On Gray Hair and Oppressed Brains

Abstract

After presenting factual information about the graying of hair, this article focuses on the connections between ageism, sexism, and women's dyeing of their gray hair, a subject seldom addressed by feminists. Sexual, social, and economic pressures to color hair and deny age are described, as are indications that attitudes toward gray hair are slowly beginning to change. The political and personal advantages of graying naturally are discussed.