Is There A Silver Revolution Going On?

Ditching the dye for a more natural look

I had gray hair in my mid-twenties, and as a result colored my hair for decades. But a few years ago, I decided I was ready to ditch the dye, and so I did. Was it easy? No. But it was never so hard that I wanted to go back to dying my hair.

Right now, more and more women are ditching the dye in favor of a natural and arguably more authentic look. Is this phenomenon the result of having largely stayed at home for the past two years due to COVID, or are women simply waking up to a desire for personal empowerment and authenticity?

While we may not know the answer to those questions, here is what we do know:

• There are natural plant-based dyes such as henna, and semi-permanent and permanent synthetic dyes.

• Synthetic dyes, particularly permanent dyes, are frequently associated with health risks due to some chemicals they contain, including allergies and possibly higher risk of certain types of cancer (research is ongoing).

• Having your hair dyed professionally is expensive and a time suck.

• A home dye job usually doesn’t look as good as a professional one.

• Permanent and semi-permanent dyes and bleach negatively affect hair strength, moisture, and the hair’s ability to withstand heat.

• Those roots!!

Does going gray make you look older? I don’t think so. I have literally gotten dozens of compliments, even from strangers. But what it does do is create an amazing sense of freedom and independence.

Have you ditched your hair dye?

Sources: healthline.com, www.cancer.org, health.clevelandclinic.org