Celebrities Go Grey, Ageism Lingers

More celebrities are embracing grey hair. But for many women, the decision to stop dyeing their hair is tied to fears about ageing and job prospects.

High-Profile Stars Embrace Natural Hair

Olivia Colman appeared at the Zurich film festival with a natural grey mane. She swapped her dark pixie cut for a curly, grey hairstyle.

Lisa Bonet has long worn her natural grey locks. Andie MacDowell’s silver hair has become a signature part of her look.

Why the Trend Matters

For many women, grey hair signals maturity. Hair dye is often seen as a symbol of youth and vitality.

But outside Hollywood, going grey can mean losing job opportunities. Research shows women face ageism earlier than men in hiring.

Ageism in Recruitment Begins Earlier for Women

Professor Ian Burn of the University of Liverpool found age discrimination in UK hiring starts at least 10 years earlier for women than men.

Once a woman reaches 40, her chances of being invited for an interview begin to decline. For men, this shift starts in their 50s.

Workplace Barriers for Older Women

Stacey Duguid, a former fashion editor, struggled to find work at 52. She downsized her home and now receives universal credit.

She says many women avoid grey hair because they fear being seen as less competent or less employable.

“To go grey means you’re likely already in a senior role,” Duguid says. “For an unemployed, broke, single parent, it wasn’t an option.”

How Hair Dyeing Reflects Broader Social Norms

Some women see grey hair as confidence. Others feel pressure to look young.

Louise Chunn, a former editor, stopped dyeing her hair when she joined InStyle. The job came from New York, where grooming and sophistication mattered more than hair colour.

She began dying her hair in her 50s, fearing it made her look older. She stopped in her 60s, realizing hair colour doesn’t reflect age.

Practical Challenges of Going Grey

Specialists like Sarah Bower say blending grey hair takes time and skill. The line between dyed and natural hair can take up to three years to fade.

Many women use filters during video calls to hide their age. Duguid says this is exhausting—especially when grey hair can’t be hidden.

Real-World Examples of Age-Inclusive Fashion

Recent catwalks show progress. In January, a 50-year-old model opened the Chanel couture show with natural grey curls.

A 59-year-old woman who retired from modelling in her late 20s said her grey-streaked hair helped her return to the industry.

Yet, most models still wear dyed hair. Gucci’s Milan show had no grey-haired models. Jerry Hall, 70, remains blond. Pamela Anderson, 59, has gone makeup-free but still wears blonde hair.

What This Trend Reveals

Olivia Colman’s grey hair is celebrated as a fashion statement. But it also shows a deeper issue: societal expectations about how women age.

Donna Carton says her grey hair—along with facial lines—is life-affirming. She notes that no one in her workplace cares about her hair colour.

“My natural grey hair is only a small part of how others see me,” she writes. “It’s a symbol of my journey, not a sign of decline.”

The trend of celebrities going grey shows a cultural shift. Yet, for many women—especially outside entertainment—the choice to go grey remains risky in the job market.

Ageism persists in hiring, especially for women. The gap between public celebration and private struggle shows how deeply gendered beauty standards remain.

For women seeking work, going grey is not just about style—it’s about survival in a system that often sees older women as less viable.

Source: The Guardian

Age discrimination in hiring begins earlier for women than men, according to research from the University of Liverpool.
Many women avoid grey hair due to fear of being seen as less competent in the workplace.

For more on age and workplace dynamics, see The Guardian’s original article.