How to Rock Gray Hair at 38

We love featuring our readers, especially those with gray hair under 50. Please meet Marian Marrero.

I didn’t want gray hair….

My uncles had powdery white hair, and it was a gene that was passed down through my family. Of course, I would marvel at all their beautiful gray hair because it was totally unique, but I was not ready or didn’t even think about that happening to me so young in life, so I began to color my hair. First a blazing cranberry, then dark brown, then black, then light brown, then coppery brown, highlights, etc….

The day gray hair piqued my interest was on September 2012.

I decided to research gray hair on younger woman and contemplating whether I should take the plunge to do it. To my surprise, I didn’t see many young women out there or celebrities at least showing it. I saw a couple of YouTube videos, but I wasn’t convinced of the change.

In October, I had to sing at a women’s conference, so I cut and colored my hair again. I was loving the new cut and color. But in December, I was on my bed and started reading blogs like Revolution Gray and searching images and viewing more videos. It was then that I finally decided to do it! I said to myself, “I have a 38th birthday coming on December 26, and I will attempt to try going gray all the way regardless of the negative comments.” I remember I shared the news with my husband, and he encouraged me. Then I mentioned it to my mother-in-law and friends, and they were not so sure I should take that step, but in my mind I was ready.

On December 7, 2012, I declared it publicly on Facebook by posting a picture of my gray hair. I knew I couldn’t turn back once I posted this. I would share it there with all who knew me, my music, my life and know that it would catapult me, encourage me to go for it because 5,000 plus had just seen that picture, so I was determined and very ready. To my surprise, I received many likes on that photo with many encouraging comments except for a couple telling me “No don’t do it”…. “You are too young, you are in the music industry, etc…” but that did not stop me.

After posting that photo, I began to seek out pages and groups on Facebook for support and encouragement.

I belong to wonderful communities on Facebook like Revolution Gray to meet and see younger and older people in their stages of growing out their gray. We share tips and encourage one another. We have grown so strong that when a negative comment comes our way we can brush it off because we know we have each other in the group and are going through the same thing. Pinterest has been a great inspiration for me as well. So many women with beautiful gray hair don’t look old but classy and stylish, especially the wonderful Cindy Joseph. Wow! Her story touched me and inspired me a great deal, but my biggest inspiration is the word of God in Proverbs 16:31.

I love it! I feel free! No more chemicals from the dye to damage my hair and money saved. I encourage women who want to but don’t dare to just do it. Give it a try, and if you feel uncomfortable, at least you know you can change it back. I know this is not for everyone. You have to want the change deep inside like I did and not worry about what others may think. I never thought I would go out in public with my gray hair, but I did, and I am. So far I am planning on recording my next single, and I can’t wait to promote it with the new me! All the new photos taken will be a representation of what I discovered and uncovered to show the real me! I know the journey will not be easy, and I will need patience in my transitioning phase, but I know it will all be worth it. I still can’t believe I am doing this, especially in the public eye, but I am!!