As I sit down to pen this blog, I can't help but feel like I'm pouring my thoughts into a diary.
Today kicked off with a familiar face popping up on my social media feed—a renowned Australian hairdresser sharing a photo of herself along with a caption defending her decision to colour her hair and mask the natural greys. It resonated deeply with me, and so I share my experience in the hope it wakes us up a little.
In a world where we're conditioned by others' narratives and prescribed norms, especially as women, it's easy to forget that there are no hard and fast rules governing our choices about our hair. We should be free to style and colour it as we wish without feeling compelled to defend our decisions. Witnessing an established hairdresser, someone deeply ingrained in the industry and who mentors others, feeling the need to justify not embracing her natural grays saddened me.
In my 31 years as a hairdresser, I've seen style trends shift and perceptions of beauty evolve. Yet, it's a unique moment we find ourselves in now. When my guests visit the salon, it's about discovering the hairstyle that truly resonates with them in the present moment. Our styles evolve as we do, influenced by life experiences and changing self-perceptions. Aligning one's hairstyle with their evolving self is profoundly empowering. It's not about chasing trends but discovering one's personal style.
Whether it's white, grey, or coloured hair, it's inconsequential. There are no strict guidelines. The only rule is to listen to your heart and embrace what feels right for you. No one needs to defend their choices—neither hairdressers nor clients. Everyone deserves the autonomy to look and feel as they desire without justifying it to anyone else. When someone loves their style, it radiates through their energy and presence. That's the only validation anyone needs.
So, here's to embracing our choices and celebrating the confidence they bring. After all, our happiness is the only explanation needed.
By Natalie Varrasso