Should I let My Hair Go Gray? A Listener Question and Answer Episode

Pause To Go Podcast: What You Need to Know About Menopause and Midlife Transitions

Liberating Choices: Exploring the Power of Letting Your Hair Go Gray.

"Dear Bree, Should I let my hair go gray? I'm a 45 year old woman, and I've been dyeing my hair since I was 17. Frankly, I'm sick of it. It's expensive and takes up so much time. On the other hand, I'm afraid that I'll look old if I go natural. Why am I afraid of looking old? What the heck is that about? "

Sound familiar? Society tells you that in order to feel beautiful and accepted, you must conform to ageist beauty standards. You've tried countless products and treatments, spent hours in front of the mirror, and yet, the results are never enough. You feel the pain of constantly striving for an unattainable ideal, only to be met with disappointment and self-doubt. But what if there was another way? What if you could challenge these beauty norms, embrace your natural self, and find empowerment in doing so? Join us as we unravel the impact of age bias and sexism on beauty standards, and discover how you can rewrite the narrative to create a more inclusive and self-accepting society.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Dive deep into age bias and sexism, exploring their impact on established standards of beauty.

• Unravel the intricacies of intersectional bias and its relationship with overlapping forms of discrimination, with regards to age and gender.

• Confront the societal dread of aging and its associated negative perceptions.

• Celebrate the personal choice to bear one's natural hair color, defying traditions.

• Become a catalyst, reshaping dialogues around aging and beauty to challenge age bias.

Your worth is not defined by the color of your hair or by societal beauty standards.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit the Pause To Go website at www.pausetogopodcast.com to leave a voice memo sharing your midlife experiences, delights, or humor.

• Check out the Leave me a voice memo tab on the right side of the website to easily record and submit your story.

• Consider allowing your voice memo to be shared on the podcast to connect with others and contribute to the community.

• Explore the Pause To Go Instagram page for inspiration and support in embracing your natural hair color and the aging process.

• Consult a professional hairstylist to discuss options for transitioning to your natural gray hair color, including less permanent options.

• Join online communities or forums where you can find support and advice from others who have embraced their gray hair.

• Reflect on your own values and how you want to show up in the world, making choices that align with who you are.

• Remember that your worth and beauty are not defined by societal expectations, but by the person you are. Trust your own judgment and do what feels right for you.