Grey Hair in the Workplace

67 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 8:48PM UTC

   I know the feeling. Be you. I don't know what to do about ageism. We are stuck in this society that wants to throw away people who don't fit a certain look. It is disheartening. Be confident and do what makes YOU FEEL most comfortable.

2. AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 9:34PM UTC

   Why are you interviewing for a job you don’t want? Life is too short. If your happy where you are-stay! I dye my hair cause it takes a decade off and sadly it affects your job. Ageism is real!

3. Susan RoblesMay 2,2023 at 9:38PM UTC

   Some men have a hair color issue but it's so unfair that it is more of a female issue. Hate it! However, I see it changing somewhat, like a glacier!!!

4. Bridget HarringtonMay 5,2023 at 4:49PM UTC

   I just reject "the issues" of other people! Being in marketing for a living, I know where the "bias" begins, and like most marketing, it isn't wholly accurate. Grey hair is not exclusive to over 50s...I started noticing silver in my teens and was fully grey under dye in my 20s. I finally gave up coloring in my 40s, because after a certain point, dye fades out of predominantly white hair (which is where we see very elderly women with coal black hair..because that is the only color that will stay). There is a trend now among younger women who are intentionally dyeing grey or bleaching to a white - it's called "granny hair" or "fairy hair." Who's to say any woman isn't jumping on this bandwagon -- especially if her personality and style reflect "young"? Grey is just a color...you can add what description you want, positive or not. I'm committed to staying young in my soul and not taking other people's comments or assessments personally. If you see me in person, hear me speak or see me on the job, "old" is probably the last thing you'd think. Staying visible and "loud and proud" - combatting silly ageist stereotypes - takes effort I'm glad to make.

5. AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 10:06PM UTC

   If you really don't want the job, please do not go. It WILL be apparent in how you answer, your tone, etc. to the interviewer and it will just waste everyone's time.

   However, having said that, if you do decide to go:

   1- see if you can part your hair a different way to somewhat hide it, or use the brush in powder you could get at Ulta, etc.

   2 - use it as practice and have a great time, because, well, it's practice

   Good luck with whatever you decide.

6. AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 10:19PM UTC

   Please don't kill your spirit by going on an interview for a job you don't want. It will show in the interview that you have no interest or passion for the job.

7. Laura E. WendtMay 2,2023 at 10:51PM UTC

   Whatever makes you feel like your best self is what you want to do to prepare for a job interview!

8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 2,2023 at 11:25PM UTC

   Why are you doing an interview for a job you really don't want?

9. AnonymousMay 2,2023 at 11:38PM UTC

   Please don't interview for a job that you don't want! The energy doesn't feel right when reading about it!

10. AnonymousMay 3,2023 at 1:36AM UTC

    Do it for the interviewing experience & leave your hair as is. Though for future job interviews, definitely color your hair. Once you land the job you want, go grey if you prefer. May want to cut it shorter til it grows out and looks more professional. But do what makes you most comfortable. Grey hair doesn't mean unkempt.

11. AnonymousMay 3,2023 at 11:08AM UTC

    Literally just read "definitely color your hair"?? What I would have said after definitely would have been 'Definitely do what makes you happy". Why buy into a possible bias yourself? Like you mentioned you aren't really into this upcoming interview, you do you. good luck.

12. Kristin BurnsMay 3,2023 at 1:37PM UTC

    There is no moral high ground in either dyeing or not dyeing your hair. Do what you want. I will say from a practical perspective, dyeing a lighter color or using highlights to blend in grey is easier to maintain without a harsh line. I think transitioning to grey can be done well, but it does usually need a stylist to help along the way.

13. Susan Grant-SuttieMay 3,2023 at 1:40PM UTC

    First get secure in a job. If you want that job, do what it takes to squeeze in then adjust the comfort level that is acceptable for yourself while in the job. During the interview make it clear that you are healthy and your facial difference is due to a childhood issue. Would I dye my hair in your situation? I would, then after three months I would start going natural. As older women - sometimes we have to play the game to get in, once our value is established, then we can be more authentic with our image. Remember, their first judgement is on the first interview.

14. AnonymousMay 3,2023 at 1:50PM UTC

    Go ahead and do the box color and go to the interview tomorrow. Make your self an appointment for a "new look" complete with salon color and cut. I was letting my hair grow out to grey but after suddenly finding my self laid off April 15th, I made the decision to get it colored again and also rock a stylist new short pixie! After posting my picture, everyone said I looked 10 years younger. I am almost 63.

15. AnonymousMay 3,2023 at 5:21PM UTC

    I would suggest you look at the demographic of the company you will be interviewing with and then decide - to spray or not to spray. The question is more about you and your comfort as you go forward and for those who question your hair color tell them its not something they should worry about, and that you are trying a new trend...go natural!

16. Mare LevineMay 3,2023 at 5:42PM UTC

    I have 4' (yes, feet) of grey hair--feel free to look at my profile picture--and I am a VP (but soon to change positions due to a move for a sick family member). I have also never worn make up, done my nails, and never wear heels.

    I agree there is ageism but with self-confidence, you can rock any look you choose.

    Remember that thing about work-life balance? Don't adopt a life look just for work--that's not balance. Adopt a look because it's what makes you feel good.

    Hope your interview goes well!

17. Martha MarinMay 4,2023 at 12:24PM UTC

    If you want to rock your new look, do it!

    However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be passed on by companies who don’t get it or don’t appreciate people who are rocking their grey.

18. Cynthia Armistead NewmanMay 4,2023 at 12:28PM UTC

    I'd be happy to let my hair go grey, but I work in tech. There's far too much ageism in tech for me to do that. They don't mind that my hair is purple on occasion, but grey would be a problem!

19. Carol WeberMay 4,2023 at 12:30PM UTC

    If you’re in a young industry you will want to cover it. Ageism is real. I have a WoW kit for emergencies but I have also used the spray, just make sure to get a color a shade lighter than yours (unless your hair is jet-black). I wouldn’t do a whole-head box job. Just cover it for the meeting if you want, and then have your stylist fix it.

    If you’re in a business where there are plenty of other older workers, or it’s not going to make any difference, leave it!

20. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 12:37PM UTC

    My former (as of this past Monday) company's leadership always emphasized that "we are a young company." This means clean, attractive faces in front of the external clients and certainly no grey (unless it's very senior leadership, and usually men). Internally, that self-understanding has perpetuated itself, couched in a number of "hard decisions" that had to be made during three layoff waves. If you don't want the job, don't worry; but if you do, your Madison Reed box is the way to go, and possibly a good hydrating face mask to plump out any wrinkles.

21. Christine CappucciaMay 4,2023 at 12:40PM UTC

    It is so unfortunate that societal pressures and ageism make you feel pressured to do this. I stopped coloring nearly 7 years ago but I'll admit the grow out period was tough! I think there's no harm in using one of those temporary root sprays, but probably not black, go a little lighter. Good luck!

22. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 12:48PM UTC

    I would not waste my time on something I didn’t want, if this job is not for you pass it, another one will come along. If gray is the issue, go to a salon and have them color all of your hair gray, it will look amazing and beautiful.

23. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 12:50PM UTC

    I wouldn't go on an interview if you aren't interested in the job, why waste the time?
    In terms of hair color, I am 53 and I dye my hair because I like the color and it makes me feel younger. Ageism is real so I'd say spray in color and make an appointment at a salon to find a new color that you love; perhaps a lighter shade. My mom still colors her hair at 79 but her once dark brown hair is more blondish now.

24. Karen BurkeMay 4,2023 at 1:11PM UTC

    I agree with all of this, and I also want to point out that if OP is just getting back into applying/interviewing for jobs, she may want to do the interview for practice, even if she doesn't want it. Ageism is definitely a thing though, and my experience (not personally being discriminated against) is that it's worse for women.So... given OP doesn't want this position, maybe it's a good time to not worry about touching anything up, and start focusing her efforts on looking for a position with a company that is known for it's lack of ageist practices.While I completely understand that we all need to make these decisions for ourselves, we also aren't going to start breaking down these issues in society if we keep conforming to the nonsense that we are subjected to.

25. MPMay 4,2023 at 1:01PM UTC

    I am about to turn 40. Since April of 2020, when I realized this COVID work from home thing was going to last longer than expected, I decided to stop dyeing my hair blonde. It wasn't due to gray that I'd been dyeing it since age 17, it was because I felt weird that my hair turned darker around puberty, a totally normal phenomenon, I just felt that I used to be lighter and wanted to still be blonde. My Mom and Grandma used to dye theirs blonde all the time and I grew up around that (they were also naturally blonde in childhood like me). However, fast forward to 2020, I was staying home and no longer wanted to be beholden to the monthly toil and expense of dyeing my hair myself etc. So I just stopped. It was super freeing! I do have some amount of gray which is normal already for my age but I am no longer worrying about my hair color at all. I am hoping I can leave it alone now permanently because this is way easier. In a government job, where I intend to stay as long as possible, people don't seem to care about what you look like, thank God. But the world is cruel out there!! I am glad I am not interviewing right now but I'd say you have to do what feels comfortable to you. For some people, dyeing hair doesn't even make them look younger necessarily. Some think it does, but don't notice that it really doesn't, and for some, it indeed works. But it's your hair and however you feel about it is valid.

26. Rhonda RoyalMay 4,2023 at 1:03PM UTC

    When I was in my mid fourties’ I began to grey quickly so that by the time I turned fifty I was mostly grey. I hate ageism but it’s ‘real’ so do what you can to reduce a few years. (Real Talk) grey hair, twenty extra pounds, and less makeup, etc. usually isn’t what the business world wants to see and this is sad. Regarding your interview, if you’re not ‘psyched’ then don’t go. More interviews will come along. Good Luck to you!

27. LaurieMay 4,2023 at 1:03PM UTC

    I'll share the opposite opinion. Go on the interview, have the conversation. You might be wowed! by the new company perks. And if you want to be a silver sister, then embrace it. Don't show up as someone you don't want to be. Show up as yourself. Check out the #silversisters community on IG for empowerment!

28. Jennifer WuolletMay 4,2023 at 1:10PM UTC

    I'm 40 and I let my grey grow out over covid, I have a lot 25% especially around my face which was requiring a re-dye every 4 weeks and a touch up in between. I mentioned something to my new internal boss about it because I was worried it might matter and her being the amazing person that she is said she should have done the same thing and no it doesn't matter at all. And honestly she is right, if you walk in there and there is some issue with you having grey hair, you probably don't want to be there. It honestly helped me where I am at, I look less like a 30 year old and more like a 45 - 50 year old and people give me more respect and there are more job opportunities.

29. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 1:13PM UTC

    Treat every interview as though you might want to because bad times may be coming and if someone thought enough of you to interview you, give it your all. As long as you are in the working world, you can justify and require a decent salon to work with your hair. And do that before the interview. See what suggestions they have in terms of dark color dying, professional, gray look dying, perhaps a new haircut. You’ll be energized by the process, and there is no reason why you can’t spend money to make yourself look as professional as ever – it’s actually not a splurge, but a requirement of the working world.

30. Lori CasoMay 4,2023 at 1:24PM UTC

    I too will be 60 this year. I say “spray”…why? Because having that 2 month re-growth looks unkempt. The spray stuff washes right out and is an option for growing out your grey. Also, think about going shorter as you go through this process - a nice fresh look might benefit you in a number of ways. Good luck at the interview, and keep an open mind…” the change might do you good.”. (Sheryl Crow)

31. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 1:33PM UTC

    First, I’m jealous it took 2 months to show. I color every 4 weeks, and it is noticeable the whole week before. Spray on touch up is my best friend. I’d say use the spray for the interview. Not only to look more polished, but personally I think the gray steak on dark hair would be distracting. Not necessarily a negative, most people wouldn’t care. But you want people to first notice a warm smile, a firm handshake, or confident demeanor, not a gray streak. If you decide to let it go, talk to your hairdresser. Mine once told me she’d do low lights with the gray. That way you can grow it out without having the top a different color than the bottom. Also, even if you do t want the job, go to the interview. You may be surprised and be more interested. And if not, it gives you interview practice.

32. Robert McGrathMay 4,2023 at 1:35PM UTC

    I am 61 and I dyed my hair for interviews until a few jobs back. Let's face it, age discrimination is real. Of course it is an unspoken discrimination, masked as "overqualified" or "a skill set not meshing with our current needs". The latter is often an HR manager's lament about Gen Z too but that is not preventing them from getting hired. In short, if it affects your confidence my advice is : dye it. If you are of the realization that any organization would be lucky to have you then they will have to accept you as you are and not who they think you should be. As the former Clairol ad said: You're not getting older, you're getting better!

33. Kimberly BabcockMay 4,2023 at 1:42PM UTC

    Be yourself! If you want to dye it, dye it. If you don't want to dye it, don't! The correct career path for you will be the one where they accept you for who you are and what skill set you can bring to the table. Sure looks and perception matter but you cannot let them be the heart of your choices.

34. Kimberly Knapp DuganMay 4,2023 at 1:43PM UTC

    I had a stylist help me with the transition so that it wouldn't be so noticeable. Maybe that would be an option for you? Now that my hair is completely gray I receive more positive comments and compliments about my hair than I have my whole life. I work in a professional environment in a leadership role. My gray hair has not hindered me at all. Sometimes I do add a pop of color (purple, pink, etc.) underneath for fun. I am 53 now and would never consider changing my grey. I refuse to give into ageism.

35. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 1:52PM UTC

    You need to be comfortable and confident in the interview. Are you more comfortable grayed or sprayed?

36. Martha CaccavariMay 4,2023 at 2:11PM UTC

    Ifyourtrying to grow it all out to be total grey see a hairdresser and get highlights tell her your wanting to gogrey they can help you graduate to being grey without that decimate grow out period

37. Diane OswaldMay 4,2023 at 2:39PM UTC

    I would recommend that you cover the gray for the interview. You want to look your best. Then go either all brown or all gray with a sharp haircut moving forward.

38. ReachingGoalsMay 4,2023 at 2:43PM UTC

    I still color my hair. Will probably do it forever, but we will see. My hair isn’t going to grey nicely. If you like the grey (and a lot of younger women have grey hair on purpose), then talk to your stylist about coloring it so that the grey grows in nicely. If you are worried about age discrimination (and I get that, I’m in the when are you planning to retire stage) then keep coloring it. There is no shame in coloring out the grey.

39. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 4:24PM UTC

    Agree, there are a lot of ways the stylist can help you transition to the grey if you want. There are some very beautiful "grey" looks out there - go check out Pinterest and see if you find some images you like. A stylist could take you to grey quicker if you so desire. If you are set on the natural grow out method you can do that as well. Your choice.

40. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 2:46PM UTC

    If you want to go gray, there are several ways to go about it. Cold turkey (which seems like what you’re doing) is just one. There are other ways depending on your budget and preference —a little online research will give you more info.

    But for the interview I suggest do what you need to do to put your best foot forward.

41. Maureen B. WeisnerMay 4,2023 at 3:05PM UTC

    Two different conversations. It's always good to interview, gain practice and get a better feel for the market and where you are in the mix. And, you're not happy where you are now either except for the benefits/perks, so it sounds like you are in the job search regardless,

    With respect to hair color and self image, None of us is perfect. There are many workarounds to balance what may be deficits. An updated style and color at a salon may change your entire perspective..

42. Julie A. LaryMay 4,2023 at 3:15PM UTC

    The dyed hair dilemma is on par with "is it okay that I still dress like a 20-year-old even though I'm 62."

    My father turned prematurely gray, so I started using henna in my 20's to cover up the gray, which made the gray hairs brassy and cool against my dark auburn hair. As I aged and continued to work in high technology, where being over 40 is equivalent to being 90 and using a walker, I religiously used henna when my roots became more gray and less auburn.

    During the pandemic, I couldn't get my regular brand of henna, so I switched to another brand, and now my hair is more brown than auburn, and my gray roots are a beacon flashing on top of my head... especially since my hair is waist length.

    So, I keep dying my hair because ageism exists and it's gonna' look wonky as it grows out.

    To answer the question, you should do what makes you feel the most confident. If your roots make you feel insecure, then dye them.

43. Queen SmallsMay 4,2023 at 3:24PM UTC

    I say rock the gray there is a certain beauty and confidence in a woman that goes against the grain. I don’t think people realize that dyed hair doesn’t make a person look younger. Their spirit does. Nonetheless, I know the transition takes some mental adjustments so do what the small voice is telling you. The voice that brings you peace. Then blow them out the park in that interview. Options, whether you’re interested or not are a definite confidence booster. Thanks for sharing

44. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 10:45PM UTC

    Love this ?all.of.this ?

45. Bridget HarringtonMay 4,2023 at 3:43PM UTC

    If you truly don't care about this job interview and are just doing it "for practice," go as you are, as kind of a personal social experiment. Social experiment, in, you can learn a lot about a company's values by how they respond to authenticity.

    I'm 54, and in my family, people grey very early. I was as grey as I am now under dye when I was in my late 20s. Additionally, I have waist-length hair and have had very long hair my entire life. I am one of those people who looks matronly and severe with shorter hair. I used the spray to camoflauge awkward grow-out, until it got to the point where it looked like I intentionally ombre'd the ends. I grew out bright auburn dye and have very light silver and white hair, so believe me, I KNOW all about awkwardness in this process. Fortunately, I am one of those people who has always been "different," so I am not as affected by opinions or comments.

    I also don't believe that dye makes anyone look younger or better. Nature chooses the color that goes with your skintone, and often, dye is too severe-looking, since as we age our skintones change. Even if it looks "natural," your face gives your age away. If, when you are fully grey, you feel that it "ages," you...it is NOT the color. Have a personal stylist consultation to help you pick updated clothing, makeup and accessories that flatter you. I know not a single woman who looked "old" when she transitioned. I do know many that needed to get out of style ruts and stop using the makeup they did 20 years ago.

    Authenticity is very attractive to many people. I routinely get stopped on the street by those asking about my hair. You do not often see women in their 50s with full, shiny, waist-length hair. It's one of my personal differentiators. Age is a privilege denied to many, and a woman who wears her age and experience proudly is very powerful. That is why society is so youth-driven and anti-grey....because the power is a threat.

46. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 4:59PM UTC

    On the flip side, I'm 57 and graying at glacial speed. I have like 12 gray hairs. I worry about eventually looking older because I'm not graying in an age appropriate way. Nature doesn't always act in ways that look "natural" either. Yes I could pick a gray and dye but a reverse skunk would be just as awkwardly odd.

    My father is almost 80 and you can still see remnants of his natural color and probably won't be fully gray until 85.

47. Marissa SproulMay 4,2023 at 4:16PM UTC

    I'm 43 and stopped dying my hair at 39. I am probably 50% gray, as I started going gray in my mid-20s. There are still days where I feel self-conscious about my gray and wonder if it ages me, because of the messaging I've been exposed to my entire life. For the most part, I feel comfortable and proud to show my natural change. I also don't feel like I've experienced any ageism because of it, so I can't speak to that angle. Do what makes you feel most comfortable and confident. We all have our own priorities and comfort zones. I push for showing up as our authentic selves, even in the work place - only you know your comfort zone. Authenticity doesn't have to mean natural when it comes to how you present physically.

48. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 5:22PM UTC

    I am 51 and still dye my hair. It makes me feel better. Do what works for you. Unfortunately ageism is rampant, especially in the tech sector. Women are held to a higher standard than men, which is typical in a patriarchal society. At least ageism is being talked about, but we definitely have a long way to go. Ageism is accepted in a youth centered, hypercapitalist work culture, which needs to be checked. I could go on all day about it.

    If you are not interested in this job you are interviewing, cancel the interview and move on to something more suitable. Good luck.

49. Sarah MayoMay 4,2023 at 5:54PM UTC

    I developed a condition when I was 10 that caused patches of my dark brown hair to fall out, then those areas could no longer produce pigment, and the hair grew back gray. As a kid I used to get teased about it and was very self conscious so I dyed it to my natural brown color religiously for years. I decided to stop dying and grow the gray out in my 30s. The transition period was extremely awkward. Headbands and pull-up hairstyles helped during that time. But now that it’s fully grown out (still a couple bigger patches as well as salt and pepper throughout) I love both the look as well as the low maintenance of not having to cover my roots.

    I hate to say that ageism, terrible as it is, will probably be a factor with some people whether or not your gray hair is showing, so if you want to transition, just go for it! I think gray hair is beautiful and I’m kind of looking forward to the rest of my brown hair eventually going all gray. I always admire older (than me) women who just embrace it.

50. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 6:38PM UTC

    While I think you should do whatever feels right for you regarding your hair color, I think having very dark hair as we age makes it difficult to gracefully transition from coloring to not coloring our hair. I'd recommend you treat yourself to a visit to a good salon and make a plan to make your hair closer to gray so you can grow it out more seamlessly vs. having a huge demarcation between gray and dark brown. More than being gray, my personal feeling is that lots of new growth with a drastically different color doesn't look very professional. Less of an age thing and more of a personal maintenance thing in my book.

51. Renee GrahamMay 4,2023 at 7:05PM UTC

    Addressing your hair coloring question, many great reflections here and would add this:

    As with so many aspects of work life and societal 'norms' that are being tested and reset, I would offer that the more each of us embraces and leans into our individuality and self expression, the more normalized something like 'embracing our natural color' will become. Bring your best self to every aspect of your day (including work) and continue to broaden other's perspectives through example. Be you! :)

52. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 7:26PM UTC

    I have dark hair and my greys age me significantly. I am not at a point where I have enough of them to just let them come in. I personally feel unkept if I don't cover them up. I do use spray between salon visits. An interview is about making a great impression and that includes how you look. You never know what new connections you'll make. Always take the interview. I will also add that I can't stand the pervasive perception that guys go grey and they look "distinguished". Women go grey and we look "old".

53. Diane J HuffMay 4,2023 at 8:22PM UTC

    I'm just going to say that I'm 58 with dark hair and not ready to go gray yet. I've been salt and pepper since I had cancer at 13, and I don't want to be completely gray yet. But, I have been lightening my hair gradually over the past few years so that when I finally decide to do it, it won't be such a lightening bolt to others. However I will do it when I want to do it and no one else will tell me when I should or shouldn't. It's about your own feelings and no one else's. YOU do it when you feel like it. I will agree that people can be judgmental (especially women), and maybe it is best to consider that before your interview.

54. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 8:59PM UTC

    Age discrimination is very real. I'm going to color until I'm done working - I look a good bit younger than I am, but the grey hair kills that!

55. Elizabeth G. CarterMay 4,2023 at 9:36PM UTC

    After over 30 years of coloring my hair, I had had enough! I was tired of the mess; the stained bathroom cabinets, tile, and towels! I've been blessed with beautiful, healthy hair so about five years ago I decided to let it go natural. I absolutely LOVE my gray hair! I have a birthday coming up on Sunday and have decided to embrace turning 60! We only get one shot at this thing called life!!

56. AnonymousMay 5,2023 at 4:41AM UTC

    Shiny Happy Birthday!

57. Yvonne MarkgrafMay 4,2023 at 10:02PM UTC

    Some women rock the gray hair, others don’t.
    While age discrimination is very real, don’t age yourself further with temporary dye-get a professional to color it. Look your best, feel your best.

58. Merrin MuxlowMay 4,2023 at 10:05PM UTC

    "Tomorrow I have an interview for a job I really don't want and I don't want to go." Don't go! I feel like this is less about the hair color and more about that?

59. AnonymousMay 4,2023 at 11:39PM UTC

    yes and Good Luck

60. Antoinette VanSchaickMay 5,2023 at 12:50AM UTC

    If you don't want to attend the job interview tomorrow, cancel politely.

    As far as the grey streak, I have one myself. If you're uncomfortable about where the streak is, maybe, try parting your hair a different way. I wear mine to the right, and it usually looks nice.

    Good luck with everything!

61. AnonymousMay 5,2023 at 3:34AM UTC

    Leave it! Silver Fox! I quit dying my hair 4 yrs ago? I have two stripes on each side the rest of my hair hasn’t caught up yet! Everybody thinks it’s not real? Because the “young ones” went through that phase that they’ll purposely dye their hair gray! I earned mine! I just turned 62, thinking of early retirement. Go with it! Cancel your appt if you don’t want to go, don’t!

62. AnonymousMay 5,2023 at 8:24AM UTC

    Go Grey, leave it!! I am 55 and I quit dying my hair 3 years ago (dark brown) because I was sick and tired of dying it + my hair was falling out because of all the chemicals in the dye.

    Now it has white strands all over, mixed with light brown.

    People don´t even believe it´s my own coloring, especially not the strands/highlights. I get lots of compliments, most women (who are still dying their hair) admire my hair!

    I always tell them to try it. The first few months are very difficult, it doesn´t look quite right.

    Tip from my hairdresser: dandruff shampoo (Head and Shoulders) will slowly wash out the color of your hair dye. It softens the "rim" between the grey and dark brown.

    Please feel lucky that you have a white streak, I would love that!

    You know, there are women going to the hairdresser to get that!

    And don´t apply for a job you don´t really want. Believe me: some women are envious that you are so brave, because they are scared to let their grey hair show.

    We should celebrate our beauty, and grey hair is beautiful!

63. AnonymousMay 5,2023 at 12:26PM UTC

    I was dying my brown hair in my late 20s. Decided to stop dying during the pandemic around age 34. Half my head is gray and the other side is dark brown. It's very unique and I get a lot of compliments about it.

64. AnonymousMay 5,2023 at 12:50PM UTC

    I hope your interview went well!

    I would go with whichever makes you feel more confident and put together. I dye my hair frequently and have gone back and forth on color, but make sure it looks good for important events because *I* feel better about myself (typically this means no roots showing OR getting the color out as completely as possible if I do have roots [I'm a dark ash blond, but dye my hair auburn]).

65. AnonymousMay 8,2023 at 2:34PM UTC

    Don't do it. If you want to color your hair, that's your choice, but it's ridiculous that we live in an ageist, sexist society where this even has to be an issue. If your heart is really not in this interview, cancel it.

66. AnonymousMay 8,2023 at 7:37PM UTC

    Sure it is ridiculous that we live in an ageist, sexist society. Have a feeling we always will. Even men feel the pressure sometimes to color their hair in order to look younger. And then there is the pressure from women. Sigh. Sometimes there is just no winning.

67. Susan RoblesMay 9,2023 at 7:21PM UTC

    In an ideal world I would not have grey hair. I would be 100 pounds smaller. I would have more saved for retirement. Heck! Since I'm dreaming I would be 35 again!

    But I am what and who I am now.

    So I will wear my grey and black hair and keep that red lipstick on!