The Rise of Embracing Natural Hair Color and Celebrating Going Grey

In recent years, an increasing number of young women have been rejecting societal beauty norms and embracing their natural hair colour, even if it means going grey at a relatively young age. This movement, often referred to as the “greyfluencer” movement, aims to challenge the negative connotations associated with greying hair and empower women to embrace their unique beauty.

Sarah Strange, who first noticed grey hair at the age of 14, recently spoke to the ABC and detailed how she initially followed the path of her family members by dyeing her hair. However, as she began questioning beauty standards, Sarah started considering why she was conforming to societal expectations. At the age of 27, she made the decision to stop dyeing her hair, and she hasn’t looked back since. Sarah discovered that her grey hair was more beautiful than she had anticipated, and she encourages others to uncover the beauty hidden beneath hair dye.

The greyfluencer movement has gained traction online, with social media platforms serving as a hub for younger women seeking inspiration to embrace their natural hair colour. The Instagram page “grombre,” which combines the words grey and ombre, has attracted nearly a quarter of a million followers. It features over 1,500 posts from individuals who share their personal journeys with embracing their greying hair. The founder of grombre, Martha Truslow Smith, aims to empower and build a community based on the natural beauty of silver hair.

While the movement celebrates the acceptance of grey hair, it also acknowledges that personal preferences and choices vary. Martha Truslow Smith acknowledges that if dyeing one’s hair brings joy, confidence, and a sense of beauty, there’s no reason to stop. The movement’s focus is on promoting self-acceptance and providing visibility for those who choose to embrace their natural hair colour.

According to David Salinger, director of the Australian Trichology Centre, the premature greying of hair can be attributed to genetic factors or lifestyle choices. While genetics play a significant role, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for healthy hair. Adequate iron storage, indicated by healthy ferritin levels, is essential for maintaining hair colour. Additionally, vitamins such as C and antioxidants can protect the hair cells responsible for pigment production. Stress has also been linked to premature greying, as it affects the sympathetic nervous system, which influences hair pigmentation. However, the effects of stress on hair colour can be reversed once stress levels decrease.

The movement to embrace natural hair colour and celebrate going grey at a young age is empowering women to challenge societal expectations and redefine beauty standards. By promoting self-acceptance and providing visibility through social media, this movement encourages individuals to embrace their unique beauty and find confidence in their natural hair colour.