by Gill Jennings

Created on: April 13, 2009   Last Updated: April 14, 2009

Dye my grey hair? DYE it?! Why on earth would I do that? I love my "silver wings", and all they represent.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am pretty average in so many ways. I am middle-aged, apparently, being in my forties (I do so hope I make it to my nineties). I am of average height (about five and a half feet tall) and average weight (and no, I'm not going to tell you what I weigh, a girl has to have a few secrets!). My figure is what one might expect of a forty-something mother-of-three, being somewhat thicker around the middle and more ample of bosom than it was twenty-odd years ago. My face is unremarkable, being oval, regular-featured and bearing no particular marks or scars, and I am happy enough with my skin to allow it to be seen without makeup. I dress conservatively and practically most of the time, although I do enjoy "glamming up" for a night out once in a while.

In short, I am the person you might glance over in a crowd and not even notice. Except for one thing. My hair! My hair colour is a dark reddish brown (I inherited the touch of red from my mother, a natural "carrot top".) These days, however, brown is not the only colour visible on my head, because I have quite a large amount of silver (and it really is silver, not grey) at the temples, as well as some sprinkled liberally throughout. Depending on how I dress my hair, you will see more or less of the lighter colour. Swept up away from my face, the silver is revealed in all its glory, but if I allow my hair to fall freely around my face, the brown predominates. I used to work in a school, and will never forget the reaction of one small pupil the first time he saw me with my hair "up". He was rendered completely speechless by the transformation, and simply gazed in wonder. I treasure that moment.

So why do I love my silver hair?

Firstly, it represents the fact that I am no longer a girl. I am a mature woman, I know something about life because I have lived. I have experienced many different situations and can offer advice to those who follow.

Secondly, it represents the fact that I am a survivor. I have faced stressful situations, and I have overcome. I have not been afraid to live. I have thrown myself headfirst into life, I have triumphed over adversity, and I have reaped the rewards.

Thirdly, it represents my confidence. It loudly proclaims, "this is who I am! What you see is what you get ... I am trustworthy, open, honest and unafraid."

Fourthly, it represents my rebellious streak. I'm not living by all the petty rules of society, the "accepted standards" of feminine beauty. I am me, I am myself, I copy no-one and if you were to tell me I "should" dye my hair to keep me looking young, I will laugh at you. My heart is young. That is all that matters.

Fifthly, it encourages others. If I can age naturally and remain confident and beautiful (well, that's what my husband says, and for me his opinion overrides everyone else's!) then so can you. Be yourself. Be beautiful.

And finally, believe it or not, I have the word of God to encourage me. The Bible says that "grey hair is a crown of splendour, it is attained by a righteous life." (Proverbs 16:31). What possible reason could I have to conceal such a crown?

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