Am I not “authentic” if I’m covering up my gray roots?

As you may or may not know, I decided to go gray about two years ago. The “Gray Look” is certainly not for everyone. It depends on the person and on how one feels about the change from their original color.

To me, it’s part of my “authentic self.”  Being my “authentic” self was important to me. So I fought the “I need color to make me feel young” urge and just let the gray show. I am still a woman so I made sure that I did what I could to enhance the natural beauty of natural gray. The result is a head of sparkling silver that seldom fails to get many comments from family, friends, clients, and yes, even people on the streets.

Some say, “If my stylist can do it, so can I!’ And they go for it. Some tell me, “I love it Michelle, but I’m not ready.” Still others say, “Never! I’ll go to my grave tinting my hair.” For me it’s all good! Your look has to make you feel good and confident about yourself.

I’m sure reading this you know exactly which category you fit into.  As for the concept of “authentic,” there are several denotations:

Merriam-Webster’s definition of “authentic” is:

• 1 a: worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to or based on fact  – paints an authentic picture of our society   b:  conforming to an original so as to reproduce essential features  – an authentic reproduction of a             colonial farmhouse        c:  made or done the same way as  – an original authentic Mexican fare
• 2:    not false or imitation:real, actual  – an authentic cockney accent

So, you might ask the question: “Am I not ‘authentic’ if I’m covering up my gray roots?” 

My answer is: “Absolutely no!”

There is a third Merriam-Webster definition of “authentic” and it is:

• 3:    true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character is sincere and authentic with no pretensions

I will add that it is not only being true to your personality, spirit, and character, but giving honor to your personality, spirit and character by expressing it freely.” (Caveat: As long as you honoring yourself doesn’t harm anyone) That is my definition. Let me explain.

If you’re a woman and dressing in men’s clothing, or a man dressing like a woman, makes you feel good, then do it.

If changing your natural hair color to purple, blue, or a rainbow of colors makes you feel unique, then do it.

If wearing a uniform everyday to simplify your life brings you a sense of ease and less anxiety, then do it.

If getting a facelift rids you of wrinkles and makes you feel more beautiful, then do it.

So yes, if tinting your hair, or covering up your grey gives you confidence that you might not otherwise have, then why not do it?

Expressing your “authentic” self need not be limited to Merriam-Webster’s definition of “authentic.” You decide what is “authentic” for you and then, do it!

My goal for all of my clients is for them to truly feel free in the skin they’re in, with their authentic selves, and to be comfortable and excited to express it freely through the visual image they present to the world.

One of my more enjoyable successes was with Jennifer Cook. From the beginning she was excited about creating her own “authentic” style, and determined to create around it clothes that she would love and love to wear.

Together we discovered what her “Style Personality” was. The result is a closet which she tells me she loves spending time in. Since that was not always the case, this is a success for me and Jennifer.

The ole “Win – Win.” Jennifer has a closet she loves to go to because it is full of combinations to fulfill the visual image she has discovered is her “Style Personality.” I have the satisfaction of enjoying that visual image we created. Her excitement is indeed infectious.

Knowing Jennifer on a personal level, I can attest that she is truly “authentic” when it comes to her spirit and character. She is absolutely beautiful inside and out. Therefore, it is no surprise that last year she was nominated Woman Of The Year by the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association.

Congratulations, Jennifer! I feel it is never too late to give kudos when it is well deserved. Jennifer is highly loved, respected, and such an inspiration and mentor to women in and out of her field. I encourage you to listen to Jennifer’s award speech. Jennifer is honest, vulnerable, funny, insightful, and simply delightful. There are some wonderful accolades given to her in the beginning of the video, but if you just want to hear her uplifting speech, start the video at 10:30.

Enjoy!

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.

If you have a  question also post it in the comment section below. I check it daily. Since the topic is always about fashion or style no question that you ask will be “off Topic.”

That means as far as I’m concerned, when you ask a question that is the topic. Everyone else who’s reading it can follow up on my answer. There will be no questions that you ask that will be too far off topic because your question will be the current topic. So…ask away!

Oh…and your email address is not “required” even though it says so. 🙂 Don’t even ask.