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First, there were five gray strands, and now I’ve counted ten at the front of my hairline, just waiting for more to join the party. I won’t lie — I mistook the gray hairs for lint for longer than I’d care to admit until I realized my once dark brown hair was transitioning into gray.
For many, gray hair signifies aging, the relentless passage of time, and an overwhelming feeling of unpreparedness for this transformation. As we age, the likelihood of developing gray hair increases significantly. After turning 30, the odds of going gray rise by 10%-20% each decade. By the time you hit 50, there’s a 50% chance of seeing those silver strands. Interestingly, some individuals in their 20s and 30s are already embracing gray hair.
Take, for example, 36-year-old Emily from Maryland. She shares, “I’ve thought about going gray for a while. I’ve been experiencing premature graying since high school, which my mom said was genetic. I started dyeing my hair around that time, committing to a routine of costly salon visits. But by early 2020, I realized I was spending too much time and energy trying to hide the inevitable. I began to let my natural color grow out before the pandemic, and once I was working from home, I decided to fully embrace the transition. With all this time at home and fewer people seeing me, why not?”
There are numerous reasons behind our hair turning gray, such as decreased melanin production, genetics, health, environmental factors, and yes, even stress. But how does this transformation occur? According to an article from Penn Medicine, one of the reasons for graying hair is tied to its chemical processes. “Cells in your hair naturally produce a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. Normally, an enzyme called catalase breaks down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.”
However, as you age, the production of catalase decreases, allowing hydrogen peroxide to accumulate, which can damage pigment-producing cells, leading to gray or white hairs. In women, graying typically starts around the temples and then extends towards the top of the scalp. As the color fades, it may eventually turn white. Interestingly, body and facial hair may also gray, but usually later than the hair on your head.
We can’t stop time from marching forward. We can’t resist the aging process. Once it catches up with you, the best course of action is to embrace it.
At some point, we all will turn gray. The question is whether you’ll fight it (and dye it) or accept it; it is what it is. Each day, I find myself leaning into my gray hairs more and more. The pandemic has influenced this acceptance. While many salons have reopened, some still don’t feel safe visiting them — hence, the grays remain. For numerous individuals, the pandemic prompted a reevaluation of their commitment to the painstaking routine of covering gray hair.
“During the peak of the pandemic, I couldn’t get my hair professionally colored even if I wanted to,” Emily adds. “Truthfully, my hair felt like a lesser priority during that time. It felt superficial to focus on my next color, cut, and style when so many were suffering due to COVID-19. I spent a lot of time alone and reflected on what truly mattered, letting go of things that no longer served me.” Her dedication to hiding her gray hairs became one of those things.
In an article for The Washington Post, writer Mia shared her journey of choosing to go gray during the pandemic: “I was 34. I wouldn’t look old, my husband assured me. My face was youthful. I still got carded regularly, though I knew the gray would end that flattery. Perhaps the combination of a youthful face with gray hair would be distinct enough to pull off, like mom jeans. Maybe I would appreciate it. Maybe I wouldn’t rush back to the salon once it reopened.”
The reality is that covering up gray hair requires work. Who has the time for that? Not me. Even though I don’t have many gray hairs just yet, I don’t see myself attempting to conceal them anytime soon.
We navigated a lot during the pandemic. On top of everything, many of us became our household barbers and hairdressers. In various ways, we all learned to feel okay, if not comfortable, with stepping outside our comfort zones regarding our appearance. The pandemic allowed some to embrace aspects of themselves they previously viewed as imperfections. Accepting one’s hair color, allowing roots to show, and acknowledging those gray hairs that pop up feels liberating.
It’s all relative. Hair dye can provide a temporary sense of comfort, but eventually, the gray hairs return. They were there before the dye, so why not embrace them? Ask yourself, who are you coloring your hair for? Is it for yourself? Is it for your self-esteem? Is it to maintain a facade that your hair isn’t graying?
Just as you embrace bodily changes, fluctuating moods, and the myriad of changes that come with life, embrace your gray hairs. Accept them, and make the most of what’s happening to you, pandemic-style.
For more insights, check out this other blog post. If you’re looking for resources on pregnancy and home insemination, find excellent information at Healthline or explore Cryobaby for their expertise in this area.
Summary:
Gray hair is often viewed as a sign of aging, and while many dread its appearance, some are beginning to embrace it. The pandemic has encouraged individuals to reflect on their beauty routines and reconsider the societal pressures surrounding hair color. As the inevitability of gray hair looms, the choice to fight it or accept it becomes a personal journey. Embracing gray hair can symbolize self-acceptance and a shift in priorities, making it a powerful statement about aging gracefully.
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