Once I sat down within the chair, although, my longtime stylist requested, “Why the grey? You’re so younger and so fairly,” as if to counsel that grey hair was… ugly and just for outdated ladies.
Leaving the salon, I felt upset and alone. As a result of grey hair transitions are such a visible course of, they usually result in the kind of detrimental, undesirable consideration that I acquired from my stylist. And at first, displaying as much as social occasions and even work conferences appeared daunting due to unsolicited feedback and stares. On the time, I used to be the one one in my group of mates who had determined to ditch the dye, which made me really feel like I used to be venturing on a protracted, solo hike with no map. I knew I wanted a assist system to get me via this course of.
Fortunately, a easy search of the Web launched me to the Silver Sisters motion. Throughout social media, I used to be launched to 1000’s of girls from everywhere in the world who’re going grey, white, or silver and placing all of it on the market to be seen.
The Silver Sisters motion
To this point, #silversisters has practically 500,000 posts on Instagram (and a cool 284 million views on TikTok) from individuals everywhere in the world who’re on a journey much like my very own.
Although the group has come to imply various things to completely different individuals, there are nonetheless some widespread threads woven all through its messaging. It’s a digital (and typically, IRL) sisterhood of individuals rebelling towards the standard magnificence normal that’s taught us that grey hair is “unhealthy” or “shameful” whereas additionally acknowledging that each “member” of the group may have a unique path, hair kind, philosophy, and background. At its core, it’s a shift from disgrace and anti-aging rhetoric to liberation and radical acceptance.
Embedded throughout the Silver Sister motion is an evaluation of magnificence requirements and expectations positioned on those that determine as ladies. It permits for commentary on the best way we view and discuss getting older. It flips the script, shifting the dialog round getting older and the bodily modifications that include it into one thing that must be celebrated. The group gives the confirmed treatment of energy in numbers and elevating our voices as a collective.
Associated Tales
“The ‘Silver Sisters’ Motion’ is a shift in the direction of embracing components of your self that persons are usually made to really feel embarrassed or ashamed about,” writes one member, who goes by the Instagram deal with @silverstrandsofglitter. “It’s about remembering that we every have a selection in how we need to age, regardless of how that appears. It focuses on lifting, encouraging, and supporting each other in life. It is doing what works for you and what makes you cheerful and never worrying about what different individuals assume. Which isn’t at all times straightforward, but it surely’s at all times value it.”
The group continues to develop
Within the years for the reason that 2020 lockdown impressed many to ditch the dye for good (even Jane Fonda acquired on board), the Silver Sister motion has continued to develop, connecting people who find themselves simply starting to go grey with those that have been embracing the motion for years. A part of what makes the group so highly effective is that we will see ourselves in one another, and new Silver Sisters can really feel inspired by those that are farther alongside of their journeys.
“Once I began transitioning 5 years in the past there wasn’t actually a motion, I simply knew I wanted to embrace my very own type of stunning,” says Georgina Juarez, who’s referred to as @curlysilverfox throughout the Silver Sisters group. “Truthfully it was arduous to seek out different Silver Sisters who regarded like me. I am of indigenous descent with curly hair, darker options. It wasn’t actually the norm at 39, [but] I used to be capable of join with some, and over time the group started to develop… It has been a wonderful factor to witness and be part of.”
Proudly a Silver Sister
In deciding to let my grays develop out, I used to be confronted with detrimental criticism that upheld the antiquated concept that grey hair is in some way much less stunning. However because the Silver Sisters group has confirmed, it isn’t.
Finally, the motion is about a lot greater than “simply” hair. It’s an acknowledgment that in case you can conquer one factor in your life that society tells you to hide or cowl—like your grey hair—you’ll be able to conquer something.
Now, after I stroll down the road, I discover so many extra ladies who’ve additionally embraced their pure grey hair, and it makes me really feel extra included than ever earlier than. Need a membership of your personal? You’re in, and can be welcomed with open arms.
