By Dr. Linda Amerson
For generations, grey hair on men has often been associated with wisdom, maturity, distinction and let’s not forget sexy…in some cases.
Yet when a woman’s hair begins to grey, she may feel pressure to cover it, color it or apologize for it. Why the double standard?
Grey hair on women should be accepted just as confidently as it is on men. Whether a woman chooses to embrace her natural silver strands, color them or change her hairstyle, the choice should be hers—not society’s.
The actress Jamie Lee Curtis is noted to have famously spearheaded as embracing natural silver Tresses in her early 40″s. In addition, notable black actress3s proudly sport or have embraced natural Grey, silver, and salt-and-pepper hair: British- Ghanaian actress Ellen Thomas, Loretta Devine, Tina Lifford, Felecia Rashad, Tia Mowry, and Whooping Goldberg to name a few.
Hair turns grey when pigment-producing cells in the hair follicle produce less melanin. Seven factors that may contribute to greying includes: genetics, natural aging, oxidative stress, certain nutritional deficiencies, smoking, some medical or autoimmune conditions, and certain medications or medical treatments. Premature or sudden changes should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Interestingly, grey has also become fashionable among younger generations. Silver-grey braids, extensions, wigs and intentionally grey-colored hairstyles have transformed a color once associated primarily with aging into a bold fashion statement. This fashion trend began in 2008 on the runway by Givency, and in 2010 by Lady Gaga.
Grey carries symbolism beyond hair. In business and fashion, grey can communicate professionalism, sophistication, neutrality, balance and authority. Natural grey hair can communicate something equally powerful: confidence, individuality and the freedom to define beauty on your own terms.
My new book, Seven Scalp Secrets: From Struggling Follicles to Hair Loss Solutions, helps consumers look beyond appearance and better understand what may be happening at the scalp and follicle level. It explores hair and scalp science, nutrition, hair products, scalp assessments, children’s hair care, wig culture and personalized approaches to healthier scalp care.
Grey is not a flaw. It is a color—and for many women, it can become a crown of confidence.
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Dr. Linda Amerson
Board Certified Trichologist & Holistic Health Practitioner
Seven Scalp Secrets — Available in print and eBook
www.7scalpsecrets.com
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