Grey Gardens: A Woman's Right to Choose
Women are intentionally going grey. Wearing their silver crown of hair shine for all to see. What is your initial reaction when you come across an ACQUAINTANCE or former coworker with noticeably absent traces of hair tint? Does it make you cringe? Does it ‘spark joy’ or do you just feel confused? This is one of the MOST polarizing topics in the world of stylists and customers right now.
Last week, Sharon Osborne, 67, made headlines when she unveiled a shocking new hair color on “The Talk” Facilitated by master colorist, Jack Martin. A client asked me if I had seen it before I even knew it was trending online. I was so curious because A) It’s nice to indulge in something a bit more cathartic occasionally. B) There is major skill involved in removing artificial red hair color . C) I couldn’t wait to see the results and hear what she had to say.
Osbourne said, “I was just so fed up of going and having it dyed and having it dyed, and I just was like, I can’t do this anymore,” “Why am I trying to do something or be something that I’m not? Just be who you are.”
Shortly before Sharon O’s “new ‘do debut” , Jane Fonda had a silver hair transformation. I’m quite sure there will be plenty more celebrities to join the grey hair revolution soon.
Sharon and Jane are Ice Queens
Trying to gain some new perspective, I eagerly researched and read about this seemingly “taboo” Silver Hair movement. Some of my investigating included chatting up strangers in cafes or retail stores. Many women proudly declared that their natural hair was a deliberate decision to simplify their life. some declaring, “Hey, I’ve earned these!” like a badge of honor. a few ladies expressed concern over the health and safety of the personal care products and chemicals they used. Some women conceded they were lazy or indifferent about it which seemed symptomatic of a different underlying problem. others loved the aesthetic quality of the natural color dynamic. They felt more memorable. another part of my query involved reading “Silver Hair: a handbook” co-authored by Lorraine Massey. Massey previously helped propel the curly hair movement with her first publication “Curly Girl: The Handbook” which irrefutably inspired new purpose in my career. (more on that coming soon)
“It’s not about giving up, it’s about giving in.”
This book helped me understand many of my clients more, even the ones still coloring.
Silver Hair: a handbook
By: Lorraine Massey and Michele Bender
No one said you can’t add rainbow hues to natural hair.
We as beauty industry professionals need to humbly remind ourselves that the stylist-client relationship is still a democracy, not an artistic dictatorship. Stylists have the choice not to entertain a client’s ideas, and clients also have the choice to seek services elsewhere. while setting professional standards are essential for defining your brand, stylists with big egos can be often seen intimidating and as bullies. That may end fruitful relationships with loyal clientele which, in turn, can stifle financial growth. Kindness matters, folks.
I’ve since had the pleasure of helping a handful of my own clients to be their own B.S.S. ( Best Silver Self ). Admittedly, my original opinion was confusion and disapproval of someone’s choice to stop covering their grey hairs. “Why would someone want look older on purpose?” I hadn’t been around many silver haired women during their transition, only after. I can attest that Being someone’s sidekick during this transition is quite a different experience. Think about it.. If you’ve never met someone before they went au naturel, you can’t tell what age they are. What i can tell, however, is that The following women are way chic and beam with confidence.
Some advice i give to all of my “Go(Grey)Getters”:
Define your personal style (ask reputable Pros for help!)
Keep hair healthy with regular haircut Maintenance, masking and moisturizing
Silver or violet tone depositing shampoos, conditioners and masks are essential friends to bright silver and white hair.
Don’t be afraid of getting a smartly placed highlight or two. (No, it’s not cheating and yes you will look cool.) or A few strategic lowlights can grow out undetected and create a nice kick of contrast.
If you want to be a role model for stylish silver foxes everywhere, makeup and skincare should be paramount. Embrace that statement lipcolor you were always curious to try. Healthy glowing skin is always Chic.
nothing is permanent- you always have options!
while This is just the tip of the iceberg on this particular topic, I hope i can always prompt healthy discussion within your circle of friends and acquaintances. what else would you like to further explore? leave your comments below and for now i’ll leave you with this..
xoxo Jenna
“When you become the image of your own imagination, it’s the most powerful thing you could ever do.”
one more for good measure..
Look at me – a big old black man under all of this makeup, and if I can look beautiful, so can you. —(also RuPaul)