The Rise of Grey Hair as a Fashion Statement
What was once seen as the ultimate sign of aging is now being celebrated as a stylish choice. Many people are not only accepting their grey hair but also embracing it with confidence. Celebrities such as Meryl Streep and Jane Fonda have been spotted rocking their natural greys, while Sarah Harris, editor of British Vogue, proves that grey hair can be just as fashionable as any other color. Even younger generations, including American singer Phoebe Bridgers and former influencer Kylie Jenner, have started dyeing their hair grey to achieve a trendy look.
Trichologist and former hair stylist Megan Brooks appreciates the beauty of grey hair. “I’ve worked with teenagers who had grey strands and styled adults with full salt-and-pepper looks. It’s time to forget the outdated belief that silver means old,” she says. Online, the trend has taken off with “greyfluencers” and “silver sisters” gaining popularity for their bold embrace of grey hair.
Despite its growing acceptance, there are still many misconceptions about grey hair. Let’s explore what we get wrong and how to properly care for it.
Common Misconceptions About Grey Hair
One of the most persistent myths is that grey hair is solely linked to aging. However, Wes Sharpton, a hairstylist at Hairstory, explains that grey hair is simply a result of pigment loss. “I’ve seen clients in their twenties with grey streaks, which is genetic,” he says. Megan Brooks, a trichologist at Oxea London, adds, “There’s no set age when grey strands appear. Some people may start seeing them at 25, while others might not find any until their fifties.”
Another common myth is that stress causes grey hair. While stress itself doesn’t lead to greying, it can speed up the process. Brooks explains, “Stress triggers hormones that weaken the cells responsible for hair color, potentially leading to earlier greying.” However, genetics remain the primary factor.
Some people believe that sun exposure leads to grey hair, but this isn’t true. While sunlight can lighten hair, especially with excessive exposure, it’s not a cause of greying.
What We Get Wrong About Grey Hair
There’s an old wives’ tale that plucking one grey hair will cause three to grow back in its place. This is false, according to Brooks. Moreover, pulling out grey hairs can damage the hair follicles, potentially preventing future growth or causing more greys to appear later.
If you want to remove grey hairs, consider professional methods. Brooks recommends visiting a hairstylist every six weeks for touch-ups, extending it to eight weeks for those with slower hair growth. For quick fixes, blending brushes and root touch-up sprays are effective options. Sharpton advises being mindful of environmental factors like sweat or heat, which can affect the appearance of dyed roots.
Semi-permanent dyes can also be a good solution. Brooks suggests using a dye one to two shades darker than your natural color, applying it to the roots and spreading it down with a comb. She warns that if your hair is dry or you have a sensitive scalp, look for dyes with less than 2% p-Phenylenediamine and include oils like argan or coconut for added moisture.
Caring for Grey Hair
Grey hair tends to be coarser, drier, and more prone to frizz due to lower melanin and oil production. Proper care is essential to maintain its health and appearance. Brooks recommends using a sulphate-free moisturizing shampoo, patting hair dry with a microfibre towel, and avoiding heat tools whenever possible. If you must use them, keep the temperature low (around 50 degrees) and apply a protectant spray.
Switching to wide-tooth combs or boar bristle brushes can help reduce breakage. Cos Sakkas, global creative director at Toni&Guy, suggests weekly conditioning masks and regular trims to manage split ends effectively.
Diet plays a role in delaying grey hair. Deficiencies in vitamin B, folic acid, and biotin are linked to early greying. Sakkas advises consuming healthy fats like avocados and nuts, along with protein-rich foods and leafy greens for extra iron.
Embracing the Journey
Ultimately, grey hair should be embraced, enjoyed, and enhanced. As Sakkas puts it, “It’s a beautiful tone that showcases our journey in life.” Whether you choose to cover it or go natural, understanding the science behind grey hair and caring for it properly can make all the difference.