Ready to join the silver revolution? Why more women are rocking grey hair
More Australian women are ditching their dye and embracing grey hair. Here’s what’s driving the silver trend and how to transition gracefully.
When men go grey, it’s dubbed “sexy salt and pepper”, but for women it long carried the implication that you were giving up on your appearance altogether.
Thankfully, this sexist double standard is on the way out as more Australian women are finding power in their grey hair.
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Why are women embracing grey hair?
While choosing to go dye-free is an individual decision, women who have opted to “go grey” have reported feeling “free”, “their true self”, and “powerful”.
Fuelling the movement, a rising number of mature-aged influencers and celebrities including Aussie model Luisa Dunn, have demonstrated confidence in going grey, inspiring everyday women to follow suit.
According to colourist, educator and co-founder of Tkay Studio, Ashley Wuillemin, lighter locks can soften the face and is often more flattering on mature skin than darker hair.
“Celebrities like Andie McDowall have inspired multiple clients to transition to grey and it’s helping to challenge backdated beauty standards, which I’m all for,” Ashley says.
Model Violeta Zuvela was inspired to embrace her greys after seeing an influx of silver haired influencers on Instagram.
“I was obsessed by how beautiful grey hair could look and how fabulous it would be to not sit in the salon chair for hours every few weeks, not to mention the money I’d save,” Violeta says.
“Since I started to embrace grey hair, I haven’t looked back.
“I can’t explain it, but going grey was a tremendous, liberating feeling and I no longer care what anyone else thinks.”
There have also been more practical influences behind the shift towards grey hair.
“Lockdowns at the height of the pandemic meant women were unable to see their hair colourist and I think this helped many of them change their relationship with grey hair,” Ashley says.
Add to this, the rising cost of living has also played a role as hair appointments every four to six weeks for expensive colour appointments has put the squeeze on family budgets.
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What to consider before going grey
According to hair colourist Rosie Carter, the best way to achieve a seamless transition is to find a hairdresser that specialises in grey hair and listens to what you want.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is to use professional at-home haircare while going grey,” Rosie says.
“It’s a slow process, but professionals can help you achieve a seamless transition,”
“A colour cleanse or a full head of foils to lighten out as much of that dark colour as possible, along with regular toning and trims, will get you the all-natural look in no time.”
In terms of at-home care, Ashley recommends silver shampoo to ensure the lengths stay fresh and cool-toned; just don’t be overzealous with application (unless you wat a Dame Edna-esque purple rinse.)
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Understanding grey hair texture
One factor that’s less commonly known about grey hair is that it actually has a different texture to hair with natural pigment.
“Grey hair tends to be coarse, dry and can feel quite wiry, which makes it more prone to frizz,” Ashley says.
“Professional smoothing services can help make this texture more manageable and I would also recommend using intensive hydrating treatments and leave-in conditioners.”
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