Join & Connect

Dresses are chosen, nails are painted, hair straigthened...final preparations for Hub Dot's anniversary are underway. As we get ready for tonight we wanted to share some words by Isabelle Fraysse von Stedingk, who like so many of us, has struggled to leave her hair in its natural state. But now she’s discovering that accepting those pesky greys might be the most liberating thing she’s ever done.

After a summer in the Swedish Archipelago living a carefree existence, roaming the islands barefoot and make-up free, I dropped into my hairdressers for a ‘back to reality’ colour and cut. As the dye seeped into my scalp, it felt hugely uncomfortable and I found the itching unbearable.  I told myself this would pass, but deep down I knew my body was rejecting these toxic dyes and time had come for change.

I began searching the Internet for inspirational stories of women growing out their hair colour, and was amazed at the abundance of sites, blogs and Pinterest boards on the matter. This opened up a whole new world of fabulous women, of all ages and backgrounds. They were to become my Grey Sisters. I discussed the various possibilities with my hairdresser who was very supportive (despite the fact she would lose income from my decision). We decided how best to move forward and manage the next few months of transition, opting for very regular haircuts as opposed to low-lights and bleaching which can be damaging to the hair.

I’ve embraced my root growth, and in all honesty, there are good days and bad. But I’m not shutting myself indoors or scurrying around in hats. In fact, the freedom I’ve experienced is exhilarating. Empowered by this newly found confidence, I’ve had enlightening discussions with other women who’ve opened up about their views on going grey and now if I see a Grey Sister in the street, I’ll stop her and let her know how inspiring she is. The result of this spontaneous connection is magical.

I can’t deny I don’t have the odd bad hair day, but as my salt and pepper hair is fast peaking through, I’m loving it more and more each day.

TIPS FOR JOINING THE GREY SISTERHOOD:

• Get a regular haircut. It lifts the spirit and feels great.
• On catching your reflection in a street window, send yourself a loving,
• positive, affirmation.
• Spontaneously acknowledge women you find inspiring with their gorgeous grey hair spreads confidence.
• Tell your family what you’re doing and lean on them for support (my 25-year-old niece told me ‘You’re going to rock that look.’)
• Never apologise about your hair. Ever.
• Find a good hairdresser you trust (and ask them that if you turn up crying demanding a dye job, to sit you down and give you a cup of tea instead)
• Remember if you can’t bare it, you can always change it back!