White Hair Warriors
Change is afoot. More and more women are giving up artificial hair color and breaking the taboo of gray hair. Whatever their reason, women who dare to bare their natural white are breaking down stigmas of “grandma gray” and becoming the personification of glamour.
Of course we know gray hair on men is considered highly attractive by most people (damn double standards). Among gray haired sex symbols: George Clooney, Richard Gere, Anderson Cooper. But what about the gals?
Some women do it as a provocative political statement. Confident, liberated women who choose not to buy into the marketing blitzes of hair color companies and overall pressures of society to always “look young.”
Some use it as a distinctive “logo.” A powerful differentiating tool. In addition to the standout color of white hair, depending on the haircut, gray hair can be stylishly dignified, edgy, even hot! Think Meryl Streep’s characterization of Vogue legend Anna Wintour in The Devil Wears Prada. Even CHARLIE spotted one of our real women “models” across the room at Charleston Fashion Week…her white hair almost glowing in the dark.
Not to mention smart economics. Going natural saves a woman $1,000-$2,000 per year in hair salon costs!
And of course, some simply want a natural look.
Yet, there are still so few women who dare to go au natural. We could only find a handful here in Charleston. Even nationally, famous model Carmen Dell ‘Orefice is today’s only well-known white-haired model. What’s fitting is that these beautiful, self-aware women also happen to be highly educated, extremely interesting and doing amazing things in our city.
So maybe going gray is just about growing up. And perhaps we should grab it by the horns, Charleston. Because haven’t you heard? Ninety is the new forty.
Know any White Hair Warriors? We want to hear from them…give us your comments, oh glamazons. And email news@readcharlie.com a photo while you’re at it.
“Going Gray: How to Embrace Your Authentic Self with Grace and Style,” by Anne Kreamer
Story by Caroline Nuttall
Photos by Matthew Morse
17 Comments
Leave a Comment
Who are the ladies in the pics? Charleston ladies? Their gray hair is stunning. If mine looked like that, then I’d let it go uncolored.
Interesting article. Glad to see you keeping the online product fresh. Have a good week.
It was a pure delight to read this smart feature about my female generation’s “White Hair Revolution.” CHARLIE ROCKS!
Caroline, All of us white haired ladies thank you very much for your glowing article. Who knows, white may become the new black! And, the photos are perfectly lovely. Your newest admirer, Dottie Shreve
Caroline, thank you for referencing the website http://www.goinggraylookinggreat.com (and the book of the same name.) So many women are deciding to go silver, ice, pewter, charcoal now. All of these shades are viable colors, just like blonde, brunette, and red. I’ve just returned from a luncheon with some very fascinating silvers, Anne Kreamer among them. And also the “next generation” of super silver models, including Cindy Joseph and Yasmina Rossi. Believe me, there was much talk about the acceptance of gray in today’s world. It is up to all of us to lead the way, change the stigma of “grandma,” and be our fabulous, silvery selves. I invite all of your readers to come to http://www.goinggraylookinggreat.com, and see for themselves how truly beautiful natural can be.
You look great Joan.
Hey, that long haired gal in the photo on the right is ALL RIGHT!
But I am surprised you didn’t identify them. My gal is Joan Perry!
I always known my boss at BSSF was pretty, but the white hair really turns me on!!!!!
I always knew my boss was pretty but the white hair really turns me on!!
The one on the right is my fabulous boss, Joan Perry!! She’s as sweet in person as she appears in the picture. Joan is so energetic and vibrant it’s hard to even notice her gray hair; most of the time it’s her fantastic blue eyes that catch everyone’s attention.
Joan is one of the most attractive ladies that I know. Working with her as a volunteer at BSSF is a great pleasure.
Oh Bob, you devil! Don’t you know our white hair makes us look angelic?
Great article…and don’t the “models” look beautiful?
These comments are as much fun as the photo shoot! Thanks everyone.
Those pretty blue eyes outshine even those of Bette Davis.
Joan you look great, as always. Ditto to your co model. I have never dyed my hair. I think people think there is something weird about me. Oh well, enjoyed the read…..I guess I’m in with a great group of Warriors. Thanks
Really enjoyed this article! It is so great to see strong women who are proud of their natural beauty!
always love seeing whats going on thru you guys
magazine exciting! thank you!!!
check Stacks out in mt p on Ben sawyer in Bilo shopping center
atmosphere beautiful , the most comfortable staff ever and being single female, turned 50, its awesome. patrick and darcy have done an excellent job. food is fresh, perfect and consistent.
check it out!!!