Coping mechanism. I can see that.

Love hearing the Ryan rearing stories, bt. The boys were continuous question machines. When they were clearly just doing it to hear themselves talk because it was things they knew, I would make up crazy obvious tales instead of true answers. I suspect they encouraged this behavior.

I'd love to do blue lipstick and wild hair color choices, but those days have likely passed me by. 40+ years ago I rejected the makeup thing and never did get any good at it. Every few years I will try it once and not like it. Lotions and sunblock are about it. One of my 60 yo friends wears purple hair or other color hair on top, but her hair is white and curly so it is super easy for her. Maybe if my hair would hurry up and get more gray I could add a streak of some color.

I do enjoy a good dye job, but I no longer have the energy to keep on top of it. Not ready to fully embrace my gray yet, but I'm developing quite a high tolerance for my roots.

A coping mechanism that stopped working and became a hinderance

This is a great way to see a lot of things

My granny's silver hair is turning up in a streak at the front of my widow's peak. I'll probably let it grow out in 20 years or so, but I'm not ready now.

I saw a stunning mix of colors I'm lusting after -- a fabulous combo of reds, bronzes, violets. It was melty and vivid and...textured with color, if that makes sense.

But it would be so, so exorbitant. And the upkeep! Also, I think it's a fall do -- my color fades super fast in the summer, between sun, pool, and much more frequent showers.

I need about 2 inches cut off and maybe some rockabilly peroxide streaks. I'm feeling restless.

I got a trim right before NYE, so I'm not rocking feral hobo split ends (thanks for that phrase, Steph; I use it way too much) but I'm gong to pick up some dye this weekend.

Good lord, I am crazy tired. And I had good sleep, but I feel stupid slow right now.

I'm about ready to go to the local beauty school and have them do the application and rinsing of the burgundy semi-perm I'm using these days. I'll stick to bleaching and coloring my streaks on my own, but the idea of having someone else have to paint color on the back of my head? Very enticing.

That is a very good idea! I splurged and got a red glaze put on my hair when I got it trimmed last,and it was so luxurious having someone else do the back!

BTW, anyone wanting a boost without dyeing your hair, the glaze was $20,and gave my hair a lovely shimmering boost with tons of shine. I approve!

I can't afford to pay my stylist to just do my roots. She ends up doing a whole 3-part process on my head that costs me a mint.

Do you have resistant greys? I mean, a 3 process dye job can give you lovely, variegated color, but unless you're asking for something besides single process color, or if you have highlights/lowlights/bayalage, I don't know why roots would require the whole shooting match.