Latest news with #aginggracefully
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
I thought it was bold to let my hair go grey – but now I'm turning back to colour
Looking back at photos I reached peak hair colour, sadly, when I was five years old. I sported a natural smattering of sun-kissed blonde highlights. As I grew up my hair became a dark chestnut. I don't remember any horrific moment when I noticed my first grey hairs but they must have been making themselves known so I started using brunette dye in my mid-30s. With hindsight I rushed into it. As my hair began to lose more pigment I started to get strikingly contrasting grey roots. The battle lines were drawn. About a month after each hair appointment my young daughter would take great delight in pointing out my shock of parting when I leant down (to tidy up after her, probably). Between relentlessly regular six-week salon visits I reached for sticks, powders and sprays to disguise my roots, but it felt like people were talking to the top of my head as the crispy texture or wrong shade gave the game away. After a decade of dyeing (since I was 36), I'd had enough and decided to transition from brown to grey. I was determined to age gracefully. I didn't want to be the female equivalent of a man with a comb-over. I was inspired by similar-aged women with great grey hair such as Sarah Harris, then deputy editor of British Vogue. I liked the way she saw it as 'honest and non-conformist'. It felt like an act of rebellion. I like to think of myself as an early adopter of the trend. I joined a supportive network of women on Instagram under the hashtags #silversisters, #greyhairmovement and #greyhairdontcare. As well as sharing their journeys they celebrated other trailblazers like the designer Liz Kamarul, make-up artist Michele Aikin and British model Sammie K. I felt liberated. I was free from the shackles of six-week hair cycles. I felt chic and confident. Women would compliment me or say I was inspiring them to ditch the dye. Covid and the consequential lockdown gave energy to the trend as women were denied visits to the hairdressers. They took advantage of being hidden away while they transitioned. Six months in I lost my patience with project grey. Around this time my husband told me I looked like I'd had a bag of flour dropped on my head. I wasn't prepared to chop short my long bob but recognised it would be another year before the grey had grown in. I needed help. So I cheated and revisited my colourist. I was lured into regular four-hour appointments where magic was weaved with foils, bleach and toners, to transform me to a cool ash-grey blonde. But over time my hair began to protest by throwing up frizz on good days, looking brassy and parched on bad. I sourced vats of nourishing products to try to appease it. Investing so much money and energy soon became a bore, so once again I opted to let the grey conquer. But as my blonde grew out I found I was having to supplement my look by upgrading my skincare, make-up and clothes to stop my late mother's voice tutting in my head and asking if I'd 'let myself go'. I'd catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror first thing in the morning, in my dog-walking gear, and fret that I looked frumpy. My husband posted a photo of me out walking on the family group chat and I was horrified how the hair on the back of my head was bright white and glowed conspicuously. I also noticed just how many women my age had opted out. I was no longer an outlier but just literally mainstream grey. I felt metaphorically drab too. I considered making a statement by using purple and pink toning shampoos but was put off by women decades older than me choosing this option. Is the recent trend for these just a re-marketing of a 1970s blue rinse? Natural-ish actual colour was what I yearned for. But I didn't want to reintroduce the dreaded regrowth ghost, so my hairdresser advised on bleaching then using a semi-permanent soft caramel which gently fades with each wash. As soon as I saw my new hair I felt physical relief. The warmer tones stopped my face looking washed out. A colleague has already confessed she feels her grey has made her feel invisible so is opting out too. And my colour-committed best friend, always ready with an honest opinion, simply said 'phew' when she saw me. OK, so I have to return every month but it only takes about an hour (including the cut), which is a quarter of the time I'd be sat having blonde highlights. I just wish I'd relented and done it sooner.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary Sitcom Actress, 67, Embraces Gray Hair While Flaunting Natural Ageless Appearance for Special Occasion
Legendary Sitcom Actress, 67, Embraces Gray Hair While Flaunting Natural Ageless Appearance for Special Occasion originally appeared on Parade. Sitcom superstar made a radiant appearance at the 2025 Gurus Beauty Awards in Los Angeles on Monday, July 7, proudly rocking her naturally graying hair for the special event. At 67, the Everybody Loves Raymond icon confidently embraced her silvery strands, choosing to let them shine in all their glory as they looked to be mixed in with a light brown color throughout her tresses. Heaton's gray-toned mane was styled in a tousled, low ponytail for the function, while she showcased her natural beauty and demonstrated the definition of "aging gracefully." Related: Stepping onto the vibrant, citrus-toned rooftop carpet at The Aster Hotel in Hollywood, Heaton wore a sleeveless, button-up white and blue striped wrap dress (which could have possibly been a two-piece top and skirt outfit) that draped elegantly to mid-calf. She accessorized with minimalist gold jewelry and platform sandals, adding a touch of chic sophistication without being overdressed. The Middle actress attended the ceremony to celebrate innovation and influence across beauty disciplines—skincare, cosmetics, haircare, and wellness. The Gurus Beauty Awards, hosted annually by Gurus Magazine, honors trailblazers and rising stars shaping the future of beauty. A true influencer in her own right, Heaton's decision to go gray seemed perfectly aligned with the event's ethos of authenticity and confidence. Next: Legendary Sitcom Actress, 67, Embraces Gray Hair While Flaunting Natural Ageless Appearance for Special Occasion first appeared on Parade on Jul 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
BreakingNews.ie
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Helen Mirren's life in fashion as the actor turns 80
To age as gracefully as Helen Mirren is something many of us aspire to. Forever dressed elegantly, the Academy Award-winning actress from London, known for playing the Queen and detective Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect, has a kind of old-world glamour that utterly transcends age. As she heads towards her 80th birthday (July 26th), we look back at some of her greatest fashion moments… Advertisement Boho babe Actress Helen Mirren with her Variety Club Award (PA) Mirren's career kicked off as a teenager in the late 1960s, but her life on stage really took off in the Seventies. She received the Variety Club of Great Britain Stage Actress of the Year award in 1975, with a very fetching thick, flicky fringe, echoed in the fringed shawl wrapped around her shoulders. The shawl brings boho vibes, despite the prim pearls, cut-out white blouse and fitted floral print skirt. Bridal chic Helen Mirren attends the 24th BAFTA Awards (Alamy/PA) Pearls were still a staple when Mirren picked up a BAFTA in 1993 for her role in Prime Suspect, but her swathes of sheer white lace stole the show. Feeling bridal with edge, thanks to the sharp jacket, what you can't see in this photo is that she also had a pair of pointed snakeskin print heels on, which were almost as jaunty and irreverent as the bold white hat. Nineties power suit Helen Mirren at the premiere of her film, Mother's Son (PA) At the 1997 premiere of Some Mother's Son, Mirren displayed complete mastery of the Nineties power skirt-suit. Double-breasted in dark grey satin, she went big on a glitzy necklace and muted red lippy, which offset her auburn bob and looked ridiculously elegant. Queen of lace Helen Mirren at the 50th Cannes Film Festival (Neil Munns/PA) 1997 was a big year for Mirren in the fashion stakes. She returned to her trusty lace for the 50th Cannes Film Festival, in a relaxed yet slinky, sheer black number with matching short-sleeved shirt and shiny silver buttons slung over the top. The brassiere-style bustier and neckline are pure glamour – this is Mirren being effortlessly sexy. Advertisement All white Helen Mirren at the 74th Annual Academy Awards (Myung Jung Kim/PA) When the noughties hit, Mirren didn't fall into the Y2K crowd and instead maintained pure elegance on the red carpet. In 2002 she donned Giorgio Armani for the Oscars while nominated for best supporting actress for Gosford Park. The sequin-net skirt is what princess dreams are made of, and the satin bodice, cinched with a dazzling jewel, made for a very flattering neckline. Big winner Helen Mirren with the award for Best Actress (for The Queen), during the 79th Academy Awards (PA) When she won the Best Actress Oscar for The Queen in 2007, Mirren looked like a grown-up prom queen – in a good way. The skirt of her peachy-gold dress, gathered at the waist, swished softly, while the intricately beaded bodice dripped sparkles to the elbow, shimmering away, all offsetting her almost ivory hair. Pretty in pink Helen Mirren arriving for the 2013 British Academy Film Awards (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Mirren's hair tends towards the classic end of things – sleek bobs, tasteful highlights – and then she went for a bubblegum pink pixie crop for the British Academy Film Awards in 2013. She did, of course, pull it off (this is THE Helen Mirren we're talking about) and paired the look (which she said was inspired by America's Next Top Model) with a long sleeve white – so white it almost appears pale violet – embroidered gown by Nicholas Oakwell Couture. Eye-catching pattern The actress at a 2019 screening of Fast & Furious Presents Hobbs and Shaw (Matt Crossick/PA) Florals and neons aren't to everyone's taste, but Mirren wore this electric ensemble to a 2019 screening of Fast & Furious Presents Hobbs and Shaw, and it was fabulous. The belted waist gave her loads of shape, and it just looked so fun to wear – although we're not convinced the pink bag and shoes were necessary. Advertisement Spaceman Helen Mirren aat the Mother and Son premiere during the 75th Cannes Film Festival (Doug Peters/PA) For the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, Mirren went super space-agey with a disco undercurrent, from the slicked back white-silver hair, to the dark blue-green eye shadow, and that glitter ball dress. Designed by Dolce & Gabbana and paired with simple black heels, with every movement she must have gleamed. Going androgynous Helen Mirren attending a special screening for the film Golda (Jeff Moore/PA) For the most part, Mirren is known for wearing brilliant ball gowns, but for a 2023 screening of Golda, she channelled Chanel and wore a velvet black suit, high-necked scallop-edged white shirt and a black bow as a tie-detail. She looked phenomenal. Back to gowns Helen Mirren at the Jeanne du Barry premiere during the 76th Cannes Film Festival (Doug Peters/PA) She returned to high end frocks for Cannes 2023, looking like Marie Antoinette or a character out of the Hunger Games, thanks to powder blue hair and a magnificent matching dress by Del Core. A diamond choker, fan and sky-high heels completed the look. Haute couture Helen Mirren at the 77th Cannes Film Festival (Finnbarr Webster/PA) Another majestic gown, for Cannes last year, Mirren walked the red carpet in a dusky purple Elie Saab dress that looked like it had been folded around her body. Incredibly architectural with huge pleats, it was a triumph in elegance and the impact to be made by wearing just one colour. Advertisement Royal worthy Helen Mirren attends a dinner in celebration of Slow Food at Highgrove House (PA) In February, Mirren attended a dinner at King Charles III's Gloucestershire estate, Highgrove House, and for the occasion popped on a simple but effective jade green number, which she elevated by wearing a matching headband and chunky diamond earrings. She really knows what suits her.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Iconic '90s Actress, 62, Drops Jaws With Natural Aging Beauty
Iconic '90s Actress, 62, Drops Jaws With Natural Aging Beauty originally appeared on Parade. , 62, recently dropped jaws with her natural aging beauty in stunning new photos. In late June, the Mad About You and As Good as It Gets actress shared snaps via Instagram from a photoshoot for New Beauty magazine. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 For the featured image, Hunt looked gorgeous in a blue dress while rocking her natural gray hair. Other shots showed her glowing in a denim top, a multi-colored maxi dress and a patterned button-down shirt. Folks in the comments lauded her head-turning looks, with one Instagram user declaring, "Beautiful at any age!" in Italian. Another shared, "All of these photos are gorgeous." Someone else wrote, "So beautiful!!!" Meanwhile, yet another echoed, "You look so pretty." During her sit-down with the publication, Hunt spoke about the pressure to adhere to certain beauty standards through the years. 'You just have to decide that it's not worth it to give all this space in your head to the nonsense," she shared. "Are you actually going to defy the laws of mother nature and not age? That's not really an option." The Twister actress continued, "In the '80s, there was so much focus on body and weight and being skinny—that was everything. I was around that way of thinking back then, and I realized pretty early on that you could sacrifice your whole life trying to get there. Wherever that is." She concluded, "Even if you don't go way down the drain with some kind of disorder, it's still going to take up time in your precious life on earth to think about it. At some point, I was just lucky enough to be able to say to myself, 'I'm not doing it anymore.' And I'm very happy I did.' Next: Iconic '90s Actress, 62, Drops Jaws With Natural Aging Beauty first appeared on Parade on Jun 27, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Debbie Harry on Image Expectations in Music: ‘I Wanted to Work'
Debbie Harry is reflecting on the pressures of image in the music industry, revealing in a new interview that undergoing cosmetic surgery 'felt necessary' to maintain her career as Blondie's frontwoman. The singer, who celebrated her 80th birthday on July 1, opened up about her decision to have cosmetic procedures in a new interview with Vanity Fair, acknowledging the pressures of being a woman in the music industry. More from Billboard Wallows Recall Morrissey Walking Out of Their Show: 'That's the Perfect Morrissey Story' Bob Vylan Axed From Radar, Kave Fest After Glastonbury Backlash Neil Young Plays Rare Full-Band 'Ambulance Blues' With The Chrome Hearts 'It's always been a tool for me,' Harry shared. 'It's not like I started having cosmetic surgery as a kid in school — I think nowadays a lot of girls are getting cosmetic surgery when they're 10, 11 years old. God bless if it improves their lives and they feel happy. But as far as me having cosmetic surgery, it made me feel better about myself. Maybe it made me feel happy, or more confident.' She added, 'It was just something that I felt necessary at the time. I wanted to work, and so much of women being attractive, and being a selling point, is clearly showbiz. If you're going to be in the business, be in it.' The 'Heart of Glass' singer also reflected earlier this year on aging gracefully. 'The beauty of aging is that you learn how to live with yourself,' she said at the time. Blondie fans have more to celebrate than Harry's milestone birthday. The band is reportedly working on a new studio album with Grammy-winning producer John Congleton. The news was shared back in December 2024 by guitarist and co-founder Chris Stein, who posted a black-and-white photo of lead singer Debbie Harry and Congleton in the studio on Bluesky, accompanied by the caption, 'With John Congleton. New Blondie record next year.' It marks the band's first album since 2017's Pollinator, also produced by Congleton. That record earned critical acclaim and featured collaborations with artists like Joan Jett, Charli XCX, and Johnny Marr. Known for his work with St. Vincent and Angel Olsen, Congleton's involvement hints at a modern, innovative approach for Blondie's upcoming release. The album comes in the wake of drummer Clem Burke's death in April following a private battle with cancer. Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock has been contributing to Blondie's new music and performing with the band in recent years, including at Glastonbury 2023. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
