*This post was sponsored by Ulta as part of a Blog Blast Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.
Staring in the mirror, I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
There they were and as much as I hate winter was thankful for hats right about now.
Yup, I was seeing grey hairs already cropping up in my roots.
I had to think for a minute as to when I had my hair dyed last.
Sadly I checked my calendar, because I am lucky I remember yesterday with my busy schedule.
What is even sadder is that it was only three weeks ago give or take that I had my hair colored treated.
And here I am already noticing those ugly grey hairs at my root.
Once upon a time ago before saying I do and being called mom, I colored my hair for the fun of it and trying new hair colors out was not a chore.
I love being married with children for many reasons, but not for my hair’s sake.
Because now, as I am inching each day closer and closer to 40 years old, I am having to color my hair more to keep up youthful appearances than for the actual fun of it.
I also can’t go more than 4-5 weeks without getting a touchup, because like I said the grey hairs are sprouting up quicker and faster now more than ever.
All this hair dying to remain younger looking though comes at a cost, both monetarily (my wallet can attest to this), as well as for its damaging properties to my actual hair.
See I am honestly constantly torturing my hair in the name of beauty, because those pesky grey hairs are indeed advancing here at an alarming rate. Thus, the gap between coloring my hair has most definitely gotten shorter and shorter. It is because of this that I am exposing my hair to these types of chemical processes that have stripped my once youthful locks of their natural luster and splendor. Trust me, my hair has also become very course, brittle and dry, too.
Me with My Parents in My Younger Hair Dying Years Was All for Fun
However when I was younger, I scoffed at investing in better and more expensive hair care products. Don’t get me wrong, I have always loved learning about and testing new and better beauty and hair products, but again my wallet didn’t always comply.
But in recent times, I have softened to purchasing and using products to help keep my hair stay in better condition as I am all too aware as I shared all the damage hair coloring can do to my hair.
OK, I admit I am not ready to age just yet without putting up a good fight.
So, I now happen to shop at Ulta Beauty and this past year even procured platinum level status as a customer there. Yes, I can’t help, but love shopping for beauty/hair products and Ulta Beauty definitely is my go to store for this and so much more.
During one of my past visits in recent months, I came across Living Proof Timeless Collection, exclusively sold and found only at Ulta Beauty, which has been scientifically proven to combat and even reverse the signs of aging hair.
I couldn’t resist trying it out, even though I was skeptical at first, as I have used many different hair products over the years, but since this collection I have honestly been enjoying the beautiful hair reminiscent of my youth believe it or not by using a regimen of products that cater to my hair’s current needs.
Even before sudsing up and shampooing, I apply the Timeless Pre-Shampoo Treatment as the first line of defense against all my hair age-related concerns. This treatment also helps to improve strength by reducing hair breakage by up to 85% after the first use. Believe me when I say that after one use, I definitely did see a substantial difference in the amount of breakage in my own hair. Enough that I would definitely recommend, if you are experiencing similar issues.
By the way, after the pre-shampoo treatment, I also use the Timeless Shampoo and then Conditioner, as well to help further treat my hair, which has afforded me visibly beautiful, ageless hair, add extra body, all while re-texturing my dry, wiry, brittle hair, as well as keep my color vibrant & truer, longer.
Last, but not least, after my hair is washed and conditioned, I have taken to putting in Timeless Plumping Mousse even before styling, which not only makes it look fuller, but controls the unmanageable hair strands and also helps to keep it from breaking when I dry and straighten my hair.
Selfie Fun After Using Living Proof Collection…
Honestly, these four products are a godsend that has left my hair looking younger and most definitely more manageable, as well as allowing me to color my hair less often, as well.
Anything that makes styling my hair easier is a win-win in my book.
Is your hair aging right before your very eyes?
Have you tried Living Proof Timeless Collection only at Ulta Beauty?
Seana Turner says
Gray hair – ugh. On the one hand, I want to complain. On the other hand, my husband – who is losing his hair – tells me to be thankful I have hair! so, I do what I can and try to focus on the positives.
Janine says
I know Seana, my hair is still pretty thick so I guess I should be happy for small favors, too! 🙂
Jen says
You are speaking my language here! I hate those dang gray hairs. Seriously, they pop up like sprouts and stick straight out of my scalp! I need the Timeless products. Now 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Janine says
Happy to share and I know those gray hair totally stick up just like sprouts!!
Meredith says
Cannot wait to try these products! They sound amazing!
Janine says
Meredith, they really are amazing and seriously cannot say that enough!
Shelly says
I started going gray in my mid 20’s. I would dye my own hair at home to get rid of the grays. I have super sensitive skin and all the constant dyeing fried the top of my scalp, it felt like I my scalp was going to crack and bleed. By 30 I finally just gave up dyeing my hair altogether. I’m lucky though in that my gray hair is in a single “skunk stripe” at the top front of my head. It almost looks like I had it done. Now that I’m 46 I see more stray grays popping up but I’m cool with it. I tell myself some people never get lucky enough (old enough) to have gray hairs. I’m one of the lucky ones.
The shampoo packaging looks pretty sleek! I like it.
Janine says
Shelly, love that you are cool with the grays and wish I was as secure and OK with it here to be honest, but still just glad they make products to help with this 😉
Amanda || Growing Up Madison says
Oh you and me both about the aging. While I haven’t really seen any gray hairs as yet, I chalk it up to my genes. My mother died at age 75 and only had a few. I however am not averse to buying products that will help in limiting that process so might have to check these out.
Janine says
Yup, my grandfather and my mom got gray hairs pretty early on and took after them. So definitely agree about genetics for this. Also though just glad to share about the Timeless Collection with you 🙂
Dara says
I have grey hairs too. And I lose a ton when I shower…I’m not worried yet because I have so much hair as it is!
Janine says
Dara, I have a ton of hair myself, but the gray is beginning to outweigh and sadly take over. So just glad to find the Timeless Collection to help out a bit with this.
Christine Carter says
I would have NEVER guessed you had grey hair…. it’s always looking so beautiful and rich in color and YOUTH!!! I have serious grey going on now… lol I have about an inch of it now, just waiting to be “Nice and Easy”ed. 🙂 It sounds like I could really REALLY use this stuff.
Janine says
Chris, I hide it well and the one thing I actually do like about winter is being able to wear a hat if all else fails to cover it up! 😉
Julia Tomiak says
I hear ya, sister! I’m past 40 and used to be a red head – now I’m more of a blonde because I need those “hide-lights” to keep the grays at bay. I, too, have started investing in expensive hair care products to keep my locks in good shape. I currently use Arbonne products because my best friend from college sells them. If I need a change, I’ll try out your stuff.
Have you started to need readers yet? That’s great fun. I’ve opted for multifocal contacts. I’m putting up a fight, just like you. 😉
Good to see you on Eli’s blog today; we had the same idea, I think (My six words are right above yours) Have a great day!
Janine says
No readers yet, but I had Lasik back in my early twenties for nearsidedness and hoping that buys me a few more years still. Oh and I love that we thought alike for Eli’s prompt. Have a wonderful day, too!! 🙂
Emily says
I am a big fan of Ulta as well as Living Proof products. I didn’t realize they had this “timeless” collection and I will definitely try it. I too am a frequent hair colorer (every 3 weeks!) and I’ve noticed the texture of my hair has changed. I thought I could blame it on pre-menopause, but now I’m thinking it’s probably the chemicals….thanks for this review – very helpful!
Janine says
So glad this was helpful to you, too Emily and happy to hear from a fellow Ulta and Living Products fan, as well 🙂
Kelly L McKenzie says
I would never have guessed you were battling the greys! Golly. How wonderful that you have found this product that works and is something you can do to put off the need to colour as often! I’ll look for it. Not sure if they sell it in Canada.
Janine says
Kelly, I hide it well, but still I have been battling gray hair since I was in my early twenties and now heading to forty it is truly only getting worse and worse. That said, I hope that you have an Ulta store in Canada and can try this, too soon.
Bill says
I just finished my day job so sorry I’m late.
You’ll understand if I’m not too sympathetic about those gray hairs, won’t you? LOL I’ve had gray hairs since I was 25…now that’s just about all I see.
I prefer now to call them distinguished. LOL
Have a great day, YOUNG lady!
Janine says
Bill, same here and looks like we have had matching days so far. Also, I found my first gray at 18, so I was a bit younger but still looks like I was in good company. Wishing you a wonderful rest of the day now again!! 🙂
Tamara says
I’ve had grey hairs since my early 20’s. What gives. I don’t color yet. I alternate between wanting to pluck them or just embrace them – even though they stick out at odd angles.
Ultimately I will color and I am worried about my hair being dry and brittle, so that helps to know!
Janine says
I know I used to pluck when it wasn’t as much, but now if I plucked I would probably have a bald spot. So coloring is a must. Still so happy to pass along what is working for me at the very least 🙂
Aunt Gloria says
I didn’t want any more chemicals in my hair and color was needed after the third week….I could push to 4 but the grays were prominent. And so I decided to go “natural” and am now happily all white! But keeping my hair healthy and conditioned is still important. May try your product. Keep up the good work of keeping the grays under wraps….or color! You look great! Love……xxoo
Janine says
Aw, thanks Aunt Gloria and truly wish I could pull that off, but don’t think I could ever. Love you too xoxo
Kristi Campbell says
I wouldn’t have guessed you’re already dealing with the gray hair thing – but it does suck for sure! Aging stinks in general (but better than the alternative as they say lol). I love Ulta. Seriously love them. Thanks for the info Janine!
Janine says
So true and thanks Kristi and truly appreciate the compliment 😉
eli@coachdaddy says
My daughters tell me I should color, but I’ll never. I think for a guy, it kind of looks like we’re trying too hard if we dye. I’ll just trust in the thought that gray is distinguishing.
Janine says
I agree with your girl, I think greying does look way better on men than women totally.
lisacng @ expandng.com says
Your hair looks great! Mine is dryer than it used to be and falls out a lot.
Janine says
Aw, thanks Lisa and I have always had thick hair so thankfully that isn’t as much of an issue, but still the gray is my achilles heel unfortunately.
Diane Roark says
JANINE,
I am with you girl! The gray has definitely taken over. I started coloring my hair at age 18. It is truly dry and damaged most of the time. I am going to half to try timeless. I am going to finish using my expensive shampoo and then give Timeless a try.
Blessings,
Diane
Janine says
Aw, glad you can use and I know the dryness from dying is crazy here, too!
Allie says
I LOVE Living Proof product (and I support my girl, Jennifer Annistin). I love the Nourishing Style Cream!
Janine says
I am so with you on supporting Jennifer Aniston, too!! 😉
Cynthia says
Man, I’ve wondered when I’m going to need to start doing the hair-dye thing. Hehe. I don’t, yet. I’m on the downside to 40, and I have gray sprouting all over the place, but for some reason having it short hides it well, given my otherwise really dark hair.
In any case, I’ll have to try this stuff sometime!
Personally, I want to try reds and purples before I have to do the “natural” stuff.
Sending hugs! I hope you’re well. Happy Thursday!
Janine says
I loved to to see reds and purples on you and seriously if you do that, please share the photos. Major hugs and Happy Thursday to you, too!! 🙂
Kristen says
Don’t get me started on dry & brittle gray hair. IT’s the worst! I’m so glad you found success with these products, I’ll have to try them out! And you look fab!
Janine says
Aw, thank you so much, Kristen and I am truly impressed with this product line. So very happy to share with you, too 🙂
Rea says
It’s sometimes quite a challenge to find “the one.” Glad you liked that product! My hair thankfully is low maintenance, for now I guess. I’m quite lazy too when it comes to my hair. LOL. I don’t even put conditioner when I’m just home, hehe.
Janine says
I wish my hair was low maintenance and you are definitely pretty lucky in my eyes for that 😉
Dana says
I’ve heard of Living Proof, but I haven’t tried it yet. I definitely have gray hair, but fortunately the curls hide most of them! I haven’t had to color my hair yet, but I know it’s coming eventually!
Janine says
Dana, I wish my gray could be hidden, but alas it is finally I feel at the point that I just can’t hide it anymore.
Bev says
I remember the days of coloring my hair just for the heck of it. In college I think I tried something new every few months! I *thankfully* haven’t yet had to think about dying it to cover up gray, though I imagine those days aren’t too far in the future. I’ll have to keep these products in mind when that day comes!
Janine says
Happy to share these products with you for when you are indeed in need someday now, Bev 😉
Leslie says
I noticed my first gray hair at the ripe old age of 22. Thankfully there are still only a few, but they’re starting to multiply now that I’m solidly in my mid-30s. I have a friend who loves Ulta, and there’s actually one not far from our house. Definitely going to have to check it out, as my hair is pretty thin even at its healthiest.
Janine says
I hope you get to try Ulta, as I will be honest I just love that store to pieces 😉
catherine gacad says
your hair looks fabulous! i’ve used living proof products in the past. i have to try them out again.
Janine says
Aw, thank you Catherine and definitely recommend this product line 😉