Since the birth of my second child, I’ve been noticing a healthy crop of silver hair poking through my dark brown strands. Strangely enough, the left side of my head is producing more than the right side. So depending on how I part my hair, I’m 32 or 52, ha! My true age is late thirties, as of this writing, and I know I’m fortunate to still have a head of mostly brown hair (thanks, Mom, for good genetics!). Many women my age are coloring away any hint of grays, artfully disguising any ‘signs of aging’. And perhaps that is their version of aging gracefully.


When I first started noticing these new strands, I was distraught – thinking my youth was passing away. I, too, colored my hair with highlights and allowed my talented hair stylist to disguise the silver hair. Then COVID happened, causing a shift in priorities (and limited access to salon hair coloring!) I started seeing women on social media growing out their gray hair. These women looked confident and beautiful, embracing gray hair at any age. I thought, “Is this what aging gracefully means to me?” I have since stopped coloring my hair, and am choosing to see how my hair changes over time. This is a delightful experiment, watching my transformation into a silver fox.
But I started wondering, what does Aging Gracefully mean to me?
Of course, each person should pursue the path that brings her confidence and joy. If you enjoy coloring your hair, go for it! If you enjoy becoming a silver fox, go for it! I am still early in the journey and may decide to color my hair in the future. I am free to change my mind at any time 🙂
As I began contemplating the wiry silver hairs sprouting around my head, I started thinking about other ways I am influenced by the beauty industry. According to research compiled by Zippia found here, globally the Cosmetics industry is valued at over $571 billion. The United States is the top contributor, spending nearly $90 billion annually. Additionally, global anti-aging cosmetics has a value of over $38 billion, expected to reach $60 billion by 2026.
Given the lucrative market size, it’s no wonder women are constantly inundated with marketing and content directed at staying young. There are hundreds of very smart executives working hard to make sure you purchase their products to ‘prevent signs of aging.’ This industry has created the standard definition of Aging Gracefully – which is to actually look like you’re NOT aging.

Now to be fully transparent, I participate in this activity – purchasing a variety of creams and serums that claim to keep my skin looking youthful. Does that make me a hypocrite? Perhaps. I’ll let you decide. But it does make me question who I am doing this for and why. Am I doing this to conform to American standards of beauty? Does it boost my self confidence and bring me joy?
There’s really no difference between coloring over grays, to putting on nightly anti-aging cream, to getting Botox treatments to conceal crow’s feet. It’s all in an effort for women to look their best. And if that makes you feel your best – go for it!
Perhaps the better question is:
Why do women put in so much effort to aging gracefully on the outside? Aren’t we all beautiful in our glorious uniqueness?
Does the fine lines and wrinkles decorating my face make me less attractive? Or do they simply tell a story of the life I’ve been blessed to live so far – every smile, laugh, and cry leaving a mark upon the canvas of my face.

Time is the one commodity I truly own, and I am becoming more and more conscious of what I choose to trade it in for. We each must consider this question and find the answer for ourselves. For now, I’m striving for balance – to work on aging gracefully on the inside, while still applying my anti-aging eye cream at night!
What are your thoughts on aging? Leave a comment below!