I was Zooming with college girlfriends the other night and the topic of gray hair came up. I must admit I was surprised by the variety of statements. I’d be taken so much more seriously if I had gray hair. I wonder if I have the guts to stop dyeing it. I’m tired of the maintenance. Because certain businesses like salons and barbers are closed during the pandemic, hair maintenance has become a hot topic. Some people are cutting their own or, for better or for worse, having a loved one do it. Many who regularly get their hair dyed aren’t able to do so and are facing life without the upkeep. I’ve even seen a meme of the Mona Lisa with gray roots. As someone who has been dyeing mine for a few years, I’ve found it exposing and freeing.
As women we internalize messages about what beauty is and how we are supposed to look from day one. I would love for this moment, when life has forced us to slow down and confront what is right in front of us, to be an opportunity to question what is really important. When businesses open up again and we have the option of resuming our old habits, which ones do we keep? Which ones do we leave behind? Hey ladies—let’s make a pact that aging naturally and gracefully is beautiful. Who’s with me?
