Why, at 59, I decided to dye my hair pink, by Princess Diana's former make-up artist Mary Greenwell
I’ve worked with the world’s most beautiful women as a make-up artist for more than 25 years: Princess Diana, Kate Moss, and Brooke Shields for her first cover at 14 years old. Maybe that’s why last year, at 59, I dyed my hair pink. Looking 10 years younger isn't enough, sometimes - if you want to look 15 years younger, dyeing your hair pink can be answer.
A bold colour switch at 59 was all part of my journey to going grey, and I decided to keep it pink (or maybe purple or some other crazy colour) for a while before I eventually turned to a chic fox-white. Besides, I’m single, and I can do what I like.
Let’s face it, getting older is hard for everyone, and anyone who says it isn’t is lying. But if dyeing your hair or getting a facelift makes you feel better, or seem more confident, then I’m all for it. Why the hell not?
Everything I do in life is spontaneous: like moving to Los Angeles to escape my conservative (though very beautiful) English upbringing, and then to New York for my career. That was all done on a whim, just like dyeing my hair candy pink. I love acting on impulse; getting older is so predictable, but you can shake things up and make the best of it. It’s just like trying to keep healthy and positive.
The day I dyed my hair pink, I saw my colourist Nicola Clarke at John Frieda for my regular grey-root cover-up, after a beach holiday had left my blonde hair super-bleached. Across the salon, I spotted a girl with a pink streak, and that was it. Nicola, inspired, turned me a shade of Pepto-Bismol pink using a semi-permanent Crazy Color, just like she did later with actress Cate Blanchett. Cate went pink for fun, just like I did.
Recently I went to the gym, whereupon an incredibly good-looking younger man told me, ‘I like your hair, who did you do that for?’ ‘Me,’ I said. ‘Who else?’ He answered: ‘A charity?’ A few days earlier, when my 19-year-old nephew saw me he was gobsmacked, laughing, ‘I can’t believe I have an aunt with pink hair!’
I find reactions like these hilarious, but what’s really interesting is that it got me noticed. If you feel you’re starting to become invisible, go pink. I’ve worked behind the scenes with Kate Winslet, Jessica Chastain, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, so being centre stage has never been my thing. But if you find you’re suddenly walking down the street and nobody is looking at you, that’s different.
These days, we’re all obsessed, me included, with our phones and Instagram, and spend so much time with our heads down, we just don’t notice anyone any more. Thankfully, having pink hair makes everyone look up again. If nothing else, it was an incredible ego boost.
It did wonders for my skin, too: it’s an unbelievably flattering colour for someone older. I have realised why Barbara Cartland surrounded herself in blush pink. Now I can honestly say I have the most amazing piercing blue eyes.
I’m not vain; it’s just that with my pink hair, I think I looked great – I could just wear bronzer, brown eyeshadow and moisturiser. Being pink became my normal, and people noticed me. It didn't changed my attitude to getting older – it’s difficult whatever anyone tells you – but it certainly added another element of fun to my already very youthful, very cheerful life.
Best colour revivers
Best for making an impact: L’Oreal Paris Colorista Wash, ￡6.99
If you’re willing to take a step out of your comfort zone and channel your inner Helen Mirren, a pink wash could offer temporary relief from greys. The cream is straightforward to use and the results last for one to two weeks, depending on your hair type. It’s not for everyone, but should you wish to switch it up for a couple of weeks, this is a great option.
Best luxury option: Christophe Robin Shade Variation, ￡38
At ￡38 a pop, the Shade Variation line is expensive for a DIY product, but the masques are effective and nourishing. Created by Parisian colourist Christophe Robin, who counts Tilda Swinton, Léa Seydoux and Catherine Deneuve as regulars, these masques employ almond butter and buriti oil to condition and revive your hair. The formulas have an acidic pH of 4.5 to minimise porosity and ensure your colour lasts longer.
Best budget wash: Infuse My. Colour Wash, ￡10.46
The latest colour innovation from Boots coats your hair with colour and one wash adds depth of colour to hair that is regularly coloured. formulated with no silicones, parabens or anomonia you can use as often as you like without the worry of drying hair out. Last but not least is L'Oreal Casting Creme gloss.
