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The dye debate: Jennifer Lopez went grey at 23; did you?

Tue, 19 April 2011 7:31AM

A few months ago, I noticed a foreign object had decided to camp out on my head. When I say ‘camp out’, I of course mean move in permanently, bringing a friend or two for fun and settling in for the long-haul flight to old age. This foreign object is, of course, a grey hair, and over the past few months I’ve seen it procreate its way from one hair, to about three. But, who’s counting?

The other day, Jennifer Lopez surprised the world with her admission to going grey at the tender age of 23. This is shocking simply for the fact that under that perfectly coloured mane of hers, lies a bearded Santa Claus hidden from the world and all its judgement. I understand why women, celebrity women in particular, choose to cover their greys and pretend they have the hair of a 15-year-old. Image and perception are the linchpins that either hold you at the top of the fame pile, or drop you into the burning rubble where the has-beens and one hit wonders reside. Grey hair could be considered a major fail on both counts, ruining your image and allowing people to see the ‘real’ you (therefore crumbling that perception of perfection they have us believe). Hence, the hair dye.

Unless of course you’re Dame Helen Mirren, or fifteen-year-old fashion blogger Tavi, or Pixie Geldoff, or Lady Gaga, or Pink…OK, you get the point. There are plenty of female celebrities out there who do let their natural greyness shine through, or stranger yet, dye it grey in the hope that it leads to some crazy new trend.

Here’s Jennifer Lopez looking far from 41, grey, or washed-up…

When Nicole Kidman failed to cover her grey hair at the premiere of Australia in 2008, the tabloids went into overdrive accusing Nicole that she’d broken the ‘last taboo’. While there’s a part of me that screams ‘how ridiculous’, there’s also a small slither of reasoning that perhaps, as a celebrity, you should take the time to cover your grey roots if you’re at a movie premiere and haven’t yet decided to reveal your grey in its entirety.

Grey hair certainly isn’t just about age, Primpers. For a simple explanation, you go grey when the cells in your hair follicles stop producing pigment. Many factors can send the pigment from your hair running, including trauma, shock, stress and inheritance – not just age. The good news is that these days there are plenty of products on the market that help treat grey hair kindly, as well as many hair dyes that target grey hair specifically.

If you’re happy to embrace the grey, I’d recommend looking for an anti-ageing hair care range like Redken Time Reset or L’Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Shampoo and Conditioner, or Avon Advanced Techniques Radiant Silver Shampoo. Or, if you’re following in J.Lo’s footsteps and concealing your pigment-robbed mate, try a semi-permanent at-home hair colour like Clairol Nice ‘N Easy Colour Blend Foam.

There’s no denying that letting your hair go completely grey takes some serious guts, Primpers. And, as far as my calculations prove I still have a fair few years up my sleeve before I need to make the decision. My rapidly approaching salt and pepper boyfriend, on the other hand, doesn’t have that luxury, but hey, we all know that men with grey hair are smooth, and chicks with grey hair are…well, you tell me.

Tell me Primpers…

Have you spotted a grey hair yet?

Would you cover or reveal?

What do you think of Jennifer Lopez’s admission?

Posted by: Yasemin Trollope

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Tags: beauty news, grey hair, hair, hair colour, haircare, jennifer lopez

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48 Comments

Posted by: Nadist // Tue, 19 April 2011 08:12am

Hmmmm. This is a toughie. Personally, I have naturally blonde hair, so going grey is not going to be a problem for me, since it will only make my hair lighter. And I am kinda old (38) and have no grey.

I think going grey is culturally not the norm for women, but the soft colour of grey hair can be extremely flattering, and if you go grey young, you stay ageless for ever!

I do think that it is totally unfair that grey-haired guys are hot. Guys with grey! Stop dyeing your hair! You are hot!
Posted by: GorgeousEmeralds Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 08:19am

I’m 22 and I have not yet spotted any grey in my hair and believe me I am on the lookout, my poor sis went grey at the age of 19, well 19 was when she first spotted a very long grey hair in her hair.
I’ve never dyed my hair but I think I would if I were going grey.
Posted by: Anna // Tue, 19 April 2011 09:15am

I’m 30 and so far no grey hairs. Although, I study my hair pretty closely in the mirror and if I think I see a grey hair (usually it’s just light reflecting) i yank it out asap.

Going grey has always been an issue for me as my mum went grey at 18.
Posted by: Karen-1298334769 Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 09:31am

“Apparently” my flat mate noticed one when I picked on his greys but I personally could go either way as my Mum went grey in her thirties but my dad is in his seventies and only just started going grey. Fingers crossed I take after Dad. Good on JLo for the admission, makes us realise that we all have to suffer from the greys from time to time.
Posted by: Louise-1295043242 Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 09:34am

My sister and I both started noticing the little greys around the age of 21 -very unfortunate!!

I consider it a blessing in disguise, now at 26 I have become a master at covering them up, and when all my mates start to get them they will come to me for advice

There are some amazing ladies who rock their grey hair (think Helen Mirren style) and good on them, but there is certainly no harm in colouring over them J-Lo style -there aren’t many people today who have their natural colour on show anyway!
Posted by: Jannz Devotee // Tue, 19 April 2011 09:35am

Wow I never knewshe went grey at 23. I’m 23 and I wouldn’t say I have ‘gone grey’ but I noticed a few cropping up within the last year. I do dye my hair but probably not as frequently as I should.

I think blondes are lucky in that most look really good when they go grey and it’s barely noticable. I’m not sure I’d go for the salt and pepper look on myself.

I do agree that grey guys can look really hot. Look at George Lamb, but he was always gorgeous anyway.
Posted by: bree90 Enthusiast // Tue, 19 April 2011 09:49am

I started spotting a few greys on my 18th birthday, which marked my passage into adulthood quite well unfortunately. I can stay my natural colour without it being noticeable as it’s only a few strands but I’d rather cover it up, and I prefer my hair dyed anyway.

J-Lo looks incredible for her age, it doesn’t really bother me wether celebs dye or not, I’m sure they will look just as fab either way.
Posted by: samuel Devotee // Tue, 19 April 2011 10:24am

I spotted two grey hairs at 26 and nothing happen till I had children at the age 30 and then it was down hill from there (only at the roots not everywhere), but if your comfortable with it I say hey go for it but I would dye my hair because I just think it can make you look older. Good on Jennifer Lopez least she isn’t in denial
Posted by: beautybee1 Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 10:31am

I started going grey at 25. I think it’s genetic since both my mum and aunt went grey early. Thank goodness for hair dye!
Posted by: Nicole // Tue, 19 April 2011 10:33am

Yep… noticed it at 23 same as J-Lo! Was a dilemma as I’d never before dyed (nor had any intention dying) my naturally black hair. 4 years later and I only have about 10 or so greys sprinkled here and there which I attack with tweezers when I find them!
Posted by: Rose // Tue, 19 April 2011 10:48am

I’m 19 and have one or two grey hairs in the same spot that keep coming back! I pluck it out when I see it but I think that might be the wrong thing to do as it just keeps growing back and it seems like it’s going grey faster! The grey hairs seem much stronger than my normal hair (light brown), which is strange. I think I was always destined to have a complex about going grey as my mum has always been terrified of any of her greys showing through, even now at 56. I’ve never dyed my hair though and I don’t plan to until it is absolutely necessary
Posted by: Becca Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 11:03am

I haven’t discovered a grey hair yet, although I’m just 24 so hopefully it’s way too early. I colour my hair every 8 weeks, I usually go darker than my natural brown hair colour and sometimes lighter. I just love the shine you get from coloured hair.
My mum started going grey after she turned 40 and she has not covered it up. I would definitely do it though. Even my 78 year old grandma still colours her hair:)
Posted by: DebstarDesigns Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 11:08am

Have I ever!!! I’ve been dying my hair for well over 15 years now, but since falling pregnant 6 months ago, I’ve left it alone only to discover that I have quite a few greys creeping into my hair!
I have no problem with them at all though. My mum went grey quite young (16 years old!) and she looked amazing! However, as soon as I’ve “popped” I’ll be dying my hair back to a nice black thank you very much!
Posted by: p3charmed Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 11:13am

its tough because i believe in ageing gracefully and naturally but at the same time im all for dying my hair cos its just about having fun with your look, the same with clothes and makeup
Posted by: bluebird Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 11:48am

Yes I have a few which I guess is normal in ones forties.I was having my hair dyed professionally but due to the cost I’m looking at doing it myself. I don’t mind grey, it can look distinguished.
Posted by: StayC Enthusiast // Tue, 19 April 2011 11:55am

At 33 with dark hair I have had a few greys popping up around my temples and parting so I do dye. If I suddenly went completely silver I wouldn’t really mind but having greys coming through in just a couple of areas is not a good look, I don’t want streaks of grey just at my temples, I am not a distinguished-looking, older gentleman =D
I think it’s great the Jen has been so open about it because as you’ve said grey doesn’t mean old, for me it’s hereditary as my Mum went grey early and my brother who is just two years older is almost all grey. It’s a personal choice and a very different issue to cosmetic surgery to look younger.
Posted by: Mel // Tue, 19 April 2011 11:59am

I am 23 and have been dyeing my hair for a good 6 years, I started going grey at about age 16/17, and I have dark brown hair so it’s visible like no-one’s business. I am DEFINITELY not ready to embrace it, and conceal it at all costs, though think I’m going to get some blonde foils to help with the regrowth issue. I hate my greys and will be a few decades before I’m ready to let them come through!
Posted by: Coconal Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 12:42pm

I haven’t got any grey’s so far and I’m 28 years old. I think it’s great of celebrities to reveal flaws because it shows that they’re only human, like the rest of us.

If and when I go grey, I think I’ll probably cover it up to a certain extent, maybe until I hit my fifties after which I’ll probably let it go and age gracefully.
Posted by: loopylexy Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 01:17pm

Oh gosh, I really hope now, I’m only 20, I don’t want only 3 years left of no greyness!
Posted by: sumaya Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 01:18pm

I am in my late twenties and luckily don’t have any greys yet but when the time comes i will dye my hair, at least for a while anyway lol
Posted by: Nicki // Tue, 19 April 2011 01:33pm

I know it’s lame, but I feel a little better now. I’m 23 and have been noticing more and more grey hairs popping up in my brunette hair with what seems like every other month. It makes me feel so old, and no-one I know seems to have the problem. I feel sad, as I really like my hair colour and don’t want to dye but I don’t want to be grey so young!
Posted by: Grey // Tue, 19 April 2011 01:58pm

Ugh, I’ve been growing grey since i was 11! As an Asian, it’s really noticeable and I’m getting worried fortnightly root dyes will cause health issues. I’m 29 now and it’s really spreading.

Has anyone heard of the Chinese tea He Shou Wu?

http://www.naturalnews.com/028709_gray_hair_He_Shou_Wu.html?

It’s meant to reverse grey hair. Some of my friends swear by it, others say it’s not true. I bought a month’s supply but am too scared to drink it. I heard it tastes awful, and I’d like to see more research.
Posted by: Roxymisha // Tue, 19 April 2011 02:08pm

I admire Jennifer Lopez for admitting to having grey hair at such an early age. I too started going grey but I was in my early 30s. I wasn’t surprised as my parents and grandparents went grey early as well. It was a shock and I have coloured it ever since. I don’t mind going fully grey at some stage but not now as my grey hair is a pretty grey at the front of my head but still a dark unflattering grey at the back. Eventually it should all even out to a soft grey when I will probably stop colouring my hair.
Posted by: Julieow Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 02:23pm

I was about the same age. I noticed it only when my blonde colour grew out and I saw the grey against the roots. Was distressed at the time but I’m not bothered now. Who cares when you can dye it!! It actually makes my regrowth not look as obvious!! Every cloud………
Posted by: meltest Enthusiast // Tue, 19 April 2011 02:40pm

I’m 27 and have never dyed my hair. I have not spotted any grey hairs yet so I am not sure what I will do when I start seeing them. I think it will depend how old I am when it starts to become noticeable.
Posted by: strawbsundae Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 05:11pm

I haven’t spotted any greys so far, however, I would consider dying my hair if I have a few grey hairs.
Posted by: muso Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 05:39pm

When I was under severe stress many, many years ago I spotted 2 grey hair growing on my fringe. I pulled them out. Thankfully I haven’t had any grey hair since. Well, not yet….
Posted by: Meg // Tue, 19 April 2011 07:24pm

I’ve just turned 28 and have had a few grey ‘sprouts’ since I was in my early 20′s. My mum always told me she was fully grey by 30 so I have lived in fear for about a decade I would be a silver fox by the time I hit the same age!! Lets just say, I am definately NOT ready to embrace this form of foxiness! I will be happy to live in denial for at least another decade ploise!!
Posted by: Bianca-1297156977 Master Fan // Tue, 19 April 2011 08:03pm

ow dear…
no i have never had a grey hair and touch wood i dont … im too young yet
Posted by: ladolcelana Enthusiast // Tue, 19 April 2011 09:33pm

Wow, this blog and it’s comments have made me very scared! I don’t know if I’d notice one in my blonde hair, but I’m going to be keeping an eye out for them now!
Posted by: Adele-1299370274 Devotee // Tue, 19 April 2011 10:06pm

Unfortunately yep – the greys are starting to appear, but I guess they’re not that bad – I have generally pulled them out ….haven’t needed to dye my hair. Although is bad to just yank them out..?
Posted by: Tina-1291133452 Master Fan // Wed, 20 April 2011 05:56am

no grey hairs yet if there were a few greys, i wouldnt dye my hair, but if there were heaps, i def would!
Posted by: candyapple Enthusiast // Wed, 20 April 2011 10:10am

Wow this is surprising, and something I have never given any thought to. It had never occured to me that this could happen to someone in their 20′s, I just assumed it didn’t happen until you were 50/60/70. I am not too worried by this though, as I am a blonde so any strays won’t stand out.
Posted by: Amanda // Wed, 20 April 2011 11:33am

I’m 21, and have several grey hairs lying around on my hair. Several meaning, by the time I hit 27, I will most likely be grey all over.
B/c I’m loving my long hair at the moment, and have no intention of cutting it short, I remain faithful to my hair dye. Short grey hair = stylishly cool. Long grey hair = lazy & not so cool looking.
Posted by: jazzy91 Enthusiast // Wed, 20 April 2011 03:19pm

I’m 19 and found a grey hair a few days ago… freaked out for a little bit but then I lost it amongst the rest of my hair. Honestly I’m not too bothered. People sohuldn’t cover up their “flaws”, if indeed going grey IS a flaw (which I don’t think it is at all.
Posted by: Mindy // Thu, 21 April 2011 08:57am

Ah all of these posts are making me feel better! I’m 23 and have been finding greys for about a year now, I felt like such a freak because I’ve never heard of people going grey this early. I suppose as women, it’s too taboo to admit! Thank you primpers- (*sighing in relief*) BTW I do dye my hair as I have dark dark brown and greys show up like anything!
Posted by: MissPaigeLauren Devotee // Fri, 22 April 2011 08:41am

i am under 20 and i have had a grey hair or to, stressing out over school work ect. i dont like it
Posted by: makale Supporter // Fri, 22 April 2011 10:52am

I’m 29 and have quite a few grey hairs. They started last year, I think around a fairly stressful time at work. And now they won’t leave.

The worst thing I had was a hairdresser laughing at my greys on 2 separate occasions – I left. Now I’m upfront saying, yes I have greys and as part of my colouring today, I’d really like to make sure they are covered.

Many people in early 30s are noticing them, after dealing with them for 2 years, I feel like an old pro )
Posted by: Bridals Enthusiast // Fri, 22 April 2011 04:07pm

All the women in my family go grey really early, being that my natural colour is ash bonde it was bound to happen. I have found a couple but I conceal them at this stage. I’m not sure I can go naturale at 26. My poor sister on the other hand has dark brown hair and is highly allergeric to hair die, the poor thing has found a couple at 22…..I feel for her!
Posted by: xKMS Master Fan // Sun, 24 April 2011 01:30pm

i dye my hair anyway so prob wouldnt realise but i honestly didnt think it happened to younger people!! but atleast now i know (im 21) if i start getting them im not alone!!
Posted by: VivaLaVicki Master Fan // Wed, 27 April 2011 07:24pm

Ah I’m only 19 so not yet worrying about it but I can’t imagine I will be too delighted when I spot my first grey :/
Posted by: jusbruers Enthusiast // Mon, 9 May 2011 08:33pm

Yay for J Lo! I’ve had the odd white/grey hairs since I was a wee tacker of 5 (I’m guess this is due to something else and not age) but they have been gaining in numbers and I do go back to the dye.
I think with darker hair its just so starking obvious, even if you have one or two that dyeing it is easier.
Posted by: misslysie Master Fan // Thu, 19 May 2011 01:31pm

I haven’t got any greys yet at 20. I don’t have a problem with people leaving it or covering it but i’d probably cover it.
Posted by: anne // Sat, 30 July 2011 06:34pm

i started going grey at 15 – i suffered from an eating disorder but never thought anything of it and didnt start dying my hair until i was in my early thirties when it became more noticeable. i went through fairly stressful periods in my life and had a stressful job which i think helped the greys along. at 38 i still dye my hair just to keep my confidence up and will probably keep dying it. good on JLo for admitting she is not perfect…in the end its just hair.
Posted by: natalie // Sat, 8 October 2011 08:59pm

i am 23 and i started going grey at 17-18. i am about 1/8 grey now and my hair grows fast and i have dark hair so it is embarrasing, i find i have to colour my hair every two-three weeks. i try not to use permenant but some semi’s dont take to my hair. its unfortunate but im healthy and if grey hairs the only thing that im going to hate then im happy with that
Posted by: Mia5567 // Mon, 6 February 2012 04:00pm

Im 21 and starting going grey last year. At the moment I dye my hair a bright red from dark brown so when I get a little regrowth and spot a grey strand it’s not a happy moment luckily I have a lot curly hair so I don’t think it will be truly noticeable for a while.
Posted by: Lia Domingues // Mon, 19 November 2012 06:24am

Well, my hair began to become grey at 23 yo…
My mother had a serious illness and died when I was at this age. So… grey hair. Then I became a fake redhead – and loved it!
But now, at 44, the grey is more and more proeminent. So, to avoid dying too much, I returned to my natural color (7.1 or ash blond), and as soon as I got the guts, I’ll embrace my grey hair… Probably another year or 2.
Posted by: Han // Thu, 18 April 2013 10:40am

I am 27 next week.

I have maybe 20-30 grey hairs and they show no sign of slowing down and in fact I’m welcoming them. When I had two I nicknamed them now there are too many.

I’m currently job searching and have begun to wonder does it look unprofessional to go grey naturally?