TresSugar

Turn-On or Turn-Off: Gray Hair

DearSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:30:00 -0800

We live in a culture that places a lot of emphasis on youth and looking young, which is why many women take to hair dye before they let a strand of gray tarnish their locks. While there are some men who also opt for a good dye job at the first sign of gray, it’s more common for a guy to let his hair naturally do what it’s going to do. Now, I’m not saying I’m into men decades older than me, but I do think a bit of gray flecking a beard or a salt and pepper mane can be pretty gorgeous. So do you think gray hair is a turn-on or turn-off?

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Dear Poll: Do You Like Men With Gray Hair?

DearSugar — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:00:00 -0700

I think gray-haired men can be incredibly sexy. Salt and pepper is my favorite, especially on a beard. When a man embraces his gray, I think it exudes confidence, character and wisdom.

On the other hand, some women don't find it attractive at all. They view gray hair as an indication of old age, so ladies, tell me, do you find men with gray hair attractive or do you feel it ages them a bit too much for your liking?

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The How-To Lounge: Coping With Gray Hair

DearSugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:00:00 -0700

A girlfriend of mine just noticed her first gray hair! Since I haven't spotted one on myself yet, I couldn't commiserate with her, but since we aren't getting any younger, I thought now would be a good time to address the issue!

Click here to read more

First and foremost, don't panic! Most of us will eventually get gray hair and, in the grand scheme of things, it isn't the end of the world
The science behind our hair going gray is down to the cells in our hair follicles called Melanocytes. Over time, the Melanocytes stop generating pigment which causes our hair to have a transparent appearance in turn, looking gray against our darker hair
If you have a lot of grays that you want to get rid of, find a great hair stylist. Get your hair colored every six to eight weeks and stick with highlights and or low lights, as they have a smoother grow out period than all over color
I was always under the impression that if you pluck one gray hair, more will grow, but luckily, it's an old wives' tale. Since the hair is technically dead, all you are doing is removing a dead cell from the follicle, which will not cause more to grow
Unfortunately, going gray is just a part of getting older. Some go prematurely gray while others, thanks to their genes, don't go gray until later in life, and some are lucky enough to not go gray at all. Then there are some that look great with their gray hair, or even salt and pepper (George Clooney anyone?!) so whatever your reaction is to the change, try to keep it all relative!

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Can Stress Turn Your Hair White?

DearSugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:00:00 -0700

A close friend of mine in college had gorgeous dark brown hair, and he always had a few stray white hairs. He said it was because of stress, but can that really affect your hair?

Hair is a protein that gets its color from a pigment known as melanin - the same pigment that gives your skin its color. Over time, the amount of melanin in your hair decreases. Gray hair is simply hair with low levels of melanin and white hair has no melanin at all.

So can fear or stress change your hair color? It sounds believable to think that your emotional state can have a significant impact on the hormones that affect the amount of melanin deposited in each strand of hair, but there is NO scientific proof that this is true.

Most men start to turn gray in their early 30s, and for most women, it starts to happen after 35. Genetics can also play a role - causing you to develop premature white hair in your 20s. There's no way to prevent the graying process from happening - it's just a wonderful part of growing old.

While we're on the subject - if you do find a gray or white hair, and you pluck it out, contrary to popular belief, two more gray hairs will NOT grow in its place, so feel free to pluck away!

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Do You Think There's an Ideal Age For Happiness?

TresSugar — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 02:00:00 -0700

I found the results of this study dubious, and then I read that Clairol Perfect 10 sponsored the research, asking 4,000 women between ages 25 and 65 at what age they were happiest.

The answer? 28, before visible aging occurs (wrinkles, gray hair - you know, the things Clairol has products for) and when sex is supposed to be best. (Wait, I thought sex was best for women in their 30s and 40s?) In addition to being happiest with their looks in their late 20s, the women surveyed said their careers and relationships were best in the 28 to 30 range.

A spokesperson for Clairol Perfect 10 said, "A little time put aside in hectic schedules for self-pampering and the odd beauty product can help keep you feeling young and looking your best." Riiiight.

What do you think - is there an ideal age for happiness?

What's Up With the Susan Boyle Obsession?

TresSugar — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:00:00 -0700

The gifted Susan Boyle came into our lives thanks to Simon Cowell and YouTube. The unconventional star of Britain's Got Talent made us overlook her gray hair and dowdy clothes with her beautiful voice. Everyone seemed genuinely impressed with her talents and a little intrigued by her unlikely appearance.

But now that we've made Susan a star, it's time to bring her down. After losing the talent show, Susan's suffered a breakdown! And she's off to rehab. (For exhaustion?)

The recent stories about Susan don't praise her voice; instead they mock her personal life. Today, there's a story out about how Susan cried out for her cat, "flapping her arms like a confused child" and apparently screaming "Where's Pebbles?" OK, we get it. Susan is 48 and not married. She's a crazy cat lady.

Do you think Susan's vocal talents can propel her to a successful career based on her music, or will the public treat her as some sort of freak?

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Are You Willing to Go Gray?

DearSugar — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:30:00 -0700

People are cutting corners left and right, but one place many women aren't skimping is at the hair salon! Since we're having to compete for jobs in a terrible market with other women, sometimes half our age, Charla Krupp, author of How Not to Look Old says we really can't afford to go gray. Not only that, but she says going gray is just the first step in letting yourself go entirely, and who wants to do that?

On the flip side, other women report going gray is a liberating experience. They feel more content and connected to their authentic selves. Their pocketbooks are thicker and they have more free time - no more long appointments at the salon. But as we all know, gray isn't for everyone, so tell me, even if you're watching your spending, will there always be money to cover up those grays?

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Relationship Protocol: The Aging Process

DearSugar — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Women spend millions of dollars every year on anti-aging products, yet so many of us admit to feeling better in our own skin the older we get. With age comes wisdom, but it comes with a change of appearance too. It seems that men aren't as concerned with it, but tell me, what do you think about the way your significant other is aging? Do you find his growth in character and those few gray hairs extremely sexy, or are you more of a fan of his baby face?

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10 Tips For Surviving a Rainy Day

DearSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

The rain just started in San Francisco, so if you're like me and struggling with how to survive the bad weather ahead, check out my 10 helpful tips to keep you sane this rainy season. And as always, if you have any suggestions to add to my list, please do so in the comments section below.

Be sure to weather-proof your leather and suede shoes and handbags. The rain can do a number on your nice accessories.
Invest in a cute pair of wellies!
Master your rainy day 'do. Nothing can ruin your mood faster than having a bad hair day, so have a go-to style that you can rely on when you know your hair won't cooperate!
Don't forget that men are more attracted to women's bodies during the Winter months, so embrace the season!
Just because it's gray outside doesn't mean you have to wear dark colors. If you brighten up your wardrobe, I'm sure it'll help brighten up your mood, too!

Want to see my last five tips? If so, just read more.

Own multiple umbrellas. It's easy to leave them places, so make sure you always have an extra at home or in your car.
Be sure to have a weather-resistant laptop bag.
Buy a good doormat this Winter. You don't want to track mud or water throughout your house.
Stock up on logs for your fireplace - you want to take care of that chore before the heavy rain starts!
It's easy to get a little blue when it's dark and dreary outside, so focus on the positives of a rainy day: cozy sweaters, a warm house, soothing soups, and hot bubble baths!

What helps you get through a rainy day? Tell us in the comments below!

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Come Story Telling with me!!! The Completed Story

DearSugar — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:56:52 -0700

I hope you all enjoyed this new feature as much as I did! Your wild imaginations made for a great story line! To read the completed tale you all helped create, read more

"Ready for coffee yet?" I e-mailed Leah, "I am DYING to tell you about my crazy weekend with Jordon...." "I can't" was the quick response. Curious since she was always so eager to hear the details of my one night stands that turn into a full weekend. Wait, was Jordan his name again? "Okay, well then, when?" Was my impatient reply. What was going on with her? "In 1 hour, I'm dealing with something right now. Star-bee's, k?" Leah responded. "K" I said. What was I going to do for one whole hour? I really wanted to tell her about Jordon, and find out what was going on with her!

I arrived at starbucks an hour later. That's odd, she usually arrives before me whenever we make plans to meet up I hope she's ok. She arrived 15 minutes late. I had already ordered my mochiato, and she went and ordered a white blueberry unsweetened shaken iced tea. She sat down and it began to rain outside.

"So what was the big hold up?," I asked Leah. "I was making an appointment for Caleb." Caleb was her three year old son and she just recently went back to work since having him. She had been freaking out ever since he has started pre-school. She cant stand being away from him for a full 8 hrs. She is constantly making appointments for him, always worried he has caught something from another child. "Well I want to tell you all about Jordon! Or wait...was his name George? Haha--"

"Angela!? Are you ever going to grow up! You're 34! What's up with all of the flings all the time!?," Leah screamed at me. "Jeeeeeeeeeeeeez. What is your problem?" I was shocked. Leah had never responded this way to my flings before. Leah burst into tears. "I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I've just been so jealous lately because I've been tied down with Josh and the baby. I miss our fun time together and I'm stressed about the baby and working. I'm so sorry."

Okay, so this was new. I carefully thought about it and then said. "I totally understand but you gotta remember not everything's greener on the other side of the fence. Granted we always had a blast in the past but remember all the heartache you were put through? Look at what you have now," I said with a smile. "I on the other hand..." "I am jumping from one bed to another at a pace that would stand freud's hair on end. Your son is beautiful, healthy and adores his wonderful mommy. Stop already. You can live the wild life through me! Now listen to MY story..."

Jordon's truck rumbled down the old dirt road as the blindfold tugged uncomfortably at Angela's hair. She strained her neck with the hope that it might loosen the cloth's unyielding grasp but with each bump she began to forget about the black and green stripped blindfold "Where are we going?" begged Angela. "We have at least been driving for 3 hours and as being the one who is temporarily blind I demand some freedom for me eyes."

Jordon only laughed and told Angela that their destination was only just around the bend but as they turned the sharp corner a huge blur cascaded upon their windshield and glass was now covering the blindfold that had transformed into her protection instead of her momentary handicap.

"Oh sh*t, oh my god, Angela are you okay?" cried Jordon. "Wh-what did we hit?" squeaked Angela and as she reached up to untie her bittersweet companion she felt it was bloody and when she removed her blindfold she saw that they hit a man. They quickly rushed to see is the man was badly hurt. "Oh my God!" Angela exclaimed. She was also surpised to see that the man they hit is her ex-boyfriend. "Travis are you okay?" Angela said while her trembling hands touched the face of the man they hit.

Leah stops Angela midway through her story. "Wait wait wait... what!? Are you serious?!" Leah exclaimed. "Of course not!" reassured Angela, "I was trying to shock you so you wouldn't think about the problems you're blowing out of proportion since we both know consoling you doesn't work. You know I love you Leah and will always be there for you whenever you need me." "Goodness gracious! I was starting to think you've gone crazy with that story of yours! So tell me what really happened with Jorden or Goerge or whatever the heck his name is haha," said Leah.

"We met at a party and flirted like all night. We went back to my place and had the best sex ever." "Are you going to see him again?" asked Leah. "I didn't get his number, or full name for that matter. Too bad, because I thought there was something there. He did however leave behind a briefcase with the initials "G.B.H." I then lifted up the briefcase and put it on the table. "Well then, his name is most likely George then.

Did he get your number?" "No," I said sadly. "This is really nice leather. I think it is italian." She tried to open it, but it was locked. "I know, it smells lovely. Should we break it open and try to find him? I so badly want to see him again. "

Leah carries around everything in her purse. Her husand, Josh, had recently given her a very expensive pocket knife. She took out a screwdriver and screwed out the screws holding the lock. The briefcase had been made for style, not security. They popped it open and inside was paper work and objects in plastic bags.

"Omg he's a lawyer!! It was Geordan B. Hoffler, the top prosecutor in the state!! He is doing that high profile case against Lindsay Lohan today."

Lindsay Lohan had recently been arrested, again, but this time for breaking into Philisophy cosmetics. It had stuned the media recently as to why. "Geordan?" I asked. "His parents are loaded and his father's name was Georgan, an his mother Jordan. His siblings are Georgianna, Skye, and Taylor. The own a hotel chain across Europe, but like it here in the US. Geordan wanted to do more than be an heir, and went to Yale."

When Leah was pregnant she spent time reading all about socialites.
"Well, we better get down to the courthouse then and get him his briefcase." As they stumbled through the crowd at Starbucks, all Leah could think about is how jealous she was of Angela's wealthy one night stand.

She looked at Angela from the corner of her eye. Angela stood 5'7" tall and her long, auburn hair cascaded in waves down to her shoulder blades. Her big, hazel eyes gave the illusion of two planet earths floating in her sockets. Leah knew she was plain in comparison to Angela, with her short, blond bob and grayish-blue eyes. Her skin was much more fair is color than Angela's too. I wish I was a passionate sultriest, maybe then my husband and I wouldn’t be fighting over these... "Papers!..", exclaimed Leah and Angela stopped in her tracks.
"What?!" , inquired Angela..."Papers?" "Oh nothing, I was just remembering some papers I had to sign for work, but they can wait," answered Leah. They can always wait, she thought. She had never wanted divorce. They hopped into Leah's car and hurried down to the courthouse but was unable to get through due to the enormous amount of paparazzi filling up the streets.

"What are we going to do?," asked Angela. "There's no way we'd find Geordan in this chaos." Angela who had insisted that she drive, took a sharp u-turn and headed back towards the coffee shop. "Where are we going?" asked Leah. "I thought we were going to find Geordan no matter what?" "Oh shhh, we are going, trust me alright," bellowed Angela as she swerved through the Lindsay Lohan fans and haters.

The streets were full of old brick buildings that were now being obstructed by thousands of human bodies. Leah could not understand why this young star got so much attention but then again Leah wished she could walk down the same street and be loved and even hated by thousands.

She loved and hated her husband but she remembers it as if it were yesterday - the long dark strand of hair that she pulled out of his sweater as she does his laundry. She thinks she is being silly; that he works with women everyday. She beings to fold his gray, Calvin and Klein slacks, the same ones he wore when he went to his knees in their engagement. And as if in slow motion, the pink note slips out of the back pocket it says three simple words:

"Josh, I want a divorce." She said when they sat down for dinner four nights ago. They were having green beans and chicken. Josh just stared at her in shock, his mouth hanging open wide, and his fork midway to his mouth full of greenbeans. "..But why? We have been so happy! What about Caleb? Don't you love me? Don't you love him."
"I love you with all my heart," she said and got up from the table and threw the plate into the sink. It shattered in the sink. She grabbed her car keys and had been staying at her mother's house since. She hadn't been making a call to Caleb's doctor, but to her sister and divorce laywer, Rachel.

Rachel had tried to tell her she is jumping to conclusions. She knew her sister's marriage wasn't like the ones she always deals with. Leah wouldn't listen though. She couldn't imagine any other reason as to why there would be a note from a mysterious "A". "A" for Amber, "A" for Amanda, "A" for Ashley she thought..."A" for Angela?? "No, it can't be my Angela" she thought.

You would of never thought Angela to be a morale woman by any means. She was always bed hopping, and was quite the lush in college. But, Angela would of never have commited adultery. Not with her Josh right?

"You slut," said Leah outloud to Angela without thinking. Angela thought she was kidding. "Oh come on, you have always known I like my one night stands." "I found the note you left Josh." "The one about the necklace?"
"Pardon?"
"I picked up a custom made locket for him, that's for you. It has a picture of Caleb on one side, and the other of him. It is 18 k white gold. OMG! You think I slept with him!? Leah! Never!!!"

They now needed to rush to the court for Lindsay Lohan's trial, and to stop Rachel from writing up anymore paperwork. Outside a Lindsay Lohan fan was holding a sign that read "Save L-Lo." "Oh brother," said Angela. They had to walk 27 blocks to get to the court house through all the media.

"How are we going to get through?" asked Angela. There were twenty sherrif deputies controling the crowd. Leah went up to one and said, "I am meeting my lawyer Rachel Henry today here to look at some legal work." "Why aren't you meeting at her firm?" asked the deputy.
"She was having a hearing today for another case, and needed to see me asap. I wanted the paper work done right away." Leah showed him the divorce papers, and he recognized Rachel Henry's name. He let Leah and Angela up to the steps, through the doors.

There in the lobby was Rachel, Geordan, two other lawyers, and Josh.
"Angela!!" yelled Geordan!! He ran over to her. "I was so upset you didn't call me! I wanted to see you again, and also I left my very important briefcase at your apartment."
"You didn't leave your number," said Angela.
"Yes I did, on the dry errase board in the kitchen."
Angela hadn't gone to the kitchen this morning. She has her breakfast at Starbucks every morning.
Leah turned to Josh, "I was all wrong about the note, I'm sorry! Angela told me about the necklace." "Well there goes your surprise," said Josh.
"It is ok, you're always giving me gifts, all I need is you and Caleb. They hugged each other in an embrace and he kissed her gently. Everyone around them made an "aww noise." "Well," said Geordan, "Angela you can go sit in the back of the court if you wish. We have an important trial today."

Angela went and took a seat in the courtroom. A half hour later the trial began. Every seat in the courtroom was filled and the noisy whispers made the courtroom seem like packed stadium. Angela handed Geordan his Italian leather briefcase and he kissed her softly on her cheek. She blushed and took a seat next to Rachael, Angela and Josh.
Geordan walked to the front of the courtroom with a hop in his step since he now had Angela and his briefcase back. Angela could not help but think how nice his ass really looked in his Gucci made suit and began imagining herself in a nice, silk designer wedding dress.
"Whoa..", she sighed out loud and Leah raised her left eyebrow is curiosity. Leah gave a sweet smile and then looked away. They had been friends for too long for Leah to not understand what Angela had been thinking but why did Leah even think she would have slept with Josh?

Leah was a beautiful women with Marylin Monroe hair cut that made her look like a porcelain doll. Her fair skin always showed her soft pink cheeks and her hair fell perfectly into front of her marble eyes.
Then Angela had an idea, maybe a necklace wasn't what Leah really needed... "I got it!" exclaimed Angela. Her sudden outburst halted the court's proceedings. She blushed and quickly hid her face behind her Birkin. Leah turned to her friend and asked, "What was that about?"
"oh nothing," answered Angela gleefully.

I hope LaBelle Spa Retreat has an opening this up coming weekend, thought Angela. Leah totally deserves to be pampered after going through postpartum depression. Since the birth of her baby girl Grace, she has been down. And with Caleb going off to pre-school, and thinking Josh was cheating. It was to much for her. Poor Leah.
As trail went on Leah grew bored with this L- Lo non-sense.....
She leaned into Angela and "Hey, Lets blow this joint!" "Seriously?" replied Angela, somewhat taken aback at the thought of having to miss watching her new man in action in the courtroom. "Where to?" Angela jerked her head around and squealed. Again, the whole courtroom turned around to see who was interrupting the proceedings.

"I have an idea... just follow me, it'll be a surprise!" And with that, she led Angela as quietly as possible out of the courtroom. Strangely enough, neither women looked back to see their men being left behind. They walked the 27 blocks back to the car. I feel really bad about accusing you with Josh," said Leah. "Well, I have always been a bit wild, but I'd never do that." "I know." "And you're right. I'm 34. I need to settle down a tad." "O really?" said Lead raising an eyebrow. "Well, as in settle down I mean dating one guy for awhile, and seeing where it takes me. I wont cast out marriage, as long as my husband is a sex machine, and can satisfy my many tastes." "And is Geordan that man?"
"Haha, maybe." "So, how are we going to get you with Geordan, and me to beg for forgiveness from Josh?" "What if I take Grace and Caleb this weekend, and you go to this great spa with Josh? They have couple massages, mudbaths, and a huge jacuzzi in your room. Courtesy of moi."
"That sounds nice."
"Now that I'm being such a saint, are you going to help me with Geordan?" "Of course! Well, you obviously already have him hooked. Perhaps you should be waiting there to celebrate with him after the trial, or comfort his loss?" "Haha, well Lohan is totally guilty."

The ladies then went to Anthropolgie to get come cute outfits, and then to Agent Provocateur for something more sexy underneath. While trying on sexy lingerie Angela knew this was the time to boost Leah's spirits. She grabbed a nearby chemise she had been eying and told Leah to put it on. Leah stepped out of the changing room with her short, blond curls softly outlining her face her cheeks stained with an embarrassed blush. "Wow.." is all Angela could say while Leah soft smile turned into a frown. "You picked out a nice one," regarded Leah as she touched the pink chemise lined with silk white roses and pink lace.
"Pink was always my color," sighed Leah. "What's WRONG with you," cried Angela. "You are a bombshell that just need a little self-confidence boost and I still have no idea what is stopping you from wanting to make wild love to the lady you are looking at in the mirror, YOU!"

Leah laughed and Angela purr like a cat as Leah twirled in her new chemise. "Black Card to the rescue!" giggled Angela.