Occasionally I’ll find myself wandering aimlessly in the supermarket, cruising up each aisle with a basket slung across my arm; without purpose, method or care, subconsciously singing along mentally to the piped musak (and the occasional supermarket jingle) and looking at all the pretty colours. Yesterday was no exception. Either that or I was having a mild stroke.
I so happened to chance upon the cosmetics aisle, which despite my bathroom cabinet that could rival Elizabeth Arden, is not somewhere I visit frequently. What caught my eye between the dental floss and the kaleidoscopic packaging of the women’s sanitary products was the following, which I snapped deftly so as not to arouse suspicion that I might be from a rival supermarket conducting a clandestine price comparison:
On closer inspection, the beau pictured above appears to be happy with his newly darkened locks yet I wonder whether this is really the case. Compare him with his ‘Before’ picture on the left-hand side—a brooding, confident man stares back with intensity and courage. The man on the right appears that he is feigning his joy, wishing that he wasn’t printed on millions of boxes around the world. I imagine the photo shoot went a little something like this:
Now call me old-fashioned (I hear what you’ve been saying behind my back), but what is wrong with a gentleman ageing gracefully? There are many distinguished men of distinction whose grizzled locks have only added to their appeal—Sean Connery, George Clooney, Bea Arthur—so why not embrace it? Here are some of the men who have traded the Just for Men for the salt-and-pepper:
It's a sad indictment on humanity when Google Image Search suggests 'gerbil' when one searches for Richard Gere.
Apparently George Clooney's hair turned grey so he would get rid of that terrible mullet.
This is in fact a young Ted Danson and not a Just for Men box circa '91.
Although contrary to popular belief that Anderson Cooper was born grey, his last known photo with dark hair comes from childhood.
The above men have made successes of themselves in a world obsessed with the preservation of youth. Their silver heads shimmer as beacons of hope to men around the world who might not realise that their going grey is in fact an asset and not a disadvantage. Women and men who like men find mature-looking men appealing. Men’s men aspire to call a silver fox their friend. So ask yourself, “Why am I holding back the hot?” and throw that home hair dye away!
What do you think, dear readers? Should men cover up like poor old “Stewart” above or should they embrace the blessing that has been bestowed upon them? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Jen L
10 months ago
I think it is like anything in life, very much based on the individual. While there are many men who look more amazing with grey hair, take Mr Clooney as your prime example. There are even more men who look terrible!
Grey hair can be sexy, but you also have to wonder. If it’s grey on top what’s happening below the belt? I am not sure that is all that sexy!