Women with gray hair are seen as less COMPETENT: ladies who “risk” allowing their natural grays to appear may be ashamed of their decision, warns the study
- Survey of 80 Women Analyzed Attitudes Toward Gray Hugs
- Researchers asked women who wore silver locks
- Women found to turn gray are seen as less competent, the study says
Researchers have found that women who let their hair turn red naturally are more incompetent than women who dye their hair.
A survey of 80 members of Facebook groups, in which women embrace their gray hair, revealed a “conflict” between authentic aesthetics and being seen as competent.
Women in transition say people, including family and friends, have often embarrassed them and accused them of “letting go.”
But the women also received support and a sense of brotherhood from Facebook groups.
The researchers say the study exposes the “impossible” beauty standards that women are subject to, which become more inaccessible with age.
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Researchers have found that older women who let their hair turn red naturally are more incompetent than women who dye their hair.
“We are all constrained by society’s norms and expectations in terms of appearance, but expectations are more stringent for women – especially older women,” said lead author and PhD candidate Vanessa Cecil of the University of Exeter.
The “old woman” is an unwanted character in Western societies, being seen as incompetent or unpleasant – if at all.
“In our study, we wanted to understand why some women choose natural gray hair.
“In the face of the impossible standards of being natural and staying young forever, these women are doing everything they can to maintain their status.
A survey of 80 members of Facebook groups in which women hug their gray hair revealed a “conflict” between genuine aesthetics and being seen as competent (stock)
Although many reported negative consequences, such as ignoring or treating them as less competent, they felt even happier that “they fly my natural flag.”
“We also found that women chose to make up for it by turning gray using other beauty practices – so gray hugging is not the same as looking old-fashioned.
“With gray hair and full of charm in youth is one thing, but in Western societies it is not yet good to look old.”
Women who want to embrace their gray hair say that change has been made easier when it is supported by loved ones.
Ms. Cecil says many women have been accepting their silver locks for some time, but the Covidid-19 pandemic has given an extra boost to the movement.
The study is published in the Journal of Women & Aging.