Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. That’s what makes it so personal and special. Sure, we’re trained culturally from an early age to appreciate particular kinds of beauty but there’s no denying loveliness when we see it. Whatever form it takes.
Which is why I recently enjoyed catching up with a friend I hadn’t seen in around seven years. In that time she has allowed her hair to go natural, resulting in the kind of exquisite dark grey you rarely see because everyone rushes to the salon at the first sign of silver.
I understand why, of course. No one wants to look older than they are. But in this case, her grey seemed youthful, energetic and confident. It was cut short in a chic crop, all super soft and shiny. In a word: healthy. Probably the healthiest it had ever been since this woman had spent much of her life at the hairdresser switching between blonde, red and brunette.
Had I not known her hair history, I would still have done a double take, so gorgeous was her grey. I’m gushing now, but it really did take my breath away and my admiration of grey is usually reserved solely for men. On them, it’s distinguished and expensive looking. That old silver fox Richard Gere always makes me sigh. And George Clooney is looking dishier by the year with his salt and pepper locks.
But it’s not a look for everyone. Especially not women in Hollywood. That’s why the exceptions to the rule deserve to be celebrated. Let’s hear it for the lovely Helen Mirren and Jamie Lee Curtis. Oh, and a certain party pal of mine who gives grey a great name.
How do you feel about grey hair?
It can look great and it’s good to see more women embracing their grey.