Perimenopausal anxiety is a symptom that many women suffer from, and it can manifest in various ways. For some, like celebrity makeup artist Donna May, 46, this sense of doom comes in peaks and troughs. Donna’s experience with anxiety led her to make a bold decision regarding her hair color, a decision that ultimately became a transformative journey.
Donna’s decision to embrace her natural hair color by letting her grey roots grow was initially met with a mix of emotions. At first, she felt embarrassed and self-conscious about the contrast between her greys and the rest of her dark hair. However, as she continued to witness her grey transformation, feelings of empowerment and liberation started to surface. The freedom of not having to worry about dyeing her hair every few days was a weight off her shoulders, and she began to appreciate the lightness and brightness that the grey added to her overall look.
Despite the positive aspects of her decision, Donna also faced moments of doubt and uncertainty. She questioned whether she would be perceived differently with grey hair and whether it would make her look older. The reactions from people around her varied, with some showing overwhelming support and others expressing skepticism. While her family and a majority of her Instagram followers embraced the change, there were still detractors who believed she was too young to go grey.
To complement her grey hair and boost her confidence, Donna made subtle changes to her makeup routine. She found that keeping a more tanned complexion, using bronzer, tanning products, and vibrant lipstick helped enhance her grey hair and brighten her overall appearance. These adjustments not only added a touch of freshness but also lifted her spirits on days when she was feeling low.
It was during a period of intense menopausal anxiety that Donna began to reconsider her choice to go grey. The feelings of doom and gloom exacerbated by her grey hair made her feel old and washed out. As winter approached, and her pallor became more apparent, she felt compelled to make a change. A visit to her hairdresser for a dye job provided an instant boost to her confidence and mood. The decision to revert to her previous hair color brought a renewed sense of vitality and positivity to her life.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Donna’s experience with embracing her greys and subsequently deciding to dye her hair again highlights the complex nature of change and self-perception. It shows that external transformations can deeply affect one’s internal state, especially during challenging periods. While the journey may have taken unexpected turns, it ultimately led Donna to a place of self-awareness and acceptance.
Donna’s story serves as a reminder that embracing change is a deeply personal journey. It is okay to experiment with different looks and styles, but it is also essential to listen to oneself and make choices that align with one’s sense of well-being and confidence. Whether grey or dyed, hair color is just one aspect of a person’s identity, and true beauty comes from embracing oneself fully, no matter the external appearance.