Aastha Trivedi
It seems that grey hair is the new black as women sport their authentic roots. Long associated with ageing, this new trend is not just for the distinguished gentlemen. But is this style just a fad? Or a form of vindication that’s been a long time coming?
Amidst the challenges that women face when trying to meet societal beauty expectations, one that often goes unspoken about is premature greying. However, many women are transforming this narrative by embracing their silver streaks!
Celebrities such as Sandra Oh, Jane Fonda, and Viola Davis are flaunting their grey hair.
In July 2021, Andie Macdowell decided it was time to sport her greying hair. When her managers told her that now wasn’t the time, she responded, saying: “I think you’re wrong, and I’m going to be more powerful if I embrace where I am right now. It’s time because in two years I’m going to be 65. If I don’t do it now, I won’t have the chance to be salt-and-pepper.”
While this transition is empowering, it is not always easy. Many women feel self-conscious among friends who choose to cover their roots. Nevertheless, the support of their friends and family can bring about a real confidence boost.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
As reported by MSNBC, a 41-year-old teacher from New York, Heren Mercedes decided to cherish her grey curls despite feeling “vulnerable”. Her friends encouraged her to showcase her curls on social media receiving a wave of encouragement from the #SilverHairSisters.
According to The Guardian, the social media hashtag #greyhairdon’tcare has also been used in almost 500,000 posts on Instagram and another 138.9 million on TikTok, indicating a growing movement towards self-acceptance.
“While this transition is empowering, it is not always easy.”
The journey of cherishing our natural hair colour is shared with communities around the world. The Instagram page, @thebetterinindia, showcased Mythari, a young Indian bride, displaying her silver threads as she walked down the aisle.
Influenced by the courage of her mother, who started greying at thirty and choosing not to colour her hair, she said: “My grey hair tells a story of strength, authenticity and the beautiful connection I share with my mom”.
Older women have become role models for younger generations, inspiring women to remain confident when noticing their hair greying during their youth. This natural transformation becomes something to welcome rather than resist.
GOING GREY (AND NEVER GOING BACK)
Men are not always expected to reach for the dye at the first signs of silver, but women are. Collectively, going grey is a symbol of women’s fearless strife to embrace ageing. It is another step towards transforming centuries of prescribed expectations for women to maintain a flawless appearance.
On social media, such trends align with other revolutionary movements such as #bodyhairisnatural, a TikTok hashtag with 56 million views, an effort promoting the acceptance of women’s body hair.
Such movements allow social media to be a safe space for all people to cherish their imperfections and remain authentic to who they truly are.
“transforming centuries of prescribed expectations for women to maintain a flawless appearance”
It is important to remember that every person’s relationship with their appearance and personal journey towards self-acceptance is different.
While some in their fifties may allow their hair to go grey, others may want to start dyeing their lustrous and vibrant colours. Ultimately hair is a means of self-expression that allows women to feel confident, challenge beauty norms, and show that women’s worth extends far beyond appearance.
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