h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Didn't know that Naropia..I've got greasy hair so it didn't matter one way or another.
The thing with the chemicals in hair dye is that they will be tested as other things (or under different names) mainly because they are used in lots of different things...mostly cleaning products and the like...which then leads me to wonder why we put the ing things in our hair in the first place....

Then I realise if I didn't I'd have horrid extra greasy ditch-water colored hair...

Ah the things we do in the name of vanity!
Digression onto depilation yes or no, anyone?!

I haven't read all the previous posts but I ask this question. Why is there the presception that when men start to, or are, grey, they are refferred to as somewhat distinguished, whilst women are perceived as looking old? I'm in my 50th year and my children keep saying "Dye your hair Mom" My reply? "Ilike my hair the way it is thankyou" Haveing been born a true Red Head, now that my hair is greying, people constantly ask me if I've had it highligted. Vanity is a curious thing and as a woman I can't help but point out that we are under too much pressure by male driven society to appear young. In my mind, there is nothing wrong with growing old. Accept who and what you are and go with it. Perhaps my children's wish for me to dye my hair stems from the fact that I am definately the Oldest mother amongst their friends. I should be looked upon as a mother who has experienced a great deal more in life than my counterparts. I love it!

kasese

i'm planning to grow old disgracefully so starting to grey in my 30s is an asset

my mother never dyed her hair and went totally grey in her 40s so it seems normal to me.

Where I come from, women go grey at about a year old, just as soon as they lose the white fuzz.
IMHO, the real lookers are grey AND blotchy, with silvery whiskers. (A bit like the Goo-Pin-Up there in the top left corner)
Fish, anyone?
Pin

Right. Well. Considering I'm not a veggie or a vegan, and don't really care about the s, my memory is a bit sketchy.

I *know* definitely that Nicky Clarke products are NOT tested on animals; as thats the stuff some of my friends use.

But the rest escapes me. It should all be on the 'net though. Go look it up. There are plenty (LOADS!) of brands that don't. Shouldn't be hard to find out!

Are you having a bad day Saturnine - or are you always so terse. Thanks anyway, I'll try typing Nicky Clarke in search engine, see what I get from that.

Not only am I new to h2g2, I'm also new to computers and the net. Not quite got the hang of using it yet. And I'd be the first to admit - I'm not the brightest 'spark in the pack'

GT

What, because I don't particularly care about the s? I'm a range of emotions darling. Don't worry about me.

Just get onto any old search engine...type in something like "testing on animals" and you should be able to find a huge list of all kinds of products. The google engine comes highly recommended by the good folks on here And just between you and me...there are plenty of non-bright sparks on here. I doubt you're as bad as them. The recent speculation on the site is something to do with turkey slices. Go figure...

GT

if you're new to h2g2 *and* new to computers, then you're doing really well !

are you in brittain ? there will be loads of 'beauty not cruelty' type groups there who should be able to give you a list of products, manufacturers, retailers who don't test on animals. try your local environment centre for contacts.

as someone said, the body shop have a total cruelty free policy.

i don't think you could guarantee henna to be cruelty free - it would depend on who was selling it.

Oh...I plan to grow old disgracefully...but as I'm only in me mid twenties and still a student (therefore don't need to look respeccable) I'm making up for a youth of "oh, I@' not going to do that! I'm FAR too grown up and serious to dye my hair silly colours"

Oh, I was like that in my teens. I was too afraid of having a fringe because I didn't want spots on my forehead. I didn't want to bleach my hair, because I was afraid it would ruin it.

And I was right in doing so. I've now got good skin, and healthy hair that can put up with all kinds of dye and bleach. But still. I didn't look very good. Time to make up for it...

Coloring my hair doesn't have so much to do with being vain, as with getting bored with my hair, and wanting to change it. It's short and curly, so there's not a lot I can do with it, and it's fun changing the colors all the time ... confuses my husband, though ... "I thought I married a redhead!"

"we are under too much pressure by male driven society" - Don't blame us for this one. Last time I looked, the fashion industry was dominated by emaciated females and gay men. And every guy in this conversation has had cause to rue that fact, every time their wife or girlfriend with the perfect body couldn't be convinced that she is not, in fact, fat.

Why does everyone bring up the fashion industry? I rarely take any notice of whats going on on the catwalks. I don't know anyone who does. It's more other people in general that make me insecure about how I look.

And I *hate* the male dominated society bulls**t. We haven't been male dominated for decades now. The only reason why women are held back these days is because they always go on about being supressed by men.

I wish to be associated with the remarks of the previous speaker..

YAY Saturnine...

Not just you sweetheart, but the whole of this discussion thread makes me realise how lucky I am!
53, a very 'old' single Mum of a 14 year old, I've paid my dues agonising over my life. But reading this lot - well - we all have choices for ****'s sake! My hair started going grey in my early 20s but I was having too much of a good time to care. In my 30s I was having too much of a good time to care either. In my 40s I was a Mum and the lightening of my hair looked wonderfully expensive as if I'd spent a fortune in hairdresser's bills. Probably didn't visit more that 5 times in a decade and had hair cut by talented friends.
Now hair is almost completely silver but eyebrows still dark - another new question? Why do eyebrows not go grey when hair does?
Never had a moment's isecurity about colour of hair - other more important things - yes! Such as divorce, moving house, caring for aging parents, choices for daughter's GCSEs, becoming self-employed etc.
However, seriously contemplating dying hair red, purple or blue for the sheer hell of it before long. Promised myself I'd pass my college course (did - Distinction!), learn to use a computer and learn to swim before 50. All done!
Self image? It all becomes irrelevant eventually - keep clean and remember how to use the steam iron if the need arises!
Love.

Congratz on the Distinction Insomniac!

Thanx Zantic! - it was in Horticulture but we've been messing around with genes for a long time - plant-wise.
I think going grey of hair is all in the genes of the individual and not down to the mythology of trauma and worry.
Grow old disgracefully!