Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
These 30 Women Who Ditched Dyeing Their Hair Look So Good, They May Convince You To Do The Same
There's an Instagram account dedicated to getting women to embrace their natural beauty, and they are here for it. Turns out, a lot of women are sick and tired of society pressuring them into spending precious hours and dollars in hair salons. Shocking, right? Martha Truslow Smith created Going grey with (grohm)(bray) in 2016 with a simple, yet difficult mission: to start a different dialogue around natural silver hair color on women. Now, it has over 102K followers and it's probably safe to say that people think it's a conversation we have to be having.
More info: grombre.com | Instagram | Facebook
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
“I got married last year. I had people saying ‘you should dye your hair for your wedding. You’ll regret it. You’re going to look so old!’. I could not be happier about the fact that I was MYSELF on my wedding day!”
debrina blackmoon 6 years ago
husband teases me about mine-but i don't have nearly the amount he does, and i'm older
Load More Replies...
Spideywebz 6 years ago
With that smile and those eyes? She's never going to look old, and her silver is beautiful!
Susan Mesick 6 years ago
Who on earth would tell this girl she'd look "old"? Nothing could be further from the truth. She's gorgeous
Iris Engler 6 years ago
All what matters is that you love yourself and your husband does. And you look very beautiful!
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
Why do people think idiotic things like this? It’s no secret that her hair is gray, her fiance doesn’t care, and he’s the only one that matters.
Nicky OldfieldDesciple 6 years ago
Good for you. Your husband obviously didn't mind you staying grey and that's all that matters. I hope you both have a long and happy life together.
Bumblebee 6 years ago
I was in the same situation. I had decided to stop dyeing my hair about 8 months before my wedding and did a big chop to get out all the dyed strands. No one told me to my face I should dye it (well, my father-in-law did, a couple of times, but he worded it as a question rather than a suggestion) but I still felt a little self conscious about it. I am SO happy I went through with it though
RELATED:
#2
Sandra Porras 6 years ago
Love the natural!~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Load More Replies...
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
You are very pretty, so as you age, take care of your skin from head to toe, keep your hair in good condition,there are some hair products for grey hair to keep it from looking dingy, your overall appearance counts, some exercise and eat well !!!
Martha was interested in answering the question 'Is it true that my silver hair is ugly, makes me look old, and means I'm no longer good enough?' And after many, many selfie submissions and even more comments under them, she's found the answer. "I’m only in my twenties. If that is true, how will I feel and what will I believe about myself when I’m in my 40s, 50s, 60s?" Martha told Bored Panda in an earlier interview. "I want to challenge the way we think about what we consider 'beautiful,' and why, and propose that we have more important things to spend our precious time, energy and resources on if we find our hearts aren’t aligning with the things we find to be someone else’s biases."
#3
Alejandro 6 years ago
Actually, she is from Hungary (EU) and has an insta & YT channel under the handle of "prettyshepherd". Cheers!
Load More Replies...
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
Being attractive is a good start, looks like you do take of yourself, just continue, don't get lazy, women must always look after their skin and hair to age gracefully !!!
Kat Khatib 6 years ago
OMG. I'm obsessed with her long hair!!! BTW, What ever happened to Crystal Gayle??!
Aisling Badsha 6 years ago
Started to grey at 15, stopped dyeing after my second child was born 6 years ago. Got a lot of natural colour and as it's light brown my grey blends in nicely. But I love that other women are championing the grey. I bet a lot of them have more confidence than the women still dyeing. Only thing I miss about it was when I had fire engine red hair, but I love my grey too
Barbara Baxendale 6 years ago
I should imagine she'd go through quite a lot of dye if she did colour it, gorgeous !!
#4
“Not a week goes by that I'm not stopped in public and delivered a sweet compliment on my hair. Women, primarily, will usually say, ‘Your gray is so beautiful! If mine looked like that, maybe I'd have the courage to grow it out.’ My answer is always: How do you know what you have hiding under there, waiting to take shape??? All silver sisters have their unique pattern or calling card, and I've yet to see one that isn't stunning in its own right. Own it!”
SpazzyCoolKid13 6 years ago
She kind of looks like Cruella DeVille, but much more beautiful and good.
Lorraine Matthews 5 years ago
how old are you or is that a rude question?, you look about 20, awesome to see young people doing this i started in my 40s and had a lot of negative feed back good on u for being so amazing and setting the trend for the next generation being natural is more than good enough
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
Some women have stunning grey, some with white, interesting isn't it !!!
Rudimental hair dyes have a long history. They date back to ancient Egyptian and Roman cultures (pickled leeches or urine hair baths, anyone?) but emerged in their modern form around the turn of the 20th Century. And as the image of the "perfect housewife" made its way into the 1950s pop culture, brands such as L'Oréal and Clairol began marketing safe and discreet at-home natural hair colors. If women wanted to remain fertile and youthful, their appearance had to look accordingly.
#5
“Going grey has been a life changer for me. I have a completely different outlook on aging and life in general. The process definitely gave me a willpower I didn’t know I had. The journey is empowering! I love my hair! I love me!”
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
A wonderful attitude, after years of coloring, I love my grey, wish I had made the change much sooner, I like the look and the freedom !!!
Mo Poppins 6 years ago
She’s a beautiful woman with a great face shape. I’d love to see her with a more “statement” haircut (or a bob w/ more definition) to show off her natural beauty.
#6
“Over 2 years dye free and I love not being a slave to the dye, best decision ever. Also trying to be brave with my choice of colours, I might even wear the red lips in public!”
Interestingly, most of what we consider 'premature' greying actually isn't. Professor Desmond Tobin, a hair and skin pigmentation specialist at the University of Bradford in the UK, told the BBC that it is perfectly normal for people from European backgrounds to start greying in their early 20s. A research he collaborated on found that different races have different average aging rates - with African and East-Asian backgrounds tending to whiten later. But while some people do have a genetic predisposition to lose pigment or go bald more than others, a lot of other factors influence our hair follicle production, too (including hormones and stress).
#7
“I just started cgm in January - so I’m trying a lot of different products for what might work. Still new to the cgm products but not to the curls that have been quite fierce my entire life”
Susan Gardner 6 years ago
Her hair looks amazing. What are cgm products, can anyone enlighten me?
Greta Hoostal 6 years ago (edited)
‘Curly Girl Method’. It's a bunch of tips for curly hair. Like don’t use sulfates. I don’t use them anymore & the frizz isn't as bad. (My hair is about this curly, but much too long, down my whole back—next wk finally getting back to how it’s supposed to be, just long enough to go in a bun. Anyway, the weight pulls out the curls above the ends. And it’s just dark, slightly coppery brown w/ several gray strands.) But another is don’t use shampoo, use other stuff instead, or use shampoo only sometimes. Apple cider vinegar was supposed to be an option. Tried that & my scalp was itchy, same as when I haven’t washed my hair recently enough. Hair wasn’t any better. Anyway, I stick w/ sulfate-free shampoo (& I don’t wash it very often), ultra-thick-&-heavy conditioner, detangling spray, & a Crave brush, but hair still tangles extremely I think b/c of our hard water. 😒
Load More Replies...
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
Your hair is lovely, you will see much change as time goes, to gradually lighten, enjoy !!!
#8
“I got my first gray streak right in the front center of my hair. It seemed my Mom and I were the only ones to appreciate my boldness and the trendsetter I pride myself on the gray/silver began. Of course I got the "you would look younger if you dye your hair." Me being an older parent, my young son thought the gray/silver hair made me look older than his dyed hair classmates mothers. For his sake , after it got more streaks I decided to put a rinse on my hair. I did it twice, it was beautiful and I looked younger but quickly realized that at my age I wanted to look great not necessary younger.
With my confidence and head full of silver/gray hair I've begin to get more and more compliments as my hair color changed. Being myself, embracing my beautiful strands way before it became a thing has been and still is the best glamour decision I have ever made.”
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
Good for you, embrace your own beauty , and right about looking good, not younger,ageing gracefully is the way to go, looking good girl !!!
Zaheen Muhammad 6 years ago
This picture if sold, can sure be used for a hefty amount of ads and campaigns
#9
“I’ve had my fair share of people telling me I’m too young to have salt and pepper hair. Their words have stung at first, but have actually made me want to keep growing out my grays even more. Gray doesn’t mean old, of frumpy or that I’ve let myself go. Silver is strong and sexy. I’ve seen my true colors for the first time in 15 years, and couldn’t be happier with the results!”
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
Good for you, making a good decision brings positive feelings, enjoy your beauty !!!
Kerry Ericksson 6 years ago
The shade of Hazel eyes she has is different and really pops,lovely.Also love the hair style.
Carole Strawn 6 years ago
You are beautiful and your hair looks amazing with your gorgeous eyes.
#10
"Everyday I feel so grateful for my gray hair. It makes me unique, for my age (34), and it's such low maintenance! My first gray hair showed up when I was 17 but it really didn't come in thick until about 30 and that's when I stopped dying my roots. My original color is very very dark brown so when I knew I was going to let the gray take over I colored the majority of my hair white blonde. As it started to grow out the transition was much more seamless. The top half of my hair is always natural and I love how intentional it looks"
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
Well, you are pretty and have a very young face, I would have thought you at 21yo, , the with little makeup also is youthful, enjoy the freedom you look fabulous !!!
Mewton’s Third Paw 6 years ago (edited)
Wow, bleaching it blonde first made a huge difference. I could see trying that.
#11
#12
"Less self-conscious... More self-aware. 13 months dye free and loving my hair and myself more everyday.”
#13
“I was born with 1 grey hair.
By the time I was a teenager I had grey hair at the front, black/brown at the back.
I use to dye it constantly till I reached 40.
Then it was like a light bulb went off.
I suddenly didn't care what anyone thought of me.
I danced at parties for the first time in my life,
I didn't care if I was overweight.
I didn't care if my hair was Grey/white.
I embraced me.
I stopped dyeing my hair.
Suddenly I felt free to be me.
My only regret was waiting so long.
I have had strangers come up to me in the street asking about my hair.
I have even had random strangers start stroking my hair,like they are memorised.
My hair is white at the front and salt and pepper at the back.
And I would not have it any other way.”
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
More and more women are looking at others with the silver and see the beauty !!!
Kerry Ericksson 6 years ago
This is about the only one I like out of the bunch,its a beautiful color,but too long
#14
"I sat with the idea of going gray for years. I let it stew in the back of my mind as I scheduled my days around my next dye session; scouring Pinterest and Youtube for inspiration. I was dyeing my hair every 2-3 weeks but seeing roots every 2-3 days. I have a long list of reasons I was done with the dye. Even now I read posts by my silver sisters and think, 'Yes!! that too!' The process was definitely tough at times. It’s a mind game, really. And there are so many thoughts that pushed me through. This is one of them... I have been fascinated by my father’s silver for YEARS. It looked SO cool when he was just a bit of salt and a whole lot of pepper and it’s now this amazing silver with just the slightest touch of dark. I loved every stage of watching his silver come in. At some point I realized I didn’t want to miss out on that. I want to watch time paint more and more silver through my hair. It’s a slow magic but magic nonetheless."
Nancy A Clark 6 years ago
What a wonderful and beautiful attitude! Natural grey on young people is striking and to be appreciated for those of us that get to stare at it's beauty!
#15
"I feel more confident since I decided to let my grey shine. I dyed my hair a while ago and immediately regretted doing so; like I’d washed my identity away. While I’m still learning to deal with the new texture, I love seeing my tinsel tresses in the mirror!"
Ang.stl 6 years ago
The difference between my "platinum" and light brown textures is crazy!! What's worse is I have straight frizzy hair, and the coarseness of the white makes it stiff and frizzy!!
Load More Replies... 
Mindy Stars 6 years ago
This! I just covered up my greasy and before that hadn’t died my hair in yrs. I feel a little guilty. -34 yr old, Ca
#16
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer 12/2016. Chemo caused my hair to fall out and it grew back gray (mostly in the front). I get compliments on it all the time. "
Rubee Tubesteak 6 years ago
No dude, she said it's the result of her CHEMO TREATMENTS.
Load More Replies... #17
"Recently a stranger at the store referred to my hair as a skunk and that was so upsetting to me because it’s taken me a long time to love myself for who I am. And a sweet friend of mine sent me the most beautiful text to cheer me up:
'I feel like God wants me to say this to you. I saw your post about your hair and what that lady said.
I just want you to know that God says you are beautifully and wonderfully made. He knew what He wanted you to look like and it is truly beautiful. I love your hair and it looks perfect on you. '
Susan Gardner 6 years ago
People are weird who say things like that to strangers. They are clueless who that person is and/or what they are going through in that moment. Wake up people
Chinatsu Raikatuji 6 years ago
Actually, I think skunk hair is a very cute nicknames. And skunk has a very beautiful hair just like hers. It's so pretty.
DancingToMyself 6 years ago
She was upset because of some stranger's words? We really are different, which is fantastic. :)
Greta Hoostal 6 years ago (edited)
I would have been bothered a lot by it too. I’m not very emotionally sensitive (e.g. I can’t “read” people, & I hate anything sentimental) but am extremely self-conscious, & I involuntarily dwell on unpleasant things as long as I can remember them. Like I’m still disturbed that when I was 4, a teacher (a stranger at the time) told me my name wasn’t what it is, but was a different name. I was already able to write it legibly, printing & cursive, but the teacher didn’t believe what I wrote. It was an existential crisis at the time. 😅 So since I can spend 39 yrs so far in this state, I’m not surprised anyone is upset by insults. 🙂
Load More Replies...
Master Markus 6 years ago
You have a weird friend. So... she talks to God on a regular basis and his main priority is a woman's hair? SOLID PRIORITIES!
Deanne Melor 2 years ago
Your hair is gorgeous! And it is incredibly flattering to your face. Don't let that stranger affect your self love!
Dee Marshall 4 years ago
I agree with what your friend texted you. I have to remember that for myself as well as I too transition to all gray. As of now it's mainly gray from the roots and about 2 inches out. So I still have a lot of brown color. You ladies are an inspiration to an older woman choosing to embrace her gray. Thank you!
Liz Sahlin Johansson 6 years ago
I don’t know what’s up with you Americans and skunks and racoons???? Both animals are so darn cute in my opinion and I don’t care how they smell (in defence!) or behave (fierce when frightened)! I would have taken that reference as a compliment.
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
Beautiful girl, give no thought to those negative comments !!!
#18
“I have traveled a lot and received opinions from many different cultures. Some fully embrace it, viewing it as an asset and others are confused as to why I don’t dye it. No matter what, it makes me smile because it just is what it is!
If I can inspire others to discontinue buying harsh chemicals that end up in our bodies and water system, then that’s a win for me. To be naturally and purely yourself is a gift we can first give to ourselves and then watch as it ripples out.”
DancingToMyself 6 years ago
I just dyed your hair in blonde (photoshop) and you look at least 10 years younger than here. Now I love it even more, because of the obvious statement!
#19
“I am a 22 years old Mexican-American from the Chicago-land area. I began growing a few strands of grey hair around 12 years old. During my high school years I would constantly dye my hair because of how embarrassed I would feel when someone would call them out. Within the last 2 years however, I have been letting them flourish & grow to their fullest grey potential & it has been the best decision I’ve done. It has given me a closer sense of connection to where I come from and how to love everything that I was born with.”
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
A great attitude, you are so lovely, and you will love your hair with more silver to come !!!
#20
“I decided enough was enough. No more hiding behind this box of dye. I feel so proud of myself for taking the ‘scary’ leap and embracing the process of going naturally grey. It’s been fun and exciting and liberating. So much more than I ever imagined it would be!”
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
I felt the same, the silver comes first the top and sides, just gets prettier !!!
Kat Khatib 6 years ago (edited)
When the Black is all gone, she will be Fabulous! Can't wait to see her again.
#21
“I discontinued dying my hair in 2010 after my son was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. I thought how can I tell him to rock what you're given, when I was hiding what I was given. So the journey began.”
Rubee Tubesteak 6 years ago
What do you think is IN hair dye, with these comments you're leaving?
Load More Replies...
#22
“Going silver for the wedding was pre-meditated since I had already started the growing out process with a pixie cut. It was just a question of how much would be grown out by the wedding, and how would I style it. Eventually, I leaned in and decided to frame my silver with an actual crown, and forego covering it with a veil. Even if I one day to go back to dye (which I doubt I will) at least I’ll know that I was truly myself on my wedding day.”
DancingToMyself 6 years ago
She was completely herself that day, with a fur of silver fox around her neck. Isn't that ironic? (don't you think) Sorry, I couldn't stay quiet.
#23
"Sorry I can’t hear you over the volume of my hair. Here’s to turning up the volume and not listening to the expectations or opinions of others. Love who you are. Know you are created for a purpose."
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
Unfortunately, there will always be the negative comments !!!
#24
#25
“For over the past 12 years, I’ve spent countless hours constantly dying my hair to cover what I thought aged me. I got tired but never wanted to take that leap, afraid of how I’d be perceived. It wasn’t until last year while pregnant with my second child, that I decided to embrace my natural hair color. Embracing me, the way God made me, has been such a beautifully freeing experience and I’m loving every step of this journey.”
Gretchen King 2 years ago
Hello Soror. I knew you from the DeCamp bus. I'm letting my gray stay since the Pandemic. I love my gray streaks. You are an inspiration.
Gretchen King 2 years ago
Hello Soror. I knew you from the DeCamp bus. I'm letting my gray show now as well. You are an inspiration.
#26
“I started going grey in my early teens and started dyeing my hair at age 16. I’m 14 months dye free now and I’m so happy I made the choice to stop colouring my hair.
I love the journey to my natural hair, it’s so exciting to finally see my natural hair colour. My only regret is that I didn’t stop sooner!”
#27
“In my 10 months of not dying my lovely silver hair. Have more confidence and I am who I am”
#28
Sunzilla 6 years ago
This is what mine looks like. Same grey spot, same hair colour. Kinda looks like highlights, doesn't it?
Valerie Page 6 years ago
No it doesn't but that's what I told myself too. So I put a gentle dark blond rinse over it ... thinking that it wouldn't show on my natural dark brown ... thereby giving e natural streaks :) Wrong again!
Load More Replies...
#29
“Nearly 5 months and counting! I dyed my hair for the last time on November 4, 2018. I’m 41 and started prematurely graying at 30. (I get it from my Daddy ) Before then, I had accepted that dyeing my hair was going to be my life until I’m at least in my 50s because gray hair “made me look so old and like I’ve let myself go”. I was really fine with coloring it even though it was an annoying, timely and messy process at home and expensive at salons. My husband had been encouraging me to grow out my gray hair for years, but I wasn’t ready. Then, (I don’t even remember precisely how it happened) I started seeing here on Instagram that I wasn’t alone, that I wasn’t the only woman whose gray strands were taking over her hair. AND that I wasn’t alone in my initial feelings of frustration and sometimes embarrassment that my hair color didn’t fall in line with traditional beauty/age standards. The last straw was seeing gray hairs make their debut less than two weeks after coloring! I realized it was time to give up and let nature run its course with dignity. So here I am! I’m natural, but I recently straightened my hair to stretch it and see how far it’s grown. Here is my journey so far.”
Dee Marshall 4 years ago
This is how my gray looks, I'm 55+ and I am thankful to see such beautiful women doing this. I am embracing my new look with class, couth and confidence.
Randy Sanders 6 years ago
Women like this are as sexy as it gets. Confident and SOOOOO feminine.
#30
“Been gray a while and have completely embraced my crown of wisdom over the last couple years. Loving this time in my life right now.”
In the world of embracing natural beauty, letting one's hair grow uninterrupted is a statement of individuality and freedom. As some women choose to let their natural gray hair shine, others like Alena Kravchenko found empowerment through her decision to grow her hair long as a testament to her personal journey.
A parallel can be drawn between this enduring commitment and the inspiring choice to ditch the dye, much like Alena's unyielding dedication to nurture her long, healthy mane.
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Erika Jones 6 years ago
These women are so beautiful they would look good with any color hair or none at all! I dyed my hair for a few years when I was single, afraid that potential dates would think I was older than I was. Now that I've stopped dying it I like it just fine and it's a relief not to have to deal with the hassle, expense, and smelly chemicals. I don't know why grey is "distinguished" on men but on women it means they've "let themselves go." Total double standard. Anyone should be able to color or not, however they like, without being judged for it.
Monica Jane 6 years ago
Stopped dyeing my hair a few months ago and my mom acted like I said I was going to take up kicking puppies as a hobby. It's a long process, and they really stand out in my dark hair, but I'm actually excited now that I can actually see some growth.
Sunzilla 6 years ago
The problem with grey hair is that it makes most people look 20 years older than they actually are, and that is what people try to avoid when they colour their hair. Grey is a great colour for hair, but it doesn't suit everyone and not everyone wants that colour hair. #PersonalChoice.
Anuj Pramanik 6 years ago
All these women look so distinguished, like they are all experts in their fields and I'd be willing to pay to hear them talk.
Amina Hays 6 years ago
When I was about 23, I found a coarse wirey grey hair in my fringe. I plucked it out and it never came back, that was 14 years ago. Having said that, I don't like how people automatically assume people are being forced by social pressures to do things like dyeing grey hair. Some people just prefer it that way. My mum dyes her grey hair but not as a result of feeling she has to conform. People do things for all sorts of reasons. Modern day feminists seem to paint every single person and every single situation with the same brush, which is just stupid and does nothing to help combat the feminist stereotype.
Erika Jones 6 years ago
These women are so beautiful they would look good with any color hair or none at all! I dyed my hair for a few years when I was single, afraid that potential dates would think I was older than I was. Now that I've stopped dying it I like it just fine and it's a relief not to have to deal with the hassle, expense, and smelly chemicals. I don't know why grey is "distinguished" on men but on women it means they've "let themselves go." Total double standard. Anyone should be able to color or not, however they like, without being judged for it.
Monica Jane 6 years ago
Stopped dyeing my hair a few months ago and my mom acted like I said I was going to take up kicking puppies as a hobby. It's a long process, and they really stand out in my dark hair, but I'm actually excited now that I can actually see some growth.
Sunzilla 6 years ago
The problem with grey hair is that it makes most people look 20 years older than they actually are, and that is what people try to avoid when they colour their hair. Grey is a great colour for hair, but it doesn't suit everyone and not everyone wants that colour hair. #PersonalChoice.
Anuj Pramanik 6 years ago
All these women look so distinguished, like they are all experts in their fields and I'd be willing to pay to hear them talk.
Amina Hays 6 years ago
When I was about 23, I found a coarse wirey grey hair in my fringe. I plucked it out and it never came back, that was 14 years ago. Having said that, I don't like how people automatically assume people are being forced by social pressures to do things like dyeing grey hair. Some people just prefer it that way. My mum dyes her grey hair but not as a result of feeling she has to conform. People do things for all sorts of reasons. Modern day feminists seem to paint every single person and every single situation with the same brush, which is just stupid and does nothing to help combat the feminist stereotype.
Related on Bored Panda
