Meet Whitney Lichty, better known on Instagram as the bold and silver voice behind @silverstrandsofglitter. A mom of four boys, she finds joy in hiking, baking, and spending time with her beloved chickens and ducks. At Nete, we’re endlessly inspired by her vibrant spirit, authentic style, and fearless self-expression. We caught up with her to learn more about her journey and the magic she brings to living her life on her terms.

MP: Whitney, take us back to the moment you decided to stop colouring your hair. What were you feeling, and what finally made you say, “I’m going dye-free”?

WL: Many years ago, I had a conversation with a close friend that led me to be more introspective about my actual feelings surrounding grey hair and the reasons I felt so strongly about covering it. I spent quite a few years thinking about it, and concluded that every negative emotion and thought that I had surrounding grey hair was not my own. I reflected on the positive and negative influence, both physical and emotional, that dying my hair had on my health, self-love, and authenticity. Those reflections led me to where I am currently, 6 years dye-free and feeling as confident and empowered as ever.

MP: Was it a gradual decision or a bold leap? And how did your sense of identity shift as the greys began to show?

WL: The decision came gradually over much reflection, but skipping my first touch-up appointment felt like a bold leap. And I think it’s hard not to feel different about yourself when going through this process. It’s one of the quickest ways to find out how much of your self-worth is tied to your appearance. It forces you to look beyond the superficial and start appreciating the many things you have to offer the world beyond what is visually apparent. Call it ease, call it comfort; either way, I have noticed a shift towards a greater self-love and acceptance. It is a celebration of self, a feeling of freedom, and a celebration of beauty that does not conform to society’s expectations of what a woman should or should not look like.

MP: What was the biggest challenge during the transition - emotional, social, or even where styling is concerned?

WL: One of the most surprising things I’ve learned is that growing your grey hair out is about so much more than growing your grey hair out. It is both an external and internal transformation; both were hard, but both are worth it. To intentionally reveal your grey hair and then undergo the long and often emotional journey of growing it out does require a certain amount of self-acceptance and ease with who you are. I didn’t necessarily start with as much patience and self-love as I would have wanted, but it has developed and deepened, slowly and gradually, just as my silver growth has.

MP: Did you face any moments of doubt or second-guessing? If so, how did you move through them?

WL: It would depend on the day you asked me. Most days, I was fine with the transition, with the growing line on my head, the colour shift, and the stares. But as with many things, insecurities can creep up, comments and stares can leave you feeling self-conscious. And in those moments, I tried to remind myself why and for whom I am doing this.

MP: We often hear about “going grey gracefully,” but your journey feels more like “going grey boldly.” How do you define grace versus boldness in this space?

WL: I think you can go grey with both grace and boldness. Walking around with a line of demarcation between your natural hair colour and your dyed hair can feel like a very bold expression. Challenging beauty standards that prioritize youthfulness and concealing signs of aging can feel like a bold expression. Embracing grey hair can be a powerful act of self-love and acceptance.  That being said, a certain amount of grace is needed to be willing to accept change, to accept yourself, to recognize that grey hair, along with a lot of other aspects, is a natural part of life that you don’t need to hide, be ashamed of, or avoid. You are still the same person with or without your hair dyed. You can still be funny, kind, successful, beautiful, and all the things, whether you dye your hair or not. Growing grey gracefully and boldly means living authentically, embracing yourself at every stage of life, and celebrating your life lived.

MP: Let’s talk maintenance. Your hair is luminous. What’s your care routine like, and have you learned anything surprising about silver hair along the way?

WL: Since growing out my natural hair colour, I have taken better care of it than I ever did when it was dyed. I have paid special attention to protecting and moisturizing my grey hair to keep the new growth strong and healthy. Grey hair is naturally drier, so deep conditioning has become something that I have incorporated weekly, which not only hydrates my hair but helps tame some of the unruly grey hairs growing in. I also make sure to use a heat protectant whenever I am styling with heat tools, and wear a hat when I know that I will be in the sun for a prolonged period of time to prevent any yellowing from the sun. Purple shampoo is also a good option to use on occasion if you notice that your silvers are starting to yellow or need a bit of brightening.

MP: Beyond the strands, your style is radiant and expressive. How has your relationship with fashion evolved in this new season of self-expression?

WL: Just as growing out my grey hair has taught me to be confident in my decisions and love every part of me, my style has evolved into prioritizing clothes that make me feel confident and comfortable. Choosing clothes that not only make me feel good but also reflect my individual style and personality. I dress for myself. I wear what I love, whether that’s bold, colourful, baggy, fancy, or simplistic.

MP: What’s your absolute favorite thing to wear that makes you feel the most ‘you’?

WL: I would describe my fashion style as modestly eclectic. I tend to gravitate more towards colour and patterns, and I enjoy clothes from casual and comfortable to bold and unique.

MP: How do you use fashion and personal style to communicate your mood, creativity, or values?

WL: Over the years, I have enjoyed mixing and matching different styles and patterns together as a way to be creative and playful. I also love incorporating handmade clothing and vintage items, allowing me to create something unique and tailored to my style.

MP: You’re part of a growing community challenging aging stereotypes. How has sharing your journey online connected you with others?

WL: Through the years of sharing my journey online, I have documented my actual grow-out,  shared my triumphs, failures, things I’ve learned along the way, tips and tricks, with a little sprinkle of humor. And when you are authentic and honest, you naturally attract other people who are on the same journey, looking for encouragement, shared experiences, laughter, and a community in which they can feel supported. Being yourself and sharing your journey is one of the simplest ways to build an authentic community and connect with others.

MP: Have you had any particularly meaningful messages or encounters with followers who’ve been inspired by your dye-free story?

WL: I have had many meaningful messages with followers on IG as well as in person. The silver community is incredibly supportive and encouraging, and watching someone go through a similar experience can foster a connection and mutual support. You can learn from others' experiences and adjust your approach, you can laugh together, share frustrations and tips as you navigate through uncharted territory. When I started my journey, one of my biggest supports, aside from my husband, was the community that I found on Instagram, not only growing and documenting their natural hair colour but also embracing it. Embracing ageing and encouraging self-love. I gained a lot of empowerment and strength from so many Instagram accounts with this focus, and I hoped that I could give that same kind of encouragement to other people on or thinking about embracing their natural hair colour. 

MP: What do you think society still gets wrong about grey hair and aging, especially when it comes to women?

WL: Society often harbors misconceptions and unfair expectations regarding grey hair and aging. There is a bigger focus for women to maintain a youthful appearance, and more often than not, that does not include grey hair, but instead, a woman’s physical attractiveness has been the primary marker of her value or worth. Grey hair is nothing but a colour and should be treated as such. And in a world that spends so much time and money covering grey hair, it can be hard to realize that grey hair is adorning the heads of a lot more men and women, and at a younger age than we realize.

MP: If you could give your younger self one message about beauty or confidence, what would it be?

WL: Stop worrying so much about what other people think.

MP: Finally, if @silverstrandsofglitter had one message for everyone, what would it be?

WL: Too often, we spend our lives devoted to or living by someone else’s ideas of beauty. Not colouring my hair is in resistance to that and an effort to encourage myself and others to start thinking outside the prescribed beauty box. It’s your hair, your rules, this is your decision, and you decide what you think is beautiful. Remember that you have more to offer the world than the colour of your hair!

By Misha Paul

Team Nete