I asked SagaSam why we don't have a 'Fashion, Hair & Beauty Forum' and this was her reply

"If this is something members would be interested in contributing to, why not set up a discussion topic in the Lifestyle section. You can then start different topics that you think would appeal to the Zone audience".

So I posted a topic on the Lifestyle Forum as suggested, but as it doesn't seem quite as popular as the Chat Forum, I thought I'd post on here as well, in the hope there might be more 'takers'.

Anybody interested out there ??

Thank you DS! As you are a fashion icon in the eyes of many, any little tips on fashion and beauty would be gratefully received by some of the more sartorially challenged zoners among us..including myself.

Have a positively elegant day!

Ann
xx

In what aspect of 'fashion'? Ethic/cheap clothes/catalogue v shop etc?

Okay.... to start the ball rolling ........

Do you colour your hair ?
If so, do you do it yourself, or have it done at the hairdressers ?

I think this is an excellent topic for both sexes.

Do I colour my hair - I went grey when I was in my 30's and kept it that way because having a much younger face then I could get away with it but in my late 50's went blonde and had it coloured at the hairdressers. Unfortunately I had to have an operation on my forehead and was told by the consultant not to continue with it, although I only had vegetable dyes and not bleach. Hence I have now gone back to grey, although nearer white is probably a better description. However, I have been toying with the idea of using a bought product on my hair which would wash out but am reluctant in case I make a total mess of it, plus I don't know enough about colouring really to experiment. Any ideas? Norma

With honourable exception of Dream Saga this seems to be an all female forum.

For the the fashion concious Gentleman, I have an excellent book called "Grooming Essentials For Men."

Indeed my current avatar is culled from the pages of this estimable publication. Used Tea Bags are an excellent way of removing that unsightly puffiness from the eyes which is so often caused by over indulgence or, if you are a Chelsea fan, mourning the passing of "The Special One."

My top fashion tip for the older man is to go for the shorter haircut. A "number one" may be too drastic and has unfortunate connotations if combined with tatoos and ear rings.

Ask for the "number two" It's a bit drastic at first but has the key benefit of making all your hair look a uniform dark grey. No need for expensive and environmentally damaging chemicals -

A number two costs no more that £6 (special rates for OAPs) at any decent provincial Barbers. Incidentally, Barbers are making a big come back. You can get an Indian head massage in mine.

At all costs, avoid the dreaded "comb over" much loved by Bobby Charlton and others in the 60s.

It fools no-one.

Pete

I can identify with everything's that been said here, hairdressers leaving and finding different ones, highlights during the salt & pepper stage, and now, being totally grey with an 'ash' tint.

My problem is, my hair is so thick and slightly curly, it has to be kept short, (otherwise I'd look like the mad woman from Borneo), and, because it grows 'like topsy', it needs cutting every four/five weeks, so you can see that it's a bit heavy on the old purse.

Having said that, I do save money on colour - I use L'oreal Recital Preference, and at around £6.50 a box is much cheaper than a 'professional' job.

No, the model isn't me. Far too young to be a Saga Zoner! An extract from the aforementioned "Grooming Essentials for men."

£7? - daylight robbery!

Pete

Looks fine from your photo Zabeth. The only colouring my hubby is good at are watercolours, thankfully. LOL

The most I have ever paid for a trim is £5.50 (and that is not pensioner's rates). I have used the same hairdressers for 25 years.

Chris