Grey hair is a natural occurrence that comes with age. As individuals get older, the cells in the hair follicles, called melanocytes, gradually stop producing pigment, which gives hair its color. This lack of pigment results in the hair turning grey or white. Despite being a natural process, many people are not entirely comfortable with grey hair and choose to dye it to maintain a more youthful appearance. Others, however, embrace their grey hair and consider it a mark of wisdom and experience. In some cultures, grey hair is associated with wisdom and is seen as a sign of maturity and authority.
Long Grey Hair: The Bewitching Hour
As we approach Halloween, we’ve been reflecting on why witches are almost always portrayed with long grey hair. During the UK Witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries, it was often older, poverty-stricken women who were persecuted as witches. Because of the times and their circumstances, it’s likely many of them had long grey hair - there weren’t many hairdressers around in those days!
But while it’s universally acknowledged that this was a heinous period in history, society (500 years later) still perpetuates the idea of long, grey hair being ‘witchy’. It wasn’t true then and isn’t true now, and we’re a whole lot more enlightened about most things these days, so why can’t we seem to break these age-old stereotypes?
Psychologist Anouchka Grose, who writes for The Guardian , has some thoughts on this. When discussing the hideous trolling that Mary Beard suffered because of her long, grey hair, she asked: “Is the idea somehow that, once women have ceased to be objects of desire, they turn against the world and spend the rest of their days wishing evil on a populace that bypasses them? (Snow White's stepmother only freaks out when she's told she isn't the prettiest any more.)”
However, another of her thoughts is that some people just can’t cope with finding older women attractive: “Long hair is typically equated with unrestrained sexuality . while grey hair is associated with being past it. This uncanny brew in a woman is clearly a bit much for some people.”
So, is long grey hair ‘witchy’ as so many people have labelled it, or is it that it’s ‘bewitching’? (Amazing how two little letters can make such a difference to the meaning of a word!) At White Hot naturally we believe it’s the latter, which is why it has been so important for us to feature models who wear their white and grey hair in a longer style. After all, we’re not in the Middle Ages now, are we?
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Hair Magick
One wouldn’t think hair being anything but an accessory. However, hair has been used in countless centuries as special ingredients for spells. To personalize them, empower them, heal, hex, or command. In fact, witches often grow their hair long, because power stores within each and every strand. It is because of this, they often refuse to have a haircut. And even if they do get one, the hair is saved for future spells.
A Witch’s Hair is so personal and powerful, that it is either a gift to have it, or a curse to hold on to. It is rare to have a witch willing to give you their hair. Often it is laced with suspicion, because of olden times. It was said that a witch could be commanded if one was to possess their hair and knew how to use it. Even the witch’s familiar’s hair could be used!
In these times, hair has been forgotten that it is one of the most powerful witch’s tools. Every color of hair is significant, to even the texture of hair. Here are a few ways that hair could be incorporated into spells.
Boiling: To fetch the owner of the hair. Whether they be alive or dead.
Braided: To control or bind power. Or to sacrifice, and/or to make a vow.
Burning: To end an old life and start anew. Pain or death to the owner of the hair.
Combing: To awaken magick and be used in manifesting spells. Can also summon weather/storms if called upon.
Cut: Rejection of the world. Desires. Ambitions. To put an end to a goal.
Disheveled: To leave raw power coursing through, unblocked. Uncontrolled.
Loose: To keep an easy flow of regenerative energy and creativity.
Dark Hair: Possesses seductive and sorcery-like power.
Fair Hair: Possesses healing and positive power for helping others.
Red Hair: Possesses unique and unpredictable power.
White/Grey Hair: Possesses wisdom and crone power.
Straight Hair: Money/Success, Healing, Purification Spells.
Wavy Hair: Luck, Lust/Love, Psychic Spells.
Curly Hair: Protection, Hex-Breaking, Change Spells.
Kinky Curly Hair: Vitality, Courage, Power Spells.
Long Hair: Long term spell. To happen in a specific time.
Short Hair: Short term spell. To quicken a spell.
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Meghan McCain is embracing her 'witch' gray hair — see the look
Meghan McCain once said “blonder is always better." But “The View” co-host is embracing a more natural look during stay-at-home orders to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
“Reached my full quarantine Witch grey hair completion,” McCain, who is pregnant, wrote on Instagram Monday. “Longest time in my ENTIRE life without getting my color done.”
The 35-year-old noted in her post that she started going gray in her 20s, but kept it hidden until now.
“I’m owning it,” McCain said. “Just gotta go find my cauldron. Wanna join in my coven? (Also please don’t ask me to do my color at home, I can barely blow dry my own hair let alone highlight it.)"
Last month, McCain revealed on her talk show that she "burned her hair off" using a box product.
McCain is one of many stars who are sharing their natural color on Instagram while social distancing.
Tia and Tamera Mowry both showed off their grays, as did “Jumanji” star Kevin Hart.
“I’m not gonna lie to y'all, I’m kinda rollin’ with the gray,” Hart said on Instagram in March. “I’m feeling it, man. I ain’t never not been working for this long, so I never had a chance to let it grow like this.”
Rachel Paula Abrahamson is a lifestyle reporter who writes for the parenting, health and shop verticals. Her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, and elsewhere. Rachel lives in the Boston area with her husband and their two daughters. Follow her on Instagram.
In some cultures, grey hair is associated with wisdom and is seen as a sign of maturity and authority. It is often celebrated as a symbol of knowledge and respected by society. Many individuals with grey hair are viewed as being wise and knowledgeable, and their opinions are often sought out.
There are also cultural beliefs and superstitions surrounding grey hair. In ancient times, some cultures believed that grey hair was a sign that a person possessed magical powers or was in touch with the spiritual realm. Witches and wizards in many folk tales and myths were often depicted with grey hair, further cementing the connection between grey hair and supernatural abilities. In recent years, grey hair has become somewhat of a fashion trend, with many young individuals choosing to dye their hair grey voluntarily. This shift in perception has helped destigmatize grey hair and make it more socially acceptable. Overall, grey hair is a natural part of the aging process that is viewed differently by different cultures and individuals. Whether seen as a beautiful and respected symbol of wisdom, or as something to be hidden and dyed, grey hair continues to be a topic of interest and discussion..
Reviews for "Witch Grey Hair: Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Individuality"
1. Jackie - 2 stars
I was really excited to read "Witch Grey Hair" based on all the positive reviews, but I found myself really disappointed. The story felt lacking in depth and the characters were one-dimensional. The plot also seemed predictable and I wasn't surprised by any of the twists and turns. Overall, I found it to be a mediocre read and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Ryan - 1 star
I can't believe "Witch Grey Hair" has so many positive reviews. I found the writing style to be dull and the pacing was extremely slow. It took forever for the story to pick up and by that time, I had already lost interest. The plot was also confusing and hard to follow, which made it difficult for me to stay engaged. I couldn't wait to finish this book and move on to something more enjoyable.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I have to be honest, I didn't understand the hype around "Witch Grey Hair". The characters were unrealistic and their actions didn't make sense. There were also numerous grammatical errors throughout the book, which made it hard to focus on the actual story. I was really hoping for a captivating witch-themed novel, but unfortunately, this fell short for me. I wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Mike - 1 star
"Witch Grey Hair" was a complete disappointment. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The overall story lacked depth and didn't offer anything new or unique to the witch genre. The ending was abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving me feeling like I wasted my time reading this book. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging witch-themed novel.
5. Emily - 2 stars
I had high expectations for "Witch Grey Hair", but it failed to meet them. The writing style was amateurish and the plot was slow-moving. The characters lacked development and I couldn't connect with any of them. The supernatural elements felt forced and didn't add anything meaningful to the story. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing read and wouldn't recommend it to others.