6 Surprising Benefits of Going Gray

by: Lisa Fennessy

I never considered going gray. I mean, who in their right mind would intentionally sign up to look old? Not me. But then, something happened. My gray hair started coming in quicker, my hair appointments became more frequent, and one day I caught myself thinking, “What if I stopped dying my hair?” And then I did.

The negative stigma around going gray is really loud. Today I want to mute that and turn up the volume on all the benefits that come along with going gray.

#1: Money in the Bank

Anyone want an extra $21,000?! For argument’s sake, let’s say you dye your hair every 4 weeks and each appointment costs $60 total. Now let’s say you are also on track to dye your hair for the next 30 years. That’s how much cash you will save, sister. $21,000. Now go buy yourself a new car to celebrate.

#2: A Brighter Complexion

I started a Facebook group called The Gray Book (where all of these awesome photos are from!) with more than 18,000 women in it who are all going gray. There are a ton of before-and-after photos shared in this group and I can say with confidence that when women stop dying their hair dark and allow lighter gray shades to frame their face, it brightens their complexion 100%!

#3: Say Hello to Mental Freedom

You know that feeling when you’re out and about, and everyone is looking at your roots? It’s like everyone is that guy from college who thought your boobs were your eyes, except sub roots for boobs. Well, you can say goodbye to that, and hello to mental freedom.

When you start getting real about your gray hair, you may find yourself getting real in other aspects of your life, too. You may start evaluating how you’re living your life, who you’re allowing in your life, what your daily habits are and questioning all of it.

Also, I never thought of “hating on my gray hair” as body shaming, but the truth is that IT IS. Through this process, I went from 100% hating a part of my body to 100% loving it, and that feels so good.

#4: Allll the Hair Compliments

You won’t believe this one until it happens but trust me. One of the biggest lies I was telling myself is that people hate gray hair. NOT TRUE! In fact, people actually love gray hair. They love it so much they can’t stop themselves from complimenting you. One guy even yelled it from his convertible as he drove past me on the street. Wow.

#5: Healthier Hair

When you stop dyeing your hair, don’t be surprised if it gets stronger, shinier and softer, too!

#6: Change the World

Maybe you think this is a little sensational. I thought it was too when I first said it but the truth is, it’s not sensational at all. Because I am going gray publicly and invite conversations about going gray on my blog and social channels, I’m privy to the impact my decision has had on other women. Women write to me saying things, such as:

“I never considered going gray until I saw you going gray.”

“I didn’t know going gray was an option until I saw you going gray.”

“I went gray because of you.”

Women may not say these things to you explicitly, but know that you are leaving these gifts behind in your wake.

Want even MORE surprising benefits of going gray? Check out this top 20 I pulled together. 

For more tips on going gray, check out TOG and join thousands of women in my private Facebook group The Gray Book to gain inspiration, support, strength and solidarity. Support is the one thing I recommend for a successful growout! You can also find TOG on IG, for more gray inspo!