In this blog we discuss the pros and cons of grey hair. Popular opinion would have it that grey hair is reserved for older members of society. We may never question this view. Perhaps we think that grey hair is just not sexy or modern.
It’s currently 2022 and many of us have been in various degrees of lock down. Hairdresser appointments have been postponed indefinitely. Those pesky roots are coming through faster than we can get to the box dye. But is this really the end of the world? Is it time to look at whether to let your hair go grey?
More and more women are challenging the grey hair stigma. Take a look online and you will find that grey hair can be beautiful and stylish. Grey hair is just another hair colour.
It’s a fact that as we age our hair will lose pigment. However, many people start losing their hair pigment from a very young age. I started noticeably to lose mine in my twenties and thirties. My daughter has at least ten grey hairs on her head and she is thirteen!
Most people will have various degrees of grey hair by the time they are in their thirties. But we forget this because most women (and men, mind you) dye their hair. With very few role models out there, it’s easy to forget this.
What is important to remember is that you do have a choice … really, you do! Take a look on google, Instagram and Pinterest to see for yourself just how beautiful, stylish and stunning grey hair can be.
Let’s look at the pros and cons ...
First the cons
The grow-out
Before you decide to let your natural colour grow through, you will need to consider how dark your dyed hair is and whether you are happy to let it grow out as it is. The alternative would be to break up the dark colour with highlights so as to transition without a harsh line.
There may be financial implications. This will depend on how many appointments you will need to get your hair to the right shade. Some clever hairdressers can actually get your hair to a similar colour to your natural shade. Your decision may depend on how light your actual grey is. There is no right or wrong; it's about finding what you think will work for you.
You might not like your natural hair colour
Most women embrace their natural hair and love it. I love my grey hair and I get compliments on it daily. There is a possibility you won’t. You can always start dying it again if you don’t like it.
Your nearest and dearest may not support your decision
This is a sad but unfortunate truth. And it's difficult, because this is one decision where you may require considerable support. If this is the case, just remember that this is your hair and your decision. Own it! You will prove them wrong! My husband and children were horrified when I told them I was going to embrace my grey hair. My daughter, who was nine at the time, started to cry. But now, four years down the line, they are my biggest advocates. You may have been inspired by other women you have seen with grey hair. Those around you may not have the same vision as you. Show them some pictures of how you intend to style your hair when it has grown out.
Grey hair isn’t always easy
Sorry to break this to you guys, but grey hair needs loads of maintenance. Yellowing is just one of the problems I have with my hair, and maintaining its brightness. There are now plenty of products on the market that can help, so we are lucky. Targeted blonde-hair products can help if you are a very light grey. But don’t enter into this thinking you won’t need to make an effort. You will, and you will probably want to. I now nurture my hair rather than torturing it with excessive heat and toxic hair-colouring.
Now for the pros
Fewer toxins
Fewer toxins entering the body may lead us to question other areas in our health where we could make better choices. This can be huge for our self development and can lead to growth and opportunity.
You have a hair colour that is all your own
Nobody in the world will have the same hair colour as you. You are unique because you are special. Be proud of it. Self love all the way!
Healthy hair
Do not believe for one second that because your hair is grey it will be coarse. This is not necessarily true. My hair was coarser when I was dyeing it all the time. My hair is now thicker, healthier and stronger than it has ever been. I look after it and I don’t douse it in chemicals any more. I do use heat, but only sparingly. There is no need to give up heat if you don’t want to. Saying that, you may decide to stop heat altogether.
This article could go on and on, especially with regard to the pros. I champion all women who make this decision and I am a massive supporter online for those transitioning. Please do reach out and introduce yourself. I would love to meet you on here.
You can always read books about women who have let their hair go grey before us. I recommend the following inspirational reads:
Silver Hair by Lorraine Massey
The Curly Girl Method by Lorraine Massey
These books are all very different but equally insightful.
I invite you to follow me on Instagram @silver_styling. I am a makeup artist, stylist and natural hair advocate and blogger and share all related bite-sized content over there. You can also join me on all other socials under Silver Styling. Links are on the site.
Before you go, do consider joining the newsletter here and you will automatically be added to the waiting list for a free Fast Track To Fabulous Starter Guide as soon as it becomes available. This way you can stay in the loop with all things self-care and beauty for the over 40s.
Until next time
Mel
Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
