that I was bringing it back! My kiddos were too young to have any opinion but really love it now!

How many years did you dye your hair before going gray?

I actually only dyed my hair for about three years (at home).

What made you decide to stop dyeing?

I started dyeing because I felt tired after having two little kiddos. I began feeling better as my girls got older and more independent and I was actually getting some sleep!!

I was cutting my hair in the style I still wear, so my sides were shaved really close and dyeing hair that short was basically impossible and it was constantly growing out so I figured I’d go with it because I could tell even in those three years that my hair was significantly more gray than it was when I started dyeing.

How did you transition to gray hair?

I went cold turkey. My hair was already cut in a pixie so it didn’t take me that long but the top of my hair was as long as it is now.

I don’t have a part to my hair so I never had a definite line when growing out. If I could go back, I would’ve cut the top really short as well just to get it over with!!

It took me about 6-8 months. I didn’t document it very closely because at the time (2013-2014), if this community did exist, I didn’t know about it. I just did it on my own.

I was so thrilled to have that last little bit of color cut off!! I loved and still love my hair!

I’d have to say that I didn’t get a great deal of compliments on my brunette curls but I get stopped every time I’m out now. My family has gotten used to me stopping and taking the time to talk to women about going gray while they keep shopping.

I love taking the time to encourage other women to go for it!!

Any products you recommend for transitioning to gray hair?

I used a few different purple shampoos but finally stuck with Clairol Shimmer Lights because I could find it in both shampoo and conditioner. I have used it too often from time to time and have had quite a bluish tint to my hair but now only use it once every week or so.

As for styling my hair, I use the same types of products I used on my hair before. The texture of my hair hasn’t changed at all so I’ve kept to the

same routine.

I use a product by D:fi called Distruct. I like it but could be convinced to try something else.

I also use Wax Blast 10 by Redken and I adore it!!! I don’t know what I’d do without my Wax Blast!!

It’s basically a flexible, workable hairspray. It keeps me from losing my style but isn’t dry and crispy like hairspray. Love it!!

Did you use any online resources for helping you in your gray hair transition?

At the time, I did a lot of Pinterest and Google searches for gray hair and going gray. Honestly, at the time I didn’t come across much at all! Especially natural gray.

The idea of dyeing your hair gray was just beginning to take hold so I saw a lot of that. Without question, I knew I was going gray but was hoping for some advice.

The one person/blog I did find was Lauren from How Bourgeois. She was about all I could find at that time and I loved her blog and felt that we were the only two people going gray in the whole world! Haha!!

I’m so glad to realize now that we’re not alone! After completing my transition, Instagram started to become more popular and I was part of some private Facebook groups of women who were going gray.

I’ve always liked sharing with everyone and inspiring and answering as many questions as could be thrown my way. I really felt alone in my transition and I’m determined to support everyone and anyone who needs it!

Any advice to women who are thinking about going gray?

Find your support system! If you don’t have it at home or in your circle of friends and family, then share with all of us!!

Sometimes the people around you are the most critical of your decision to go gray. We, on the other hand, are extremely supportive!! We know what you’re going through and we’re here for you!!

When you share a photo of an inch of growth, your friends and family might question your sanity but we will celebrate that inch as a victory and cheer you on!

My last bit of advice would be to go for the big chop. I know a lot would disagree and don’t want to cut their length.

I wish I had cut mine as short as possible from the start. I suggested that my mom get a tiny pixie when she started and her color was completely grown out in a couple short months!! She’s now growing her pixie a bit a longer but it’s all her natural color.

It’s just the way I’d go, but of course, I adore a pixie!!! ?

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Related Posts:

Alison’s Transition from a Curly Bob to a Silver Pixi

Lisa’s Salt & Pepper Transition

Why Debbi Transitioned to Gray Hair

Jojo’s Salt & Pepper Curls